Best Craft Spray Guns for Hobbies and Small Projects

When you own one of the best craft spray guns, then you can increase the quality of your item with little effort.

Paint sprayers create a consistent look and finish in very little time.

If you’re still using brushes to paint the items you make, then it is time to explore the benefits of what a paint sprayer could bring to you.

best spray gun for crafts
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Best Craft Spray Guns Quick Comparison Chart

Best Craft Spray Guns for Hobbies and Small Jobs

Editor’s Choice Premium Craft Spray Gun

Fuji Hobby Pro

N/A
  • Extra Turbine Filters and Extra Bottom Feed Cup Parts Kit
  • 2 year warranty!
  • 2 stage turbine with 1.8mm air cap
  • Professional Non-bleed Spray Gun features pattern control knob to adjust size of fan pattern
  • 25-Feet hose includes air control valve to reduce overspray and bounce back

The Fuji Turbine system is based on an industrial-design no-bleed spray gun. You’re given pattern control from the knob, so you can have the correct fan pattern for painting at all times.  The quality of this HVLP paint system, the parts and the results is worth the extra cost in our opinion. Best of the best craft spray guns available.

Cheaper than other Fuji Sprayers because it’s only a 2 stage turbine instead of 3 or 4 stage like the Fuji Q4 or the Mini Mite.  The Hobby Pro only comes with a siphon feed gun, while other, higher priced Fuji Sprayers, come with either a siphon OR a gravity feed HVLP gun.

You can create a tightly controlled fan, or you can have a huge fan for fast coverage.  This siphon feed HVLP sprayer is great at reducing overspray which saves money on paint.  It’s a bit on the noisy side, but that is typical of a turbine paint system. Especially when the Hobby Pro has a 1400 watt motor.

Unfortunately, the Hobby Pro only comes with one air cap: 1.3mm. You will have to buy more tips to spray all of your paint mediums. While 1.3mm is great for thinner materials like lacquers, you will need a 1.5mm minimum to spray latex. If you need a larger tip, you can grab a 2.0mm Aircap set #6.

It’s always up to you. The spray gun itself offers a stainless-steel fluid nozzle and needle that works hard to prevent clogging. The stainless steel turbine housing helps to dissipate heat from the motor.

You don’t have to worry about the spray gun getting too hot because the handle is insulated for you. And, because you’ve got 25 feet of hose to use, you can stay mobile in your shop or garage as you work.  This gun can spray vertically, horizontally, and circularly with incremental spray pattern adjustments from 1 inch up to 12 inches. One of the best craft spray guns on the market.

The two year warranty, which is double what you typically get when you buy a spray system, really shows you that you’re getting a top quality machine.

This machine is super easy to break down and clean, just flush with water if using water based paints. Oil based will require mineral spirits and a bit more elbow grease.

Pros
25 foot hose
No compressor needed
Pattern controls
2 year warranty

Cons
A Bit noisy
Large Investment
Only comes with 1.3mm air cap

Badger Air Brush Model 105

N/A
  • Dual Action
  • 0.5 needle
  • Easy removal Needle system
  • Stainless Steel
  • 10-15 PSI

The Badger Patriot is a well balanced, ergonomically designed air brush that is great for everyone, including beginners.

Made in the USA of stainless steel, you can use it for a wide range of air brushing projects such as cakes, stencils, clothing, miniatures, tanning, cosmetics, etc.

The consistency of the finish is enhanced by the top mounted gravity fed cup and the dual action internal mix provides very precise details.

The Badger Patriot is equipped with a 0.30 ounce up and a 0.5mm needle. This larger needle let’s you paint with thicker materials such as paint, while still providing an excellent paint finish when using thinner materials like ink or even varnishes.

When you take this unit apart to clean, you have to pull the paint covered needle out of the back. Most other airbrushes are designed with a cut away so you can more easily clean the airbrush. This removal of the needle from the back instead of using a cut away, gets paint into more areas of the gun. This can increase the time it takes to clean this airbrush.

We appreciate the 1 year warranty on defects and the stellar lifetime guarantee on the labor and PTFE solvent resistant seals.

