The Best Exterior Paint Sprayers — Buyer’s Guide, How To, Reviews, and Comparisons
Choosing a quality exterior paint sprayer with the exact features you need can be a minefield. And your needs vary depending on whether you’re a professional paint contractor or an occasional DIYer. One critical specification that should stand out is the gallons per minute output, which defines how quickly you can complete your task. Also, selecting the best size nozzle makes a big difference to your end finish.
- Flexible uptake tube.
- 25-foot hose.
- Easy to clean.
- Best paint sprayer for exterior house walls.
Product Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best Overall Outdoor Sprayer
|
Best Overall Outdoor Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | |
|
Best Handheld Outdoor Sprayer
 
|
Best Handheld Outdoor Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | |
|
Best Prosumer Outdoor Sprayer
 
|
Best Prosumer Outdoor Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | |
|
Best For Versatility
 
|
Best For Versatility
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | |
|
Best Budget Outdoor Sprayer
 
|
Best Budget Outdoor Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | |
|
Best Industrial Outdoor Sprayer
 
|
Best Industrial Outdoor Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | |
|
Best HVLP Outdoor Sprayer
 
|
Best HVLP Outdoor Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | |
|
Best Airless Paint Sprayer for Exterior Use
 
|
Best Airless Paint Sprayer for Exterior Use
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | |
|
Best No-Frills Outdoor Sprayer
 
|
Best No-Frills Outdoor Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | |
|
Best DIY Outdoor Sprayer
 
|
Best DIY Outdoor Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon |
Best Paint Sprayer for Exterior Use — Buying Guide
Owning the best exterior paint sprayer is not just about creating an outdoor space that’s aesthetically pleasing, but also about protecting outside walls — and other commodities that spend their life alfresco. Of course, you could always complete this necessary maintenance with a brush or roller or even hire a contractor to complete the job for you, but where’s the fun in that?
A good outdoor paint sprayer will save you both time and money and should last a lifetime — if you take the time to keep on top of essential servicing and upkeep.
How to Choose the Best Exterior Paint Sprayer?
Fluid Nozzle Size
Staying with this logic, you need to make sure that your chosen sprayer includes a fluid nozzle with the correctly sized opening. Firstly, it handles your selected coating and secondly, so that it delivers a wide or narrow spray pattern as required.
Most manufacturers note the suitability of different nozzles for different jobs and paints on their websites. So it’s always a good idea to figure out what diameter you need before you start shopping.
Many sprayers from highly regarded companies include a good all-around nozzle for general use but also support a range of other tip measurements.
Length of Hose
Another useful aspect to check the maximum supported hose length. You can’t just attach any length of hose as it will impair the overall performance.
Overall Power, Pressure, and Adjustability
For this reason, you need a sprayer with enough oomph to keep up with your grand spraying demands. A generous horsepower should definitely be on your checklist, also the ability to spray at high pressure.
However, you should also be able to vary the output and tone it down as required — you don’t need to work frenetically all the time. In fact, there will be times in your exterior work when less is more, for example, when applying finishing touches.
Uptake Tube, Paint Container, or Both?
But there is the problem, it’s highly likely that you’ll need to refill often unless it boasts a substantial capacity. The other downside of a paint cup, especially in a handheld unit, is that it puts the weight of the coating in your hand, which can cause tiredness.
One way that you can extensively reduce refills is by choosing a sprayer with an uptake tube. Most machines that include this feature have the ability to spray from paint containers with a capacity of up to 5 gallons — enough to see you through to the end of your job.
Storage and Portability
Sure, a small-sized exterior house paint gun is painless to store, but it’s even better if a handy storage case is included. Safely keep your nozzles, hose, spray gun, and any other bits and bobs all in one place. Another fantastic feature some machines boast is turbine housings that double as a storage space.
If you are a tradesperson, then portability is a key consideration as you frequently move from job to job. But even if you are not a pro, a light portable unit will make your day easier — you won’t feel like you have spent a day at the gym when you’re done.
How To Use a Paint Sprayer Outdoors
What You Will Need to Follow This Tutorial
If you are not an experienced home-improver but want to complete an exterior house makeover, I’m here to help you take some of the headache out of this somewhat intimidating task. Just follow this straightforward, step-by-step guide. But before you start, make sure that you have all the items you need on this checklist:
- Exterior paint spray gun.
- Height adjustable ladder.
- Power washer.
- Masking tape, tarps, and plastic sheets to protect window and door frames.
- Stir sticks to mix paint for even color.
- Sufficient paint in your chosen color.
- Nozzles (optional nozzle extensions if desired)
- Empty buckets for paint mixing, clean up, and priming.
- Paintbrush for touch-ups.
- Cleaning rags.
- Overalls or old clothes.
- Personal protection equipment: dust mask, gloves, safety goggles, and spray hood.
How To Spray Paint a House Exterior: A Step by Step Guide
Step 1 — Prepare Your Home’s Exterior
Take your time with preparation. If you skimp on this crucial stage, you may not achieve your intended results.
- Move any outdoor furniture that you have nearby, if it’s not moveable, make sure it’s covered with dust sheets or tarps. Similarly for any plants or botanical features close by. Cover any windows, window frames and any other items that you don’t intend to paint. Masking plastic sheeting in place with tape is a great way to do this.
- Wash the walls thoroughly, a pressure washer will make short work of this. Applying paint to dirty walls is pointless as some of the marks may show through new paint coats. It can also cause frustrating paint clumps. It also gives you the opportunity to remove any peeling paint or mold. Once you’ve washed the walls, allow the walls to dry completely. This can sometimes take a couple of days, so make sure you give yourself enough time.
Step 2 — Start Painting
- When your home’s exterior is completely dry, set up your chosen paint sprayer. Choose the best spray nozzle for your job, based on the coating and the wall’s surface. Complete any priming requirements for your unit.
- Don your overalls, goggles, and other safety equipment.
- Start spraying. If you are a newbie to using a spray gun, it is usually easiest to start on the largest flat surface you have. Keep the nozzle between eight to twelve inches away from the wall for the best atomization and even finish. Go slowly and don’t rush.
- It’s usually best to start at the top of the house wall as any paint pools will run downwards.
- Depending on the material of your house, go with the flow. For example, if you have wooden horizontal boards, spray horizontally and go with the grain for the best results.
- Work in manageable sections. Start with the corners and edges to set the outline or border — just like a jigsaw puzzle. Once that’s completed, carry on but still working in smallish segments.
- Check the original paint container for how many coats you need to apply. Repeat the above steps as necessary.
Step 3 — Finishing Up and Cleaning
- As soon as you have finished applying as many coats as needed, clean up your sprayer as swiftly as you can. If you allow the paint to dry in outside paint sprayers, it’s much harder to remove. It could also cause unnecessary damage to your machine. Once you’ve rinsed your sprayer, allow it to dry completely before storage.
- Remove any protection that you placed on immovable things like plants.
- As for the wall, drying can sometimes take a few days. Once you’re sure that the paint is completely dry, begin removing any tape or plastic sheeting on the windows or doors. When all evidence of your work is removed — apart from the refreshed wall finish — move any furniture and other items back in place.
The 10 Best Exterior Paint Sprayers
The HomeRight Power Flo 2800 exterior paint sprayer is a fantastic option for DIYers after the best paint sprayer for house exteriors and other large-scale jobs.
For rapid coverage on substantial projects, the motor delivers a working pressure of 2800 psi. Furthermore, the pressure can be easily adjusted through a control dial and various fan patterns are at your disposal. These features mean flexibility when it comes to mediums, whether it’s stains or unthinned latexes.
The spray gun is chrome-plated to prevent corrosion but it’s still relatively lightweight. Additionally, to prevent irritating clogs, the installed 100 mesh filter acts as an added defense.
A flexible uptake pipe allows spraying straight from the paint canister, which is definitely a bonus as you can keep spraying for longer without stopping to refill a paint cup. The unit has a convenient and robust stand design, keeping the pump off the floor and preventing any moisture from making its way into your machine.
To make working on large size projects less strenuous, a 25-foot hose provides considerable reach. When you’re done for the day, clean up is fuss-free — just run water or solvent cleaning solution through the unit and leave to dry.
HomeRight delivers durable, quality power tools for both home-improvers and pro contractors. It’s now owned by the manufacturing giant, Wagner SprayTech, which provides further credibility to its machines as Wagner is world-renowned for its innovative devices.
- 2800 psi working pressure.
- Chrome-plated spray gun.
- 515 reversible nozzle.
- 25-foot hose.
- Rated Tool Nerds’ best exterior paint sprayer.
- Uptake tube sometimes struggles to reach the bottom of a five-gallon container.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The Graco TrueCoat Pro II falls into the somewhat unconventional category of handheld exterior paint sprayers. However, just because this unit is handheld doesn’t mean it lacks the capability to keep up with the big boys — far from it!
Suited toward prosumers and dedicated DIYers, this compact sprayer pushes out a substantial 2000 psi. It also can handle unthinned acrylics and latex, an ability that few handheld sprayers have. What’s more, the bespoke 515 fluid nozzle makes removing any clogs a straightforward affair.
Should you need it, this sprayer also supports the use of a size 517 tip, although it does need to be purchased separately. If you’re an inexperienced home-improver, there is a clear user manual to help you to achieve those professional-looking finishes.
There is a one-quart container that should hold enough medium for the majority of applications. You can also spray at any angle thanks to Graco’s patented Tilt-N-Spray feature — useful when working on house eaves and other protrusions.
ProControl technology allows for adjustments when switching between different coatings and base materials — simply dial the power output to your specific need to operate at pressures between 1000 and 2000 psi.
Graco is a home-grown USA company based in Minneapolis and boasts almost a century of experience in the fluid handling industry. Its tools are backed by an impressive warranty period — the company is not afraid to stand behind its durable products.
- Includes shoulder strap.
- Reversible 515 fluid nozzle.
- 15-foot power cable.
- Output of 2000 psi.
- Includes five, 32-ounce paint cup liners.
- Multi-angle spraying capability.
- No choice of spray patterns.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The Graco 17G180 Magnum Pro X19 exterior paint sprayer is designed for dedicated DIY and prosumer use. An airless tool, it allows rapid coverage with an even finish.
As it’s a cart-mounted unit, it’s easily moved around your job site — although a floor-standing model is also available, should you prefer. A 50-foot DuraFlex hose is included but if you require more reach, this sprayer supports a 150-foot hose without losing efficiency.
This package includes Graco’s SG3 spray gun and a TrueAirless 515 fluid nozzle — ideal for most unthinned coatings. At the heart of this machine is a robust stainless steel pump that cranks out up to 3000 psi operating pressure. The pump offers an extended life when compared to its competitors and can be changed in the field with no tools if required.
If the 0.875 horsepower is too much for your coating and project size, you have the option to tone the power down via a variable control dial. When it comes to coating containers, the Magnum Pro X19 can spray directly from either a one or five-gallon container through a flexible uptake tube.
Necessary clean up at the end of the day is undemanding thanks to a PowerFlush adaptor. For waterborne paints, just attach the connection to your garden hose and rinse.
Graco’s Pro line is angled toward prosumers and paint contractors. The Pro X19 is one of six models in this range with technology that increases your annual gallon output. Graco has been manufacturing durable, hard-working sprayers for almost 100 years and is the number-one choice for many professionals.
- 50-foot hose.
- PushPrime system for quick start-up.
- 0.38 gpm.
- Variable pressure.
- Cart-mounted configuration.
- SG3 paint gun.
- Flexible uptake tube.
- Could be intimidating for inexperienced DIYers.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
If you are looking for a versatile exterior paint sprayer, the Wagner FLEXiO 5000 is the centerpiece in the FLEXiO line. High-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) technology allows complete adjustability at your fingertips when working with a range of mediums on different size projects.
A floor-standing X-Boost turbine provides rapid coverage when working with high-density coatings and at the same time prevents arm and hand fatigue. The 1.5-quart paint container offers enough volume to coat surface areas of up to 120 feet in one go.
When you’re done for the day, the turbine housing functions as a tough storage case, keeping your hoses, guns, and nozzles in one easy to find place for next time. This sprayer comes with two different fluid nozzles as well as two correlating paint cups — making it even more versatile when it comes to both large jobs and finishing touches.
To further the sprayer’s reach, an 11.5-foot flexible hose comes as standard. This is secured to the unit’s body with a locking mechanism that prevents accidental disconnection. For a less stressful clean-up, Wagner has included its Lock-N-Go technology; swiftly breakdown the unit separate parts for thorough rinsing.
Wagner’s FLEXiO line allows spraying up to ten times faster than when working with a traditional brush while providing exceptionally precise control at the same time. Wagner is one of the largest manufacturers in the paint spraying world and has taken ownership of several competitors, including HomeRight and Titan Tools.
- Handles unthinned coatings including enamel and latex.
- Floor-based turbine housing doubles as safe storage.
- Fully adjustable HVLP output.
- Three spray patterns.
- Includes two nozzles and paint cups.
- Variable turbine speed.
- Could be overkill for occasional DIYers.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
<
The Wagner FLEXiO 2000 is an exterior paint sprayer powerful enough for the majority of tradespersons and committed home-improvers. Plus, its price point won’t break the bank.
Handling a variety of coatings, this HVLP sprayer offers total control when adjusting between different base materials and coatings via a two-stage turbine and 12-stage output dial. You also have the option of three different fan patterns — round, vertical and horizontal.
The manufacturer states the FLEXiO 2000 will coat a wall up to eight times faster than when working with a brush. A claim that is further backed by a 1.5-quart paint cup, which minimizes refills when working on projects of 10 by 12-feet.
At the business end of things, the iSpray nozzle has been specifically designed for work on sidings and walls. And when it comes to cleanup, the Lock-N-Go system lets you break the unit into five parts so you can ensure all the paint is removed before storage.
An inexpensive sprayer for committed home-improvers, the FLEXiO 2000 is the entry-level spray gun in Wagner’s FLEXiO series, but it still includes many facets of the larger machines. Wagner possesses over 70 years of experience in power tools and boasts some of the best customer service in the industry.
- iSpray nozzle for large projects.
- HVLP technology produces minimal overspray.
- 1.5-quart paint container.
- X-Boost variable power dial.
- Three spray patterns.
- Finds it difficult to deal with textured paints.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
When it comes to industrial-strength exterior paint sprayers, you won’t go far wrong with the Titan 640 paint gun. Sitting midway in the Impact series line from Titan, it has enough vigor to finish large exterior projects.
The 1.55 horsepower Duralife motor has an impressive max operating pressure of 3300 psi and can pump out up to 100 gallons per week. Furthermore, an LCD DigiTrac display allows you to keep track of all those important insights — gallons pumped, hours worked, and more.
Not only can you lock the device with a PIN code so that no one can vary your presets, but you can also set handy reminders for those key servicing moments.
A proprietary Sureflo Pusher Valve enables straightforward priming. Instead of using your hammer to dislodge the lower ball valve, simply assist the unit by just a push of your foot, and the ball releases.
You also get many other patented features that make this sprayer a joy to use. An AutoOiler lubricates the packings at just a push of a button. And to make your work life easier still, the Quad+ Packings prevent sealing lip and piston damage when working with abrasive coatings.
Titan boasts almost half a century of experience and professionalism. As an industry leader, it produces high-end machines with an abundance of features to make your spray life easier. Furthermore, the sleek and stylish red and chrome units look impressive in any workshop or garage.
- LCD digital technology.
- Straightforward priming.
- 50-foot hose for longer reach.
- 3300 psi output with an adjustable dial.
- Sprays up to 100 gallons per week.
