The Best Handheld Paint Sprayer — Buyers Guide, Reviews, and Comparison
Ideal for small-to-medium projects, a choice of single speed turbine, variable speed turbine, and airless products allows you to select the perfect model for your needs. Capable of handling multiple mediums, handheld sprayers are faster than a roller and provide a smoother finish than a brush.
Top Handheld Paint Sprayer 2023
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Best Handheld Single Speed Turbine
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Best Handheld Single Speed Turbine
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon HomeRight Finish Max Review HomeRight Finish Max Review | |
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Best Handheld Variable Speed Turbine
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Best Handheld Variable Speed Turbine
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Wagner FLEXiO 2000 Review Wagner FLEXiO 2000 Review | |
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Best Handheld Airless
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Best Handheld Airless
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Graco 16N673 Review Graco 16N673 Review | |
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Best Budget Handheld
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Best Budget Handheld
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon HomeRight Quick Finish Review HomeRight Quick Finish Review |
Handheld Paint Sprayer Reviews and Buying Guide
What Is a Handheld Paint Spraying Machine?
Sufficiently lightweight to be wielded in one hand, a gentle squeeze of the handle-mounted trigger activates the turbine or hydraulic pump. Paint is then atomized and propelled from the gun’s nozzle.
These electrically powered tools (both mains and battery) are the most straightforward to operate in the entire paint spraying niche — and the most popular with DIY consumers.
Why Choose a Handheld Paint Sprayer?
Why opt for the former over the latter?
Here are the advantages of hand held electric paint sprayers.
Compact and Portable
While separately housed power units have benefits, including faster delivery, better durability, and are more suited to thicker mediums, one issue is they can be the size of a small car (well, almost).
As they’re relatively small, the best handheld paint sprayers can be stored in the boot of your car, under the sink, or in a kitchen cupboard, making them the ideal unit for casual or intermittent DIYers. Furthermore, being bijou, you can easily transport them from site to site — try moving a pneumatic compressor just to help your Auntie Mable redecorate her living room.
Affordable
While typically the most affordable sprayers, some pro-grade airless units, such as the Graco Ultra Max, are seriously hard on the bank balance. Although if you’re a contractor, the price tag shouldn’t discourage you as you’ll get one of the most robust and durable units in the market.
Straightforward Operation
The beauty of a hand held sprayer is its straightforward operation. In most cases, you just fill with paint, attach to the mains, and go. On the other hand, externally powered machines require a plethora of preparation steps even before you think about spraying. For that reason, handheld shooters are ideally suited to electric painting novices.
That said, and I hate to sound like a killjoy, but always read the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
Some higher-end units have novel and unusual features such as turbine boosts, reversible tips, and flow control dials. You should probably get a grasp of these features before trying to revarnish your wife’s antique table, bequeathed to her by her recently deceased grandmother.
Better Than a Brush or a Roller
When you make your morning cup of Joe, do you grind the beans with a mortar and pestle, collect kindling from your local forest, and then brew the coffee over an open fire in your backyard?
Course not, you’re a modern guy with an espresso machine for that purpose (ok, you might if you’re a prepper or Bear Grylls, in which case you’ll need to urinate in it too).
In much the same way, the days of brushes and rollers have long gone.
Unless you’re Leonardo da Vinci or Bob Ross, there’s no need for these antiquated tools. Instead, get with the 21st century and use a hand held spray paint gun — with the following advantages over their obsolete brethren:
- Cover around five to eight times faster.
- Deliver a smoother coat.
- Leave no brush marks or shed bristles.
- Are easier to clean.
- Require less effort, time, and energy.
- Prevent wastage and save money.
- Are a lot more fun.
Versatile
Depending on the particular model, they can deal with the most common coatings, including stains, sealers, enamels, urethanes, latex, milk, and chalk-based paints. Some units may require you to dilute your medium while others, such as the versatile FLEXiO 3000, are compatible with all mediums without thinning.
What to Look for in the Best Hand Paint Sprayer
Here are some points to consider when choosing your ideal handheld machine:
Spray Patterns
These add increased flexibility to your machine and allow you to deliver the optimum address depending on the ‘stroke’ you employ.
For example:
- Horizontal pattern – Up-and-down movements such as painting door frames.
- Vertical pattern – Side-to-side motions, as when covering walls.
- Circular pattern – Detail work such as finishing trim or moldings.
