Tool Nerds’ Top Power Painters — Buyer’s Guide, Reviews, and Comparisons
An efficient power painter can make a massive difference to any home-improver or professional’s projects. Not only will it speed up the process of painting large surfaces, such as walls, sheds, and ceilings, it can also complete the all-important finishing touches for a job well done. The perfect machine will comfortably handle a range of different viscosities and be easy to maneuver around the job site.
- 0.6-quart paint cup.
- 1.3-mm air cap set.
- Wrench and cleaning brush included.
- Ergonomic Fuji T-75G spray gun.
Top Power Painters Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best Professional Power Painter
|
Best Professional Power Painter
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Fuji Spray Mini Mite 4 Review Fuji Spray Mini Mite 4 Review | |
|
Best External Turbine Power Painter 
|
Best External Turbine Power Painter
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Wagner FLEXiO 5000 Review Wagner FLEXiO 5000 Review | |
|
Best Airless Power Painter 
|
Best Airless Power Painter
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Graco Magnum X5 Review Graco Magnum X5 Review | |
|
Best Handheld Turbine Power Painter 
|
Best Handheld Turbine Power Painter
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Wagner Control Painter Review Wagner Control Painter Review | |
|
Best Airless Handheld Power Painter 
|
Best Airless Handheld Power Painter
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Wagner Power Painter Review Wagner Power Painter Review |
Best Electric Power Painter Buying Guide
There are so many choices to make when selecting the one that meets your needs — airless, HVLP, handheld, or floor-based? Where do you start?
How To Choose the Best Power Painter
HVLP vs Airless
Known for minimizing overspray, these low-pressure devices deliver an easily controlled, narrower fan pattern than their airless equivalents. They are usually fuss-free to operate and clean and make short work of the majority of home-improving projects — tables, cabinets, and even bicycles. Plus they offer professional-level finishes.
Airless sprayers tend to be designed for mid to large size projects and include many of the same features of a good HVLP unit. They offer a rapid spray rate that’s usually driven by an impressive motor or turbine. These machines allow you to customize the paint spray that leaves your nozzle, so you end up with more paint where you want it, delivered to your preferences.
Turbine/Motor Position
Handheld devices are great if you require a great deal of portability for hard to reach places, as you’re only limited by the length of your extension cord. In comparison, ground-based sprayers are generally larger and less portable.
You still have a fair amount of maneuverability with ground-based units as the gun is connected to the motor by a paint hose. They’re also well suited to larger jobs as with most, you can spray directly from the original paint can, removing the need for a paint cup on the gun itself.
Nozzle Size
Many power paint sprayers come with one nozzle. If this is the case, check to see if other sizes are supported because you’ll need to make nozzle changes if you want to work with a variety of different mediums in the future.
Paint Container
However there is another option, some power spray guns can spray directly from the original paint can via a suction tube. This is great as it significantly reduces refill stops — providing your original coating comes in a big enough container or you transfer enough liquid to a separate pail.
Variable Pressure
Six of the Finest Power Painters
With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of Tool Nerds’ top six power sprayers. Each is from a trusted manufacturer and can help you get the job done quickly. Let’s get started with our top choice:
The four-stage Platinum turbine engine is powerful and long-lasting. In terms of pressure, the unit offers up to nine psi — enough to handle a range of coating densities and provide rapid coverage. Even though it boasts decent output, it’s relatively quiet thanks to the noise-reducing housing.
The device’s heart is enclosed in a floor-based housing, which goes a long way toward preventing bothersome arm fatigue. Yet, you still get a whole load of maneuverability with the 25-foot flexible hose.
Fuji Spray developed the Mini Mite series with the professional market in mind. Based in North America, Fuji Spray has been operating since the 1980s and brings extensive experience to the table, which is demonstrated in its high-quality, rugged HVLP systems.
- Hard-wearing stainless steel internals.
- Includes cleaning brush, viscosity cup, and wrench.
- A four-stage turbine delivers up to 9 psi.
- 0.6-quart nylon paint container.
- 1.3-mm air cap set.
- Air control valve and three spray patterns.
- Could be over-specced for occasional users.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The four-stage Platinum turbine engine is powerful and long-lasting. In terms of pressure, the unit offers up to nine psi — enough to handle a range of coating densities and provide rapid coverage. Even though it boasts decent output, it’s relatively quiet thanks to the noise-reducing housing.
This lightweight and ergonomic unit includes the Fuji T-75G spray gun with a Stay-Cool handle and an easy-pull trigger. Furthermore, it also delivers three spray patterns through the non-bleed fluid tip.
The device’s heart is enclosed in a floor-based housing, which goes a long way toward preventing bothersome arm fatigue. Yet, you still get a whole load of maneuverability with the 25-foot flexible hose.
Fuji Spray developed the Mini Mite series with the professional market in mind. Based in North America, Fuji Spray has been operating since the 1980s and brings extensive experience to the table, which is demonstrated in its high-quality, rugged HVLP systems.
