Best Paint for a Spray Gun

Best Paint for a Spray Gun Quick Chart

Modern latex paint can be applied in a variety of environments and is offered in several different color options. That makes it possible to use an airless gun with your paint, sometimes without the need to thin it. 

Picture	Name	Our Rating
	Majic Paints 1 Gallon 250 sq ft/gallon Dries to touch 30 mins 1 or 5 gallon sizes	4.8
	Valspar 5 Gallon Latex Fast Drying Use outdoors: grass, turf, clay, concrete/li> Exterior Use only	4.7
	Valspar Porch and Floor For concrete, porches, floors, stairs Odorless Covers 400 sq ft	4
	True Value 5 Gallon Fast Drying Low VOCs Flat Finish	4.8
	Kilz Porch, Patio, Floor Low luster enamel Acrylic Latex	4.4
	Rust-Oleum 1 Quart Covers up to 120 sq ft Dry to touch 30 mins Low Odor	4.1
	Valspar Latex Enamel 12 colors available Latex enamel Good for wood and metal	4
	Old Village 25 colors Satin Finish 1 pint only cans	4.8
	Kilz Masonary For bricks, drywall, stucco Thicker than other paints Covers 250-400 sq ft	4.8

Paint for a Spray Gun: Our Reviews of the Best Paint Brands

Best Interior Paint for a Spray Gun

Editor and Consumer Choice for Best Paint for Walls

This ultra-cover premium latex paint is perfect for indoor and outdoor projects. The durability is excellent, even on a single coat. It works on metal, wood, masonry, and even unglazed ceramic.  It’s rated as the best paint for interior walls, hands down.

More than a dozen colors are available to complete the perfect look as well. It is a water-based acrylic formula, so drying times are fast and spraying capabilities are consistently good.

If you’re looking for a paint option that can give you a fresh look for a fair price, you’ll want to pick up a can or two of this stuff for your next project.

#2. Majic Paint 1 Gallon

If you have an extensive exterior project that needs to be completed, then this is the paint for you. Available in 1-gallon and 5-gallon sizes, there are three color choices available.

The paint dries outside in 30 minutes if the temperature and moisture requirements are met. That means fewer bugs and debris in your paint, allowing for a flawless look.

Majic Paint is intended for barns and fences, though virtually any exterior surface is compatible. It will cover about 250 square feet per gallon.

#3. Valspar 5 Gallon Line Paint

If you need to lay down some paint on your playing fields or maybe the farm, this is the best paint for your project. 

You can use it on natural grass, artificial turf, clay or concrete. 

This contractor grade latex paint is fast drying and can even be tinted, if you need it in a color other than white.  The latex formula lasts longer than most other line paints out there. 

Please note this is for exterior use only. 

#4. Valspar Porch and Floor

This paint from Valspar covers well and dries quicker than expected.  It gives floors tough, long lasting protection. 

It’s made to use on prepared concrete, wood, porches, basement floors, stairs, primed metal.  The Valspar website says to not use it on exterior wood decks, which is a bit confusing since aren’t porch and deck the same thing?  If that’s what your planning on doing, we recommend giving them a call to clarify. 

This nearly odorless formula applies so easily, you’ll have your project completed in no time.   

You will get virtually no sheen from this paint finish.   

1 gallon covers approximately 400 sq feet. 

#5. True Value 5 Gallon Interior Flat White

If you have a big interior job to do, you will love this 5 gallon paint bucket from True Value. 

It provides quick and efficient coverage and the finished paint cleans up nicely. 

Made in the USA, this latex based paint dries super quick and has low VOC’s.   

The finish is flat and it’s made to use on your interior walls and ceilings.  Remember to strain your paint before spraying.  Most spray guns will require you to thin this latex paint before spraying.   

#6. Kilz

This porch and patio paint option gives you a better overall protection level for your exterior surfaces.  Kilz is a low-luster enamel paint, coating your wood or concrete porch or patio to prevent scuffing, cracking, or peeling.

You can apply Kilz indoors to certain floors or wall surfaces with its acrylic latex composition. It can be applied to any previously painted or primed surfaces and is completely compatible with airless sprayers that meet certain specifications.