Variable Power
For example, stains and sealers are relatively thin liquids and require little pressure to propel them from the unit. Too much strength, and you’ll waste paint and drown your project, leading to a messy finish.
Conversely, dense mediums such as chalk and latex-based paints demand high power. Too little power and you could enjoy the headaches of blockages or paint dripping out the gun instead of spraying.
Power Unit
For smaller projects and finishing work, opt for HVLP (high-volume low-pressure) turbine units, which typically deliver a small spray pattern with minimal overspray. An airless model is best for larger jobs as these offer faster and wider coverage than their turbine counterparts and handle thicker mediums well.
That said, remember that airless machines are usually louder and heavier than turbine sprayers.
Accessories
Whether you were into Star Wars, He-Man, or GI Joe, half the fun was the weapons and gadgets included with the toy itself.
Accessories were fun then, and they are now.
While not crucial, they are a welcome bonus that can make life a little easier. Common additions to watch out for when purchasing your hand paint sprayer include:
- Viscosity cup – To measure how much to dilute dense paints.
- Cleaning brushes – Essential post-project maintenance.
- Additional tips/nozzles – For different paint viscosities.
- Straws – To switch rapidly between paint colors.
- Container lid – Keep paint fresh between projects.
- Case – Safe storage of the gun and any other accessories.
Cup Size
Paint containers conventionally range in size from 0.84 through to 1.5 quarts. On average, a one-quart cup has sufficient capacity to cover an area of around 120 square feet.
Naturally, the larger the container, the greater area you can cover without stopping for a refill. If you’re planning larger jobs, a border fence respray, for example, a bigger cup makes sense.
However, this comes at a cost.
One gallon of paint weighs around 11.5 pounds, meaning a full 1.5-quart cup adds 4.31 pounds to the weight of the machine itself. That can mean wielding nearly 7.5 pounds in one hand — tough on the arms unless you’re Ronnie Coleman. For that reason, a smaller container is appealing to many painters.
If you’re considering extensive work that requires a lot of medium coverage, it’s worth checking out an externally powered hydraulic machine. These draw paint directly from its original container, not a cup mounted on the gun.
Nozzle/Tip Type and Size
Annoyingly, manufacturers categorize nozzle sizes in a variety of ways.
For turbine machines, some brands describe their tips in millimeters — typically less than 1.6 mm is ideal for thin liquids, while 1.6 mm and higher suits denser paints.
Some manufacturers, such as Graco, follow an imperial index that describes the tip’s diameter and its spray width. For example, with a 515 tip, the first number (multiplied by two) indicates the width and the second two numbers the opening. So a 515 offers a 10-inch spray pattern (2 multiplied by 5) delivered through a 0.015-inch hole.
Furthermore, the machines from this brand are typically airless, and because they create greater pressure than turbine units, they can use smaller nozzle sizes than turbines. For advice on using the correct tip with an airless unit, check out my handy guide.
Thankfully, the electric painting behemoth Wagner made it much simpler by just naming its nozzles:
- iSpray – Suitable for all paint types and small to large jobs.
- Control Finish – Small to medium projects and low to medium paint viscosity.
- Detail Finish – Trim and finishing work, suited to thin mediums.
What Can I Use the Best Handheld Sprayer For?
Some handhelds, such as the Wagner Control Spray 250, are designed for small-project intricate work such as restoring furniture or addressing trim and moldings. Others, like the FLEXiO 3000, are ideal for larger projects like weatherproofing decking or coating border fencing. Others still, such as the Double Duty, suit a wide range of projects.
Given their versatility, you can use an electric hand spray gun to paint:
- Shelving.
- Cabinets
- Walls.
- Ceilings.
- Architraves.
- Newel posts.
- Treehouses.
- Doors.
- Fencing.
- Furniture.
- Decking.
While incredibly versatile machines, some applications aren’t suited to handheld sprayers.
Extensive projects such as lengthy border fencing or external house resprays are too large for these compact units. Ok, you could try, but you’ll probably spend more time refilling the paint container than spraying.
For these mammoth jobs, I’d strongly recommend an external turbine or hydraulic power tool instead.
Additionally, while some precision handhelds, like the Opti Stain Plus, deliver a fine finish suitable for woodwork and cabinet applications, they can’t achieve the immaculate coat automotive work requires. If vehicle restoration is your bag, take a look at the best automotive sprayers.