Pros
Consistent Spray results
Can spray many paint mediums
Well balanced spray

Cons
Cleaning is a pain

Editor’s Choice: One of the Best Craft Spray Guns

HomeRight Super Finish Max

N/A
  • Easy to Clean
  • Adjustable Settings
  • Comes with 3 tips: 1.5, 2.0, 4.0mm
  • Perfect for beginners and Pros
  • 450 watt turbine motor

Take your crafts to the next level with this HVLP paint sprayer from HomeRight.

Make sure that you give the Super Finish Max a closer look. It offers the same functionality as the top models in the industry, but for a fraction of the price. It even requires less thinning that high-level models. If you want to start staining right away, this model will accommodate you. The lower levels of pressure with this HVLP model mean that you have less overspray to worry about.

Right out of the box, the HomeRight Super Finish Max has multiple spray settings that help you conquer more projects.  You can also buy more spray tips making it even more versatile.   

The Super Max comes with a 450 watt turbine motor. When paired with an interchangeable tip, most paint mediums can be sprayed. Three brass spray tips are included: 1.5, 2.0, and 4mm.

You can tackle your entire staining to-do list with this strong and lightweight sprayer.   

Always pay attention to the connectors that you use on your HomeRight HVLP Sprayer.  Some models offer users a connector that is smaller in diameter than the air hose that connects to the unit.

Because this is a restriction to the flow of the paint or other substance, pressure can build up at the connection and cause issues.

There are some elements of an HVLP design with this HomeRight model, but there are also some siphon feed elements included as well.

This helps to keep your spray pressure consistent as you’re painting, staining, or varnishing, helping you to create that professional-looking finish. 

We also like the ergonomic improvements that were included within the design.

You also receive an air-blowing nozzle with this particular model. If you run this nozzle without a finish, then you receive a tight stream of air that you can use for cleaning out home electronics, underneath tables and chairs, and other tight spaces where dust bunnies tend to collect.

At just 3 pounds, your grip isn’t going to get tired as you’re working and this helps you to get through projects a bit quicker than you could with other models. Some craft sprayers do weighs less than this model, but they are a bit cheaper and don’t deliver the same results on furniture and larger woodworking projects.

It’s super easy to find parts for this very popular paint sprayer.  New paint containers and tips can be found online.  Need a spray shelter?  HomeRight makes that too!

Combine that with the brass nozzle for added durability and you can have confidence in the results you’re producing.

The 40 ounce cup is bigger than most other models (which have 32 ounce paint cups), and you should be able to cover about 90-100 square feet of paint area with one cup.

If you add the HomeRight Rapid Cleaning Tool to your arsenal, clean up is even easier.

Pros
Great price
Good for a ton of projects
Lightweight
Adjustable Controls
Less overspray
Includes 3 spray tips

Cons
Needs compressor
Not for commercial Use
Not great for large projects>br>

Master Airbrush: Best Airbrush Kit

N/A
  • 1/3 ounce cup
  • Gravity feed
  • 6 foot hose
  • Dual Action
  • 1.3mm
  • 1/5HP single piston compressor

This is a great little airbrush kit that gives you everything you need for your hobbies. It comes with a TC-20 air compressor, which includes a pressure regulator and air filter, so you can paint consistently.

The airbrush is a gravity-feed model, which is versatile and very forgiving to beginners. You’ll also receive an instructional booklet that is perfect for beginners.

If you’re going to be using multiple colors and need more paint containers, these ones are specially made for this machine.   This professional small paint spray system is great for ornaments and other small detailed projects.

Don’t forget to also buy caps for the containers, then you can store them without your paint drying out.

Think of this option as a good starting kit if you’ve never used a paint sprayer before.  Use their custom made cleaning kit and how to guide to clean your sprayer perfectly.

The finish is nice and smooth, and I loved how it sat in my hand. The trigger is smooth instead of rigid, but there is a slight catch when you press the trigger that is typical on this style of airbrush.

We love the detailed sheet included that outlines all of the parts.

Pros
Comes w/compressor
Many custom parts available

Cons
Small detailed projects only
Only comes with 1 tip

Campbell Hausfeld

N/A
  • 0.7 and 2.1 CFM guns
  • Adjustable paint flow
  • Includes cleaning kit
  • 10 paint filters included
  • Operates at 40 PSI

This gravity feed paint spray kit gives you everything you need to get started on your next craft painting project. 