- Hard-wearing stainless steel internals.
- Includes cleaning brush, viscosity cup, and wrench.
- A four-stage turbine delivers up to 9 psi.
- 0.6-quart nylon paint container.
- 1.3-mm air cap set.
- Air control valve and three spray patterns.
- Could be over-specced for occasional users.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
In an intelligent design move, the unit’s turbine casing doubles as a carry and storage case. There’s a safe and dust-free space for the hose, gun, and nozzles when not in use. Two nozzles with individual cups are included: adetail nozzle for when you need to focus on smaller touch-up jobs and an iSpray head for expansive projects requiring denser coatings.
Wagner SprayTech is a powerhouse in the spray painting world and over the years has taken ownership of several of its competitors. It’s known for developing long-lasting, user-friendly paint sprayers for both weekend warriors and pros.
- Adjustable spray width.
- Variable fan pattern and turbine speed.
- Two container cups and fluid tips.
- 11.5-foot hose.
- Ground-based turbine.
- When set to the maximum settings, it tends to be noisy.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
In an intelligent design move, the unit’s turbine casing doubles as a carry and storage case. There’s a safe and dust-free space for the hose, gun, and nozzles when not in use. Two nozzles with individual cups are included: adetail nozzle for when you need to focus on smaller touch-up jobs and an iSpray head for expansive projects requiring denser coatings.
The spray gun is attached to the turbine with an 11.5-foot hose, which should reduce the need for lengthy extension cables, which are a trip hazard. Clean up is an uncomplicated affair courtesy of the Lock-N-Go system, which allows a simple yet complete breakdown of the unit’s parts.
Wagner SprayTech is a powerhouse in the spray painting world and over the years has taken ownership of several of its competitors. It’s known for developing long-lasting, user-friendly paint sprayers for both weekend warriors and pros.
- Adjustable spray width.
- Variable fan pattern and turbine speed.
- Two container cups and fluid tips.
- 11.5-foot hose.
- Ground-based turbine.
- When set to the maximum settings, it tends to be noisy.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
With the power to push out up to 0.27 gpm and a recommended annual maximum usage of 125 gallons, this airless sprayer can swiftly tackle most household tasks. The SG2 metal spray gun is fitted with a RAC IV 515 nozzle which can handle a range of mid-density coatings.
The Magnum X5 is part of Graco’s Project Series and falls midway in the range. Graco has over 90 years experience in the fluid handling business. It creates machines not only for home-improvers and contractors, but also for a range of industrial uses, including pharmaceutical and printing companies.
- Delivers up to 3000 psi.
- 0.5 horsepower motor.
- Flexible uptake hose.
- Includes user manual and instructional DVD.
- 0.015-inch fluid nozzle
- 25-foot hose.
- Handles unthinned coatings.
- Airless floor-standing turbine.
- No built-in storage for hose, nozzles, or spray gun.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
With the power to push out up to 0.27 gpm and a recommended annual maximum usage of 125 gallons, this airless sprayer can swiftly tackle most household tasks. The SG2 metal spray gun is fitted with a RAC IV 515 nozzle which can handle a range of mid-density coatings.
Utilizing a flexible uptake hose, you have the ability to spray directly from original one or five-gallon paint cans. There is also a flexible 25-foot hose included, although up to 75-feet of hose can be accommodated. When you combine these two features, downtime is significantly reduced as there is no need to refill or move the paint sprayer often.
The Magnum X5 is part of Graco’s Project Series and falls midway in the range. Graco has over 90 years experience in the fluid handling business. It creates machines not only for home-improvers and contractors, but also for a range of industrial uses, including pharmaceutical and printing companies.
- Delivers up to 3000 psi.
- 0.5 horsepower motor.
- Flexible uptake hose.
- Includes user manual and instructional DVD.
- 0.015-inch fluid nozzle.
- 25-foot hose.
- Handles unthinned coatings.
- Airless floor-standing turbine.
- No built-in storage for hose, nozzles, or spray gun.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
This small but powerful device can lay down coatings up to five times faster than a traditional brush. There’s also the choice of four separate spray settings, which allows you to tailor the pressure output to your project size and preferred medium.
It doesn’t shy away from handling a mixture of coatings — from thinner stains through to thicker latex-based paints. And when you’ve finished for the day, Wagner’s bespoke Lock-N-Go feature makes for straightforward cleaning with a complete parts breakdown.
Wagner SprayTech is a US-based company that prides itself on sturdy, tough products that will go the distance. With many years of experience backing its products, Wagner is well known for exemplary customer service and support.
- HVLP handheld machine.
- iSpray fluid nozzle.
- Variable flow control.
- Sizeable 1.5-quart paint container.
- Straightforward to clean.
- Handles a range of mediums.
- Unsuitable for detailed work.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
This small but powerful device can lay down coatings up to five times faster than a traditional brush. There’s also the choice of four separate spray settings, which allows you to tailor the pressure output to your project size and preferred medium.
