The Best Touch-Up Paint Guns — Buyer’s Guide, Reviews, and Comparisons
A touch-up paint gun is a must in any home improvers armory. It’s an inevitable part of life that bumps and scratches will happen to your doors, tables, and even cars — especially if you have young children or pets. To make your possessions look as good as new, a spot spray gun is a perfect solution. Small, easy to wield, and adaptable, these tools will quickly become your new favorite.
- 2.0-mm brass fluid nozzle.
- Our best touch-up spray gun.
- 400-watt turbine.
- Viscosity cup for straightforward dilution.
Touch Up Paint Guns Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best Touch-Up Spray Gun for Versatility
|
Best Touch-Up Spray Gun for Versatility
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon HomeRight Finish Max Review HomeRight Finish Max Review | |
|
Best Compressor Driven Touch-Up Paint Gun
|
Best Compressor Driven Touch-Up Paint Gun
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Eastwood Concours Pro HVLP Detail Gun Review Eastwood Concours Pro HVLP Detail Gun Review | |
|
Best Touch-Up Spray Gun for Low Viscosity Coatings
|
Best Touch-Up Spray Gun for Low Viscosity Coatings
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Wagner Control Spray Double Duty Review Wagner Control Spray Double Duty Review | |
|
Best Handheld Touch-Up Paint Gun
|
Best Handheld Touch-Up Paint Gun
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Wagner Control Spray 250 Review Wagner Control Spray 250 Review | |
|
Best for Automotive Touch-Ups
|
Best for Automotive Touch-Ups
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Wagner Motocoat Review Wagner Motocoat Review | |
|
Best Prosumer Touch-Up Paint Gun
|
Best Prosumer Touch-Up Paint Gun
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Central Pneumatic Touch Up Spray Gun Review Central Pneumatic Touch Up Spray Gun Review |
Touch-Up Paint Gun Buying Guide
Using a paintbrush is also an option, but not if you want to avoid ugly brush strokes. As spot spraying and touching up is a delicate operation, you can’t just pick up any old sprayer and get started. There are a few key aspects that need to be kept in mind when choosing the best device for the job, such as:
- Nozzle size.
- Power output.
- Portability and size of the sprayer.
- Coating cup size.
- Versatility.
- Price point.
- Durability.
What Are Touch-Up Paint Guns Used For?
How To Choose the Best Touch-Up Paint Gun
Nozzle Size
As most touch-up jobs tend to be small by nature, you definitely don’t want a nozzle that provides a broad fan pattern. One that provides a focused spray will help you prevent unnecessary paint wastage.
In terms of choosing the correct size for your coating, this really depends on what you need to spot spray. For example, touching up with a stain requires a smaller nozzle orifice than touch-ups with metallic paints. Many spray gun fabricators provide a simple chart explaining which mediums can be used with each gun or nozzle. It’s wise to check this before making a purchase.
Paint Cup Size
And while there are some very large paint cups on the market, a small and compact one is likely to suit your needs better. A smaller container also helps you keep the weight in your hand to a minimum — reducing any annoying arm fatigue possibilities.
Price Point and Versatility
Something to keep in mind if you have a variety of home improvement projects lined up: you could invest in a general-purpose unit that also doubles as a touch-up paint spray gun to cover all angles. However, if you only have a few touch-ups to complete, you probably don’t want to spend an extortionate amount on a machine that you’ll only use occasionally.
Power Output
As I keep mentioning, but it is important, you want to complete small-scale painting. A paint gun with a low power output is more than enough to cover a small area. Even better, a machine that offers easy adjustments when it comes to material flow and power output should be foremost. This will allow you to perfectly match the power and paint flow to your job’s size and chosen coating.
Portability and Size of Sprayer
How To Use a Touch-Up Paint Sprayer
What You Will Need to Follow This Tutorial
Even though the tutorials differ slightly, the essentials that you need in this step by step guide are the same.
- Touch-up paint sprayer.
- Correct paint color or stain and primer if required.
- Sandpaper.