Two spray guns in this Campbell Hausfeld Kit give you versatility.  You can paint a variety of projects, including furniture, woodworking, cars, etc. The two spray guns require 2.1 CFM and 0.7 CFM at 40 PSI. The air requirements mean you can use a smaller and probably cheaper air compressor with these guns. Make sure that if you’re painting something that requires a wet edge that your compressor is big enough. You don’t want to stop painting while you wait for your compressor to catch up. Some 5-6 gallon compressors won’t keep up with these guns, so beware.

Two sizes of paint containers let you work on small projects or large ones. The design of these guns and the softer spray makes less overspray and provides fine finish details with smoother results.

The dual adjusting valves give you awesome control over the paint consistency at all times. The gravity feed cup on the main gun is 550ml and the touch up gravity feed spray gun has a 120ml cup.

There are 15 total paint filters included, with 5 in-line paint filters as part of the total. This craft painting kit even comes with 3 cleaning brushes. 

Paint consistency is easy to control due to the gravity feed.

We didn’t like that the fan adjustments were not as consistent as we needed them to be. Folks have also reported that the pressure gauge doesn’t work all the time and you can’t seem to adjust it properly. I found that the trigger is a bit heavy and stiff to pull as well, which may cause hand and wrist fatigue in some painters.

You’ve got thread tape. There’s even a wrench included to make sure you’ve got a tight connection. 

What more could you need? 

Pros
Two Spray guns included
Control over paint consistency
Cleaning brushes and filters included
1 year limited warrant

Cons
Fan adjustment not consistent
Needs a compressor

Best Hobby Paint Sprayer Kit

Paasche VL Airbrush

N/A
  • Great for airbrushing
  • 1/32 inch to 1.5″ spray patterns
  • Single AND Dual Action
  • Siphon Feed
  • 3 heads included: 0.55, 0.7 and 1mm
  • Made in USA

This is a nice, but basic airbrush that offers patterns from 1/32 inch to 1.5 inches in diameter. It functions in single-action and double-action, which is controlled by a roller in front of the trigger. I love this because a beginner can use it as single action and then switch to double action once they have mastered their airbrushing skills without having to buy another airbrush.

Comes equipped with three head sizes that you may require including 0.5, 0.7 and 1mm. The airbrush is chrome-plated for added durability and making it easy to clean.

The controls are simple, but intuitive, and the PTFE packing enables it to handle any water-based or solvent-based paint. Use with many paint mediums and for many jobs such as tattoos, cosmetics, cakes, and crafts.

The Paasche VL comes with:

  • 1/4 ounce metal cup
  • 1 ounce bottle assembly
  • 1 ounce storage bottle
  • hanger
  • wrench
  • 6 foot braided hose
  • lessons booklet and manual

To clean after you’re done working, just run a standard paint cleaner through the airbrush and wipe it down. It’s perfect for beginners or experienced hobbyists. One of the best craft spray guns out there.

Pros
Chrome plated airbrush
Beginner friendly
Single and double action
3 heads included
Made in USA

Cons
Smallest needle puts out too much paint
Prone to Clogs if you aren’t careful

Paasche H-Set Single Action

N/A
  • Beginner Friendly
  • Siphon Feed
  • Fan Pattern 1/16 inch to 1.5 inch
  • Single Action
  • 3 tips included: .45, .65, 1.05mm

The H Set from Paasche offers up easy control for those learning to airbrush. The single action trigger allows for newbie crafters and airbrushers to learn how to airbrush without worrying about multiple actions or needles, etc. The adjustments are easy to understand and change, so you can get the results you’re looking for.

This set includes a 1/4 ounce metal cup, bottle assembly, 1 oz storage bottle, hanger, wrench and the manual. It is lightweight, so your hand won’t get tired while you’re spraying your projects.

This set also comes with a 6 foot braided hose so you have full maneuverability around your project. You will need to buy a small airbrushing compressor with this model, hence why the price is a bit on the cheaper side compared to compressor/brush kits.

When looking for a compatible compressor, you need to know the following:

  • Air volume 20 PSI @ 0.5CFM
  • Air Pressure 20-75 PSI
  • Air inlet 1/4 inch – 20 Thread (Paasche thread) adapters are available

The H set is also made in the USA, which I love.

Users love this airbrush but noted that the trigger is a little stiff.

