When shopping for paint sprayers you will encounter so many different types and sizes. While some products are relatively large and require the use of a hose and cart to operate, others are hand-held and considered relatively easy to use.
In this in-depth review and buyer’s guide, we are going to focus on the best handheld paint sprayer and why they are considered the best option when it comes to DIY projects. Handheld paint sprayers have a simple design that makes them easy to control and use with just one hand.
Most people prefer the handheld paint sprayer design because it lets you create and control spray patterns which are important especially when it comes to handling furniture. In this article, we are going to look at the top ten handheld paint sprayers in the market highlighting the features pros, and cons.
The buyer’s guide includes what to consider when purchasing a handheld paint sprayer and a comparison between HVLP and handheld airless spray systems.
Contents
- 1 Best Handheld Paint Sprayers – Comparison Table
- 2 Top 10 Best Handheld Paint Sprayer – Reviews
- 2.1 1. Graco 17D889 – Best Handheld Airless Paint Sprayer
- 2.2 2. Wagner Spraytech 0518080 Control Spray Max HVLP Stain
- 2.3 3. REXBETI Ultimate-750 Paint Sprayer – Budget Pick
- 2.4 4. HomeRight C800971.A Super Finish Max Extra Power Painter
- 2.5 5. Wagner 0529021 FLEXiO 890 Stationary HVLP Paint Sprayer
- 2.6 6. HomeRight C800766, C900076 Finish Max
- 2.7 7. Wagner Spraytech 0518050 Control Spray
- 2.8 8. Graco Magnum 262800 X5 – Best Airless Handheld Paint Sprayer
- 2.9 9 . Wagner Spraytech 0529010 FLEXiO 590
- 2.10 10 . Wagner 0525032 Power Painter Max
- 3 How To Choose The Right Handheld Paint Sprayer
- 4 Handheld Airless Vs HVLP: Which Is Best?
- 5 Advantages & disadvantages of handheld spray guns
- 6 Why do you Need a handheld paint sprayer?
- 7 Final Verdict
Best Handheld Paint Sprayers – Comparison Table
Top 10 Best Handheld Paint Sprayer – Reviews
1. Graco 17D889 – Best Handheld Airless Paint Sprayer
The Graco 17D889 TrueCoat 360 VSP is considered a versatile handheld airless paint sprayer that is suitable for both exterior and interior painting projects. This model has incorporated several spraying techniques and the use of compressed air to ensure the user always gets a professional style finish.
It includes a sensitive trigger that helps you change spraying speed according to the amount of pressure that you apply. The firm design grip also helps to maintain the spray pattern and ensures the neatness of the entire project. The spraying tools included can be reused an infinite number of times and are quite easy to clean.
It is guaranteed that you will get a smooth finish with the Graco 17D889 TrueCoat 360 VSP since it has a pressure of 1500 PSI. One considerable advantage of the Graco 17D889 TrueCoat 360 VSP is that you get to spray in any direction and angle without any leakages due to the integrated vacuum valve technology. This feature comes in handy when you need to paint your ceilings.
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Pros
- Supports various directions and angles
- Reversible tips in case of clogging
- Liner bags can be recycled and reused
- Easy to use
- Supports high-pressure unthinned paint spraying
Cons
- Has a recommended usage of 25 gallons per year
2. Wagner Spraytech 0518080 Control Spray Max HVLP Stain
When you need precise and direct control when spray painting, this model is one of the best options. Whenever spraying from ½ inches to 12 inches, you get a masterpiece finish which is a huge advantage over brushes and spray cans.
Weighing 11.2 pounds, the Wagner Spraytech 0518080 requires an input voltage of 110 and it can be either alternating or direct current. This makes it quite easy to use and adaptable in different areas. It uses HVLP technology to ensure that you get a fine finish with no overspray.
This handheld paint sprayer makes it easy to work on thinner and less thick substances such as latex and lacquers. This powerful handheld paint sprayer includes air pressure control, a powerful two-stage turbine engine, and a metal gun sprayer. However, this device does not include an anti-clogging system which makes it quite difficult to use.
Some angles and directions are difficult to work on when using the Wagner Spraytech 0518080 since leaking is inevitable. If you are a professional painter, then this device will prove sufficient and you will not encounter difficulties.
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Pros
- Three spray patterns available depending on substances
- Two-stage turbine helps when dealing with stains, latex, and lacquers
- Adjustable air pressure control
Cons
- Not easy to use especially when you are an amateur
- Spillage may occur
3. REXBETI Ultimate-750 Paint Sprayer – Budget Pick
One of the most financially friendly handheld paint sprayers in the current market is the REXBETI Ultimate-750. It comes with awesome features such as a 3-way spray pattern setting and an advanced motor to ensure you get the perfect finish.
Since it is integrated with HVLP technology, this handheld paint sprayer is suitable for all outdoor and indoor projects that you might have. You don’t need to worry about overspray since the HVLP technology gives this device an output of 750ml per minute.
You could also spray thinner substances such as latex and lacquers thanks to the 1.88MM brass nozzle that this handled device is equipped with.
Working on bed liners, walls, and furniture is relatively easy when using the REXBETI Ultimate-750. It also includes a firm grip which ensures you can comfortably lift the container capacity of 800ml. The biggest downside with this device is that there is no battery option included which may limit its functionality.
The REXBETI Ultimate-750 can only work when you have an electric source making it a huge disadvantage to some individuals. This device is, however, perfect for people on a low budget because you get all the advanced features but at a pocket-friendly cost.
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Pros
- Affordable
- Fine finish
- Brass nozzle
- Compact simple design
Cons
- No battery option
- Most suitable for indoor use
4. HomeRight C800971.A Super Finish Max Extra Power Painter
The HomeRight series includes several state-of-the-art handheld paint sprayers, and the HomeRight C800971 is the newest addition to the family. It includes a powerful motor turbine and incorporates HVLP technology to ensure you save a lot of time when it comes to thinning thicker paints.
It also includes 6 tips spray sizes to ensure you can handle all the different types of projects. Since it is suitable for both water and oil-based substances, spraying stains, varnish, enamel, and latex is not a problem. The setup is quite simple making it one of the most user-friendly models in the market.
The HomeRight C800971 uses a precision brass spray tip, adjustable air cap, and 400 watts of power to atomize paint and therefore give you a fine professional finish. Working with this device is considerably easy and you don’t need to be a professional to get quality work done.
One downside that was hard to ignore, is the short outlet which makes it hard to reach certain surfaces. However, it is a great option for amateurs since it is both easy to maintain and use.
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use and maintain
- Saves time when it comes to pain-thinning
- Suitable for both water and oil-based substances
Cons
- A little pricy
- Not suitable for painting certain angles such as ceilings
- Plastic body
5. Wagner 0529021 FLEXiO 890 Stationary HVLP Paint Sprayer
This device is considered quite ideal for both outdoor and indoor use. It includes several features that ensure you get a fine finish on any material and surface. An HVLP model, is considered as light and quiet.
The Wagner 0529021 FLEXiO 890 can be used to achieve both vertical and horizontal spray patterns due to the flexible tip and durable spray nozzle. With this device, those hard-to-reach spots are no longer a problem. It includes a detailed finish nozzle that is great for all kinds of touch-ups and small painting jobs.
The biggest advantage of the Wagner 0529021 FLEXiO 890 is that you can use regular paint without diluting it in any way. This means that you don’t have to dilute paint yourself or purchase expensive specialty paints. Beginners, especially, find this feature to be quite impressive since it reduces the workload tremendously.
With the Wagner 0529021 FLEXiO 890, there is no instructional content and you will have to search online for instructional videos. This is a huge downside when you expected to find an instructional manual and get to work immediately.
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Detailed sprayer
- Quiet
- Easy to use
Cons
- Subject to overspray mist
6. HomeRight C800766, C900076 Finish Max
One of the most compact, affordable, and lightweight handheld paint sprayers in the current market are the HomeRight C800766, and C900076 Finish Max. It uses HVLP technology to ensure all surfaces are easily painted and the finish is fine.
With this unit, you don’t need the experience to operate it effectively. It is relatively easy to use and you can start decorating and fixing your furniture, windows, fences, and walls almost immediately. It features a control knob to help you adjust between 1 to 6 inches.
It weighs about 3.2 pounds making it convenient to use for all types of indoor applications. What makes this model unique is its price when you consider the functionality. It is budget-friendly making it a must-have for households. Most people prefer having it in their garage just in case they may need to use it.
A huge downside of the HomeRight C800766, C900076 Finish Max is the short power cord. To solve this issue you will need to purchase an extension cord. However, most people consider extension cords redundant and uncomfortable.
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Pros
- Affordable
- HVLP technology
- Lightweight
- User-friendly
Cons
- Short power cord
7. Wagner Spraytech 0518050 Control Spray
The Wagner Spraytech 0518050 comes with 3 different spray patterns and incorporates HVLP technology to ensure users get a professional finish. This Wagner model comes highly ranked and recommended among handheld paint sprayers.
This device gives the user variable patterns and covers an 8-inch x 10-inch surface in under five minutes. You get to spray 8.0 gallons within an hour, which is impressive. It also ensures that its users can comfortably handle lacquers, varnishes, stains, urethanes, and sealers which is pretty incredible if you ask me. This also means that you can use this handheld paint sprayer for more than one project type.