- Comes at a substantial price point for occasional users.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
As for the best HVLP exterior paint sprayer, the Wagner FLEXiO 4000 wins my vote. It also has a portable turbine housing and a lengthy 15-foot hose making it an easily transportable device for use outdoors.
Like the other units in the FLEXiO range, X-Boost technology steps up to allow tailorable pressure output — enabling precise control yet speedy spraying with high-density coatings, such as latex. As the relatively weighty turbine is encased separately from the actual gun, hand and arm tiredness are significantly reduced. Furthermore, an ergonomic handle maximizes transportability.
An iSpray fluid nozzle is great for sizable surface areas. There is also a detail tip so that you can add those all-important finishing touches as well. Each nozzle includes its own cup and offers the choice of three spray patterns — horizontal, vertical, and circular.
To optimize personalization even further, the coating delivery rate can be varied according to your chosen coating and base. All this technology combines to give you a sprayer that not only gives you an evener finish than a brush but gets the job done 11 times faster too.
Hailing from the powerhouse Wagner, the FLEXiO 4000 is a long-living, durable paint sprayer. Wagner has been manufacturing products for over seven decades and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that’s showcased in its product lines.
- Floor-based turbine housing.
- Voluminous 1.5-quart paint container.
- X-Boost technology.
- Lock-N-Go easy clean system.
- Handles unthinned coatings.
- Relatively loud operation.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Another great airless exterior paint sprayer choice is Graco’s 17G177 Pro X17. Driving out up to 300 gallons per year, it definitely has the grunt to cope with large projects — in a way that only airless sprayers can.
Designed for professionals, this sprayer cranks out 0.34 gallons per minute (gpm). The SG3 spray gun can support up to a 0.017-inch fluid nozzle, which allows an eight by ten-inch pattern on each pass. Furthermore, the spray gun features a swivel connection, which keeps the hose from twisting and losing pressure during use.
On the topic of hoses, a lengthy 50-foot DuraFlex hose is included as standard, but should you need a 150-foot hose, this can be substituted with no loss of performance. As you would expect from a machine in this league, you have the option of spraying straight from a one or five-gallon paint container utilizing the flexible uptake pipe.
Even though this sprayer is somewhat compact in design, the piston style pump is substantial and, by virtue of the ProXChange system, can be easily changed in the field without the need for specialized tools.
When it comes to start-up and end of day processes, a straightforward user manual simplifies these procedures for you in plain English. Moreover, clean up is a breeze; all you need to do is connect the unit to your garden hose through the power flush adaptor.
While Graco offers whole ranges of products for every level of experience, it’s probably best known for durable, industrial-sized airless sprayers. With more than 90 years of fluid handling experience, Graco is a top choice for painting professionals.
- A compact portable unit.
- Capable of dealing with a variety of coatings.
- 0.75 horsepower motor.
- SG3 spray gun with 515 reversible nozzle.
- Tried and tested airless technology.
- Not compatible with smaller projects.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
If you want to keep things simple and fuss-free, a no-frills exterior paint sprayer such as the Goplus Airless paint sprayer is another possibility. This being said, it’s not an inferior machine because it lacks all the features of a more advanced device.
Offering a max of 3000 psi, the Goplus can spray unthinned coatings on a variety of midsize to large exterior projects — and deliver a smooth atomized finish. There is also fully adjustable volume delivery.
Favorably, you have the option of spraying directly from the included bucket or directly from the original paint container via a detachable suction pipe. For optimum reach, a 25-foot hose is included.
The Goplus is lightweight for an airless sprayer, weighing only 18.5 pounds — moving it a relatively effortless affair. A practical handle placed on top of the turbine casing aids portability. Additionally, you don’t need specialized tools to set up the unit nor for cleaning.
This sprayer doesn’t come from a leading brand in the spray industry, however, it has enough of the key features, quality, and durability to complete a variety of jobs.
- 25-foot power cord and hose.
- Portable lightweight unit.
- Sprays directly from included pail or original paint can.
- 0.32 gpm output.
- Straightforward, no-frills sprayer.