The best uses for this airbrush are solid coats, uniform lines or stencil work. It can spray solvent or water based fluids and excels at spraying thicker paints due to the 3 included tips. The stainless steel needles prevent corrosion, last longer, and reduce clogging.

The H set is constructed well, and has virtually 0 splatter, smooth paint flow and is easy to clean. The trigger balance is a little off, with the balance being about 3/4 inch in front of the trigger, instead of on top like other models. This may make the H-Set feel heavier than it actually is.

Pros
Budget friendly
Durable chrome plated body
Easy to clean
Workflow and control is beginner friendly

Cons
Not great at fine detail work
Lacking in accuracy and precision

Best Budget Craft Spray Guns

Wagner Stationary Studio PLUS Sprayer

N/A
  • 15 foot hose
  • Lightweight
  • Perfect for small to medium projects
  • 2 nozzles included: one for detail smooth finish another for semi smooth finish
  • 1 year warranty

This stationary sprayer is a great option for those who have consistent hobbies or crafts that require painting.

The control finish nozzle creates a semi-smooth finish that can give you the rustic look you want.

Or, if you prefer, the Wagner Stationary HVLP detailed finishing nozzle creates the smooth finish that you need. You’re given a 15-foot air hose to move around your shop or garage without running into stuff.

Is this paint sprayer going to work for painting furniture? Sure. Could it work for cabinets? If you’re patient enough with the equipment.

Latex paint does work well with the Wagner Studio Plus HVLP Stationary Sprayer, but you do need to thin the paint according to the paint manufacturer’s instructions. Wagner suggests that you can thin latex paint by 10% to 20% to achieve the finish that you want. We found that for some latex paint options, you may need to thin it by up to 40%. That means you’ve got to pay close attention to your spray to avoid clogging issues.

It is also incredibly lightweight. Without paint, the equipment weighs just 1.4 pounds, or about 10% the weight of similar models.

When combined with the power cord length, you’ve got about 25 feet of usable working space (the manufacturer says you get 30 feet, though stretched to the limit is not practical).

Cleaning isn’t difficult with this paint sprayer. It isn’t super easy either. You’ll need to clean out the cup, the sprayer, and the hose by hand because of the design. We would recommend against using oil-based paints because of this.

Pros
Good for Hobbyists
Lightweight
2 nozzles included
15 foot hose

Cons
Controls take some time getting used to
Picky about viscosity of thinned paint
No oil based paints

Critter Spray Products

N/A
  • Siphon Feed
  • 3/4 HP compressor required
  • Great for furniture, cabinets, crafts
  • 90 day warranty
  • Requires 3 CFM at 90 psi
  • Use with paints, stains, lacquers, and more
  • Includes siphon gun, tube, 16-ounce Mason jar, jar gasket
  • Gasket wears out fast

This siphon gun is a surprisingly good value. It allows you to convert one of those old canning jars you’ve got lying around into a paint container.

Use this paint sprayer to apply lacquers, stains, or paints with ease. You’ll need to mount the spray gun kit to a compressor for it to work properly, with a minimum requirement of ¾ HP.

This paint sprayer is best suited for spraying furniture, cabinets and crafts.  If you have larger DIY projects, you will want to invest in a more heavy duty painter with larger capacity cups, better balance and more durable gaskets.

It is designed to work with 16-ounce jars, but you can adapt it to work with other models with a few minutes of work. If you already have the equipment, give this paint sprayer a try today and we think you’ll be quite pleased.

When you’re done using this siphon gun and you’ve cleaned it up appropriately, then the hook grip on the handle of the product can also double as a method for hanging the tool up in your workshop or garage.

The gasket does not have a long life. You’ll find the gasket wears out pretty quickly with this siphon gun.

You’ve got a couple of options for sealing your connection with the Mason jar when that happens.  You can cut some wax paper out to create your own temporary gasket or you can use the product without a gasket. You can also buy this maintenance kit from Critter Spray to cover all your bases when it comes to maintenance.

Avoid using rubber gaskets if you’re using solvent finishes.

In return, you’ll receive a home paint sprayer that can handle lacquers, stains, and paints with relative ease for a great price. It can feel a little top heavy if you’re using a full Mason jar for your finishing work.

Pros
Affordable
Works with most compressors
Uses recycled mason jars!

