Best Hobby Paint Sprayer — Buyer’s Guide, Reviews, and Comparisons
A well-equipped crafting toolkit isn’t complete without a hobby paint sprayer. If your idea of a relaxing weekend is upcycling and repurposing anything you can get your hands on — be it birdcages or benches — you’ll appreciate the pro-looking results you can achieve with these compact paint spraying machines.
An ergonomically designed and lightweight sprayer that will set your results apart from the rest. Wagner’s model is ideal for tasks that involve polyurethanes, stains, and sealers. As a handheld HVLP unit, it delivers outstanding transfer efficiency on all your small to medium-sized craft projects. A range of fan patterns allows you to adjust delivery to suit the task at hand.
- Turbine powered.
- 28-ounce paint cup.
- Easy to clean Lock-N-Go system.
- Six-foot hose.
Hobby Paint Sprayer Comparison Table
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Best for Detail Work
|
Best for Detail Work
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Wagner Opti Stain Plus Review Wagner Opti Stain Plus Review | |
Best for Beginners
|
Best for Beginners
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Wagner Home Decor Paint Sprayer Review Wagner Home Decor Paint Sprayer Review | |
Best LVLP Hobby Sprayer
|
Best LVLP Hobby Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Astro EVOT14 LVLP Paint Gun Review Astro EVOT14 LVLP Paint Gun Review | |
Best for Wooden Crafts
|
Best for Wooden Crafts
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Earlex Spray Port 6003 Review Earlex Spray Port 6003 Review | |
Best for Angled Spraying
|
Best for Angled Spraying
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Graco TrueCoat 360DS Review Graco TrueCoat 360DS Review | |
Best Budget Hobby Paint Sprayer
|
Best Budget Hobby Paint Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Sprayit Spray Gun SP-31000 Review Sprayit Spray Gun SP-31000 Review | |
Best for Metalwork
|
Best for Metalwork
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon DeVilbiss FinishLine 4 FLG-670 Review DeVilbiss FinishLine 4 FLG-670 Review |
Hobby Paint Sprayer Buyer’s Guide
If your idea of heaven is at home surrounded by crafts you’ve made or restored, then a hobby paint sprayer will help you achieve your dream.
You don’t want an oversized paint gun, but you do need a unit capable of delivering finishes that wouldn’t look out of place in an issue of American Craft.
If you look hard, you’ll find dedicated craft spray guns, but unless you spray crafting projects often, it’s better to get an all-round machine that can also handle home improvement tasks. If you want to paint your fence, for example, you already have a tool for the job.
When choosing a craft paint sprayer, you want it to be multifunctional and capable of the following:
- Spraying at a range of angles to get intricate patterns coated.
- Handling multiple paint and stain mediums.
- Flow adjustments to control the output of coatings.
It’s also helpful if your unit is easy to clean and store, otherwise you might be tempted to skip the essential cleanups.
What Are Hobby Paint Sprayers Used For?
Hinged on this, you possibly already own many tools to make your hobby life faster and more efficient — glue guns, solder irons, and the like. But once you have finished assembling your project it usually doesn’t look quite right till it has been painted — and this is where a craft paint sprayer comes into its own.
The term hobbyist or craftsperson encompasses an endless number of pastimes, and a hobby paint gun should be able to tackle any number of applications — from bowls to benches.
How to Choose the Best Hobby Paint Sprayer

Fine Detail Nozzle
An oversized tip will increase the amount of paint sprayed onto your project and can result in paint pooling or running, which spoils your finish. Instead, opt for a narrower tip that limits the amount of paint hitting your surfaces.
You also need to consider the coatings you intend to spray. If you’re a woodworker, for example, and using thinner varnishes, stains, and clear coats, a narrow tip offers better results.

Adjustable Fan Pattern and Operating Pressure
Once you’ve chosen your nozzle, you need to make sure it’s easy to adjust the unit so you can achieve circular, vertical, and horizontal patterns.
You’ll also want variable operating pressure. If the pressure output is too high, you could lose control over your sprayer. And if the pressure is too low, your chosen venture may end up taking much longer than you want.

Ability to Handle Multiple Mediums
If you plan to refurbish the TV cabinet, you’ll likely be using thinner coatings, such as stains, and you don’t need much power. Conversely, to upcycle your kitchen countertops with a stone-like paint such as Rustoleum, a much thicker medium, you need a sprayer with more oomph.
There is no need for two separate machines though, just look closely to see if the specs on your preferred unit can step up to the jobs you’ve planned.

Spraying Angles and Portability
Also, a great hobby spray gun should be lightweight and portable. Not only will it make painting those hard to reach places simpler, but it will also reduce any fatigue after a long day of spraying.