Best Handheld Single Speed Turbines
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon HomeRight Finish Max Review HomeRight Finish Max Review | ||
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Wagner Control Painter Review Wagner Control Painter Review | ||
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Control Spray 250 Review Control Spray 250 Review | ||
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Super Finish Max Review Super Finish Max Review | ||
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Opti Stain Plus Review Opti Stain Plus Review |
Best Handheld Single Speed Turbines
However, with just one power level, their medium compatibility is limited compared to variable speed units. Typically, single-speed sprayers are best suited to low-viscosity mediums such as sealers and stains, although most paints can be used after dilution.
Its novel balanced design should prevent fatigue and allow for a controlled application, ensuring the smoothest of coats. Furthermore, the solid brass 2.0-mm tip promises more consistent coverage than its nylon counterparts.
Variable material flow control and user-selectable spray patterns permit optimum paint or stain delivery. A 0.84-quart cup provides coverage of up to 70 square feet.
With many accessories, including a cleaning brush, viscosity cup, and air nozzle, maintenance and practicality are covered.
- 400-watt turbine.
- Brass spray tip.
- Variable control dial.
- Three spray patterns.
- Impressive handheld paint sprayer reviews.
- Substantial handle.
- Complete with a viscosity cup.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Featuring an eye-wateringly large 1.5-quart cup and enabling coverage five times faster than a standard brush, this unit is ideal for anyone after sheer paint-producing power.
A choice of four pattern settings allows you to tailor your coats for a perfect finish, while an adjustable flow control means you can ease off when completing on more delicate staining projects.
Despite being a somewhat hefty unit, its ergonomic handle and balanced design should stave off fatigue during time-intensive work.
- Six-foot cable.
- Proprietary Lock-N-Go system for easy cleaning.
- Suitable for mediums from stains to latex paints.
- Cup holds sufficient capacity for 125 square feet.
- Removable filter.
- Easy operation, even for spraying newbies.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Coming from the painting powerhouse Wagner, this unit is ideally suited to DIYers tackling jobs such as restoring furniture, lacquering shelves, or revitalizing outdoor ironwork.
Three user-selectable spray patterns ensure the correct delivery method onto your working material, while a variable flow-rate dial reduces the likelihood of unsightly drips.
Its ergonomic handle and lightweight construction allow for fatigue-free operation — even on longer projects. Additionally, a bespoke Lock-N-Go feature enables rapid and effortless cleaning when you’re finished.
- Adjustable 1.25 liters per minute flow rate.
- Weighs just three pounds.
- Perhaps the best handheld paint sprayer for cabinets.
- Impressive warranty.
- Respected manufacturer.
- Turbine filter.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
It offers a single-stage motor that provides 450 watts of power and includes a trio of spray tips, meaning it can handle various mediums, even thicker materials like latex paint.
The sprayer is relatively lightweight at around 3 pounds, which should reduce arm fatigue.
Furthermore, the 40-ounce cup holds enough medium to cover up to 100 square feet — fewer refills mean you finish tasks faster.
- Adjustable volume control.
- Includes three interchangeable spray tips.
- 450-watt motor.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The unit incorporates Wagner’s trademarked Control Finish nozzle — a cap end that delivers an even and flaw-free finish while minimizing overspray, bounce-back, and wastage.
Furthermore, a quick twist of the cap’s ears and you can switch between horizontal, vertical, and circular spray patterns. Control the volume of delivery via a simple trigger-mounted dial.
The unit is constructed from tough ABS plastic and features a Lock-N-Go system that permits straightforward dismantling and quick cleaning at the touch of a button.
- Tailorable spray delivery.
- Six-foot hose.
- Twelve ventilation slots.
- Ideal for wood projects.
- Turbine-powered.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Handheld Variable Speed Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Wagner FLEXiO 2000 Review Wagner FLEXiO 2000 Review | ||
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Pittsburgh Spray Wagner FLEXiO 3000 Review Wagner FLEXiO 3000 Review | ||
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Control Spray Double Duty Review Control Spray Double Duty Review | ||
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Wagner FLEXiO 570 Review Wagner FLEXiO 570 Review | ||
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Wagner FLEXiO 590 Review Wagner FLEXiO 590 Review | ||
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Wagner FLEXiO 970 Review Wagner FLEXiO 970 Review |
Our Picks of the Best Variable Speed Turbine Handheld Sprayers
User-adjustable pressure settings allow you to tailor power levels to suit both your painting medium and base material for the ultimate finish. This also results in less overspray and wastage on low-viscosity coatings and smooth and blockage-free delivery with denser paints.
