Best Lacquer Sprayer

Best Lacquer Sprayer Comparison Chart

There’s a saying when it comes to the best lacquer sprayer: cheap sprayers give you cheap-looking results.

Best Lacquer Sprayers: Editor’s Ratings and Reviews

Best Sprayer for Lacquer: HVLP

Earlex HV5500 

The Earlex Spray Station HV5500 delivers consistent results with easy spray pattern adjustments on the fly.

Instead of fiddling with difficult knobs or dials, you simply push to receive the pattern adjustments that your next project requires.

What we really liked about this Earlex Spray Station was the fact that the spray pattern adjustments come with a push and click type of design. This easy spray pattern changing system makes it so you can easily complete a wide variety of projects with different paint mediums such as latex, oil, lacquers and sealers.

It’s also easy to store the Earlex because the gun sits on top when not in use. Take this sprayer anywhere, with the easy carry handle.

The motor is a bit loud. Even with hearing protection on, it can be enough to leave your ears ringing for a bit after you’re done working.

Its a spray station which means you don’t need a compressor because it comes with a turbine and generates its own air.  You can save some cash on buying a separate compressor.

It gives contractors the power and control they’ll need to get some of their jobs completed on time.  With a 13 ft hose, you won’t have to struggle to reach your projects. However, we found that the hose for this particular unit can be easy to dislodge from the unit especially since it is only 13 feet long. If you have larger areas to cover, consider buying a longer hose.

This sprayer comes with a 2mm nozzle that covers most paint jobs. We didn’t like that the only spray tip you get out of the box is a 2mm tip. To spray certain finishes, you need to invest into several different tips to maximize the use of this machine.  You’ll need a 1.5mm tip/nozzle at least. When purchasing this unit, also purchase additional tips so your covered for all your projects.

The 1 quart paint cup allows you to paint without worrying about having to pause and refill your cup. It’s also teflon coated, along with the gun, which means super fast and easy clean up.

The portability and on board storage of this unit are well thought out making it easy to carry with you or store it when not in use.

If you’re tired of the messes and inconsistent coverage that brushes and rollers can provide you at times, especially for decking and other exterior work, then you’re going to love what the Earlex HV5500 Spray Station is able to do.

This pro spray gun is able to generate up to 42 CFM thanks to its 650 watt power turbine, giving you consistent coverage on your shutters, trim or similar medium-sized projects.

Fan widths that can be distributed onto a surface by this unit range from just 1 inch to 12 inches, give you the large-scale coverage you need or the detail work you’ve got to have.

Get yourself the specialized Earlex Spray Gun Cleaning Kit to get your unit super clean after use.

It can be used for interiors or exterior needs and can spray thinned latex, lacquers, varnishes, oils, stains, and even sealants if you have the need to do so.  The Earlex HV5500 is a super versatile unit for all your DIY projects.

Best Professional Level Machine

Graco Magnum Pro X19

If you do a lot of painting, then you need a durable and strong sprayer to get you through your workday. This Graco X19 cart sprayer on wheels weighs approximately 42lbs. Since this unit is a bit on the large side, you have to be aware that it can fit in and around the project your spraying.

This paint machine from Graco features all of the benefits that you’ve come to expect from a quality Graco product. This unit can spray stains, oils, and most types of materials with 0 issues due to the high running 3000 PSI. The paint controls are fully adjustable so you can really dial in your results for each project you’re working on.

The 0.875 horsepower motor can be adjusted using the variable control feature to reduce or increase the intensity of the motor, allowing you to dial in the power for whatever material and surface you’re painting.

As an added benefit, the manufacturer recommends up to 500 gallons of annual use with this model for best results.

The RAC IV SwitchTip allows you to reverse the tip and unclog it fast and easy.

Magnum Pro X19 Tech Specs

• Gallons per minute .038
• Max Tip Size 0.019
• Engine 0.875 HP
• Stainless steel parts
• Annual Use Recon. 500 Gallons!
• Comes with 50 foot hose
• Can support paint hose up to 150 feet

Included in your purchase are:

• 50 foot hose
• SG3 Gun
• RAC spray guard
• 515 airless spray tip
• Graco pump armor
• Fast Flush adapter
• Guides and Manuals

Graco makes this airless paint sprayer a real workhorse by ensuring that you can use a variety of tip sizes including .009, .011, .013, .015, .017 and .019. 

The Push Primer button just needs to be pushed a few times to get things running. As with most Graco Sprayers, it comes equipped with a ProX Change Pump that let’s you change out the pump and its components easily. Graco quality means that it is not very likely you’ll have to replace the pump anytime soon after you buy it.

The Fast Flush adapter means you can just insert a hose into a bucket filled with water, soap or whatever cleaning agent you’re using and run the sprayer until the water flows out clear.

Apollo HVLP

This spray gun is at the top of its class. It offers a 1mm needle and a “B” gold air cap with purchase, plus users receive a carrying case and a spare parts kit for the investment. The trigger is ridiculously smooth, which can lead to less fatigue and overall better paint results.

The weight of the gun is just over 1 pound and it comes ready to use with virtually any pressure pot or cup accessory you may already have.

We love the fan control adjustment and how we are really able to dial in our fan.

We’ve tried out a lot of spray guns and have never encountered one that is as easy to use or provides consistent results time after time like the Apollo. Works great with turbine systems as long as you buy the compressed air coupler. Be aware that this is a non bleeder type gun and make sure your turbine is designed for it before buying.

Pound for pound, even with a premium price point, this is going to be the best paint sprayer for your money. Users have commented that the gold comes off the cap during the first cleaning so be aware. This shouldn’t be happening with a gun in this price range.

Fuji Semi Pro 2

Instead of giving you a fast ticket to a mess, the Fuji Semi Pro 2 HVLP Spray System gives users a quality painting system that they can use right away thanks to its design. The included Fuji M-model gun is known for producing a nice even spray. It’s also ergonomically designed to reduce hand fatigue while spraying and there is a gun holder included on the Fuji.

You get premium performance from the FUJI semi pro, but that also comes with a premium price. The adjustable fan pattern controls which are great for tackling a ton of projects, ranges from small to large.

The Fuji Semi-Pro 2 is a bit on the noisy side, so if you spray indoors, you should wear hearing protection.  You can paint without stopping to refill your cup because it comes with a 1 quart paint cup.

Your results will be super accurate with the Semi Pro.  The adjustable spray knob allows you to quickly dial in the perfect atomization levels, reducing overspray. We like that the hose that comes with the Fuji is 25 feet long; this can get around most DIY projects you’re working on easily. The gun holder and easy carrying handle make this sprayer very portable whether you are at home or on the job site.

We don’t usually recommend a siphon feed system of spraying for most jobs because of the chance of air getting into your system.  But this sprayer does an excellent job of giving you control over the final results.

If you need a larger tip, you can grab a 2.0mm Aircap set #6.

There is still a bit of a overspray that occurs while you’re working with this Fuji spray system. Your cleanup is always quick and painless, especially if you’ve taken the time to mask off before getting to work.

Graco X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer

The Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer will help you get the job done in even some of the most challenging situations. The Graco Magnum X5 Airless Sprayer is recommended as a light duty machine. It’s great for staining your deck or your fence. Bring it inside and you’ll be able to quickly paint a ceiling without the mess a roller tends to give you.

When you’ve got a job to complete, you don’t always know what the conditions you’ll be encountering. Maybe the job site won’t have any power. You might need a lot of flexibility in your movement.

It all begins with a redesign of the sprayer base. You’re given a working stand that allows the sprayer to be stable, but still portable, as you work.

Instead of working with a paint cup or a dispenser bag, Graco has given this model a flexible suction tube instead. You just stick the tube into your paint bucket, up to 5 gallons in size, and you’re ready to go to work.

This model spray up to 27 gallons per hour, which is more than most models in the hardcore DIYer category. You’re given full control over the paint flow pressure at all times.

There is an annual use recommendation on this model of 125 gallons, however, so think of it more as a personal DIY sprayer than a commercial or industrial model.

Here are the highlights of the features, which are included with the Magnum X5:

• A 25 foot DuraFlex airless hose gives you a maximum level of movement while working without disrupting the consistency of your application.  Need more?  Check out this 1/4″ airless hose that’s 50 feet. This sprayer will accommodate a painting hose of up to 75 feet.
• The design of this airless sprayer allows you to pump directly from either 1 gallon or 5 gallon paint containers.
• Automatic priming features allow even first-time paint sprayers to be able to use this equipment with ease straight out of the box.
• It will spray virtually anything you need, with the exception of lacquers or materials that have textures contained within them.

If you have a consistent number of projects that need to be completed, then the Graco Magnum X5 has the power to get the jobs done.

Once your done with your sprayer, use Graco Pump Armor to protect the internal parts and the pump.

Wagner Control Spray Max HVLP

When you have a surface that needs to be painted quickly, you’ll want to turn to a sprayer which is extremely reliable to get the job done. This paint sprayer isn’t going to break your budget.

No matter what type of paint or stain you choose to spray, the Wagner Control Spray Max HVLP Sprayer gives you the option to spray a pattern of ½-inch in size to 1 foot in size with the same optimal levels of control.

With this Wagner Spray Gun, 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. Going beyond that level of usefulness is difficult. More overspray occurs with thinner materials, so take caution when paint spraying stains especially.

Priming is the issue that we found with this particular paint sprayer. If you do not take the time to properly prime the equipment, your results will be less than desirable.

Painting a bedroom wall, for example, would not be feasible with this equipment. You wouldn’t want to take it outside to paint a fence. Painting the exterior of a home? Forget about it.

Ingersoll Rand 270G

This HVLP gravity feed sprayer from Ingersoll Rand is awesome with lacquer, stains and other thinner fine finish materials.   

We don’t recommend spraying anything thicker with this gun, even thinned latex.  The tip is just too small for spraying heavier materials.   You’re going to end up with a nasty mess if you try, Spraying thicker materials requires so much thinning that the paint loses its structure and your results will suck.

The 33 ounce cup is big enough to get your jobs done without having to stop and constantly refill. The Fluid adjustment knob will adjust the amount of paint going to the tip, instead of buying multiple gun nozzles/tips. 

The Spray pattern adjustment allows you to choose multiple patterns for more precision in your results.   Weighs in at 2.7 lbs, this unit minimizes wrist fatigue, making this a great gun for novices. 

Purchase an air regulator to ensure consistent professional results.   Comes with a 1.5mm nozzle and requires 8 CFMs to get going.   

We recommend starting off with 20 PSI to get the spray really started.  This will stop any sputtering and spitting.  Then dial it back and maintain at 10 PSI for optimal sprayer performance. 

Most Affordable Lacquer Sprayer

Ingersoll Rand 210G

With a non-drip cup and a suspension hook, the basics are covered with this lacquer spray gun the Ingersoll Rand 210G. Users also receive filtered spray and pattern adjustments that are easy to access with a side dial on the left.

An air adjustment valve is easy to access on the rear of this lacquer spray gun as well.

This type of pneumatic sprayer makes painting with thicker paint mediums like latex problematic as you can’t thin the paint thin enough and maintain the structure of the paint. This unit was made from spraying thinner materials like lacquers and for doing finer detailed work.

It can spray paint for you fairly well, but we found more success in using stains and other finishes like varnish with the Ingersoll.

It requires a high CFM at 10.5 at 50 PSI and the cup size is just 20 ounces; so keep this in mind before making a final decision.

Can Lacquer be Sprayed?

Yes!  Lacquer can be fed through the majority of spray guns that are available on the market today.

With that being said, not every type of lacquer sprayer will give you the type of finish that you’re going to want to see when it comes to lacquer.

How to Find the Best Lacquer Sprayer: Different Types of Lacquer Spray Guns

We’ve narrowed down the number of lacquer spray gun types to 5 when it comes the best sprayers for lacquer.

• AAA guns. Known as air assisted airless sprayers, this is a good option for large application needs. You have more consistency through less work per piece, which increases your overall productivity.

• Pressured guns. This is your traditional application method. Different forms of pressure allow for consistent lacquer application. These are also the best option for those users who like to experiment with different materials and finishes.

• Gravity feed guns. These guns have a smaller reserve than the others, but also tend to be easier to clean. They are also much easier to use if you’re not used to using spray guns already. This is often the best DIY option.

• Suction feed guns. Although not usually recommended for lacquer, they can still be used by those who have perfected their spraying techniques over time.

• HVLP guns. These are also a good choice for the DIY specialist when it comes to lacquer. When spraying lacquer with HVLP, one must just be careful about the setup of the spray gun itself to make sure it can apply the lacquer as desired in a consistent manner. 

Recommended Lacquer Sprayer: Best Type of Sprayer for Lacquer

If you’re a beginner at spraying lacquer, we recommend investing in an HVLP Lacquer sprayer with gravity feed. They are easier to clean and a bit easier to use with lacquer than other types of spray guns.