Ease of Cleaning and Storage
A purpose-designed carry or storage case is also a handy extra you’ll appreciate. Protect your unit from dust and keep everything in one place ready for next time.
Best Hobby Paint Sprayer For Crafters and DIYers
A handheld HVLP sprayer with a dual-fan turbine, it produces minimal overspray, so your workshop will remain relatively tidy. The included Control Finish fluid tip allows precise detail work and leaves flawless results with no streaks.
Pressure output is controlled through a convenient trigger-mounted dial that allows for adjustments as you go. You can also achieve circular, vertical, and horizontal fan patterns by twisting the handy dials on the nozzle.
Wagner’s patented Lock-N-Go feature enables the unit to be broken down into easy to clean, simple parts — removing the tedium of end of day maintenance.
One of the veterans of the spray painting world, Wagner has developed the Control Series for users that specifically want to work on small and midsize projects, and pay attention to detail as they go.
- Ergonomically designed.
- Three spray patterns.
- Handy 28-ounce paint cup.
- Handheld and portable.
- Convenient to clean.
- Minimal overspray.
- Not suitable for thicker coatings.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
A handheld HVLP sprayer with a dual-fan turbine, it produces minimal overspray, so your workshop will remain relatively tidy. The included Control Finish fluid tip allows precise detail work and leaves flawless results with no streaks.
Pressure output is controlled through a convenient trigger-mounted dial that allows for adjustments as you go. You can also achieve circular, vertical, and horizontal fan patterns by twisting the handy dials on the nozzle.
Thanks to the flexible uptake tube, you can spray in a full, 360-degree range. Plus the 28-ounce paint cup is substantial enough for most project needs without the need to refill.
Wagner’s patented Lock-N-Go feature enables the unit to be broken down into easy to clean, simple parts — removing the tedium of end of day maintenance.
One of the veterans of the spray painting world, Wagner has developed the Control Series for users that specifically want to work on small and midsize projects, and pay attention to detail as they go.
- Ergonomically designed.
- Three spray patterns.
- Handy 28-ounce paint cup.
- Handheld and portable.
- Convenient to clean.
- Minimal overspray.
- Not suitable for thicker coatings.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
A compact external 460-watt motor provides enough beans to handle the most popular hobbyist coatings, including lacquers, sealers, stains, and chalk-based mediums. If you do need to use thicker paint, a useful measurement gauge makes dilution easier.
If you’re working on medium size projects, a six-foot kink-proof hose allows excellent reach. And the 20-ounce, acrylic paint cup prevents the need for frequent refills.
Wagner’s crafting nozzle offers three spray patterns that are easy to switch between. Use the coating flow knob to adjust the volume output to suit different mediums.
The whole model paint sprayer is easily stored when not in use as the gun slips into a convenient holster positioned at the rear of the unit — keeping all components neat until the next use.
Wagner offers the Studio Series specifically for crafters, and the Home Decor sprayer is designed to take the intimidation out of powered painting. With decades of fluid handling knowledge, Wagner products are a popular choice with pros and occasional crafters,
- 20-ounce paint cup.
- Three fan patterns.
- Lightweight, portable, and easily stored.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Crafting nozzle for detailed work.
- Restricted applications.
- Turbine power is not adjustable.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
A compact external 460-watt motor provides enough beans to handle the most popular hobbyist coatings, including lacquers, sealers, stains, and chalk-based mediums. If you do need to use thicker paint, a useful measurement gauge makes dilution easier.
This is an ultra-portable unit, weighing in at just 5.5 pounds and boasting an extremely ergonomic handle on the turbine housing.
If you’re working on medium size projects, a six-foot kink-proof hose allows excellent reach. And the 20-ounce, acrylic paint cup prevents the need for frequent refills.
Wagner’s crafting nozzle offers three spray patterns that are easy to switch between. Use the coating flow knob to adjust the volume output to suit different mediums.
The whole model paint sprayer is easily stored when not in use as the gun slips into a convenient holster positioned at the rear of the unit — keeping all components neat until the next use.
Wagner offers the Studio Series specifically for crafters, and the Home Decor sprayer is designed to take the intimidation out of powered painting. With decades of fluid handling knowledge, Wagner products are a popular choice with pros and occasional crafters,
- 20-ounce paint cup.
- Three fan patterns.
- Lightweight, portable, and easily stored.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Crafting nozzle for detailed work.
- Restricted applications.
- Turbine power is not adjustable.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
As an LVLP (low-volume, low-pressure) machine, it offers rapid coverage suitable for many project types. It is also straightforward to use and clean up, making it a firm favorite with weekend warriors and hobbyists.