As this sprayer operates with HVLP technology, overspray is minimum. The propriety iSpray nozzle is paired with a 1.5-quart coating cup that’s ideal for mid to large-size projects.
It doesn’t shy away from handling a mixture of coatings — from thinner stains through to thicker latex-based paints. And when you’ve finished for the day, Wagner’s bespoke Lock-N-Go feature makes for straightforward cleaning with a complete parts breakdown.
Wagner SprayTech is a US-based company that prides itself on sturdy, tough products that will go the distance. With many years of experience backing its products, Wagner is well known for exemplary customer service and support.
- HVLP handheld machine.
- iSpray fluid nozzle.
- Variable flow control.
- Sizeable 1.5-quart paint container.
- Straightforward to clean.
- Handles a range of mediums.
- Unsuitable for detailed work.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
According to many power painter plus reviews, it only takes a few minutes to learn how to use your sprayer thanks to the detailed user manual. So even inexperienced decorators can achieve flawless, impressive results.
A generous one-quart paint container reduces the number of times you need to down tools to refill. EZ tilt technology facilitates multi-angle spraying, which makes tackling ceilings and other overhead items a breeze.
The bespoke Optimus fluid nozzle is capable of vertical and horizontal patterns as well as offering a delivery rate of 6.6 gallons per hour (gph).
The Power Painter Plus is part of Wagner’s handheld airless range that includes the Power Painter Max, which also features any angle spraying. Wagner is well-known for user-friendly, durable products that are favored by users all over the world.
- Handheld airless device.
- Delivers up to 6.6 gph.
- Facilitates multi-angle spraying.
- One-quart paint cup.
- Two spray patterns.
- Can be heavy when the paint cup is filled.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Handheld airless sprayers, like the Wagner Power Painter Plus, are advantageous for both pros and DIYers alike and offer effortless coverage over mid and large-sized projects.
According to many power painter plus reviews, it only takes a few minutes to learn how to use your sprayer thanks to the detailed user manual. So even inexperienced decorators can achieve flawless, impressive results.
A generous one-quart paint container reduces the number of times you need to down tools to refill. EZ tilt technology facilitates multi-angle spraying, which makes tackling ceilings and other overhead items a breeze.
The bespoke Optimus fluid nozzle is capable of vertical and horizontal patterns as well as offering a delivery rate of 6.6 gallons per hour (gph).
The Power Painter Plus is part of Wagner’s handheld airless range that includes the Power Painter Max, which also features any angle spraying. Wagner is well-known for user-friendly, durable products that are favored by users all over the world.
- Handheld airless device.
- Delivers up to 6.6 gph.
- Facilitates multi-angle spraying.
- One-quart paint cup.
- Two spray patterns.
- Can be heavy when the paint cup is filled.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Conclusion
That concludes our foray into the wide world of power painters, but as it’s always good to have a recap, stick with me for a moment.
The best power painting machine should be portable or fitted with a lengthy hose. It should also offer variable pressure and coating output to provide you with complete control over your end result. Also, a generous paint container or a flexible suction tube is a must so that you can spray without irritating refill stops.
Nozzles also need to be considered, with the correctly sized orifice for your medium and fan pattern. Then finally, would you prefer an HVLP or airless device? Will your projects be large or small?
With all that in mind, you are now suitably prepared to size up your projects and invest in the perfect power painter for your needs.
Power Painter FAQs
Q: What Is a Power Painter?
A power painter is any machine that mechanically delivers paint onto a given surface. Usually driven by a motor or turbine, these devices require minimal effort when compared to brushes or rollers. They are also significantly faster.
Q: Can You Paint a Ceiling With a Power Painter?
While some decorators think you should always cut in with your trusty brush, not all agree. The majority of power paint sprayer reviews agree that as long as you mask walls and surrounding areas carefully before you begin, you can use a powered sprayer to paint the entire ceiling.
Q: What Is the Best Power Painter for Home Use?
In my opinion, the best power painter is the Fuji Spray Mini Mite 4. Even though it’s great for professionals, it’s also a fantastic machine for home use and leaves pro-looking results. HVLP technology means minimal overspray and mess while the 25-foot hose provides impressive reach and reduces the need for ladders when painting interior walls and ceilings.
Q: Is a Power Painter Worth It?
If you have something to paint and want to get the job completed swiftly without brush strokes, then a power painter is definitely worth it. In recent years, the cost of these units has reduced significantly. Power painters are no longer just tools for pros but also occasional DIYers.
Q: Is It Better To Power Paint or Roll Interior Paint?
When it comes to using interior paint, it’s better to use a power painter. It is possible to use a roller but the finish will not be as even and fine as if you use a spray gun.
Q: Is the Power Painter Wide Shot Pro a Good Spray Gun?
Unfortunately, Wagner has discontinued the Power Painter Wide Shot Pro. However, if you are a Wagner enthusiast, the Power Painter Plus is still available and also offers airless technology in a handheld unit and the bespoke Lock-N-Go system for easy parts breakdown and cleaning.