Cons
Not very well balanced
Short gasket life

Master Airbrush Professional

N/A
  • 6 foot hose w/1/8 inch fittings
  • 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5mm needles included
  • Fast cleaning
  • Dual Action
  • Gravity Feed
  • 1 year warranty

With 0.2mm, 0.3mm, and 0.5mm needles and nozzles, this is the hobby airbrush kit that you’ll want to use for precise results. The included tips allow you to spray extra fine detail and up to a 2 inch wide spray.

We loved the cutaway handle design, which offers faster flushing and cleaning than other models.

There is a fluid knob control that allows you to adjust trigger dispersal and paint flow as well from the 1/3 ounce gravity fluid paint cup. The Master Airbrush Professional gives you a nice even spray. The quick disconnect coupler and plug includes a built in air flow control valve.

The trigger is smooth when you pull it, no catching; the spring isn’t stiff.

A 6-foot hose is included with the kit to give you added movement as well.

It is a gravity-feed model and an excellent opportunity to learn the basics of precision painting on the hobbyist level.

Typically, you run this airbrush at anywhere from 10-35 PSI. For finer details, the PSI will be lower.

Pros
6 foot hose included
Gravity Feed Model
Fast flushing and cleaning with cutaway handle
1 year warranty
Carrying case is convenient

Cons
Rings are a weak point
No Compressor included
Instructions are not very detailed

Getting the Basics Right for Your Small Project

The best craft spray guns require you to follow some basic best practices to achieve the best possible results.

Each type of project might require a different kind of airbrush or craft spray gun. Are you doing models, cakes, tattoos, tanning, woodworking, fine detail painting, vehicle airbrushing etc.

It begins with the spray pattern that you utilize. Larger models require more of a sweeping motion to be effective. Small crafts paint sprayers work better when your spray pattern is more circular.

Hold the sprayer perpendicular to your surface so you’re spraying straight onto it. Avoid spraying at an angle to avoid runs. Over time, you’ll begin to develop a technique that works best for you.

It is also important to remember that hobby paint sprayers tend to spray in a cone-shaped pattern instead of a fan-shaped pattern. If you’re too close to the surface, the paint will build up quickly and begin running since it over-saturates quickly.

It is usually better to start at a 12-inch distance and then work your way forward as needed.

Features to Look for in the Best Craft Spray Gun

Features of the Best Craft Spray Guns
Fine detail tip
Easy to Adjust Fan Controls
Can spray at weird angles or upside down
Can spray a variety of materials

Fine Detail Tip

Painting crafts requires precision and attention to detail. You will need to make sure that the spray gun you buy has a fine detail tip.

Easy to Adjust Fan Controls

Controls that are positioned on the gun so you can make adjustments on the fly will increase the quality of your paint job. No one wants to fiddle with controls and be distracted while painting.

Can Spray at Weird Angles or Upside Down

Spraying crafts isn’t like spraying a wall. You have to paint at weird angles, into tiny little areas, with precision and skill. You want a spray gun that works in these situations and won’t ruin your project.

Materials

A craft spray gun that can spray all sorts of paints and materials is the best. It will save you having to buy multiples spray guns for all your projects.

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Airbrush Paint Guns

Most airbrushes are small enough that the initial cone pattern looks a lot like a dot. If you hold the airbrush over that dot, it will become larger.

Then, if you move from the dot while the airbrush is engaged, it will create a line. This is the basics of skill development with this type of equipment.

As a way to practice, grab a piece of patterned paper towel and attempt to replicate the pattern through painting.

This will help you be able to develop the skills needed for your crafts, hobbies, or other small projects.

What Kind of Paint do You use for Airbrushing?

Airbrush paints are labelled as such and are usually a fluid acrylic that is specifically made for airbrush guns. High flow acrylics also work. Because the paint nozzle is so small on airbrush guns, your paint will need to be labelled high flow.

Can You Use Regular Paint in an Airbrush?

Using other types of paint, like craft paint, will require thinning, but results vary depending on what you’re painting.

Do you Need to Thin Acrylic Paint for Airbrush Guns?

If the paint is not specifically labelled for airbrush guns, chances are you will have to thin it. Check out THIS VIDEO for the preferred thinning method.