This sprayer has coated internal passages and an anodized body to protect it from corrosion and give it a long life span. While stainless steel is the material of choice for the needle and nozzle. There is one fluid nozzle included with the purchase, but you do have the choice of 1.3 or 1.4 mm.
Operating pressure of between 15 to 19 pounds per square inch (psi) delivers fine atomization when using varnishes, stains, and solvent or water-based paints. One small downside is that you will have to invest in a small air compressor that can deal with 11.5 to 13.5 cubic feet per minute (cfm).
With four decades of automotive product experience, Astro Tools is a business that prides itself on offering unique solutions, not just for auto use but for a whole scope of applications.
- Soft pull trigger.
- Corrosion-resistant internal passages and body.
- Stainless steel nozzle and needle.
- Revolutionary “air curtain” to reduce overspray.
- Adjustment dials for accurate changes to pressure.
- The FlexLiner system isn’t particularly eco-friendly.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
As an LVLP (low-volume, low-pressure) machine, it offers rapid coverage suitable for many project types. It is also straightforward to use and clean up, making it a firm favorite with weekend warriors and hobbyists.
This sprayer has coated internal passages and an anodized body to protect it from corrosion and give it a long life span. While stainless steel is the material of choice for the needle and nozzle. There is one fluid nozzle included with the purchase, but you do have the choice of 1.3 or 1.4 mm.
To reduce fatigue during spraying, this unit has been fitted with a soft pull trigger and the gun is lightweight at only 11.5 pounds. Astro has also advanced their CNC machining to remove gasket requirements usually placed behind the nozzle.
Operating pressure of between 15 to 19 pounds per square inch (psi) delivers fine atomization when using varnishes, stains, and solvent or water-based paints. One small downside is that you will have to invest in a small air compressor that can deal with 11.5 to 13.5 cubic feet per minute (cfm).
With four decades of automotive product experience, Astro Tools is a business that prides itself on offering unique solutions, not just for auto use but for a whole scope of applications.
- Soft pull trigger.
- Corrosion-resistant internal passages and body.
- Stainless steel nozzle and needle.
- Revolutionary “air curtain” to reduce overspray.
- Adjustment dials for accurate changes to pressure.
- The FlexLiner system isn’t particularly eco-friendly.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Suitable for home improvers, hobbyists, and even pro refurbishers, this sprayer is wonderful when working with shellac, lacquers, latex, milk, and chalk paints — especially on medium and small wood furniture projects.
The non-bleed Pro 8 pressure-fed spray gun includes a 1.3 mm nozzle and delivers ultimate spraying comfort through the cool grip handle. The air cap is fully 360-degree rotatable — allowing you to spray difficult to reach surfaces at any angle. This unit also has fully adjustable spray pattern and paint flow settings for fantastic atomization and even coverage.
Furthermore, a durable one-quart paint cup means you don’t need to interrupt your spraying to refill. Efficiency is further increased through a flexible 25-foot, quick-connect hose that promotes effortless movement around your task.
Earlex is a subsidiary of Wagner SprayTech — a giant in the spray painting world. The company promises quality products and top-notch customer service at affordable prices. Its sprayers are favored by both professional painters and occasional hobbyists.
- 360-degree spray operation.
- Flexible 25-foot hose.
- One-quart paint cup.
- Pro 8 spray gun and 1.3-mm nozzle.
- Sprays a plethora of high and low viscosity mediums.
- Spray rate of 0.12 gpm.
- Unsuitable for large tasks.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Suitable for home improvers, hobbyists, and even pro refurbishers, this sprayer is wonderful when working with shellac, lacquers, latex, milk, and chalk paints — especially on medium and small wood furniture projects.
A substantial three-stage turbine and 1200-watt motor drive this HVLP (high-volume, low-volume) sprayer — delivering 5.5 psi and 90 cfm to enable a smooth, pro-looking finish.
The non-bleed Pro 8 pressure-fed spray gun includes a 1.3 mm nozzle and delivers ultimate spraying comfort through the cool grip handle. The air cap is fully 360-degree rotatable — allowing you to spray difficult to reach surfaces at any angle. This unit also has fully adjustable spray pattern and paint flow settings for fantastic atomization and even coverage.
Furthermore, a durable one-quart paint cup means you don’t need to interrupt your spraying to refill. Efficiency is further increased through a flexible 25-foot, quick-connect hose that promotes effortless movement around your task.
Earlex is a subsidiary of Wagner SprayTech — a giant in the spray painting world. The company promises quality products and top-notch customer service at affordable prices. Its sprayers are favored by both professional painters and occasional hobbyists.
- 360-degree spray operation.
- Flexible 25-foot hose.
- One-quart paint cup.
- Pro 8 spray gun and 1.3-mm nozzle.
- Sprays a plethora of high and low viscosity mediums.
- Spray rate of 0.12 gpm.
- Unsuitable for large tasks.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Duel-speed control allows you to precisely control the tempo of your spraying. Cranking it up for larger cabinetwork, and toning it down when coating delicate jobs, such as intricate designs on picture frames.
What’s more, it’s also possible to change between narrow and wide spray patterns through the two different reversible spray nozzles. The hydraulic stainless steel pump means you can spray a multitude of coatings without thinning.
A spray rate of 1500 psi at a rate of 12 gallons per hour (gph) is possible owing to the stainless steel piston pump. Despite the impressive features, this model paint gun weighs in at under five pounds, making it a lightweight option that won’t tire you out before your project is finished.
Graco was founded in the 1940s and over the decades, has applied its knowledge to create a myriad of products that stand out in terms of durability, quality, and versatility. The DIY Series was developed by Graco with beginners and craftspeople in mind.
- Includes two reversible 0.015-inch nozzles.
- Capable of 360-degree spraying.
- Reusable and recyclable FlexLiner bag system.
- Adjustable fan pattern.
- Durable stainless steel piston pump.
- Lightweight at 4.5 pounds.
- Shorter cable than many of its competitors.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Duel-speed control allows you to precisely control the tempo of your spraying. Cranking it up for larger cabinetwork, and toning it down when coating delicate jobs, such as intricate designs on picture frames.
What’s more, it’s also possible to change between narrow and wide spray patterns through the two different reversible spray nozzles. The hydraulic stainless steel pump means you can spray a multitude of coatings without thinning.
Four innovative bag liners for the one-quart paint cup make for quick changes when switching between paint colors. Not to mention a swifter cleaning process. And thanks to the airtight VacuValve technology, you can spray vertical and horizontal patterns at a 360-degree orientation.
A spray rate of 1500 psi at a rate of 12 gallons per hour (gph) is possible owing to the stainless steel piston pump. Despite the impressive features, this model paint gun weighs in at under five pounds, making it a lightweight option that won’t tire you out before your project is finished.
Graco was founded in the 1940s and over the decades, has applied its knowledge to create a myriad of products that stand out in terms of durability, quality, and versatility. The DIY Series was developed by Graco with beginners and craftspeople in mind.
- Includes two reversible 0.015-inch nozzles.
- Capable of 360-degree spraying.
- Reusable and recyclable FlexLiner bag system.
- Adjustable fan pattern.
- Durable stainless steel piston pump.
- Lightweight at 4.5 pounds.
- Shorter cable than many of its competitors.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
This sprayer offers everything that you need to complete a pro-looking project — you just need to provide the compressor and paint. And if using a compressor-powered spray gun discourages you, check out my handy article on how to paint with an air compressor.
At the business end of things, a corrosion-resistant stainless steel needle and tip offer accuracy concerning fan patterns. Furthermore, you can also make adjustments to fine-tune the fluid and air output.
If the thought of cleaning makes you procrastinate, then the included socket, spanner, and cleaning brush will help remove some of the disinterest.
Sprayit has been operating for almost a century and has plenty of spray gun industry experience. The company is a great choice for occasional DIYers and paint contractors who value durability and flexibility in their tools.
- Lightweight 33.8-ounce paint cup.
- Only requires a small compressor offering 3.5 to 3.9 cfm.
- 1.5 mm stainless steel fluid nozzle.
- Maximum output of 120.5 psi.
- Includes socket, spanner, and cleaning brush.
- Adjustable air pressure, paint output, and air pressure.
- Need to purchase a separate air regulator.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
This sprayer offers everything that you need to complete a pro-looking project — you just need to provide the compressor and paint. And if using a compressor-powered spray gun discourages you, check out my handy article on how to paint with an air compressor.
The gun is manufactured in a one-piece aluminum design and is lightweight — great as you won’t tire out as quickly when spraying for extended periods. The 33.8-ounce aluminum paint cup is generous enough but not overkill for compact undertakings.
At the business end of things, a corrosion-resistant stainless steel needle and tip offer accuracy concerning fan patterns. Furthermore, you can also make adjustments to fine-tune the fluid and air output.
If the thought of cleaning makes you procrastinate, then the included socket, spanner, and cleaning brush will help remove some of the disinterest.
Sprayit has been operating for almost a century and has plenty of spray gun industry experience. The company is a great choice for occasional DIYers and paint contractors who value durability and flexibility in their tools.
- Lightweight 33.8-ounce paint cup.
