The 10 Best Paint Sprayers of 2023

Best Overall

Graco Magnum 262805 X7 Cart Airless Paint Sprayer

4.6

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A carted paint sprayer is a convenient option for larger home projects or professional painting applications. The Graco Magnum X7 gives you the flexibility to easily maneuver in a project area while also supporting an extended amount of paint hose—up to 100 feet. Keep in mind that 25 feet of hose is included with the purchase of this model, but it’s easy to swap it out for a longer hose if you have a larger work area or plan to paint elevated areas, like a second or third story of a home.

We tested this paint sprayer by using it to stain a deck and paint some outdoor planters. We found that while the air sprayer is easy to assemble, there is a bit of a learning curve to using it. However, we did find that once mastered, the tool performed well, providing an even coat of stain and greatly reducing the time required to finish this normally lengthy task. In fact, despite the time required to set the sprayer up, and periodic brief breaks to move it to a better position, we finished the projects in less than half the time it would have taken with paint rollers or brushes.

This airless paint sprayer can siphon directly from a 1- or 5-gallon bucket, and the 0.625 horsepower pump is intended for spraying up to 125 gallons of paint per year. The Graco Magnum X7 is compatible with a 0.017 tip, so you can use a larger tip for heavier coatings to prevent clogging. Easy to use and easy to clean, thanks to the PowerFlush garden hose adaptor, you'll be very happy with the time savings and convenience of this carted paint sprayer.

Price at time of publish: $467

_{Type: Airless | Max Flow Rate: 0.31 gallons per minute | Capacity: 1 to 5 gallons | Assembled Weight: 36 pounds | Power Source: Electric}

Runner-Up, Best Overall

Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer

4.2

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A versatile and popular paint sprayer, the Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus is designed for a wide variety of applications, and the adjustable spray speed makes it easy to achieve the finish you’re looking for. While some paint sprayers are compatible with only water-based or thinned paint formulas, this model can spray a wide variety of coatings, including unthinned paint. In addition, a reversible tip on the included spray gun makes it easy to deal with any clogs quickly and without losing time on your project.

We purchased this paint sprayer and used it to paint a deck and some exterior plant pots. In our opinion, while this is considered an "entry level" paint sprayer, this model's performance is every bit as good as those of higher-end tools, and the sprayer saved us considerable time as compared to painting with a brush or paint roller. However, it’s worth noting that the cleanup (as well as the setup) is significant.

The Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus is lightweight, easy to use, and sprays latex and oil-based paints and stains with ease. It’s often recommended for painting the exterior of houses, though it can provide quick and even paint coverage for interior walls or staining fences. It comes with a 25-foot hose, but you can upgrade to a 50-foot hose if desired. Its recommended annual usage is no more than 50 gallons of paint per year.

Price at time of publish: $286

_{Type: Airless | Max Flow Rate: 0.24 gallons per minute | Capacity: 1 to 5 gallons | Assembled Weight: 15 pounds | Power Source: Electric}

Best Airless

Graco Magnum X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer

4.9

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Airless paint sprayers are typically used for projects that involve large, flat surfaces. They offer fast application of both thin and thick coatings, such as latex stain. The Graco Magnum X5 is a capable model that has become a go-to sprayer for medium-to-large projects by professionals and DIYers alike. It includes a 25-foot hose, but you can use up to a 75-foot hose if desired. Draw paint directly from your 1-gallon or 5-gallon paint can; there's no need to thin the paint first. Plus, it's easy to control pressure and flow.

What you'll like most about this airless paint sprayer is its ability to smoothly apply even unthinned paint. While it does produce some overspray (as airless sprayers are known to do), it is one of the fastest ways to paint large surfaces, like walls, siding, and fences. For best results and the longevity of the sprayer, you must follow the manufacturer’s setup and cleanup processes, although somewhat tedious. This sprayer is rated for up to 125 gallons of paint per year.

Price at time of publish: $342

_{Type: Airless | Max Flow Rate: 0.27 gallons per minute | Capacity: 1 to 5 gallons | Assembled Weight: 19 pounds | Power Source: Electric}

Best Budget

Yattich HVLP Paint Sprayer

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While this isn't the right choice for large painting projects or for people who expect to use their paint sprayer on a frequent basis, if you just want a paint sprayer to tackle a few small-to-medium projects, such as painting a bedroom, a small fence, or some old furniture, then it's hard to go wrong with the Yattich HVLP Paint Sprayer. This high-volume, low-pressure output (HVLP) spray gun comes with five copper nozzles in various sizes from 1.2 millimeter to 3 millimeter and has three spray pattern settings to handle a wide range of paints and stains.

The sprayer has an adjustable flow rate up to a maximum of 800 ml/minute. You'll need to thin most types of paint, and like most paint sprayers, there's something of a learning curve. But once you get the hang of it, you can achieve smooth, even results in a fraction of the time it would take you using a paintbrush or roller. The device is easy to disassemble and fairly easy to clean once your project is finished. The paint reservoir holds up to 1 liter (a bit more than a quart), which is enough for many small projects. The sprayer comes with cleaning accessories and detailed user directions.

Price at time of publish: $50

_{Type: HVLP | Max Flow Rate: 800 ml/min | Capacity: 1 liter | Assembled Weight: 3 pounds | Power Source: Electric}

Best HVLP

HomeRight Finish Max Spray Gun

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An HVLP paint sprayer is a widely useful option, since its high-volume, low-pressure output results in less wasted material. In addition, the low-pressure output makes this type of paint sprayer better for detail-oriented projects where brushstrokes would be an eyesore. However, the trade-off for using an HVLP sprayer with less overspray and waste is that it’s more time-consuming than using an airless sprayer to get full coverage. That said, if you have patience and want to minimize waste, the HomeRight FinishMax is a versatile HVLP spray gun that has been used for home and furniture projects with great success.