If you need tough paint, this is what you’ll want.

#7. Valspar Latex Enamel Paint

So is Valspar good paint?  Well, this latex enamel paint dries to a nice glossy finish that is surprisingly tough. It works well for wood and metal, in addition to your interior walls if you wish.

Can size availability ranges from a half-pint to a full gallon. 12 different color options are also available. As an added bonus, spills with this paint are super easy to clean up.

All you need is soap and water and the mess will become history. It does an excellent job of covering up blemishes while providing a nice shine to almost any project.

#8. Old Village

This acrylic latex paint is mixed in 25 different colors with a water base, giving you plenty of options for your finishing work. It is a paint option that is better for trim work and carpentry than it is for walls.

When it dries, the satin sheen that is produced helps to replicate a number of different historic finishes. It is a way to give your home an updated look that is still timeless, especially when you’ve got a top-quality paint sprayer helping you out.

Sizing is in 1-pint options only, so take that into consideration as you price out your paint options.

#9. Kilz Masonry Paint

This mildew resistant paint from Kilz is designed to look natural while accentuating your textured surfaces.  Use it on brisk, drywall, and stucco.   

This paint is self priming and can be brushed, rolled or sprayed on.  It will be thicker than other paints so use a larger tip on your spray gun and be ready to thin this paint prior to spraying. 

It offers excellent hiding properties and is water resistant.  Kilz can be used on exterior and interior surfaces.  Ensure your srufaces are free from dust, chalk, oil and all other foreign things. 

1 gallon will cover 250-400 square feet, depending on your surface texture. 

Available in multiple colors, we highly recommend this paint. 

Can You Use Any Paint in a Spray Gun?

No. So what paint do you use in a spray gun?

The most common materials people spray are oil primers and paints, latex paints, and stains.  It all depends on the type of sprayer you have, your sprayer tips/nozzles and the PSI it uses to lay down your paint as to whether or not you can spray a certain type of paint.

Not all paint sprayers are equipped with the tips/nozzles or PSI to spray all these materials with good results.  For example, airless sprayer spray latex and thicker materials like primers and undercoats easily.  The high PSI means they aren’t really the best for spraying thinner materials like stains.

An HVLP paint sprayer can spray latex and primers, but you’ll need to thin them down enough so they can be sprayed.  HVLP sprays thinner stuff like stains well.

What is Latex Paint?

When buying paint, you will notice that most cans, even the ones that say acrylic, will also be labelled as latex.  This can be confusing.

The term latex seems to be applied to most paints (acrylic, vinyl acrylic etc.) because they are water based.  If you are looking for 100% acrylic or an acrylic vinyl blend for your project, expect to pay more than with regular latex paint.

Latex paint does not contain latex from the rubber plant. The term ‘latex’ in the paint world refers to the binding agent in the paint.  Folks that are allergic to latex, don’t have to worry about latex paint!

Latex is a water based paint and the terms acrylic and latex are sometimes used interchangeably.  Water based means that the color or pigment of the paint is carried by water instead of oil.  

Thankfully, latex paint have a short drying time and are easy to clean.

Unlike other kinds of paint, latex paint has minimal odor and less chemicals called VOC’s* are in the air while you’re painting and as the paint dries.

*VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound.  These compounds become gases and vapors and come out of the paint when you are painting and as it dries. 

If you can, always purchase low VOC paint and if you can’t, wear a mask while working and ALWAYS work in a well ventilated area.  You can even purchase environmentally friendly paint now.  Fantastic!

How to Thin Paint for a Spray Gun

If your latex paint is too thick, then it will clog the nozzle of your paint sprayer. That creates a massive mess behind the trigger and can even ruin your equipment.  This WILL happen if you’re using an HVLP Vs an Airless paint sprayer.

Thankfully, there is an easy process available to thin latex paint for spraying, so it meets the standards that the manufacturer expects.

So, how do you thin paint for spraying? Can you thin paint with water? The answer is yes and…

It’s easier than you think!

