Final Verdict
The Graco Magnum X5 Airless StandPaint Sprayer is our top pick because it can tackle both interior and exterior painting projects. The airless technology provides consistent, smooth coverage even when using unthinned stains and paints. Plus, it has a filter built into the handle to keep the tip free of clogs for optimal performance.
How to Shop for Paint Sprayers Like a Pro
Type
Paint sprayers aren’t a one-size-fits-all tool. Before selecting one, consider what type of paint sprayer is right for the task at hand. There are three primary types of paint sprayers: airless, HVLP, and pneumatic or air-compressor driven.
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Airless paint sprayers like the Titan ControlMax 1500 High-Efficiency Airless Sprayer are portable and can cover large areas like fences, decks, interior walls, and ceilings. They are also a favorite of Joshua Bartlett, owner and editor-in-chief of I’ll Just Fix It Myself. While airless sprayers can complete large projects efficiently, they aren’t as precise and may be challenging for beginners.
For medium-size projects, we recommend a HVLP sprayer—that stands for high-volume, low-pressure. HVLP sprayers are precise and beginner-friendly but aren’t ideal for very large projects and can typically only handle thin paints and stains. The Wagner Flexio 3500 Sprayer is an HVLP sprayer that allows you to adjust and tailor the flow for added versatility. Meanwhile, pneumatic paint sprayers are ideal for painting and staining furniture and cabinets, according to Bartlett.
Project Size
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Paint sprayers cover surfaces more quickly than paintbrushes and paint rollers, making any project more efficient. While sprayers are ideal for large projects like painting walls, decks, fences, and home exteriors, some paint sprayers can also handle smaller projects, like painting and staining furniture and cabinets. Depending on the type of project you have in mind, select the sprayer best suited for the task at hand.
You’ll want to consider tank size, too. If you need to use a lot of paint or stain, opt for a paint sprayer with a large tank so you won’t have to stop and refill it frequently.
Spray Tips and Flow Rate
Some paint sprayers allow you to attach different spray tips and adjust the flow rate, which controls how much—and how fast—the stain or paint sprays out. “If I’m spraying a roof or a fence and it’s a windy day, I turn the pressure down and use a smaller tip,” says Darren Smith, the director of Mackay Pro Painters. “If it’s a beautiful day with no wind, I’ll turn the pressure up and use a larger tip because I won’t have issues with overspray.”
In terms of maintenance, Smith recommends taking “your spray tips out when you finish spraying and put them in a jar of acetone or methylated spirits. This will prevent them from getting blocked up.”
Questions You Might Ask
What projects are paint sprayers useful for?
Paint sprayers accomplish any task faster than ordinary paint brushes and rollers. They’re ideal for projects with large surface areas, like home exteriors, interior walls, decks, and fences, but they can also effectively stain furniture and cabinets.
Can beginners use a paint sprayer?
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Paint sprayers may come with a bit of a learning curve, but with some practice, even beginners can master them. “If [DIYers] don’t know what they are doing they can make a hell of a mess,” says Smith. Give yourself time to learn how to properly use a paint sprayer to avoid overspray or a thick application.
If you want to stain your deck, for example, practice using the paint sprayer on a scrap of wood first to get accustomed to the flow of the stain. We also recommend wearing gloves and protective goggles—plus clothes you don’t mind getting a bit messy.
What kind of paint can be used in a paint sprayer?
“There are different spray guns for different paints,” says Smith. Airless spray guns are best for acrylic-based paint, and compressors with a pot spray gun are suited for enamel and two-pack paint (automotive paint), according to Smith.
Carefully read the manufacturer guidelines to ensure you buy the right paint sprayer for the paint you want to use. For example, some paint sprayers specifically state on the packaging that you can use them with unthinned paint.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Barbara Bellesi Zito, a lifestyle writer based in Staten Island, N.Y. To compile this list of paint sprayers, she researched products from top brands while considering factors like type, project size, features, and price. For expert advice on what consumers should know when purchasing paint sprayers, she spoke with Joshua Bartlett, owner and editor-in-chief of I’ll Just Fix It Myself, and Darren Smith, the director of Mackay Pro Painters.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens