Why You Should NOT Buy the Ryobi Paint Sprayers
Anyone who has painted the old-fashioned way — with a brush or roller in hand — needs to know that these traditional methods cannot compete with the ultra-smooth finish delivered by a paint sprayer.
They’re serious time-savers, equally suited to addressing mammoth areas — such as property exteriors and border fencing — while also excellent for small touch-up work, like fixing car fenders or repairing furniture.
However, not all paint sprayers are created equal.
Unfortunately, while there are a plethora of creditable power painters on the market, there’s also a fair share of trash — a fact that’s exemplified by the absolute garbage that is, or was, the 2018 Ryobi paint sprayers range.
As our Ryobi paint sprayer reviews indicate, there is a multitude of reasons you shouldn’t waste your hard-earned dollars on these awful units.
Although the below Ryobi sprayers have now been discontinued, many online retailers — including some of the big-boy home-improvement outlets — continue to sell these models, perhaps in the vain hope of clearing old stock and breaking even on what have proven to be flawed products and wasted investments.
Ryobi Pro Tip Corded Sprayer
Our Rating: 1.0
The Pro Tip Corded Sprayer is the most basic, bottom-line sprayer from Ryobi — making it possibly the worst power painter ever built.
Basic isn’t a sufficiently derogatory term to describe this sprayer. Barebones? Skeleton? Carcass? It arrives on your doorstep including, get this…a sprayer. That’s it. Not even a nozzle or paint cup.
So, you can’t use it straight-outta-the box, you need to make additional purchases. That said, it could be an evil birthday present for someone you hate — as they unwrap the machine they’re initially overwhelmed by your generosity, which rapidly causes them disgust as they discover they need to spend a small fortune to make the darn thing work.
And, it gets worse.
As the unit has been discontinued — it’s virtually impossible to locate the parts required for its use. So, you have a pointless, unusable tool.
Perhaps most concerningly, is that the sprayer fails to meet the claims made by the manufacturer, namely:
- Reversible spray tip clears clogs quickly.
- GripZone for optimum grip and user comfort.
- Tungsten-carbide tip sprays out latex paint and stain.
- Quick-Lock container seamlessly locks into place to prevent spills.
- The unique filter is designed for picking paint up at its lowest point for continuous spray.
According to users, the tip constantly clogs — even with heavily thinned paint. The proprietary grip design is extremely uncomfortable, the Quick-Lock container doesn’t fit securely, and the machine struggles to make a consistent spray fan with stains — never mind thick latexes.
Alternative to the Ryobi Pro Tip Corded Sprayer
Our Rating: 4.9
Dropping down a price bracket, but still a great all-round machine for the amateur painter, is the Wagner Flexio 590. It comes with two spray nozzles, so you can complete small or large projects, from furniture or crafts, to a whole garden fence. This unit utilizes all types of paint without you having to thin them out.
A patented X-Boost power dial and X-Boost turbine system give you access to 10 different speed settings. You can adjust it until you get the ideal amount of paint dispensed for your project. The spray pattern can also be changed between circular, vertical, and horizontal.
- Cheaper than the Titan 1700.
- Can be adjusted for paint delivery and spray patterns.
- Sprays sealant, paint, or varnish, straight from the tin without thinning.
Ryobi P630 One+ 18v Cordless Power Paint Sprayer
Our Rating: 2.5
Cordless paint sprayers provide the ultimate in operational freedom — allowing you to be freed from the shackles of mains tethering. As such, they’re the go-to machines for DIYers, being the most portable of all power painters.
Then Ryobi created the P630 One+ — the biggest mistake since Mia Farrow introduced Woody Allen to her daughter.
Again, Ryobi lauds its products’ features and benefits:
- Cordless convenience means paint projects have no limits.
- Quick-Lock container prevents spills.
- Three spray patterns — round, horizontal, and vertical.
- Flexible tube design and ergonomic handle.
- 5.5 gallons per hour.
The ‘no-limits’ claim is laughable — from the moment you open the box, you’re more than limited — you can’t use the machine at all. Arriving without a battery or charger, there’s no darn power source. And again, as it’s discontinued, finding these crucial components is virtually impossible.
Even when some lucky owners were able to locate a power cell — they discovered the operational time was no more than 10-15 minutes — hardly sufficient to cover a standard 36 by 80-inch door.