While they require a little more practice than single-speed turbine models, they aren’t so complicated they’re outside the average DIYer’s capabilities. Their only downside is that variable speed units are a little harder on the pocket than the basic machines.
A proprietary X-Boost feature allows you to elevate the airflow from the turbine, increasing paint delivery speed. Furthermore, its bespoke iSpray nozzle means this machine can cope with stains, varnishes, enamels, and latex paints — all without thinners.
Twelve flow-control levels allow you to adjust delivery on your medium, while a width-spray adjustment enables you to tailor the spray to your current project.
- Twin speed.
- Lock-N-Go feature for quick cleaning.
- Three spray patterns.
- Bold black design.
- Spray width selector.
- Adjustable flow control.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
For large scale jobs, such as walls or fences, the machine incorporates an iSpray head for a roller-like finish without drips or pooling. And, for work that demands precision, the unit arrives complete with an interchangeable detail nozzle.
Its 1.5-quart cup allows you to paint around 120-square feet without refilling, and its adjustable material-flow dial offers versatility.
- X-Boost nine-speed turbine selector.
- Lock-N-Go for rapid cleaning.
- Choice of three spray designs.
- Width control lever.
- Wide availability of Wagner hand held sprayer parts.
- Includes a detail nozzle and carry case.
- Adjustable flow control.
- 1.5-quart container.
- Respected manufacturer.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Its trademarked Control Finish nozzle with a choice of three spray patterns delivers a smooth and spatter-free finish. Additionally, a material flow control dial means you can adjust the delivery depending on the requirements of your current job.
A replaceable air filter promises debris-free coating while extending the longevity of the turbine. What’s more, a Lock-N-Go feature allows for both rapid cleaning and swift paint color changes.
- 4.9 fluid ounces per minute.
- 1 and 1.5-quart cups.
- Rubber-coated handle.
- Cord protector.
- Three spray patterns.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Offering both an iSpray nozzle for expansive coverage and a detail head for finishing and intricate work, you’re able to cover substantial areas while still having the ability to add a finesse where required.
It’s 50 percent quieter than standard HVLP machines. Plus, this unit’s adjustable flow control, choice of three spray patterns, and a width lever ensure the correct application volume whether you’re dealing with stains, varnishes, enamels, or latex-paints.
- X-Boost offers a choice of two turbine speeds.
- Three spray patterns.
- Sleek black design.
- Width spray selector lever.
- Adjustable flow control.
- Includes two nozzles and cups.
- 20 percent lighter than standard sprayers.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Opt for the iSpray nozzle to tackle large surface areas and use various materials for a professional finish, no matter the project. A detail finish nozzle takes care of the more complex, smaller projects.
For total control, the X-boost adjustable power dial allows you to manage paint flow according to the materials and task at hand.
- iSpray nozzle for large surfaces.
- Detail finish spray nozzle.
- X-Boost adjustable power dial.
- Includes a hardshell case.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Best Budget Handheld Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon HomeRight Quick Finish Review HomeRight Quick Finish Review | ||
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Check Price at Amazon Meterk Paint Sprayer Review Meterk Paint Sprayer Review | ||
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Check Price at Amazon Scuddles Paint Sprayer Review Scuddles Paint Sprayer Review |
Our Picks of the Best Budget Handheld Sprayers
Budget machines cost little more than a couple of high-end paint brushes and are within reach of even the most frugal DIYers. Admittedly, they aren’t as feature-packed as their costlier counterparts, nor do they have as high an annual throughput rating. But for home-improvers after a basic machine for infrequent use, they’re ideal.
Just remember that some downright awful ‘cheap’ machines offer worse results what you’d get if you outsourced the project to your three-year-old and her paintbrush.
To save you trouble, disappointment, and mess, I’ve sourced what I consider the best budget handhelds available.
Hailing from a Wagner sub-brand, this machine offers pocket-friendly, brush-free coverage — with the backing of a trusted manufacturer.
With an 0.85-quart container, it’s perfect for small household projects and can cover an area of 7 by 10 feet without refilling. Its bespoke Control Finish nozzle promises a smooth and even coat.
- Lock-N-Go for easy cleaning.
- Choice of three spray patterns.
- Cord protector.