Things to Consider When Buying the Best Craft Spray Gun or Airbrush

4 Factors to Keep in Mind

  1. Dual Action Vs Single Action Vs Trigger Action Sprayer
  2. Beginner or Veteran?
  3. Internal Vs External Mix
  4. Coverage Vs Details

Dual Action Vs Single Action Vs Trigger Action Sprayer

Dual of double action is the most popular.  Pushing the trigger down releases air and then pulling it backwards releases the paint flow.  The more your pull, the more paint is released.  This lets you control the amount of paint coming out of the airbrush and adjust it while painting.

Single action airbrush triggers control the airflow only.  The paint flow is controlled independently by the needle and how deep it is.  These sort of single action airbrushes come with a screw which adjusts the needle depth so you can adjust your paint flow. You would choose this type of sprayer if you are usually spraying the same amount of fluid or is many newbies are using a gun.

Trigger action, or pistol grip is shaped more like a bigger paint sprayer, with a gun-like trigger with controls both the air flow and the paint flow.  Pulling back harder on the trigger releases more paint,

Beginners Vs Veteran Crafters

Which action you choose is ultimately up to you and what delivers you the best results.  Most professional crafters rely on double action because they have more control over the output.

Beginners will have less to worry about and can focus on their paint technique instead of mastering their tools if they choose a single action airbrush.

If you’re not going to be painting your crafts a ton, check out a middle of the road single action airbrush to perfect your technique.

Best Craft Spray Guns : Internal Vs External Mix

With an internal mix airbrush the paint and air are mixed inside the cap at the tip of the head assembly.  This atomizes the paint.  Pros claim that the atomization of an internal mix airbrush is superior to an external mix, especially for fine detail work.  And we agree.

External mix is exactly that, the paint and air mix outside the airbrush.  The spray is a larger pattern, due to less atomization.  This leads to a less detailed spray, and a spray that is not as consistent. Not so hot if your looking to use your airbrush for fine work.

Best Craft Spray Guns : Coverage Vs Details

If your projects require a ton of attention to detail, look at investing in an internal mix dual action for a nice soft spray which highlights details, giving you total control over the output.  Think small scale models.

Spraying larger (but still small) projects like a small bookshelf, birdhouses, etc could benefit from a regular sized sprayer rather than an airbrush where coverage is more important than details.  We recommend an HVLP for this because they are beginner friendly, affordable and spray a soft finish.

What Is the Best Painting Technique to Use when Using a DIY Paint Sprayer?

When using a paint spray gun  for crafts and hobbies, there is a basic technique that should be used to generate consistent results.

  1. Turn on the air. You’ll want to turn the air or pressure on your unit first.
  2. Turn on the paint. Once the air is moving, the paint will apply with better consistency and less splatter.
  3. Turn off the paint. When you’ve finished painting, turn off the paint first to avoid extra splatter.
  4. Turn off the air. You’ll reduce the chances of sputtering when the paint source is stopped while the air is still running.

Because many of the units in this category are quite small compared to interior or exterior models, the margin of error is much smaller.

These small sprayers and airbrushes are not forgiving. Most of the problems that happen occur when there are unexpected changes to the air pressure.

And most air pressure changes occur when you turn your equipment on or off when working on a project.

To keep your work safe, it is also a good idea to use a test sheet for the starting and stopping process. The risks of a splatter are much smaller using this technique, but still possible.

When you keep your motions separate in the starting and stopping, you’ll avoid making dots that indicate where you started each line within your work.

Do I Need to Be an Artist to Use a Paint Sprayer or Air Brushes?

Many hobbyists avoid using paint sprayers or air brushes because they feel like they’re not good enough to make great art. Beginners can definitely use airbrushes and craft spray guns, but they need to be designed with the new painter in mind. As a beginner, stay away from very detailed brushes and craft spray guns. Being able to easily blend and cover up newbie mistakes like lack of paint control, splatters etc. is a must.

Folks with more craft and airbrushing experience can go for the guns that are for finer details because they have the experience using such tools.

One of the benefits of using a paint sprayer is that you’ve got multiple options available to you.

  • Stencils can be used to create the graphics you want to have on your finished item.
  • Tape can be used to lay out whatever design work you may need.
  • You can apply paint onto numerous items, including fabric, to create a specific look.

What is an Airbrush Used For?