- Dish soap mixed with water.
- Appropriately sized nozzle.
- Masking tape.
- Plastic sheeting or tarps.
- Masking tape.
- Cleaning cloths.
- Personal protection equipment — dust mask, safety goggles, and spray sock hood.
How To Touch-Up Cabinets and Other Furniture Items: A Step by Step Guide
Step 1 — Step 1: Preparing Your Workplace and Furniture
- Possibly the most difficult task is identifying what color your cabinets or furniture were painted originally. If you completed that project, perhaps you made note of the original coating, or better yet, have some leftover paint handy.
If you’re not that fortunate, you can still achieve an exact color match if your furniture was factory sprayed, contacting the manufacturer usually helps.If neither of the above applies to you, grab an array of paint swatches from your local hardware store and choose the closest match.
- Next, you may need to remove any cabinet knobs, hinges, or drawer pulls depending on which part and what type of task you are touching up.
- Even though you are only completing a small touch up, it’s still best to thoroughly clean your item to remove any dust, debris, or even grease — the best method for this is simply a spray of dish soap mixed with water. Then wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Allow time to dry completely.
- Your scratch or chipped area may look more apparent now. Take your 320 grit sandpaper and gently smooth the surface. This grade is perfect for this job as it will not take off too much extra paint.
- After you have smoothed the area with sandpaper, take your damp cloth once again and wipe away any dust. Again, allow to dry completely.
- Once dry, I like to mask and apply plastic sheeting to the body of my project, only leaving the offending part exposed. This offers ultimate protection in case of any overspray.
Step 2 — Start Paint Spraying
- Now that you’re ready to start painting, make sure you put on your protective gear and that the area you’re working in is well ventilated.
- Choose the correct nozzle size for your job size and paint and also adjust your sprayer to the right fluid output — select the lowest power setting possible for the best control.
- Stay about 8 to 12 inches away from your project and start spraying gently. It’s better to apply multiple thin coats to achieve a smooth finish. Once a light coat has been applied, allow it to dry. Then repeat until your item is blemish-free.
- Depending on the type of coating you’re using, you may need to start off with a primer. In which case, repeat steps two and three for both primer and your finishing coat.
Step 3 — Finishing Up
- Remove any tape and plastic sheeting once your paint is completely dry and reattach any pulls, handles, or hinges that you removed initially.
- Make sure to clean your sprayer thoroughly after use and allow it to air dry before you pack it away.
How To Touch-Up Your Vehicle: A Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Preparing Your Automobile
- Once again, selecting the correct color is important to your end result. The best way to identify the matching medium is to check the firewall on your motor — there will be a small tag with the paint code and body number on it. Also, don’t forget to invest in primer unless your coating specifies primer is not required.
- Check that the area is rust free. If there is a small spot, apply a small amount of rust preventer to stop more rust from forming under the fresh paint.
- Carefully sand the area with 220 grit sandpaper — just enough to allow the primer to adhere.
- Thoroughly wash the area and remove any dust or wax and allow it to dry completely.
- Once dry, cover the area of bodywork you don’t intend to spray with plastic sheeting and secure in place with masking tape.
Step 2: Start Spraying
- Once everything is prepared, don your protective equipment and set up your sprayer following the manufacturer’s user manual — making sure to select the correct paint output on the dial and the best nozzle size.
- Turn down the output and start with the primer. Use just enough to cover the damaged area.
- Allow the primer to dry. Use this time to clean and adjust your sprayer for your finishing coat.
- Go slowly! Start to spray your topcoat, gently working inward from the edges for the best result. Keep between 8 to 12 inches away from the body to prevent an overload of paint and ensure a thin, even coat.
- Allow the paint job to dry completely and remove the plastic sheeting and tape.
Step 3: Finishing Up
- As soon as you have finished applying all the necessary coats, rinse and clean your sprayer immediately. Procrastinating on this task can allow the paint to harden in the unit, making it impossible to remove and shortening the lifetime of your sprayer.
- Once the paint is completely dry, you can polish and wax your automobile to achieve that high-gloss sheen you intended.
