GRACO
257025 Paint SprayerGRACO
257025 Paint SprayerWe all know how much painting contributes to improving the look of any property, regardless of whether it is residential or commercial. Whether we are talking about old walls or new ones, applying a fresh coat will improve their appearance and make them last longer.
So what should be done before getting started, and which tools do we need at hand?
The most popular option would be an airless paint sprayer because this tool provides high-quality results even when there are small details such as doorframes involved – to reach high spots. There are many brush or roller options available, and their best time to be used would be if the surface is not too uneven, as in a garage floor, for instance.
Is an airless paint sprayer worth it?
An airless paint sprayer is worth it if you are looking for a professional and high-quality finish. It can save time because they’re faster than conventional methods, plus the best models will provide more even coverage of the surface being painted. They also come in handy when painting designs on surfaces with small details like doorframes (to reach high spots).
In this article, we’ll look at the best airless paint sprayers for various tasks, from painting cabinets to exterior house jobs. We take a look at what makes these different models stand out and how they work.
We’ve also included an ultimate buying guide with the most important things you should think about before making your purchase.
Buying guide for
BEST AIRLESS PAINT SPRAYER
We know that buying a paint sprayer can be overwhelming. There are so many options and features to consider – which one is best for you? We did all the research for you, narrowing down the list of products to just five airless paint sprayers that we think will work best for most DIYers or professionals. These are great tools to have in your garage or workshop, and they make quick work of any painting project!
But still asking yourself, “Which one is best for me?” Don’t worry; we have an ultimate guide to help you in your search for the best airless paint sprayer.
Budget
It’s essential to plan out how much you want to spend before venturing into the world of airless paint sprayers. The best way to figure out what budget will work for you is by thinking about what size project you need it for and how often you’ll be using it!
Consider Your Project
The size of the project you’re looking to do will depend on what type of airless paint sprayer you need. A handheld model may work best for you for smaller projects because it’s more mobile and lightweight than larger models that require an extension pole or compressor!
It would help if you also thought about your intended use. If you plan on using this tool often, then investing in one with fewer moving parts is probably crucial since they’ll last longer and be easier to maintain (and don’t forget how valuable time can be!).
But like we said before – if this isn’t something you’ll use all that much, there are plenty of budget-friendly options out there that still get the job done well enough for infrequent users.
Paint Types
If you’re only painting with water-based paints, an airless paint sprayer that uses those types of materials won’t require any special equipment. Latex paint doesn’t need a vacuum system, but if you’re using oil-based paint and can’t clean it up afterward, airless spray guns with vacuum systems will save you from that hassle!
How Often Will You Be Using It?
If you only plan to use your airless paint sprayer a few times per year, we recommend going with an inexpensive model that meets your needs. These models will work for infrequent use and are cheaper to maintain over time because they won’t need replacement parts as often!
However, if you are a professional painter who will be painting all day, every day with your airless paint sprayer, then you’ll want to invest in a high-quality model. These models are more expensive up front, but they’re designed for continuous use and can last decades!
Portability
One thing to keep in mind when choosing a paint sprayer is how mobile it needs to be.
If you’re looking for a small and portable airless paint sprayer, make sure that it has an onboard compressor to power the device. This is especially important if your paint project involves working at height or in different environments.
Also, consider whether you’ll be painting on vertical surfaces when choosing between handheld models and more professional ones with longer hoses!
Power Source: Cord vs. Battery Powered Airless Guns
Corded paint guns are more powerful than cordless and can also handle larger painting jobs. It’s important to consider what size of the project you’re taking on before deciding if a cordless paint gun will work for you or not!
However, some cordless airless paint guns have long-lasting batteries in them, so they’ll last all day without being plugged into an outlet like the Graco Ultra Max 17M363 (Check on Amazon). If portability is your main concern for choosing between power sources, this might be a good option for you.
Maximum Annual Usage
The maximum yearly usage should also play into your decision as well – if you plan on using it often, buy something with a higher capacity than 500 gallons per year. It might not last very long after exceeding its threshold!
So, gallons of paint per year should consider you when looking at your paint sprayer.
Adjustable Pressure
Adjustable pressure is a feature that allows you to control the amount of pressure being used on your painting projects. It’s beneficial when painting multiple surfaces with varying degrees of texture. You can dial it down for delicate materials and crank it up as needed for rougher ones – like stucco or brick, which are more challenging than drywall but not quite as challenging as concrete.
It also ensures coverage over edges and corners without spilling paint in places where you don’t want it!