One thing that sets this version apart is its brass spray tip, which resists corrosion and wear. Easily adjust the nozzle to one of three spray patterns (horizontal, vertical, and round) to apply paint, stain, sealant, and other coatings. You can also increase or decrease the flow of material easily on the spray gun itself. The overall design and function of this model is easy to master for users new to painting with a spray gun, but it also offers quality results that meet the needs of more seasoned and serious DIYers. Its recommended annual usage is no more than 50 gallons of paint per year.

Price at time of publish: $72

_{Type: HVLP | Max Flow Rate: Not listed | Capacity: 27 ounces | Assembled Weight: 2.76 pounds | Power Source: Electric}

Best for Decks

Wagner Spraytech 0518050 HVLP Paint Sprayer

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Using a paint sprayer for decks shortens the process of periodically staining your outdoor space. In addition, you can avoid an aching back and sore knees from using a paintbrush. If you have many square feet of deck planks, plus spindles, banisters, or lattice to factor in, a paint sprayer is a welcome shortcut to this recurring outdoor project. 

The Wagner Spraytech is an HVLP paint sprayer that performs best with relatively thin formulas such as wood sealants, stains, and varnishes. It may be possible to use it to spray latex paint, but you will need to thin the formula considerably. A regulator on the handle allows you to increase or decrease the flow, and there are three spray patterns: horizontal, vertical, or round.

The biggest advantage of a paint sprayer for decks is the even application of the stain. Unlike brushes or rollers that may leave marks or lay down uneven layers of product, the Wagner Spraytech makes it easy (and fast) to apply deck stain or sealant evenly. It includes two separate paint cups: a 1-quart cup for smaller jobs and a 1.5-quart cup for tackling larger projects.

Price at time of publish: $85

_{Type: HVLP | Max Flow Rate: 0.08 gallons per minute | Capacity: 1 or 1.5 quarts | Assembled Weight: 5.5 pounds | Power Source: Electric}

Best for Metal

Campbell Hausfeld Gravity Feed Spray Gun

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If you’re looking for a paint sprayer that will lay down a smooth coat on metal surfaces without a lot of bothersome overspray, consider this go-to option from Campbell Hausfeld. While the DH580000AV is an affordable paint spray gun, you can adjust the pattern, material, and air spray settings to achieve the right mode of application for your project. The gravity-fed paint cup holds up to 20 ounces of paint, so you'll be able to work for a long time before needing to refill.

This HVLP spray gun is ideal for projects that include metal, like spraying paint or clear coat on car fenders, motorcycles, metal fences and doors, and metal furniture, for example. And once you've finished, it's easy to clean the cup and sprayer body. With proper maintenance this spray gun will offer consistent performance and even application of primers, enamels, lacquers, and more. Note that you'll need an air compressor that provides at least 4.5 cubic feet per minute at 40 psi to power the paint gun.

Price at time of publish: $39

_{Type: HVLP | Max Flow Rate: Not stated | Capacity: 20 ounces | Assembled Weight: 2.3 pounds | Power Source: Pneumatic}

Best Cordless

Sun Joe 24V-PS1 24-Volt iON+ Cordless HVLP Handheld Paint Sprayer Kit

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Battery-powered paint sprayers have an obvious benefit over other types—no electrical cord to plug in nor need for an air compressor—but on the downside, these are best for small projects, as you typically can expect around 20 minutes or so of continuous run time before you'll need to recharge the battery. Still, if you want a paint sprayer for painting furniture, a small room, a detailed object such as a staircase banister and railing, or other small projects (interior or exterior), then the Sun Joe 24V-PS1 Cordless HVLP Paint Sprayer is a useful option. This paint sprayer runs off a 24-volt battery, holds up to 32 ounces of paint in the canister, and includes a viscosity cup to help you accurately thin your paint, primer, stain, sealer, or varnish if necessary.

The paint sprayer includes three tips—1.5 millimeter, 1.8 millimeter, and 2.2 millimeter—and has a flow control knob and three spray patterns to choose from. At full flow, you can spray up to 3.2 gallons of paint on one charge. When empty, the paint sprayer weighs 4.4 pounds, but remember that it will weigh more once loaded with paint. The kit includes the paint sprayer, battery, charger, three tips, viscosity test cup, and cleaning tool.

Price at time of publish: $103

_{Type: HVLP | Max Flow Rate: 3.2 gallons per charge | Capacity: 32 ounces | Assembled Weight: 4.4 pounds | Power Source: Battery}

Best for Cars

TCP Global Professional HVLP Spray Gun with Air Regulator

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A pneumatic spray gun is a common option for applying paint and clear coats to automobiles. While models are plentiful and preferences vary greatly, the TCP Global Professional HVLP Spray Gun checks all the boxes for a paint sprayer for cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and similar vehicles. Its cup holds 1 liter of paint, so you can get most jobs completed before having to refill.

This model has a 1.3 millimeter tip and includes options to fine-tune the application of light-to-medium-viscosity car coatings. You can adjust the spray pattern to suit your purpose, and a fully adjustable air regulator allows you to find the right setting within a range of 29 to 51 psi. Keep in mind that to complete the setup, this paint sprayer for cars will need to be paired with a high-pressure hose and air compressor.

Price at time of publish: $70

_{Type: HVLP | Max Flow Rate: Not listed | Capacity: 1 liter | Assembled Weight: 2.81 pounds | Power Source: Pneumatic}