The Top 6 Touch-Up Paint Guns
Handheld touchup paint guns like the HomeRight Finish Max are a fantastic invention — they remove the need for a separate costly compressor and can still spray multiple mediums. Granted, some mediums may require thinning but to make that a no-brainer, a handy viscosity cup makes dilution child’s play.
The 0.84-quart paint cup is the ideal size for those touch-up jobs that you have lined up with this HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) sprayer. While the 2.0-mm brass nozzle steps up to provide an even finish with no drips. You also have the choice of three spray patterns, so that you can adjust the fan to any project.
You also have a simple dial to control the output from the 400-watt turbine, which allows for adjustment to volume delivery when working with primers, enamels, latex, stains, and sealers.
When your project is finished, this sprayer is easy to clean as it comes with a useful cleaning brush. The only extra thing you need is water to clean up water-based coatings and mineral spirits for any oil-based paint.
HomeRight is a subsidiary of industry giant, Wagner SprayTech. The Finish Max falls midway in HomeRight’s HVLP range, which is aimed towards pro painters and DIY newbies alike.
- Versatile 2.0-mm brass nozzle.
- Tool Nerds’ top pick.
- Handheld unit.
- Volume output dial.
- Great for DIYers.
- 400-watt turbine.
- Some mediums may require thinning before use.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The 0.84-quart paint cup is the ideal size for those touch-up jobs that you have lined up with this HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) sprayer. While the 2.0-mm brass nozzle steps up to provide an even finish with no drips. You also have the choice of three spray patterns, so that you can adjust the fan to any project.
You also have a simple dial to control the output from the 400-watt turbine, which allows for adjustment to volume delivery when working with primers, enamels, latex, stains, and sealers.
When your project is finished, this sprayer is easy to clean as it comes with a useful cleaning brush. The only extra thing you need is water to clean up water-based coatings and mineral spirits for any oil-based paint.
HomeRight is a subsidiary of industry giant, Wagner SprayTech. The Finish Max falls midway in HomeRight’s HVLP range, which is aimed towards pro painters and DIY newbies alike.
- Versatile 2.0-mm brass nozzle.
- Tool Nerds’ top pick.
- Handheld unit.
- Volume output dial.
- Great for DIYers.
- 400-watt turbine.
- Some mediums may require thinning before use.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The compressor-driven Eastwood Concours Pro detail touchup paint gun provides the ultimate finishes when working on spot spray projects. It excels at outstanding atomization through its 1-mm fluid nozzle and can adapt between automotive and home uses effortlessly.
Only requiring a small compressor to drive out 3 cfm is definitely a bonus as it gives you complete control when working on small touch-ups.
There is also a compact 0.11-quart nylon paint cup, which keeps the weight in your hand at a minimum and reduces arm fatigue when operating at awkward angles.
To adjust the flow output, there is a convenient rear-mounted dial — great when switching between different coatings. When you’re done with your repair, cleaning is simplified by using the included soft wire cleaning brush.
Eastwood manufactures a plethora of products and is possibly most known for its focus on metalwork. This being said, its spray guns are durable and well designed and the company manufactures a spray gun suitable for any spray painting project.
- Stainless steel internal components prevent corrosion.
- 3 cfm at 22 psi.
- Operates with a multitude of coatings.
- Lightweight at only two pounds.
- Compact paint cup.
- Includes cleaning brush.
- Flow control dial misses clear gradient markings.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Only requiring a small compressor to drive out 3 cfm is definitely a bonus as it gives you complete control when working on small touch-ups. There is also a compact 0.11-quart nylon paint cup, which keeps the weight in your hand at a minimum and reduces arm fatigue when operating at awkward angles.
To adjust the flow output, there is a convenient rear-mounted dial — great when switching between different coatings. When you’re done with your repair, cleaning is simplified by using the included soft wire cleaning brush.
Eastwood manufactures a plethora of products and is possibly most known for its focus on metalwork. This being said, its spray guns are durable and well designed and the company manufactures a spray gun suitable for any spray painting project.
- Stainless steel internal components prevent corrosion.
- 3 cfm at 22 psi.
- Operates with a multitude of coatings.
- Lightweight at only two pounds.
- Compact paint cup.
- Includes cleaning brush.
- Flow control dial misses clear gradient markings.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
If your touch-ups will mostly involve using stains and other low viscosity coatings, a handheld touch-up paint gun such as the Wagner Control Spray Double Duty could be more your style. With no costly compressor required, the two-stage turbine unit is perfect for small and midsize jobs.
You can tailor coating output precisely via a simple variable control dial — to adapt perfectly to low-density mediums. It also delivers prompt and complete flaw-free finishes at a rate of 4.9 fluid ounces per minute.
At the business end of things, there is Wagner’s proprietary Control Finish Nozzle, which is the perfect size to provide smooth finishes. You can also switch between three spray patterns — round, horizontal, and vertical — by twisting the end cap ears.
Two coating cups are included — 1 and 1.5 quarts, which allows you the chance to decide which is best depending on the size of your touch up. This is also only one of a few HVLP handheld units that come with a viscosity cup — making any necessary dilution when working with thicker paints easier.
The back end of this unit is home to a removable air filter that is braced to trap any debris and thus protecting the turbine, as well as guaranteeing a blemish-free finish. Which incidentally, you will achieve three times faster than with a brush.
Wagner is one of the most reputable manufacturers in the spray painting world and prides itself on creating durable machines for both DIYers and paint pros. The Control Series, in which the Double Duty features, is specifically designed to provide even finishes on those smaller jobs.
- Control Finish nozzle.
- Two differently sized coating cups.
- Easy dilution through a handy viscosity cup.
- Ideal for smaller projects.
- Three spray patterns.
- Handheld unit.
- The two-stage turbine provides 4.9 fluid ounces per minute.
- Dense coatings will require thinning.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
You can tailor coating output precisely via a simple variable control dial — to adapt perfectly to low-density mediums. It also delivers prompt and complete flaw-free finishes at a rate of 4.9 fluid ounces per minute.
At the business end of things, there is Wagner’s proprietary Control Finish Nozzle, which is the perfect size to provide smooth finishes. You can also switch between three spray patterns — round, horizontal, and vertical — by twisting the end cap ears.
Two coating cups are included — 1 and 1.5 quarts, which allows you the chance to decide which is best depending on the size of your touch up. This is also only one of a few HVLP handheld units that come with a viscosity cup — making any necessary dilution when working with thicker paints easier.
The back end of this unit is home to a removable air filter that is braced to trap any debris and thus protecting the turbine, as well as guaranteeing a blemish-free finish. Which incidentally, you will achieve three times faster than with a brush.
Wagner is one of the most reputable manufacturers in the spray painting world and prides itself on creating durable machines for both DIYers and paint pros. The Control Series, in which the Double Duty features, is specifically designed to provide even finishes on those smaller jobs.
- Control Finish nozzle.
- Two differently sized coating cups.
- Easy dilution through a handy viscosity cup.
- Ideal for smaller projects.
- Three spray patterns.
- Handheld unit.
- The two-stage turbine provides 4.9 fluid ounces per minute.
- Dense coatings will require thinning.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Perhaps a handheld touchup paint gun such as the Wagner Control Spray 250 is better suited if you prefer a unit that’s compact and straightforward to use. This stylishly designed unit is ideal for home improvers who want guaranteed precise results.
As an HVLP unit, the turbine pushes out 1.25 liters per minute without the need for a compressor. Paint delivery is also controllable via a user-friendly dial — allowing you to obtain flawless results when working with a mixture of mediums.
The Control Finish nozzle can adjust between three different patterns to help you finish midsize and small touch-up projects. For effortless cleanup, Wagner’s patented Lock-N-Go system allows complete dismantling — meaning that you won’t miss any coating hidden in hard to see places — ultimately increasing the lifetime of your sprayer.
