Having worked in the painting industry for nearly 20 years, I’ve learned the importance of paint sprayers for achieving top-quality paint jobs quickly. They save time and money while delivering a superior finish not achievable with traditional methods.
In this post, I’ll share my favorite paint sprayers for various interior and exterior projects, covering both Airless and HVLP sprayers, the two most common types for DIY projects. Let’s get started!
The Best Paint Sprayers
Best Overall – Airless Paint Sprayer
Wagner Control Pro 150
Budget Option – Airless Paint Sprayer
Graco Project Painter Plus
Best Overall – HVLP Paint Sprayer
Wagner Flexio 5000
Budget Option – HVLP Paint Sprayer
Wagner Flexio 3500
Best Overall – Airless
Wagner Control Pro 150
In my experience, the Wagner Control Pro is a standout entry-level sprayer, ideal for both DIY enthusiasts and smaller professionals. It excels in a variety of projects, from exterior house painting to fine finishes like cabinets and furniture.
The Control Pro’s HEA (high efficiency airless) technology reduces overspray by up to 55% compared to other sprayers, and its pump lasts up to 3X longer than standard airless pumps, with the added benefit of being rebuildable.
- Wagner HEA (high efficiency airless) Technology
- Spray up to 175 Gallons Per Year
- .24 / Gallons Per Minute Flow Rate
- Supports up to 50 feet of hose
Budget Option – Airless
Graco Project Painter Plus
The Graco Project Painter Plus is the perfect entry-level paint sprayer for most DIYers who only have 1-2 painting projects a year.
The Graco Project Painter Plus is perfect if you’re refinishing your basement and need to paint new drywall, paint the ceilings in your home, or do other small projects that require a paint sprayer. It can also be used to paint small sheds, decks, and fences.
- Spray up to 50 gallons per year.
- Spray up to .24 gallons per minute.
- Supports .015 tip size.
- Supports up to 75 feet of hose.
Best Overall – HVLP
Wagner Flexio 5000
I just purchased the Wagner Flexio 5000 about two months ago, and I cannot state just how pleased I was with this HVLP Sprayer. The DIY HVLP has features that my $2000 Titan Capspray 115 doesn’t have that I sure wish it did. In fact, I would even recommend this sprayer for any painters just starting out who can’t yet afford more high-end equipment.
The Flexio 5000 comes with a fine finish tip and a general-purpose tip. The fine finish tip is great for painting cabinets, trim, doors, windows, and furniture. The general-purpose tip is great for small jobs like decks, garages, ceilings, and walls. I wouldn’t paint a whole house (interior or exterior) with the sprayer, but any smaller jobs would be just fine.
- Adjustable Air and Paint Flow
- Turbine On/Off Switch on Spray Handle
- Self Contained Storage
- Incredibly Easy Cleanup
Budget Option – HVLP
Wagner Flexio 3500
While cheaper HVLP paint sprayers are available, the Wagner Flexio 3500 stands out. It’s versatile, handling cabinet and furniture painting, small decks, rooms, and garages. The sprayer includes a fine finish tip, a general purpose tip, Wagner’s XBoost technology, and easy cleanup. However, the attached air turbine on the spray gun can cause arm fatigue; if budget allows, consider the Flexio 5000 for a more comfortable experience.
- Adjustable Air and Paint Flow
- Turbine On/Off Switch on Spray Handle
- Self Contained Storage
- Incredibly Easy Cleanup
Best Prosumer Airless
Graco Magnum Pro X17
The Graco Magnum Pro X17 airless sprayer is designed for homeowners and DIYers who do a lot of painting but don’t need a professional-level sprayer. It can handle up to 300 gallons per year, making it suitable for large interior and exterior projects. With a faster pump than the Magnum X5 and support for up to 150 feet of hose, it’s ideal for painting large exteriors. Additionally, it can be used for smaller projects like cabinets, furniture, decks, and fences by adjusting the pressure and using a smaller tip
- Spray up to 300 gallons per year.
- Spray up to .34 gallons per minute.
- Supports up to .017 tip size.
- Supports up to 150 feet of hose.
Best Prosumer HVLP
Fuji Semi-Pro 2
The Fuji Semi-Pro 2 is an ideal prosumer HVLP sprayer for those needing more power and durability. With improved construction, longer hose length, and higher CFM for better atomization of thicker materials, it outperforms competitors like the Wagner Flexio 890. Perfect for furniture, cabinets, and fine-finishing projects, it offers enhanced performance for those requiring a bit more from their HVLP sprayer.
- Powerful 2-Stage Turbine
- 25 Feet of Hose
- Convertible spray gun (top feed or bottom feed)
Which Should You Choose: Airless or HVLP?
When it comes to DIY painting projects, you’ll typically choose between two main types of paint sprayers: airless and HVLP (high volume, low pressure). Each type has various models, with some better suited for specific jobs than others. While there are niche and expensive options like electrostatic and Air Assisted Airless sprayers, this post focuses on more common options for DIY painters.
Airless Paint Sprayers
- How They Work: Paint is sucked into the sprayer using a piston, creating pressure (usually around 2,000 psi). The paint then moves through the sprayer and down the hose to the spray gun.
- Spray Tips: Airless sprayer tips use a 3-number system to indicate spray fan width and hole size. For example, a 515 tip has a 5″ fan and a 0.015″ hole.
- Pros: Fast completion of jobs, smooth finish.
- Cons: Significant overspray, tedious cleaning.
