The 4 Winners of Our Best Paint Sprayer Tests

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It's time to retire the brush and roller. fiber cement board coating machine

Taking on a DIY paint project means pulling out all the stops to make it a seamless, mess-free process. Paint sprayers are an effective way to do just that, offering an easy, more efficient way to tackle everything from painting furniture pieces and decor to walls and doors.

Ryan Parr, founder and CEO of Nashville Painting Professionals, says, "While using a paint sprayer takes time to learn how to use, once mastered, it's easier and quicker than other methods of painting.”

To find the best paint sprayers, we tested popular models and based our selections on performance, design, features, and overall value.

This spray applies a consistent, even coat of paint no matter what angle or pressure level we used.

It only has one spray pattern.

The Graco is an easy-to-use suitable for medium or large painting projects. During testing we gave it top marks when it came to quality of performance.

It distributed an even amount of paint without the need for multiple coats, and it produced a consistent stream, even when used at varying angles and different pressure levels. We were able to either control the trigger or lock it for a continuous spray—a notable feature that made for a comfortable experience.

The provided instructions are thorough and easy to follow, and we found the sprayer to be efficient in several regards. Rather than having to manually fill a canister, which can get messy and cumbersome, the Greco features a hose that gets placed into the bucket of paint to produce a spray.

Plus, the sprayer has a low profile, a carrying handle, and designated storage slots for the hoses that makes it easy to transport from room to room. Noise wise, the sprayer only made a sound when priming the hose—we didn't need to wear ear protection when spraying, and appreciated the fact that we could work on our project while carrying a conversation.

One thing to note is that the sprayer only has one pattern. However, because of the adjustable pressure, we were able to rotate our hand to produce a pattern from a different angle.

Aside from being an excellent value for the price, the sprayer is lightweight, easy to use, and ideal for small household projects.

The knob to adjust the pressure isn't the easiest to use.

With its simple design, lightweight feel, and easy-to-use operation, the HomeRight Quick Finish is a great value for beginners looking to paint small furniture, decor items, or crafts. The sprayer includes clear, concise instructions, and setup involves simply pouring paint into the paint holder.

Overall, the sprayer did an excellent job covering smooth surfaces in a short amount of time—perfect for quick household projects like painting a freestanding chair, barstools, or picture frames. For best results, we recommend doing an initial spray away from your project to avoid splatter.

The sprayer has three spray patterns: horizontal, vertical, and round. All patterns worked well during testing, and we found that this was an adequate number of options for the types of small projects the sprayer is intended for. It was also easy to hold and maintain a spray for extended periods.

While cleaning up is often the biggest pain point when it comes to paint projects, we found cleaning this unit to be a seamless process—we were able to get a thorough cleanse in the same time it would take to clean a paint brush or roller.

Adjusting the spray angle was seamless and required a quick twist of the nozzle. However, we noted that the knob to adjust the pressure of the spray was a bit difficult to turn.

This sprayer cuts project time in half and offers a professional-looking finish.

Depending on the project, it could take you more time to clean the sprayer than to use it.

A cordless paint sprayer offers easy access and improved mobility during a paint job, and the Graco Ultra Cordless is the best option. During testing, the sprayer produced uniform, consistent coverage, and we were impressed with the professional finish it gave.

We used the sprayer for various projects throughout the testing period and didn't notice any changes in the performance between uses. It consistently delivered evenly distributed paint across all surface types.

The sprayer features adjustable speed settings that allows you to increase or decrease the paint pressure. It also comes with several extra paint reservoirs, making it easy to switch out colors. We also liked the clutter-free storage: The funnel has a hook that you can use to attach it to the paint bucket.

While it only comes with one spray pattern nozzle, Graco sells additional spray tips that may work better for the needs of your project. Something to note is that cleaning the sprayer is a bit nuanced—we found it took us longer to clean than it did to actually complete a painting job.

Aside from the smooth, sputter-free application, we like that this paint sprayer features one nozzle, yet can output different spray patterns.

This is louder than other models on this list

With minimal parts and simple, straightforward assembly, the Titan Tool provides a smooth finish for larger projects.

What sets this model apart is the fact that there's only one attachment with different nozzle patterns depending on the way it's turned, which makes for efficient usage and storage. (Plus, the fact that there's only one nozzle for multiple spray patterns means there are fewer pieces to keep track of.)

It features a hose that gets placed directly into the bucket of paint as well as a spray handle that we noted was comfortable to hold. The brand also offers an app that provides recommended settings based on your exact paint as well as quick access to support.

While it's the heaviest paint sprayer on our list, the carrying handle makes it easy to tote around different locations. Also, keep in mind that this is one of the louder models we tested (akin to a push lawn mower).

The Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer is the best paint sprayer we tested because of its ease of use, quiet operation, and adequate coverage.

After unpacking and preparing each sprayer for use, we practiced proper safety protocol, including wearing protective eyewear and ear protection for louder models, as well as covering hair and shoes.