- Replacement parts can be challenging to locate.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
If you’re a DIYer who needs an exterior paint sprayer occasionally, the Wagner Control Pro 190 could be for you. You still get many pro features but they are slightly more user-friendly on this machine.
High efficiency airless (HEA) technology guarantees up to 55 percent less overspray but still delivers fine atomization — at the same time as consuming less power. You can also coat your mid to large-size exteriors three times quicker than with a brush.
Also, a max pressure of 1600 psi means no loss of performance when using the included 50-foot hose — allowing you to achieve greater scope. The ergonomically designed, all-metal spray gun means you can keep up with the spray rate of 0.40 gpm without hand fatigue.
This machine includes a 517 spray nozzle as standard but will support varying sizes — including 211 (for sealer), 313 (for stains), and even 519 for highly viscous paints. Furthermore, the 0.70 horsepower motor allows use with a range of mediums.
This power tool is part of Wagner’s Control Pro series, which is aimed toward DIYers who want professional-looking results. Wagner is not only one of the most notable manufacturers in the paint spraying and home-improvement industry, but it also offers exemplary customer service.
- HEA technology produces up to 55 percent less overspray.
- Lengthy 50-foot hose.
- Maximum operating pressure of 1600 psi.
- Supports a variety of different nozzles.
- Handy storage for hose, gun, and nozzles in the turbine housing.
- Can be time-consuming to clean.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Conclusion
When searching for the best paint sprayer for exterior house painting, it can seem like a never-ending endeavor — there are so many options available and they all claim to be the best.
But, hopefully, what you’ve learned in this exterior paint sprayers review is that some are better than others.
As outdoor projects tend to be a large undertaking, you need a machine that can keep up with your demands. A substantial horsepower motor is definitely a requirement but it should also have the option to be turned down to cope with finishing work.
The included nozzle should be suited to your spraying medium but if it’s not perfect, check to see if other diameters are supported. A lengthy hose or a handheld unit with a long power cable makes reaching wide expanses unchallenging.
If you’re new to operating a paint sprayer, then it’s helpful if the unit is simple to set up, prime (if required), and clean at the end of the day. A user-friendly manual or instructional DVD is extremely beneficial.
The take-home from this exterior paint sprayer review? There really is a machine suitable for everyone — regardless of budget, experience, and painting preferences.
Exterior Paint Sprayer FAQs
Q: What Is the Best Paint Sprayer for Exterior Painting?
When choosing the best paint sprayer for house exteriors, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. Firstly, does the machine have enough grunt to handle a large spray job? You also need to check the fluid nozzle to see if it’s compatible with your chosen coating. A great all-around device is the HomeRight Power Flo 2800 as it includes all the features that make exterior decorating straightforward.
Q: Is It Better To Roll or Spray Exterior House Paint?
One of the benefits of an outdoor paint spray gun is that you can work a lot quicker than with a traditional roller. You will also find that you achieve a more uniform, even coverage, especially if working on a textured base layer such as stucco.
Q: Are Exterior Paint Sprayers Worth the Money?
Investing in a paint sprayer for outdoor use can be a significant investment. However, there are many budget power tools on the market that provide impressive results — even though they cost less than high-end sprayers.
What it comes down to is how much is your time worth? If you’re happy to spend hours refreshing your exterior undertakings, then you may not think the cost of an exterior sprayer is worth it. But if you want impressive results with huge curb appeal in as little as a weekend, then an exterior paint sprayer is certainly worth the money.
Q: Are Airless Paint Sprayers Better for Exterior Painting?
Airless sprayers are a great option for large outside projects. They typically boast a lot more power and pressure output than their HVLP cousins. If you’re worried about how to use an airless paint sprayer on exterior undertakings, note that it’s similar to using an HVLP unit — the major difference is in set-up and priming.
Q: Do You Need To Thin Paint for a Sprayer?
When using a paint sprayer for exterior house jobs, it is always a good idea to check your unit’s instruction guide or user manual for thinning requirements. Many paints can be used without thinning, but if you own a less powerful unit, reducing the medium’s viscosity may be needed.