This is another of Wagner’s Control Series, designed for home improvers and paint contractors who want a simple unit to get detailed work completed. Wagner boasts over seven decades of experience which is evident in all its products.
- Straightforward to clean
- Handheld unit.
- Three spray patterns.
- 0.85-quart paint cup.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Compatible with a variety of mediums.
- Relatively noisy.
- Not an inexpensive sprayer.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
As an HVLP unit, the turbine pushes out 1.25 liters per minute without the need for a compressor. Paint delivery is also controllable via a user-friendly dial — allowing you to obtain flawless results when working with a mixture of mediums.
The Control Finish nozzle can adjust between three different patterns to help you finish midsize and small touch-up projects. For effortless cleanup, Wagner’s patented Lock-N-Go system allows complete dismantling — meaning that you won’t miss any coating hidden in hard to see places — ultimately increasing the lifetime of your sprayer.
This is another of Wagner’s Control Series, designed for home improvers and paint contractors who want a simple unit to get detailed work completed. Wagner boasts over seven decades of experience which is evident in all its products.
- Straightforward to clean.
- Handheld unit.
- Three spray patterns.
- 0.85-quart paint cup.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Compatible with a variety of mediums.
- Relatively noisy.
- Not an inexpensive sprayer.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
A devoted gearhead needs a hardworking touchup paint gun, such as the Wagner Motocoat. The adjustable settings allow use with a variety of coats — and all you need to make your vehicle gleam.
There is a floor-based, two-stage turbine, which means the majority of the weight stays on the ground, not in your arm — substantially reducing arm fatigue. Additionally, there is enough oomph in this machine to handle primer and finishing mediums. You can adapt the patterns by just a twist of the Detail fluid nozzle. There is also a second iSpray nozzle included, making this a very versatile unit.
Furthermore, a substantial 20-foot hose means you don’t have to move the housing often to complete your project.
To prevent unnecessary interruptions to your work, there are two paint cups — a pro-grade metal 1-quart cup and a 1.5-quart plastic container. Both are perfectly sized for spot work.
To achieve optimum performance with this unit, there is an informative instruction manual and Wagner’s website has many helpful how-to videos.
The Motocoat is part of Wagner’s Control Series, a line of HVLP sprayers for DIYers and pro contractors. Wagner has been in the industry for over seventy years and has developed a variety of power tools that incorporate durability and practicality.
- Offers three spray patterns: circular, horizontal, and vertical.
- HVLP technology provides minimal overspray.
- Straightforward instruction manual.
- Two differently sized paint cups and nozzles.
- Ideal for automobile touch-ups.
- Some coatings may require thinning.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
There is a floor-based, two-stage turbine, which means the majority of the weight stays on the ground, not in your arm — substantially reducing arm fatigue. Additionally, there is enough oomph in this machine to handle primer and finishing mediums. You can adapt the patterns by just a twist of the Detail fluid nozzle. There is also a second iSpray nozzle included, making this a very versatile unit.
Furthermore, a substantial 20-foot hose means you don’t have to move the housing often to complete your project. To prevent unnecessary interruptions to your work, there are two paint cups — a pro-grade metal 1-quart cup and a 1.5-quart plastic container. Both are perfectly sized for spot work.
To achieve optimum performance with this unit, there is an informative instruction manual and Wagner’s website has many helpful how-to videos.
The Motocoat is part of Wagner’s Control Series, a line of HVLP sprayers for DIYers and pro contractors. Wagner has been in the industry for over seventy years and has developed a variety of power tools that incorporate durability and practicality.
- Offers three spray patterns: circular, horizontal, and vertical.
- HVLP technology provides minimal overspray.
- Straightforward instruction manual.
- Two differently sized paint cups and nozzles.
- Ideal for automobile touch-ups.
- Some coatings may require thinning.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
As a dedicated prosumer searching for a touchup paint gun, the Central Pneumatic Touch Up spray gun steps up.
This smaller unit prevents you from having to pull out your larger gun to get the job done. You still get all the features of a larger HVLP sprayer, such as reduced overspray, but in a compact package.