Volume
You’ve read the term “gallons” and are wondering what that means. It’s a measurement of how much paint you can get out at once, so it typically corresponds to how large your surface is! The higher the gallon number, the more paint it will spray in one go. This could be good if you’re painting multiple rooms or want to do some home remodeling without having to refill mid-project again.
But on smaller projects like touching up around doors or windows, gallons might not offer enough versatility for all of your needs – especially since most homeowners only need about ten gallons per year. You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons depending on size requirements and frequency with which you plan on using this tool.
Tip Size
Did you know that your paint spray tip could be the difference between a beautiful, smooth finish and an uneven, clumpy mess? There are various types of tips for different paint jobs, depending on what kind of surface you’re painting.
For example, if you need to get into tight spaces like corners or trim work where a brush can’t reach, try using a small detailer spray nozzle with its narrow width. You’ll also find it handy when trying to create more detailed patterns or designs as well – make sure not to use too much paint!
The High-Efficiency Airless (HEA) System
High-Efficiency Airless (HEA) is a revolutionary paint spray system that combines the spraying power of airless paint technology with a highly technological design to produce a fantastic spray pattern that eliminates overspray – which is especially great for folks who have children, pets, or allergies.
The best part is how easy the HEA system is to use: all you have to do is press down on the trigger for three seconds at a time to create your desired pattern! You’ll also find this makes it easier than other types of paint sprayers when trying to work inside tight corners or areas where a brush can’t reach – plus, if any overspray does happen, then there won’t be much cleanup required afterward since these kinds don’t need solvents.
As a result, many professionals and amateurs alike are turning to the HEA system for their painting needs- it’s not just great at simplifying your projects but also ensuring that each one is completed with high-quality outcomes in mind!
Spray Pattern Control
For DIY projects where you want to spray a wide, even coat of paint or sealant for large surfaces like walls and floors, an adjustable pattern control nozzle should do the trick. It allows you to adjust how much paint is coming out on any surface from narrow (for detailed work) to broad coverage so that it’s less likely you’ll miss anything.
Odor Control
Some airless sprayers come equipped with odor control technology to make your painting experience more enjoyable because who wants to smell lots of chemical fumes all day? The downside is that these models tend to be a bit pricier, but keeping fresh while doing work seems worth the investment, then go for it!
Hose Length
The length of the hose on your airless paint sprayer is going to have a significant impact on how you work with the tool. Some models come equipped with 30-foot hoses that allow for more mobility- if that’s something important to you, make sure to check what lengths are available before making a purchase!
Some paint sprayer power comes equipped with an extension hose that can provide a solution for those who need more mobility when painting. Just make sure that the model you’re considering has enough power to get the job done without sacrificing quality!
The best way to attach a garden hose is by using an adapter which can be purchased at any hardware store! They are also relatively inexpensive- usually costing less than $20 for the whole kit and make life so much easier.
Flow Rate
A unit’s flow rate is determined by how many gallons of paint can be sprayed per minute and what type of paint hose attachment it has (more or fewer teeth). The more teeth on a connection, the lower its flow rate; whereas if there are fewer teeth, there is an increased number of parts in play resulting in more incredible ventilation because air can get into these spaces easier so that overspray doesn’t happen as often.
Regarding your home improvement projects, make sure to find out about the different types of attachments before purchasing one because not all sprayers come with specific connections.
Suction Tube
A suction tube is a pipe that can be attached to the base of an airless paint sprayer. This is used for drywall, stucco, and other similar types of plastering work and preparation for painting walls or ceilings with latex paint – it ensures there are no lumps that would clog the nozzle.
Paint Bucket
A paint bucket is a container used to mix and store latex paints, primers, or other compound types. Older buckets are made out of metal, while newer ones tend to be plastic. They come in various sizes, but the most common for home use is between five and ten gallons. These containers also have handles that make it easy to lift even if they’re full – this way, you can walk around with them instead of having to kneel every time you need some more paint ready for application.
Size and Weight
Differences in size and weight will not significantly impact the performance of an airless paint sprayer. But, if you plan on carrying this paint sprayer around or transporting it, then size and weight will be an essential factors.
Airless paint sprayers are relatively light and compact, but there is a wide variety of weight depending on the type. For example, small airless paint sprayers weigh about 15 pounds, whereas professional-grade airless paint sprayers can reach up to 60 pounds or more.
Just be sure that you choose one with a suitable weight for your needs, so it doesn’t get too heavy when in use.
Warranty
A paint sprayer’s warranty is important because it protects the customer from defects. The typical time frame for a warranty can vary, but some warranties may cover damaged or broken parts, while others will only cover them if they were purchased with the sprayer, to begin with.