The Wagner Spraytech 0518050 includes a 2-stage motor turbine with continuous airflow to ensure you get a fine finish. The included cap system also ensures that vertical, round, and horizontal shapes can be achieved easily using this device.
Setting up the Wagner Spraytech 0518050 takes about five minutes while the clean-up will take you around ten minutes. This makes this model quite easy to use and user-friendly. The biggest downside of the Wagner Spraytech 0518050 is that it is a bit too heavy for a few users. Otherwise, it is a great model that will get you to value your money.
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Pros
- Affordable
- Controllable flow
- 3 different patterns
- Easy to assemble and use
- Clean-up takes 10 minutes
Cons
- A little heavy for some users
8. Graco Magnum 262800 X5 – Best Airless Handheld Paint Sprayer
This airless handheld paint sprayer includes several features that make it easy to use and ensures that you get a professional finish. The Graco Magnum 262800 X5 gives you ultimate control over the pressure thus ensuring that you can handle all project sizes.
This unit has a steel piston pump that helps you spay unthinned paint at very high pressure, therefore, getting a smooth finish. You could also work directly from your paint bucket thus ensuring that you can work with either a 1 or 5-gallon bucket of paint. This feature helps ensure that you can monitor the amount of paint you use and that you don’t have to constantly refill.
The Graco Magnum 262800 X5 is easy to clean up thus saving you a lot of time. You simply need to connect to a gardening hose as shown in the instructional. This unit is also quite effective since the tip can be reversible to ensure you keep on spraying even when clogged.
This unit, however, has a recommended use of about 125 gallons per year which is a lot. This was a huge downside, especially for buyers who don’t intend to use it regularly.
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Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to set-up
- Continuous spraying
- Spray from the paint bucket directly
- Spray unthinned paint
Cons
- Annual recommendation of 125 gallons
9 . Wagner Spraytech 0529010 FLEXiO 590
When you want to apply a superior and professional finish to your furniture, ceilings, walls, fences, trims, cabinets, and more, then the Wagner Spraytech 0529010 FLEXiO 590 should be among your top choices. It includes two nozzles which makes it ideal for all types of projects. The spray nozzle is great for large jobs while the Detail Finish nozzle is effective for fine finishing and small projects.
With this unit, the user gets to spray unthinned exterior and interior paints since it has a powerful X-Boost turbine. There is a ten-speed included feature that helps achieve precise control and adjust material flow. This unit is, therefore great for all the different DIY projects at home.
The overspray is considerable and therefore comes as a huge challenge to users of this unit. The good news is that you can control the speed to reduce overspray. You should also ensure that you properly clean this unit every time you finish working on a project.
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Pros
- Two nozzle options
- Perfect for all sorts of projects
- Spray unthinned materials
- Adjustable paint flow
- Easy to use
Cons
- A little bit of overspray
10 . Wagner 0525032 Power Painter Max
Whether you are working on large surfaces or small, the Wagner 0525032 Power Painter Max is quite capable of handling the painting project. It includes a multi-directional suction tube which ensures the user can spray in all directions. This means that this unit is perfect for intricate designs and hard-to-reach areas.
One incredible feature of the Wagner 0525032 Power Painter Max is the low-level indicator. It sounds like a small thing, but this feature ensures that you don’t find yourself wasting a lot of time re-doing work since you keep running out of paint.
The Wagner 0525032 Power Painter Max is also quite user-friendly and easy to refill while working on a project. An added advantage of this unit is that it works well with thicker latex paint making it convenient for beginners to use. However, the Wagner 0525032 Power Painter Max is considered by some of its users as being loud and time-consuming to clean.
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Pros
- Thicker latex paint can be used
- Easy to control
- Overspray is reduced
Cons
- Loud
- Time-consuming to clean
How To Choose The Right Handheld Paint Sprayer
Just like buying any other tools, there are a lot of things you need to consider before purchasing a handheld paint sprayer. Now, from the top 10 handheld paint sprayers listed above, you must have noticed that they come with several different combinations of features.
This makes it difficult for most consumers to pick a handheld paint sprayer to fit their needs. If you are such a consumer then you have come to the right place. Below are what you need to consider before purchasing a handheld paint sprayer.
Compact design
Just as the name suggests, handheld paint sprayers are portable units. However, some designs are not compact making it difficult to move them around. Ensure that the design of the unit you choose is compact enough thus making it easier for you to work on a variety of projects. Remember portability is not important when the design limits you from moving around.