Furthermore, this device comes with a durable 0.8-mm stainless steel fluid tip and supports a variety of other nozzles to easily adapt for use with different coatings.
Only a small compressor that delivers 3.2 to 5.6 cfm at 40 psi is required for this spray gun, which comes with an air regulator and a 5.3-ounce gravity-feed paint cup. Additionally, the fan pattern and liquid output are fully adjustable.
Central Pneumatic falls under the Harborfreight umbrella, which started life as a family-owned company in the 1970s. It boasts over 7000 quality products from generators to small hand tools.
- Gravity-feed HVLP paint gun.
- 3.2 to 5.6 cfm at 40 psi.
- Ideally suited to automotive touch-ups.
- Durable and lightweight.
- 5.3-ounce paint cup.
- The fluid tip will need to be changed to handle thicker coatings.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
This smaller unit prevents you from having to pull out your larger gun to get the job done. You still get all the features of a larger HVLP sprayer, such as reduced overspray, but in a compact package.
Furthermore, this device comes with a durable 0.8-mm stainless steel fluid tip and supports a variety of other nozzles to easily adapt for use with different coatings.
Only a small compressor that delivers 3.2 to 5.6 cfm at 40 psi is required for this spray gun, which comes with an air regulator and a 5.3-ounce gravity-feed paint cup. Additionally, the fan pattern and liquid output are fully adjustable.
Central Pneumatic falls under the Harborfreight umbrella, which started life as a family-owned company in the 1970s. It boasts over 7000 quality products from generators to small hand tools.
- Gravity-feed HVLP paint gun.
- 3.2 to 5.6 cfm at 40 psi.
- Ideally suited to automotive touch-ups.
- Durable and lightweight.
- 5.3-ounce paint cup.
- The fluid tip will need to be changed to handle thicker coatings.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Conclusion
Whether you’re an aspiring prosumer looking to attain pro-looking finishes or an occasional DIYer that just likes everything to look good, there’s a machine that can handle your needs.
As a quick recap, things that should stand out in your chosen device include the size of the nozzle — you need to make sure that it is compatible with your preferred coating. A gun that provides minimum overspray is also a must — even though you should coat the surrounding areas with protective sheeting, you don’t want to spray more paint than is necessary.
Fully adjustable power and paint flow are a must to achieve precise control. Remember, the lower the better for these kinds of projects. And at the end of the day, don’t forget to take into account the size and portability, not just to move around as you complete your job, but so you can store the unit safely when you’re done.
My parting words: a good touch-up paint gun will reduce your life stress, you will not worry about scrapes and scratches and, in fact, be eager to fix them because it’s so much fun.
Touch-Up Paint Gun FAQs
Q: Do I Need a Special Paint for a Touch-Up Spray Gun?
The good news is no, you don’t. Some paints may require thinning before use but thinner mediums, such as stain and varnish, can be used straight from the canister.
Q: Is Spraying Paint Better Than Using a Brush for Touch-Ups?
Definitely, it may take a little more set up than working with a brush but ultimately, you will end up with no unsightly brush strokes. Leaving you with a flawless finish that only you know was touched up.
Q: Do Professional Painters Use Touch-Up Paint Sprayers?
Yes, especially when it comes to auto restoration. Many professionals find they just can’t achieve that immaculate finish with a traditional paintbrush — no matter how much polishing and waxing you do after.
Q: Is It Dangerous To Use a Touch-Up Sprayer Indoors?
Whenever you use a touch-up spray gun, you must always wear protective gear such as goggles, sprayhood, and a face mask, regardless of whether you are working indoors or outside.
Spraying indoors can be hazardous if the area is not well ventilated. To make sure you stay safe, open any windows and doors, and consider using a fan to keep clean air flowing freely.
Q: How Much Does a Touch-Up Spray Gun Cost?
With touch-up spray guns becoming increasingly popular, the costs of the units is coming down. These days, it is possible to pick up a decent device for less than you spend on a tank of gas.