And although they have huge pluses, this tool sometimes has drawbacks.
What Is a Paint Sprayer?
It’s a tool used for applying a fine mist of paint from a spray nozzle.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
It can handle a paint job quicker than a brush or roller and works well over uneven surfaces.
A downside is that preparation work for painting with a paint sprayer requires more time than rollers or brushes.
Every surface that you will not paint must be covered.
Also, you will use more paint in volume than a roller or paintbrush.
Not everyone needs to buy a paint sprayer.
A cup gun sprayer is small, usually holding no more than a quart of paint.
As you could imagine, it needs constant refilling, especially if you’re doing a large paint project.
Material
Paint sprayers vary in cost dramatically.
They can be harder to clean and break quicker than units made of sturdier stainless steel or metal parts.
The storage space you need depends on the punch in you get.
Paint sprayers start cheap and get expensive fast.Professional paintersusually purchase paint sprayers running into the thousands of dollars.
Thankfully, this handy tool’s prices have decreased, making it more accessible for DIYers.
The three main types are an airless paint sprayer, a pneumatic air sprayer, and an HVLP sprayer.
Paint sprayer types also vary by capacity.
This motorized sprayer uses pressurized force to atomize the paint; it works well with thick-bodied latex paints.
This tool is not ideal for small detail work.
If not used correctly, it can cause injury to the user due to its high-pressure output.
This sprayer can apply a greater volume of paint than airless and HVLP sprayers.
Most HVLP models allow you to control airflow and paint volume.
Cart-style paint sprayers are more expensive than cup-style paint sprayers.
Since they are large and bulky, they require more storage room than cup-style sprayers.
Airless models start at about $100 at the low end.
The cheaper HVLP units run from $60 to about $400, gradually increasing quality and price.
More features tend to drive up the cost.
What Is the Size and Scope of Your Project?
It can handle large volumes of paint quickly.
It can handle most small to medium painting jobs.
You’d be better off with a paintbrush or roller.
However, HVLPs are perfect for smaller projects, like painting a piece of furniture.
How Often Will You Use the Tool?
How Detailed Will you’re gonna wanna Get With Your Paint Spraying?
Airless sprayers are not helpful in precision situations.
Gravity-fed sprayers tend to require less pressure, have less overspray and offer more control.
They are also easier to clean up since you don’t have to disassemble them to remove the paint.
For these reasons, the trend favors gravity-fed over siphon-fed if you’re looking at cup sprayers.
The downside of cup spray guns is that the reservoir depletes quickly.
Frequently adding infusions of morepaintis a process that gets tedious after a while.
Also, this throw in of sprayer has limitations regarding how steeply you could aim the paint spray.
Cart-style paint sprayers offer two distinct advantages.
Second, they have longer hoses that offer a greater range of mobility.
Even then, paint store personnel usually know more about paint than the equipment.
Also, ask which models have the least clogging issues.
If you get a model that continuously clogs, it’s useless.
Always find out the return policy if you are dissatisfied with the product.
The critical thing about buying paint sprayers online is their return policy.
Most manufacturer warranties are up to at least one year.
If an online seller or the product manufacturer will not refund or accept returns, look elsewhere.
Get scrap plywood or scrap materials that match the throw in of material you plan to paint.
Get a feel for handling the gun, and understand the flow rates and thickness of the coverage.
See how the spray fans out, look for overspray and see if you notice drips.
Also, wear old clothes that you don’t care about getting ruined by paint spray.
you might get different spray tips for airless and HVLP models.
If a pneumatic model offers controls, it is usually adjusted by turning a valve.
Get tips that are rated for what you’re painting and that will fit your unit.
Lacquers, stains, and enamels require a small tip, while heavier paints require a larger spray tip.
Paint manufacturers usually list suggested tip sizes with their products.
Paint sprayers are faster than hand painting.
But, not all applications are ideal for paint sprayers.
Very intricate detail work, such as small objects, should be hand-painted.
Otherwise, renting a unit is an intelligent choice.