- Replaceable filter.
- 0.85-quart container.
- Control Finish nozzle.
- Affordable.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Ideally suited to small scale projects, this unit arrives complete with four additional nozzles — choose the ideal cap-end dependent on your spraying medium.
Adjustable flow control allows you to personally tailor the delivery rate, while three spray patterns increase accuracy and reduce the risk of overspray.
- 5.9-foot cable.
- 1.06-quart container.
- Four interchangeable nozzles.
- A hand held spray gun featuring an integrated hanging hook.
- Adjustable flow control.
- Simple to operate.
- No need to remove the cup to refill.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
A trio of nozzles allows you to custom the spray to your project, whether it’s furniture or a wall. You can also easily adjust the spray type by merely turning the nozzle head and control the flow rate at the rotation of a dial.
Moving around while using this machine is a breeze — it has a 6.6-foot power cord and only weighs 3.64 pounds. The handle has a soft grip and ergonomic design, making it easy to hold for long periods.
- 500-watt power.
- 750 milliliter per minute flow rate.
- 1.05-quart paint tank.
- 6.6-foot power cord.
- Three paint nozzles
- Multiple spray patterns.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Three interchangeable nozzles mean you can use paints of different viscosities. A material flow control dial increases operational flexibility by enabling volume delivery
adjustments.
A choice of horizontal, vertical, or circular spray patterns means you can switch your stroke dependent on your base material. A quick-release button and mini brush allow for effortless cleaning.
- 0.85-quart cup.
- Suitable for small-scale projects.
- Three nozzles.
- Choice of spray patterns.
- Six-foot mains cable.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
A long power cord allows you to move about quickly or access hard to reach places. The handle is designed to fit comfortably in one hand, and all the controls are located at your fingertips. Once you’ve finished painting, all the unit’s cleaning tools are included in the box.
- 1200-watt power.
- 1.05-quart paint tank.
- Long six-foot power cord.
- Three paint spray patterns.
- Five paint nozzles.
- Cleaning straws, brush, and pin included
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Conclusion
Suitable for a diverse range of projects — from restoring furniture and painting moldings to weatherproofing fencing and staining decking — these compact machines are a one-stop-shop for everything paint related.
When choosing your ideal unit, consider your project’s requirements. For small and fine-finish work, look for a single-speed turbine. If you plan on using your handheld for both small to medium jobs and with varied mediums, take a look at the variable power turbines. And for the ultimate in finish and reliability, think about pro-grade airless machines.
Admittedly, they’re not suited for automotive work or gargantuan projects. Yet, if you want the ultimate all-rounder for home-improvements, you need a handheld paint sprayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I Use My Electric Painter as a Handheld Water Sprayer?
Some paint sprayers can be used as disinfecting tools by delivering a mist of a water/detergent mixture. Always check your user manual to see if your handheld spraying machine is suitable for this application.
Q: What Is the Best Handheld Paint Sprayer?
With the hassle-free operation, a plethora of accessories, a fine finish, and a price that won’t break the bank, the best handheld sprayer, in my opinion, is the HomeRight Finish Max.
Q: Do I Need to Dilute Paint for a Handheld Sprayer?
It depends on the model. Most handheld sprayers can cope with low-viscosity mediums such as stains and sealers with no pre-thinning, however denser liquids, such as latex paints, may require dilution.
That said, models such as the FLEXiO 3000 and the Graco Ultra Max can deliver mediums of all viscosities without thinning.
Q: Can I Paint My Fence With a Handheld Sprayer?
It depends on the size of the fence! The majority of handheld sprayers are compatible with outdoor sealers and waterproofers, so delivery isn’t an issue. However, as the maximum paint cup size is around 1.5-quarts, large swathes of fencing mean frequent container refills.
If you have an expansive area to paint, I would instead suggest an external turbine or hydraulic unit. Additionally, check out my How to Paint a Fence guide.
Q: Do I Need a Compressor for a Handheld Sprayer?
No. Handheld machines use either an internal turbine or a hydraulic pump to atomize and propel your medium. There is no requirement for a compressor.
Q: Can Anyone Use a Handheld Sprayer?
Yes. As long as you have a hand to hold the machine and fingers to pull the trigger, you can use a handheld sprayer. They are the most user-friendly powered painting units on the market. If you’re a complete newbie, I’d suggest opting for a single-speed turbine sprayer such as the HomeRight Finish Max.