HVLP Paint Sprayers
- How They Work: HVLP sprayers use air from an air compressor or turbine to atomize the paint at the spray tip.
- Spray Process: Air flows through the spray gun and meets the paint at the tip, atomizing it into a fine spray fan.
- Pros: Incredibly fine finish, easier to use, less wasted paint, quicker to clean.
- Cons: Slower than airless sprayers, more variables to operate.
Understanding the differences between airless and HVLP paint sprayers can help you choose the right tool for your painting project, ensuring a professional finish with ease.
When To Use Each Type of Sprayer
The reason airless paint sprayers are so popular is that airless paint sprayers are versatile and perfect for many DIY projects. They are easy to set up and require little practice to get a good finish.
Projects That Are Perfect For Airless Paint Sprayers
- Painting Interior Walls and Ceilings
- Exterior House Painting
- Deck and fence staining
- Large Jobs in General
Projects That Airless Paint Sprayers are OK for (but not ideal)
- Kitchen Cabinet Painting
- Spraying Clear Coats
- Furniture Painting
Personally, some of the projects I use my airless paint sprayers for are exterior painting, painting new drywall (basement remodels, new construction), re-painting ceilings for clients, and spraying stain onto fences.
When I spray interior drywall, I do make sure to backroll after spraying. This helps even out the paint and gives it a nice stipple texture.
Projects That HVLP Sprayers Are Perfect For
- Painting Kitchen Cabinets
- Spraying Stain – Cabinets, windows, doors, trim
- Spraying Clear Coats
- Furniture Painting
Projects That HVLP Sprayers are Good For (but not perfect)
- Deck and fence staining
- Wall painting
- Small Sheds
HVLP sprayers are often underestimated for their capabilities. They offer several advantages for DIY painters, including the ability to achieve a smooth, flawless finish with ease. By operating at lower pressure (6-12 psi), HVLP sprayers reduce the risk of runs and allow for better paint layering. They also waste less paint compared to airless sprayers and are generally more affordable for the average user.
Time to Invest in a Paint Sprayer!
Choosing the right paint sprayer can significantly impact the outcome of your painting projects. Whether you opt for an airless sprayer for its speed and efficiency or an HVLP sprayer for its fine finish and ease of use, investing in a quality paint sprayer can make your DIY painting tasks more manageable and yield professional results. Consider your project needs and budget carefully to select the best paint sprayer for your next painting endeavor!
And be sure to check out my paint problems & solutions archive for extra help on all those DIY painting projects!
Dom
Saturday 17th of July 2021
My father and I started a refinishing business. He mainly does furniture and works on-site. (in clients garage for example) I was looking at HVLP paint sprayers for him. Wagner's options are cheaper but I feel like a Fuji Semi Pro-2 may be worth the investment and should be sufficient for him? He doesn't do large-scale jobs like walls, or fences anymore since he's in his 70's. He sticks to furniture mainly.
Ryanc
Saturday 24th of July 2021
Hi Dom,
I love the Fuji Semi-Pro 2. I am hoping to get a review of this sprayer up soon. If you are running an actual refinishing business, I honestly think the that Semi-Pro 2 is your starting point and the Wagner sprayers are simply not an option. I personally use the Titan Capspray HVLP turbine sprayers for portable on site work, they are simply incredible sprayers. Hope this helps.
Scott Reilly
Sunday 30th of May 2021
Hi Ryan- What do you think about HVLP spray guns that would connect to a standard air compressor like this one: "TCP Global Professional Gravity Feed HVLP Spray Gun" as compared to the systems that include a turbine blower as you have recommended. Thanks.
Ryanc
Wednesday 9th of June 2021
Hi Scott, If you have an air compressor that can deliver a high enough CFM already, they are fantastic. Most cheap air compressors don't deliver enough cfm for HVLP spray guns. For my profession, and many people who don't already own air compressors, it makes sense to purchase a sprayer with a built-in turbine. But, like I said, if you already have a nice compressor, than save the money and just buy the gun.
Butch
Saturday 20th of February 2021
Also will reading some reviews it talks about different tip sizes. What is your suggestion as I will be painting kitchen cabinets and a lot of baseboard and trim. Thanks for all the info
Ryanc
Monday 22nd of February 2021
Let me know the sprayer you have or plan on getting and I'll be happy to share with you my recommendation for tips.
Butch
Saturday 20th of February 2021
D===does the gravity feed sprayer make any difference or go with the model you suggested?
Ryanc
Monday 22nd of February 2021
Hey Butch, You can switch out a cup (siphon) gun for a gravity feed gun on any HVLP sprayer. I just prefer cup guns for cabinets since they hold more and are a bit easier to shoot at different angles.
Mark
Monday 8th of June 2020
I noticed their is an updated version of the Wagner Flexio 890. It’s the Wagner Flexio 3000. I’m planning to spray my oak cabinets and want as smooth of a finish as possible. Is the 3000 similar or better than the 890?
Ryanc
Wednesday 10th of June 2020
Hey Mark, The Wagner Felxio 890 and Flexio 3000 are actually quite different, but both would be just fine for your cabinets. The 890 actually has it's turbine in the storage case, which makes the actual sprayer much lighter. This is really a big deal. Both spray guns are heavy when they are full of paint, but the Flexio 3000's turbine is built into the gun, making it much heavier. This will really crush your arm over time. Other than that, I think they are actually really similar sprayers. If you are looking for an upgrade from the 890, the Flexio 5000 is more comparable.