The designs in this category are some of the most versatile in our industry today, even though they are also some of the smallest sprayers at the same time. You won’t paint an entire wall, but you could create a mural.

You might not paint a kitchen table, but you could paint a baseball cap, a shirt, or a small canvas.

Some of the models  in this category have even been adapted to be used as a cosmetics applicator

You can use an airbrush to paint anything that requires a ton of attention to detail.  The pros would use airbrushing to custom paint designs on motorcycles and cars.  Model planes, trains and cars, Christmas crafts and lettering/stencils are all great things for an airbrush.

You don’t need to think of yourself as an artist to take advantage of what the best craft spray guns can provide you. The only requirements are that you must have an open mind and be willing to learn something new.

What Projects can You Complete with a Craft Sprayer?

The amount of projects you can paint with a craft sprayer is only limited by your imagination. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Toys
  • Cakes
  • Clothing
  • Tattoos
  • Tanning
  • Models
  • Cosmetic Applicator
  • Custom Vehicle Designs

What to Budget for Small Project Paint Sprayers

Most of the best craft spray guns in this category are priced under $100. These models are suitable for the weekend warrior or those who are just starting out on their side hustle.

If you’ve already turned your crafting skills into a profitable business venture, then you’ll need to step up your painting game. Professional studio sprayers begin around $150 and can be priced as high as $500.

With the premium price comes premium features. You are not restricted by the type of paint to use for most models.

You’ll be able to work in multiple mediums. You’ll also have more precision without compromising your portability.

What are the Best Craft Spray Guns for Small Projects

This depends on your budget and project needs.

If you’re planning on staying within a reasonable budget range, we recommend the HomeRight Super Finish Max because of its ability to spray a ton of materials and projects, easy to clean and comes with multiple nozzles.

Stepping it up a notch means grabbing the Fuji Hobby Pro 2 HVLP Turbine System.  It delivers a professional soft finish with minimal overspray and has its own turbine system, meaning you don’t need an air compressor.

3 Types of Feeds: Gravity, Siphon and Side

Gravity feed uses gravity to pull paint down into the paint nozzle from the paint cup. We like gravity feed systems, because the paint flow and consistency of the spray produces smooth results. Its great for finer details.

Siphon feed is a gun that pulls the paint up through the gun. We don’t like this type, air seems to get into the paint and produces spatters and not consistent results.

Side feed guns are a mix of both gravity feed and siphon feed guns. Depending on the paint level compared to the nozzles tip, it will act as either type. If the paint level is above the needle, its gravity feed, if its below, then it acts as a siphon feed.

Cleaners for Airbrush Sprayers

We recommend the Iwata-Medea Airbrush cleaner solution for cleaning your airbrush guns.

Conclusion

The best craft spray guns are used by hobbyists, crafters, and DIY experts.  They don’t need to be overpowering to be useful. They just need to get the job done. You’ll find that these are the best models to do just that.

Table Of Contents

Quick FAQs

What is the best airbrush kit?

Master Airbrush: Best Airbrush Kit

Do I need to be an artist to use a craft sprayer?

No, mostly hobbyists use craft sprayers.

4 thoughts on “Best Craft Spray Guns for Hobbies and Small Projects”

  1. Thanks John, will purchase the Senco unit via your link.
    Will be after the holidays.
    Certainly appreciate the prompt response and all your help.
    Thanks, Bob

  2. Great comments, I just ordered The Campbell Hausfeld Spray Gun Kit. Now I need a compressor.
    Can you tell me if this spray gun kit is compatible with the Master Airbrush Compressor 1/5 HP Cool
    Runner 11.
    Many thanks

    • Hey Robert, Thanks for reading. The Campbell Hausfeld Kit comes with 2 guns. When pairing a compressor to a spray gun, it’s important to know the SCFMs that your spray gun needs to properly atomize paint for best results. The kit you purchased, each gun has different SCFM requirements. 1 of the guns is 2.1 and the other is 0.7. The Master Airbrush puts out 0.8 SCFMs so it can JUST meet the SCFM requirement of the 0.7 SCFM gun but nowhere near the 2.1 SCFM requirement of the second gun. We have an in depth post where we outline and compare 10 air compressors and the things to look for when buying one, follow the link, you should find what you need there for around the same price as the Master Airbrush.

      ~Thanks, John

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