The Best Paint Sprayers for Your Paint Jobs, Tested
Want to speed up your paint job? Equip yourself with a paint sprayer! We field-tested some of the most capable, popular, and affordable paint sprayers available. Ahead, you can read our reviews and find out which may be the right choice for staining or painting kitchen cabinets, fences, furniture, and more.
We even sought out expert advice from professional painter Matt Boden, owner of Fresh Coat Painters in Tampa, Florida. But first, we’ve outlined the key considerations for selecting the best paint sprayer for your needs. Keep reading for our tips—and don’t miss our top picks below!
- BEST OVERALL: Wagner Spraytech Control Spray Max Sprayer
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Graco TrueCoat 360 DS Paint Sprayer
- BEST FOR PROS: Fuji Semi-Pro 2 Gravity HVLP Spray System
- BEST HVLP: HomeRight Quick Finish HVLP Paint Sprayer
- BEST FOR HEAVY-DUTY: Graco Magnum ProX19 Cart Paint Sprayer
- BEST PORTABLE: Graco Ultra Cordless Handheld Airless Paint Sprayer
- ALSO CONSIDER: Titan Tool ControlMax 1700 Paint Sprayer
How We Tested the Best Paint Sprayers
Paint sprayers are tasked with applying a variety of fluids, from thick, viscous exterior latex paints to solvent-based stains that are almost watery in texture. Most homeowners don’t have room for two or three different sprayers, so we wanted to perform tests that would show sprayer capability with both thick and thin products.
Our test surface was an old wooden privacy fence. The surface was rough and grainy, with dried pine knots and knot holes that would make paint coverage challenging. Following the manufacturer’s instructions for paint and stain preparation, we used each sprayer to apply water-based paint. Then we cleaned each sprayer and then applied oil-based stain in new areas of the fence.
As expected, the four HVLP sprayers struggled to cover the imperfections with thinned paint. Two or three coats were necessary for complete coverage. The airless sprayers, on the other hand, did a great job with single coats since they use unthinned paint. With the oil-based stain, coverage was comparable between HVLP and airless. The airless models worked significantly faster with more overspray, while the HVLPs were slower and more accurate.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 7 |
| Time spent testing | 40 hours |
| Tests performed | 6 |
| Price range | $40 to $750 |
Our Top Picks
These paint sprayers can significantly reduce your project time while giving excellent coverage and finish results. Read on to learn how each one performed in our at-home tests. If you’re thinking of buying a new paint sprayer, one of these could be a great choice.
Best Overall
Wagner Spraytech Control Spray Max Sprayer
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Coverage 5/5; Cleanliness 4/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Type: HVLP
- Fluid volume: 1 to 1.5 quarts
- Range: 20-foot air hose, 6-foot power cord
What We Like
- Base has variable power settings and 2-stage turbine for customizing the paint flow; suitable for latex paint, stains, and poly
- Comes with adjustable air speed, pattern control, and control finish nozzle
- Good choice for staining medium-size areas like furniture or decks
- Includes 1-quart aluminum and 1.5-quart nylon paint cups
- Easy to assemble, disassemble, and clean up after use
What We Don’t Like
- Lightweight plastic components may not be as durable as other options
- Viscous paint must be thinned; not ideal for some applications
- Not great for painting rooms or other large areas
Boasting a 20-foot-long flexible hose, this 11.2-pound, 110-volt, air-driven electric sprayer unleashes a high volume of paint or stain at low pressure. The sprayer’s 1.5-quart capacity hopper and two-stage turbine enable you to spray virtually any finish, be it as viscous as latex paint or as thin as wood stain. With a simple twist of the air cap, you can spray your chosen finish in a vertical, horizontal, or round spray pattern. At the same time, the sprayer’s variable air pressure control, ranging from 1.50 to 2.63 psi (pounds per square inch), reduces the risk of overspray.
The Wagner Spraytech sprayer offers excellent performance for the price, making it the top pick on our list for home usage. We achieved good coverage and finish results with water-based interior latex paint that had been thinned by about 25 percent and a medium air setting. Oil-based stain was even easier to work with since no thinning was necessary. Cleanup was relatively quick and easy.
Get the Wagner paint sprayer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Graco TrueCoat 360 DS Paint Sprayer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Coverage 5/5; Cleanliness 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Type: Airless
- Fluid volume: 1 quart
- Range: 2-foot power cord
What We Like
- User-friendly and versatile VacuValve technology can spray in any direction, including upside down
- Dual speed control for small or large projects; suitable for painting homes, decks, and fences
- Paint thinning is not necessary, simply pour paint into the reservoir and spray
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for very large projects that require frequent reloading
- Should not be used in temperatures as low as -40 and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Best for outdoors or shop work to avoid overspray
If you are a hobbyist or DIYer looking for a high-quality, general-purpose paint sprayer, this just might be it. Although it’s not the least expensive option on our list, it is one of the best values. The Graco TrueCoat 360 offers dual spray speeds, low for small detailed work and high for big projects. The stainless steel piston pump builds pressure to easily apply unthinned paint. Reversible spray tips make it easy to eliminate clogs for less downtime and a cleaner, smoother finish. The FlexLiner bags and VacuValve system allow painting from any angle, including upside down.
We used this sprayer to apply unthinned water-based latex paint and oil-based stain. With only a small amount of overspray, it put down a smooth, even coat without runs, leaks, or clogs. The spray gun was easy to disassemble for cleaning, which took just a few minutes. The FlexLiner bags are reusable and may be recycled if they become too worn.