For each project, we used smooth, consistent strokes from a distance of about six to 12 inches away from the surface. We also made sure to keep the sprayer even and perpendicular to the surface.

We evaluated how evenly distributed the paint appeared after spraying, whether the sprayer ever sputtered or spat paint inconsistently, differences in performance after cleaning, and how much time it took to finish the project with the sprayer.

In terms of design, we looked at the process and ease of adding paint to the sprayer, how comfortable the paint sprayer was to hold, how easy it was to make adjustments to the speed, intensity, and size of the paint being sprayed, and noise level of the paint sprayer itself.

Additionally, we took note of each paint sprayer's pressure, number of spray patterns, and any additional accessories it came with. For larger models, we judged how easy it was to move the paint sprayer around from area to area.

There are several things to consider when it comes to the size of the paint sprayer you choose. A handheld paint spray will typically have a low-profile design and is small, lightweight, and easy to store—this is best for smaller projects like painting cabinets, furniture, and crafts.

A HVLP paint sprayer is considered a mid-size tool ideal for detail work (wall trim, cabinets, and fine finishes). Airless paint sprayers tend to be heavier, around 10 to 40 pounds, and larger models may feature wheels or backpack-style frames.

There are two main types of paint sprayers on the market, and the one you choose will depend on the specific project you're working on.

Parr says, "An airless paint sprayer is a traditional sprayer that involves a motor and a pump. These are good for new construction interior and exterior, and large interior and exterior commercial jobs."

Parr explains that a HVLP (high volume, low pressure) paint sprayer produces less paint waste and is better for projects that require a fine finish like cabinetry, furniture, trim, and millwork.

As Parr explains, flow rate (or gallons per minute) refers to how many gallons of paint can be sprayed per minute. "A higher GPM can improve efficiency, but users should select a flow rate based on the size of their project," he says.

"The flow rate for airless sprayers range from 0.5 to 1.25 GPM while HVLP sprayers have a lower flow rate of 0.15 GPM or less."

PSI—or pounds per square inch—measures the force at which paint is sprayed. "The goal is to have constant pressure and consistency for a smooth and even application," Parr says. "For airless sprayers, the typical operating pressure is around 1,800 PSI."

A paint sprayer's spray tip size is represented by a three-digit number, where the first digit indicates half the fan width of the spray pattern when multiplied by two, and the last two digits represent the size of the tip opening in thousandths of an inch.

The one you choose will depend on the project you're working on. For exterior and interior walls, Parr recommends using a 515 or 517 tip, and for fine finishes (like cabinets, furniture, or trim), use a 308 tip.

There are additional paint sprayer accessories that can help enhance performance and make for an efficient process. For instance, a gun extension allows you to reach ceilings, high walls, or other hard-to-access areas without the need for a ladder.

A spray-gun filter prevents clogs and ensures a smooth spray. A gravity feed cup, ideal for smaller projects, can help reduce waste. Finally, for cleaning, you can purchase a kit that includes brushes, needles, and solvent.

This sprayer comes with the convenience of being able to hook up to a garden hose for quick cleanup as well as wheels for easy mobility, but it requires pressure adjustments to avoid overspray and isn't suited for smaller projects.

While this sprayer is lightweight, foolproof, and easy to clean, we experienced some unevenness caused by mild sputtering. There's also no lock for the trigger, and it must be held down for a continuous spray, which could cause hand fatigue.

We liked that this sprayer has a cart and large wheels for easy transport as well as a designated storage for the spray gun and spray tips. However, we found the hose to be extremely rigid and hard to maneuver.

The cost for a paint sprayer depends on the type and size. "An airless sprayer can cost anywhere from $250 to $300 for personal use and $1,400 for professional-grade," Parr says. "HVLP sprayers can start at $150 for personal use and $2,000 for commercial-grade."

Other costs to factor in include safety gear like glasses or face shield, respirator, and work gloves.

Paint sprayers can take time to learn how to use, but once mastered, they can be a more efficient alternative to a paint brush and roller. Parr notes that using a paint sprayer requires a thorough prep of the workspace. "This includes covering floors, masking windows, and protecting furniture," he says.

Parr notes that aside from being an easier, more efficient method of painting, paint sprayers also offer higher levels of production versus a paint brush and roller. Depending on the project, a paint sprayer can also offer more control, precision, and ability to get to hard-to-reach places.

Dan Schapira of Handy Dandy Dan in Mahwah, New Jersey, adds that homeowners can benefit from using a paint sprayer for exterior painting that would be time-consuming with a paint roller (such as fences and deck railings) as well as interior work for trims and doors.

Michelle Rostamian is a writer for Better Homes & Gardens with over a decade of experience writing about home, lifestyle, and wellness products. For this article, she consulted Ryan Parr, founder and CEO of Nashville Painting and Dan Schapira of Handy Dandy Dan for expertise on paint sprayers.

industrial spray painting Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.