Power
Handheld paint sprayers are powered in different ways with some having more than one option for power. Although most are electric and come with power cords, some models are cordless and fuel-powered.
The choice is ultimately left t you, however, you should pick a power option that suits your lifestyle. Also, consider the type of job you want to use the handheld paint sprayer for. If you are working on a project in an area with tight spaces, a cordless model will be most suited for the job.
Cleanup
When shopping for a handheld paint sprayer, you must choose one with the option of attaching it to a garden hose for easy cleaning. Cleanup is important when it comes to handheld paint sprayers because you have to perform it after every task. A proper cleanup process ensures that your unit is long-lasting and always delivers a professional finish.
Flexibility
Choose a handheld paint sprayer model that offers a lot of different features when it comes to adjustments and controls. Models with such advanced features will give you several spray pattern options, multiple speed settings, and thickness adjustments.
The more flexible your model, the more projects you can work on and eventually the more fun you can have when working on DIY projects.
Warranty
You must always consider the warranty of the handheld paint sprayer before making the purchase. Products with long warranty periods are usually of better quality than the ones with a short warranty period.
Avoid any handheld paint sprayer with no warranty because this simply means that it won’t last for long. Understand that when a company has confidence in the final product, they issue a long-term warranty.
Material
The material used to design a handheld paint sprayer is very important. It needs to be made of quality long-lasting casings and not cheap plastic casings. Remember that the handheld paint sprayer is prone to fall from time to time. You must also ensure that the material used in the design of the paint sprayer is both water and rust-proof.
Handheld Airless Vs HVLP: Which Is Best?
Generally, airless paint sprayers are more suitable for water-based rather than oil-based paints while HVLP sprayers are more suitable for oil-based rather than water-based paints. The main difference between the Handheld airless and HVLP paint sprayers is how they work.
Airless paint sprayers use an electric motor to draw paint and release it under high pressure. HVLP sprayers, on the other hand, atomize paint under very low pressure thus creating a fine finish.
The best system for you will depend on the type of projects that you plan to work on using the handheld paint sprayer. If you generally deal with wide and broad surfaces, then the airless paint sprayer is ideal for you. However, when dealing with medium professional projects like cabinets, then the HVLP sprayers are your best pick.
Advantages & disadvantages of handheld spray guns
Easy to use
Handheld paint sprayers are easy to use since they are compact, portable, and lightweight. Compared to paintbrushes, they reduce fatigue on the wrist quite significantly especially when working on a large project. Most handheld paint sprayers are equally easy to set up in under five minutes.
This ensures that you can start working on your project almost immediately after you make the purchase. However, ensure that you go through the user manual carefully before you start assembly and use.
Relatively inexpensive
Handheld paint sprayers are quite inexpensive especially when you consider their functionality. They will save you a lot of time since you will complete most projects relatively quickly. When compared to other types of paint sprayers, the handheld bunch is the most inexpensive.
Increased functionality
Handheld paint sprayers come with several features that greatly increase their functionality. You could use them for all sorts of different projects. This is a huge advantage, especially for individuals who love working on DIY projects.
With handheld paint sprayers, you can easily work on small detailed projects in your home like the interior of the cabinets. Most handheld paint sprayers are easily adjustable ensuring that you can easily reach hard areas.
Disadvantages
Not as powerful
When compared to other types of paint sprayers, the handheld models are not quite as powerful. This means that they are not suitable for large projects like painting an entire house. It would take a lot of time and you would be exhausted if you tried it. It is, therefore, quite clear that handheld paint sprayers can only be used for small and medium-sized projects.
Why do you Need a handheld paint sprayer?
A handheld paint sprayer is an important household tool that you should have simply because of its functionality. With a handheld paint sprayer, you can work on several projects both indoors and outdoors. There are several projects that you could work on including cabinets, fences, ceilings, and much more. It is one of those handy tools that are a must-have in every home.
Final Verdict
When you want high productivity and mobility, handheld paint sprayers will deliver just that. These compact units not only fall under the category of the least expensive sprayers but they can also be used to effectively paint different surfaces in your home.
This in-depth review and buyer’s guide should help you find the perfect handheld paint sprayer that suits your needs. My pick has to be the Graco 17D889 TrueCoat 360 VSP best handheld paint sprayer because of its practicality, compact design, power, and easy-to-clean feature. Its price is equally fair and you can use this device comfortably when working on several different projects.
You must, however, ensure that you purchase an original handheld paint sprayer model with a valid warranty. When it comes to these small units, several counterfeit options are cheap but won’t serve you for a long period.
Also, if you can’t afford more price and you are on a budget, you can consider going for the REXBETI REX006. This is the best for the price and amazing features, good unit, and compact design that can help you enjoy your Jobs.
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