Get the Graco TrueCoat paint sprayer at Amazon or Lowe’s.
Best for Pros
Fuji Semi-Pro 2 Gravity HVLP Spray System
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Coverage 5/5; Cleanliness 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: HVLP
- Fluid volume: 1 quart
- Range: 25-foot air hose, 6-foot power cord
What We Like
- Powerful 1,400-watt motor and 2-stage DIY-Pro series turbine provides 5 psi air speeds
- Comes with a quick-connect coupling and air control valve for user-friendliness
- Made with a rear-situated fan pattern control; fully adjustable spray pattern control
- 3 air cap sizes available for applying different materials; suitable for small to large projects
What We Don’t Like
- Gravity feed cup is small; may require frequent refilling during large projects
- Air hose and spray gun are heavy; may cause strain on the user with extended use
- Thinned paint may not provide adequate coverage for some projects
This spray system is powered by a 1,400-watt electric turbine motor, housed in a heavy-duty metal case. It includes a 25-foot high-flex hose for an extended range on larger projects. The metal spray gun comes with a 1-quart gravity feed cup and a 1.3 millimeter air cap set preinstalled for spraying medium to thin materials. The fan spray pattern easily adjusts from horizontal, vertical, and circular and can be widened or narrowed for broader coverage or greater detail.
As with other HVLP sprayers, the Fuji Semi-Pro 2 works best with either oil-based or water-based paints and stains that have been thinned to the proper consistency. In our tests, it gave excellent coverage and finish results with latex paint that was thinned 25 percent, as well as with oil-based stain. The metal spray gun is more durable than the plastics used in other models, and additional air cap sizes are available for various material types. The entire spray gun and gravity cup can be disassembled for cleaning and maintenance, and replacement parts are available if needed.
Get the Fuji paint sprayer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best HPLV
HomeRight Quick Finish HVLP Paint Sprayer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Coverage 4/5; Cleanliness 4.5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Type: HVLP
- Fluid volume: 0.84 quarts
- Range: 5-foot extension cord
What We Like
- Adjustable air cap provides multiple spray patterns, including horizontal, vertical, and round
- Compatible with thinned chalk, milk and latex paint, stain, sealer, lacquer, and varnish
- Convenient for medium-size projects like cabinetry, furniture, crafting, and small fences
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver; provides a smooth and consistent finish
What We Don’t Like
- Airspeed is not adjustable; may not be ideal for larger projects
- Small fluid volume reservoir is not great for painting large areas
- Only works with thinned paint and stain varieties
This 3.6-pound air-driven electric sprayer is great for small- and medium-size painting projects. The adjustable air cap unleashes a high volume of air at low pressure to allow more paint to reach surfaces, while the adjustable nozzle allows you to spray on a smooth finish using a vertical, horizontal, or round spray pattern. Once you’ve achieved a look you love, cleanup is easy—simply fill the hopper with water and spray until the water runs clear.
HomeRight’s handheld paint sprayer is a good choice for quick projects, and it is small enough to stow away in a drawer or hang on a pegboard. In our tests, it laid down good coverage and a good finish with both thinned water-based paint and oil-based stain. It does not work with viscous paint that has not been thinned. Setup and cleanup were relatively fast and easy, except for one small O-ring in the sprayer gun that must be carefully removed, cleaned, and replaced.
Get the HomeRight paint sprayer at Amazon.
Best for Heavy-Duty
Graco Magnum ProX19 Cart Paint Sprayer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Coverage 5/5; Cleanliness 4.7/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Type: Airless
- Fluid volume: Direct suction from paint pail, up to 5 gallons
- Range: 50-foot airless hose, 6-foot power cord
What We Like
- Changeable spray gun tips prevent clogs and overspray; can accommodate different material applications
- Great for staining large areas like houses, rooms, fences, and decks
- Paint does not need to be thinned before application for user-friendliness
- Swivel connectors on spray gun and hose offer freedom of movement
- Hose and sprayer can be stored easily on the included wheeled cart
What We Don’t Like
- Complicated cleanup and storage procedures compared to some handheld options
- Requires a larger storage area than most other options on this list
- Not a good choice for smaller projects
This professional-grade 27.3-pound spray unit features adjustable pressure, a stainless steel piston pump, and a flexible suction tube that lets you spray paint at your preferred rate of flow directly from a 1- or 5-gallon paint can. The built-in wheeled cart helps you haul cans of paint, and the 50-foot flexible hose allows you to spray hard-to-reach surfaces, such as the side of a multistory house. The Graco is rated for use for up to 500 gallons of paint annually.
The Graco Magnum ProX19 is the perfect choice for large projects like decks, fences, or a whole-house exterior. In our tests it offered ample power to spray unthinned, water-based latex paint with outstanding coverage; good accuracy; and a nice, even finish. The 50-foot airless hose was surprisingly agile, thanks to swivel connectors at both the spray gun and pump connection points. Cleanup was more time-consuming and complicated than with smaller handheld spray guns but not difficult.
Get the Graco ProX19 paint sprayer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Best Portable
Graco Ultra Cordless Handheld Airless Paint Sprayer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Coverage 5/5; Cleanliness 5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Type: Airless
- Fluid volume: 1 quart
- Range: Unlimited—cordless
What We Like
- Rechargeable battery power, sprays up to 1 gallon of paint per charge
- Sprays at any angle, including upside down at up to 500 to 2,000 psi
- Spray tips are interchangeable with other Graco airless spray guns
- No paint thinning is necessary before spray application
What We Don’t Like