Sandwiched between articles for “Posture-Correcting Sports Bras” and “6 Health Benefits of Zucchini,” a home décor and lifestyle magazine has published its list of the “7 Best DIY Paint Sprayers.” So, what’s your prediction? Will the list truly name the 7 best paint sprayers? Will it be the “Best Sprayers for People Who Don’t Know What They’re Doing?” Or will it become a “7 Tools That Force You to Hire a Pro Painter”?
Isn’t this exciting? Aren’t you dying to see the list? Before we dive in, here are two Fun Facts, to whet your whistle:
• Two of the manufacturers on the list are Sun Joe and HomeRight.
• The most expensive sprayer on the list costs…$440.
In Real Simple, author Barbara Bellesi Zito reminds consumers that before getting a sprayer they should ensure they buy a sprayer that matches the scope of their project. By interviewing some experts in the field, she’s compiled a list of what she says are the best sprayers for various projects. Do you agree with the following picks:
• Best Overall: Graco Magnum X5 Stand Paint Sprayer
Why does the Graco take top honors? It’s versatile and easy to use, according to Zito. “You can use this paint sprayer with various paints and stains, making it easy to tackle everything from walls to decks to the exterior of your home.” She adds that according to the manufacturer, one pass of the sprayer equals 15 with a brush or seven with a roller. Easy cleanup also gets a mention here.
• Best Budget Sprayer: Wagner Control Spray Stain Sprayer
At $90, the Wagner wins the battle of the budget. Also, the article adds, it’s easy for beginners — no worry about spray tips, and its light weight and small size makes it easy to maneuver, with the down side that its small size limits it mainly for small projects.
• Best Airless: Titan ControlMax 1500
Titan’s airless gets some points here for, according to the manufacturer, 55% less overspray, which can quickly add up to more savings, less cleanup, and environmental friendliness. “The softer spray offers better control and a smoother, more consistent finish to any paint or staining project,” the article reports, while the product loses points due to a stiff hose that can present some difficulty.
• Best Cordless: Sun Joe iON+ Cordless Paint Sprayer Kit
Sun Joe’s product gets kudos for its ability to tackle some detail-oriented projects and reach spaces that brushes and rollers might not. Plus, you don’t have to plug it in. Part two of this, says Zito, is the battery’s 20-minute runtime won’t get you through a larger project. Perfect reason to take a break!
• Best HVLP: Wagner Flexio 3500 Sprayer
This works 10 times faster than a brush, says the manufacturer, so you can paint an 8 x 10 wall in … Just Five Minutes! The sprayer gets the nod for being lightweight and easy to carry, along with easy cleanup. Downside is a small tank, but that might be the price for its lightweight appeal.
• Best for Furniture: HomeRight Finish Max Spray Gun
This product allows you to spray a variety of coatings and even has a viscosity cup to test them out before you atomize. “Rather than a plastic spray tip, this HomeRight pick has a 2-millimeter brass spray tip and nozzle that offers a more precise application,” says the article, which opines that the power cord is a little short.
• Best for Exterior: HomeRight Power Flo Pro 2800 Paint Sprayer
As the article notes, most homeowners will find using roller and brushes on a home exterior to be long and arduous, so a good sprayer will save time and headache. This sprayer doesn’t win the award for price — it’s $440 sticker makes it the most expensive of the seven — but the investment would be worth it to save the many hours of rolling up on a ladder. It’s probably the most pro type product on the list.
How does this stack up with your experience? Let us know in the comments.