As with the corded version, the P630 suffers from leakage at the paint container thread, leading to both mess and wastage. And, while the nozzle doesn’t seem to block as frequently as its mains-driven counterpart — it struggles to create an even fan, with one owner stating it provides ‘more splatter than spray.’
Alternative to the Ryobi P630 One+
Our Rating: 4.8
Looking for a cordless sprayer that actually includes a battery and charger? This could be the answer.
Driven by a 2000 mAh 20-volt cell (yes, it’s in the box), the NEU MASTER offers around 25 minutes of runtime from one charge. Boasting three interchangeable tips — 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mm — it allows you to select the perfect nozzle to suit your thin or dense coating medium.
The unit arrives with a generous 0.95-quart cup. Like the Ryobi, it has a quick-lock feature — but due to solid threading and a robust gasket — it doesn’t leak even when the machine is inverted. Furthermore, this paint container features an easy-fill system, permitting you to replenish your medium supply without having to remove the cup from the gun.
- Stamina-elevating soft-grip handle.
- Rated for both inside and outside projects.
- Includes a cell and charger.
- Lightweight.
- Affordable.
Ryobi P635 One+ 18v Cordless Backpack Power Paint Sprayer
Our Rating: 1.2
Obviously not content with their first two disasters — the designers at Ryobi apparently put their heads together and decided to create the most ridiculous paint sprayer possible.
And, giving credit where it’s due — they achieved this lofty goal.
The P635 One+ initially appears to be a solid concept — a lightweight gun with no weight elevating paint cup. Instead, the coating medium is stored in a massive backpack-mounted container. Thus, cutting back on refilling and taking the strain off your hands.
If this model had been created by another manufacturer — perhaps one where its designers had more than a box of crayons and a coloring book — it may have had a chance to succeed. Unfortunately, it was made by Ryobi.
So, here are its claims:
- Cordless.
- Round, horizontal, and vertical spray patterns.
- High-capacity ergonomic backpack.
- Innovative delivery system — eliminates the need for dilution.
- Roller attachment.
- Paint sprays from the gun without the trigger being depressed.
- Splatters and coughs constantly.
- Quick-connect couplings leak and have thread shearing issues.
- Turning the head doesn’t change the spray pattern.
However, the crowning glory has to be the roller attachment.
It doesn’t roll. So, you basically smear your walls with paint. That is if you’re lucky enough to enjoy paint penetrating the flock head. Many owners indicate that the paint reaches the attachment, then drips down hands and arms.
Alternative to the Ryobi P635 One+
Should you be looking for a high-volume paint sprayer — but would prefer the container not to leak — I recommend you check out this machine.
Boasting a generous 1.5-quart cup, the FLEXiO 5000 contains sufficient capacity to cover 120-square feet from a single fill. Sure, it’s corded, but at least that means you’ll manage to complete your project in one day without waiting for a battery to recharge — and you don’t have to make any additional purchases.
A variable-speed proprietary X-Boost turbine feature means that this unit is as competent in delivering thin stains and sealers as it is dense latexes and chalks. A lengthy 11.5-foot hose gives substantial operational freedom, while a user-selectable choice of two nozzles allows you to switch between rapid coverage and fine-finishing work.
Lightweight for an external turbine unit — and featuring a robust carry handle — portability is relatively effortless. And, when not in use, the hose, power cord, gun, and attachments can be stored inside the unit’s casing.
- Respected iSpray nozzle.
- Material volume flow control.
- Lock-N-Go system for rapid dismantling.
- Selectable spray-width.
- Includes 0.5 and 0.85-quart containers.
Find the Best Handheld Paint Sprayers Here
If nothing else, let’s raise a glass to those unfortunate guys who purchased one of the above discontinued machines. Their terrible experiences and misfortunes mean that others will not suffer the same pains and loss of money.
So, to ensure your paint sprayer actually saves you time and effort — instead of creating more — here are my top picks to choose from instead of the Ryobi brand.
Alternatives to Ryobi Paint Sprayers
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Best Handheld
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Best Handheld
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Check Price at Amazon | |
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Best Cordless
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Best Cordless
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Check Price at Amazon | |
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Best Airless Cordless
 
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Best Airless Cordless
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon | |
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Best High Capacity
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Best High Capacity
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon |
See Our Paint Sprayer Picks
Different Types of Paint Sprayers