Expectations should be made clear before purchasing so you know what your responsibilities and rights as a consumer are in case something happens to go wrong.
Benefits of an Airless Paint Sprayer
Airless paint sprayers are fast and provide a smoother finish with better coverage than other methods of painting.
Fast
An airless paint sprayer is a speedy way to get an accurate result. As mentioned, it’s also designed to be lightweight and easy to use, which makes the process even faster with no worries of inexperience. This type of paint sprayer also has different settings, so you can change up your speed depending on what kind of project you are working on or how much air pressure is needed for whatever material you’re spraying (e.g., latex paints vs. oil-based).
It might take some time to control the nozzle, but once mastered, it will make painting projects go by quickly and easily.
Coverage
An airless paint sprayer can cover a large surface area in no time at all. It’s also designed to handle heavier materials like latex paints with ease–something that would be difficult or nearly impossible for ordinary paintbrushes and rollers.
Not only does the system come with different-sized tips, but you can also adjust the pressure of the nozzle so as not to lose coverage when working on smaller paint projects like furniture pieces, appliances, or cabinets. As long as you are mindful of how much material is coming out during each pass, there won’t be any need for touch-ups after everything dries up.
RELATED: Best Paint Sprayers for Cabinets
Superior Finish
An airless paint sprayer will cover a surface in an even and professional-looking fashion. With just one or two passes, you’ll be able to give your room the look of fresh new paint without having to worry about brush strokes or texture from rolling on too thick of a coat with a roller.
The nozzle is designed to deliver comprehensive coverage for large spaces at once or small pinpoint sprays like those found on an airbrush when working in tight corners and crevices.
A high-powered turbine makes it possible to get plenty of force behind each burst, which means less overspray while still maintaining perfect control over where exactly the paint goes.
Disadvantages of an Airless Paint Sprayer
Airless paint sprayers are a great tool to have in your arsenal when tackling DIY projects, but they do come with their share of disadvantages.
Regular Maintenance
One of the biggest disadvantages is that airless paint sprayers require regular maintenance. This will include frequently changing the filter, cleaning out nozzle passages, and removing any excess debris from inside at least once a month.
Clean out nozzle passages
This means you’ll need to remove the sprayer gun and clean it with a cloth or paper towel. Doing this will help eliminate any impurities built up inside, which may lead to less than desirable results on your paint jobs.
It’s also important because if not done correctly, these particles could hinder the consistency of your painting process, requiring more coats.
Remove excess debris from inside
You should also ensure no bits of dirt are left at all within the airless paint sprayer. They can cause clogs in pipes and restrict airflow, leading to uneven spraying patterns resulting in an inconsistent finish on surfaces.
Be sure to use compressed air or another type of air compressor to remove all dirt and debris.
Overspray
Overspray is the process of paint being sprayed outside of a surface. It can be a major disadvantage to an airless paint sprayer.
Overspray from airless paint sprayers will have two impacts – one on your clothing (or skin) that gets too close and any surfaces nearby, such as furniture that needs protecting with painter’s tape first, so they don’t get covered in unwanted color flecks!
RELATED: Best Paint Sprayers for Furniture
How to Use an Airless Paint Sprayer
Learning how to use an airless paint sprayer will take a little bit of practice and experimentation. When you’re trying out your new tool, make sure that the nozzle isn’t too close to surfaces as they can get overspray (which means more work for you!).
Here are some sprayer tips on getting started with your first project:
- Find a surface that needs painting, such as furniture, walls, ceilings, etc.
- Choose the color paint you want from the model’s selection before loading it into the machine by inserting the paint cartridge into it.
- Make sure you have enough water in your container before spraying – this will make a difference to how smoothly the paint goes on and helps avoid overspraying!
- Three spray patterns might work best for your needs: fan, cone, or vertical striping (generally used when painting ceilings). It’s worth experimenting with these different styles until you find one that suits what you’re doing.
- Start by aiming low at an angle of about 45 degrees and then gradually move up higher while applying pressure to maintain control over the direction of the nozzle. The lower down you start, the wider area below can be covered without repositioning yourself; if there aren’t any other obstructions, don’t be afraid to go as low down as you can.
- It’s important not to overshoot the area that needs painting and then have to come back around again – this wastes time in both applying paint unnecessarily and getting it on your clothes!
- Make sure there is enough paint left for the next section before switching off or reloading with paint – at a minimum, each fresh load should cover ten square feet (usually one liter will do). If you’re doing lots of detailed work like intricate detail areas, make sure you double up by loading two liters onto the sprayer.