HVLP Spray guns spray lacquer at a lower pressure which is more forgiving and produces less overspray that its airless counterparts. It will also produce a smoother more consistent finish than airless sprayers. HVLP specializes in finer finishes and details as well, where airless sprayers are great at covering large areas fast. HVLP is perfect for furniture and craft lacquer applications.

Low Volume Low Pressure lacquer sprayers can also be used by beginners to conquer smaller, detailed projects around the house. They are budget friendly and very easy to use.

Gravity Feed versus Suction/Siphon Feed: Choose Gravity Feed

Suction/siphon feed sucks lacquer up from a paint can or cup into your sprayer and then atomizes it for application onto your surface. This type of paint feed into your sprayer can let air get into the line and create splatters and an inconsistent result on your project. I don’t recommend this type of paint feed when spraying lacquer.

Gravity feed uses gravity to feed the lacquer into your sprayer for atomization. It results in a more consistent and smoother finish than other feed methods. Pair this with a HVLP (low pressure) sprayer and you will get awesome results.

What to Look for in a Lacquer Sprayer

If you’re looking for a spray system check out the Fuji Semi Pro 2.  This spray systems has a powerful 2 stage turbine that pushes out 1400 watts.  You can lay down thicker coats of lacquer instead of thin coats and get your job done faster. 

Are you spraying large or small projects?  For small projects, we recommend either a gravity fed HVLP or an LVLP.

You’ll want to make sure that the location of the controls is within reach so you can adjust pressure and fan patterns on the fly.  

Can you spray at weird angles with the spray gun?  How about upside down?  Make sure the lacquer sprayer you are looking at comes with the right tip to spray lacquer.  This can range anywhere from 1.5mm for thinner lacquer to 1.8mm for wood lacquers.

Make sure that the lacquer sprayer has enough pressure to deliver a finish with such a thin material. Having knobs to adjust pressure, fan width etc. are ideal to customize your spray to each project and paint medium you are using.

Make sure that the lacquer sprayer you chose had the capacity to meet your needs. If you are applying lacquer to larger projects, you will need a sprayer than can spray lacquer at a faster rate and cover more area. Small jobs with more detail like furniture, require a smaller sprayer that is portable and easy to use at multiple angles, especially upside down. This will help you achieve a smooth consistent professional finish.

How Lacquer Spray Guns Work

Lacquer sprayers work the same as a regular paint sprayer. They use either a hose or a cup to put lacquer into the spray gun and then the lacquer is atomized or mixed thoroughly with air to allow it to be sprayed with air pressure from the sprayer onto your surface.

Best Sprayer for Lacquer Features 

Overspray

Lacquer is a thin material. Too much spray pressure, or a gun that you can dial down the pressure enough, will result in a ton of overspray and wasted lacquer. Check the specs and make sure the overspray level is low for the gun you buy. Don’t forget to cover the area that you want to protect from paint with a drop cloth to keep it from getting any overspray from your paint sprayer.

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.

Steel Parts

This one is obvious, but steel parts protect against rust and last longer than plastic parts.

Comes with Tips that spray thin material

Make sure your sprayer comes with tips that can spray thin materials. This will ensure less overspray and a more professional finish. Brand name tips usually are better quality and last longer too.

Easy to Clean

Cleaning your sprayer can take awhile if you don’t purchase one that is known for being easy to clean. Check out the reviews and online manuals to verify how easy it is to clean the lacquer sprayer you want to buy before buying.

Spraying Lacquer with an Airless Sprayer

Airless sprayers are known for high levels of overspray.  Spraying lacquer with an airless sprayer will create a ton of mess and waste.  Don’t even bother with an airless sprayer if you’re going to be mainly spraying lacquer.

Spray Gun Tips Sizes and Lacquer

Once you’ve determined which type of spray gun you’ll want to use to apply the lacquer, it is equally important to know what tip should be used for the application.

HVLP gravity feed guns, for example, require a 1.6mm or greater tip size to apply lacquers and similar enamels. Pressure feed spray guns, however, only require 1.2mm tip for an effective application. 

What is the Best Spray Gun for Lacquer?

We recommend the Earlex HV5500 as the best lacquer sprayer.  Why?  Well, it’s a turbine system so no air compressor needed.  

Come with a long 13 ft hose to maneuver around your work space, the gun and hose store right on the machine, minimal overspray, and it can spray stains and some paints too.

What is Lacquer?