- Only requires a small compressor offering 3.5 to 3.9 cfm.
- 1.5 mm stainless steel fluid nozzle.
- Maximum output of 120.5 psi.
- Includes socket, spanner, and cleaning brush.
- Adjustable air pressure, paint output, and air pressure.
- Need to purchase a separate air regulator.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Reduced overspray is also desirable when working on your arts and crafts — you don’t want paint in places where it shouldn’t be! This model spray gun offers HVLP technology, which is notorious for great transfer efficiency.
There are three fluid nozzles included (1,3, 1,5, and 1.8 mm) which allows this lightweight gravity-fed gun to work with a variety of solvent-based mediums — with no orange peel effect.
DeVillbiss is one of the original trailblazers of the fluid handling industry and started life back in 1888. It is well known for good value, straightforward systems that are popular globally.
- Minimal overspray.
- 30.4-ounce paint container.
- Corrosion-resistant internal and exterior components.
- Three spray nozzles included.
- Gauged air adjustment valve
- Lightweight at 1.5 pounds.
- You have to buy a filter separately.
- Latex coatings need to be thinned.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Reduced overspray is also desirable when working on your arts and crafts — you don’t want paint in places where it shouldn’t be! This model spray gun offers HVLP technology, which is notorious for great transfer efficiency.
There are three fluid nozzles included (1,3, 1,5, and 1.8 mm) which allows this lightweight gravity-fed gun to work with a variety of solvent-based mediums — with no orange peel effect.
A 30.4-ounce aluminum paint cup gives enough capacity for the majority of small and midsize craft projects. You can also adjust the air pressure as you go via a gauged valve — offering optimum control over your medium output.
DeVillbiss is one of the original trailblazers of the fluid handling industry and started life back in 1888. It is well known for good value, straightforward systems that are popular globally.
- Minimal overspray.
- 30.4-ounce paint container.
- Corrosion-resistant internal and exterior components.
- Three spray nozzles included.
- Gauged air adjustment valve
- Lightweight at 1.5 pounds.
- You have to buy a filter separately.
- Latex coatings need to be thinned.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Conclusion
A top-notch unit can tackle elaborate detail work as well as administering even, flawless coats on bigger projects. A fully adjustable machine is best and you want your gun to comfortably handle an array of coatings.
You’ll also appreciate a light portable spray gun to reduce arm strain and keep you spraying for longer. A unit that can spray at every angle will help you paint hard to reach places, so for many crafters, 350-degree spraying is a must.
Of course, it’s possible to skip the sprayer and stick with brushes, but is it really worth it? Your results will be so much better with a purpose-built machine, and spray painting is just so much fun!
To ensure you get a machine that pays as much attention to finer details as you do, consider the units in this hobby paint sprayer review before your final purchase.
FAQs
Q: Can You Use Regular Paint in a Hobby Paint Sprayer?
Before you get started, it is always a good idea to read the user manual to check exactly what paints you can use in your craft paint sprayer. However, in general, most machines will support the use of varnishes, stains, and lacquers. For thicker latex coatings, thinning may be necessary.
Q: Are Hobby Paint Sprayers Worth the Money?
To justify investing in a crafting or model paint sprayer, it’s a question of quality versus cost. If you’re satisfied with brush strokes and potentially uneven coats, a paint gun is probably not a great purchase. But if you want smooth even finishes, a hobby paint sprayer is worth its weight in gold.
Q:What Projects Can I Complete with a Hobby Paint Sprayer?
With a craft paint sprayer in your toolkit, your imagination is the limit! Most units are optimized to coat small and medium-sized projects such as furniture, picture frames, birdcages, bowls, and ornaments. Some machines come with a slightly larger power capacity that will help you respray ceilings and interior walls.
Q: Are Hobby Paint Sprayers Messy?
Craft paint guns are no messier than using a brush or roller. Before you get started, lay a groundsheet and mask off everything you don’t intend to paint. Cleanup is also simple as many modern sprayers have features that make maintenance a breeze.
Q: Is Using a Hobby Paint Sprayer Easy?
Despite what you may think, paint sprayers are not just for pros. Many leading manufacturers offer dedicated ranges that are made for DIYers and hobbyists. You can also check out useful pages such as my article on how to use and set up an HVLP sprayer to remove any intimidation.
Q: Is It Dangerous to Spray Paint Indoors?
Using a paint sprayer indoors is not necessarily a dangerous undertaking. To avoid any irritation to your skin, eyes, throat, and lungs, make sure that the room is well ventilated to allow fumes to escape. You may also find a pair of goggles and a mask that covers your mouth and nose improves your spraying comfort.