- Take care not to overspray when covering large surfaces such as walls; hold the spray nozzle away from the surface to create a light mist rather than flooding it with paint.
- If you have time, take care to do some test sprays on scrap paper before starting work – this will allow you to identify any problems and get them fixed without affecting your actual project!
- Ensure that the airless sprayer is primed correctly in advance of use by spraying out onto a piece of cardboard or similar material for three minutes, then switching off; let cool down for about ten minutes before starting work. This ensures no air bubbles are blocking up the pump mechanism, which would cause clogs later on.
- Before painting, make sure the area is clean and dry (this also goes if using an HVLP system). It’s worth investing in a good quality paint scraper, as these can make the job much quicker.
- The heavier or thicker your paint is (i.e., high in sheen), the more coats you’ll need to apply for best results – but don’t forget that coverage depends on the surface you’re painting too!
Please note – these instructions are general only and may not be suitable for all situations. Be aware of any height or other limitations specific to your given situation when applying them!
Finally, it would help if you always worked from light colors to dark ones rather than vice versa; this will avoid getting streaks of darker color later down the line and ensure a uniform finish. If there are any spots where two colors meet, use masking tape to cover them up before applying one coat of paint over both with a roller or brush; remove tape afterward so it doesn’t stick when wet and ruin the final coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an airless sprayer?
An airless sprayer is a device that uses an internal pump to force the material through the nozzle, typically from a container pressurized by compressed air. They are best for painting because they provide more uniform coverage than other types of paint sprayers and less overspray on your walls!
What is the difference between HVLP and airless sprayers?
Airless paint sprayers use an air compressor to force the paint out of a nozzle. HVLP stands for “high volume, low pressure” and uses less air than an airless or turbine-type sprayer. The resulting atomized droplets can be sprayed in tighter patterns controllable on surfaces such as trim work, windowsills, and siding where large volumes may cause runs.
Is airless or HVLP better?
Airless paint sprayers are better suited to thicker paints, while HVLP is best for thin paints. If you’re looking to do a large project that involves clog-free spraying of thick surfaces and intricate details, then an airless paint sprayer may be the way to go. However, if your project is smaller in size or consists mainly of thinner coatings on smoother surfaces, then an HVLP paint sprayer will likely work better.
What is a good spray gun for a beginner?
The Graco Magnum X5 (Check on Amazon) airless paint sprayer is a good option for beginners who want to make a significant investment in their DIY painting projects. This model features adjustable nozzle tips, multiple pressure settings and can accommodate a wide range of paint types.
Do Airless sprayers create overspray?
Airless paint sprayers produce a type of overspray that can be more intense and difficult to clean up. They also require additional ventilation in the room, while HVLP models are easier to handle with fewer overspray options.
Does an airless sprayer use more paint?
Yes! When it comes to painting, professionals and DIYers agree that using an airless paint spray gun rather than rolling increases your use by about 25%. That may seem like a lot on the surface, but when you consider how much time it saves you in the long run—most estimates say at least 20%—then the difference between 5 gallons of paint sprayed versus rolled is barely noticeable. In other words: no need to worry about overspending.
What is the best spray painter for home use?
This is a difficult question to answer as there are so many things that factor into the best paint sprayer for home use. Do you want it to be battery-operated? What type of projects will this machine be used on (painting furniture or walls)? How much pressure do you need from your gun? If you’re looking for something lightweight with adjustable settings and good coverage, then take a look at the Graco Ultra Max 17M367 (Check on Amazon)
Is Graco better than Wagner?
This is difficult to answer as the quality of paint guns and other equipment varies widely. The best professional airless paint sprayers come from Graco as well as Wagner. This is because both companies offer high-quality products with features that professionals need to do their job quickly. In addition, these two brands also have an extensive array of colors and finishes that will suit any project needs.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you narrow down which airless paint sprayer suits you best based on what’s important to you.
The best way to determine which type of airless paint sprayer is right for you depends mainly on what kind of projects they will be used for, how much pressure they need, and whether they are compatible with the type of paint or finish.
Different airless sprayers have different psi ranges, and they also work better on lighter-weight paints than heavier ones – so it’s essential to keep this in mind when making your decision. Try a smaller contractor model if the budget is tight and handle thicker materials like polyurethane foam coatings for maximum efficiency!
If none of these suggestions help narrow down what might work best, please leave a comment! We love hearing back from DIY-ers just like you who have questions about paint spraying.
Disclaimer: Last update on 2023-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images / Prices from Amazon Product Advertising API