Be sure to grab the following materials before getting started.

• Water access.
• Several paint stirring sticks.
• A large funnel.
• A 5-gallon bucket.
• Your preferred paint

How to Mix Paint for a Spray Gun in 4 Easy Steps

Thinning paint for a latex spray gun is a simple process that anyone can do.  Once you’re ready to get to work, you’ll want to follow these steps.

#1. Pour all of your paint into the bucket that you intend to use for that day.

#2. Add ½ cup of water to the paint for every gallon of paint that was placed in the bucket.

#3. Mix the paint and water thoroughly with a clean stirring stick.

#4. Check the consistency of your paint by running it through the funnel.

Consistent Paint for a Spray Gun

If the paint is able to flow freely through the funnel, then you have the correct consistency for your paint sprayer.

Should the paint clog up in the funnel, then add another 1/8 cup of water to the paint/water mixture in the 5-gallon bucket for every gallon of paint used.

Then thoroughly mix the paint with another clean stir stick.

Continue this process, adding 1/8 cup per gallon of paint, as necessary until the paint flows freely through the funnel.

If your latex paint is still not thin enough for your spray gun, add small amounts of water and mix the paint until you reach the right consistency for spraying.

Best Paint for a Spray Gun: Interior Paint Types

Latex paints are the most common type of paint for spray guns today.  The combination of cost, shelf life, and longevity of quality make it one of the best paints available.

There are other types of indoor paint that will also work with a spray gun if they are thinned to the correct consistency.

Here are the most common options available right now.

• Vinyl Paint. This type of paint is a combination of water and plastic. That makes it lightweight, glossy, and sometimes waterproof or weatherproof. It is easy to clean and maintains its luster for a long time.

• Alkyd. Heavier than vinyl and made from polyester and fatty acids. It should be used on wooden surfaces, like door trim. Some types are excellent for painting ceilings as well.

• Lacquer. This paint type requires a lot of work, but it also provides a long-lasting experience. It prevents oil or dirt from damaging the surface it is on. Spray Lacquer also requires 4-7 coats and you must sand after each coat you apply for best results.

• Enamel. Enamel vs latex: the difference is that enamel provides a much tougher surface than latex which increases durability in a high trafficked area. A good option here is to add a layer of enamel over a layer of latex.   Perfect for kitchen or bathroom cabinets.

• Acrylic. If you need instant results, go with this paint type. It works well on all surfaces, especially if you want more of a matte finish.

Can You Use Acrylic Paint in a Spray Gun?

Yes.  Since acrylic paint is thick, you would need to thin your paint before spraying with an HVLP.  If you’ve got an airless paint gun, then you can most likely spray acrylic paint unthinned because of the high PSI that airless guns use to apply paint.  

How Much to Budget for the Best Indoor Paint?

Most latex paints that are suitable for a spray gun range in price from about $20 per gallon to over $60 per gallon. Certain specialty paints may run even higher than this.

Be careful about shopping for interior latex paint if you intend to use a spray gun. Several paint manufacturers have started combining primer and latex together for faster user application.

These are difficult to use because the thinning process changes the characteristics of the paint.

Different paint types have their own unique pricing structures as well. Acrylic paints tend to be the cheapest, while lacquer and enamel tend to be on the upper end of the pricing scale.

Can I Use Oil Based Paint in a Spray Gun?

Yes.  Typically, most sprayers can spray oil based paints.  BUT, since oil based paints are a bit thicker, you will need to thin them to spray in most sprayers like HVLP.  Airless spray guns will conquer your oil based paint job without any thinning required.

Most Popular Paint Finishes

The two most popular paint finishes by far are semi gloss and eggshell.  Semi gloss is mainly used on trim, doors, closet doors, hallways, cabinets and any other high trafficked area in your home.  It durable and clean up nicely.

Eggshell Paint is used on walls and it does a great job of hiding imperfections.  Learn more about whether you should use semi gloss Vs eggshell on your next DIY project.

Conclusion

The best paint for spray guns will help you be able to quickly finish your projects without compromising your finish. Pick up your preferred paint today, then get to work tomorrow.