So exactly what is Lacquer Paint?  According to DIY Network, lacquer paint is a protective coating.  It provides a very intense gloss finish.  It is durable and resistant to damage, including water damage.  

You can purchased clear or tinted lacquers.  Use lacquer spray if you want an ultra modern shiny look or if your furniture is used frequently.

Lacquer spray paint is thinner than other finishes, and is best applied with a lacquer sprayer.  You will have to spray multiple coats, allowing at least 24 hours between each one.

How to Avoid Common Problems with Spray Lacquer 

If you’re using the best lacquer sprayer, then it is important to make sure any stains you’ve applied have completely dried before applying the sealant.

Remember that 3 or 4 light coats of lacquer tend to work better than one very thick coat. A 320 fine grit sandpaper in-between the second and third coat will help the upper coats adhere better for a better overall finish.

If a run should occur, shave it down with a razor blade after drying and then re-spray to fix. Make sure to use a completely horizontal movement when spraying lacquer.

An arcing motion is a common beginner’s error and will result in a surface that is not uniform.  Always keep your spray gun 8-14 inches away from the surface based on your manufacturer’s instructions.

Humidity and Your Lacquer Sprayer

It is best to apply lacquer in an environment that has relatively low humidity. Anything above 65% humidity can result in blushing, which makes the lacquer look hazy once it dries.

Early morning spraying tends to provide the best results when you live in a high humidity environment.

Tips for Spray Painting Lacquer: Best Lacquer Sprayer

It is also important to keep the spray gun moving at all times. A constant flow of lacquer is critical to an even finish. Having some lacquer overlap on the finished surface is expected. It takes a little practice to move at a pace that is steady, but still quick.  Here is a great video with tons of tips.

How to Clean Up After Applying Lacquer 

You have two lacquer options: nitrocellulose or water-base.

With nitrocellulose lacquer spray, you can spray throughout the day, taking breaks in-between each application, and only clean your spray gun when finished.

Detach the gun from the air hose, pull the trigger so the lacquer in the gun drips back into your cup, and then follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning instructions.

For water-base lacquers, you’ll need to completely flush your lacquer spray gun with water. Any leftover lacquer should be returned to the can.

Make sure to wipe off the parts to prevent lacquer buildup within the gun that could affect future results.

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Lacquer Thinner vs Paint Thinner

Lacquer thinner is a very strong solvent that has advantages and disadvantages over paint thinner.  It is stronger than most solvents and can ruin oil paints, surface and fabrics.

While paint thinner is milder and safer to use, it is advised to use on wood, metal and concrete.  Get all the details in our latest post on how to use paint thinner before you start your next DIY painting project.

Be sure to test a hidden area before using lacquer thinner.  It is also more flammable than paint thinner.  Each brand of lacquer thinner is made of different ratios of solvents: what might work for one project, may wreck another.

Read and follow the directions to the letter for best results.

What is Polyurethane? What is the Difference between Lacquer and Polyurethane?

Polyurethane is not the same as lacquer.  According to DIY Network, it is a plastic in the form of a liquid  until it dries.  Lacquer is a coating that provides a glass like finish versus polyurethane which is a plastic type coating.

When painting kitchen cabinets, I used polyurethane to provide a clear, solid plastic type seal and protective coating. It dried shiny and was perfect to brighten up a white kitchen even more.

Tip: use a natural bristle brush to apply poly.  This avoid bubbles in the coating.

NEVER shake the can.  This introduces bubbles into the poly.  Always stir the product thoroughly with a paint stick.  If any imperfection appear in your coating, you can remove it with mineral spirits for about 20-30 minutes after application.

Always apply in a well ventilated area, and expect a waiting time of a day or two or more for it to cure/set.  Careful, if you use oil based products, as they can leave a yellow color behind as they age, especially on lighter paints.  You can buy water based OR oil based poly, and for painting light colored surfaces, grab water based polyurethane.

Is Lacquer the same as Clear Coat?

Yes and no.  A clear coat is a type of final coat of paint that is clear which protects your paint or wood of your surface underneath.  You can buy both clear and tinted lacquers.  So, if you use a clear lacquer then yes, it is the same as clear coat for your projects.  But, if you buy tinted lacquer, it will alter the original color of your surface and is, therefore, in this case, not a clear coat.

What is Lacquer’s Water Resistance?  Is Lacquer Water Resistant?

Lacquer has been used for centuries to protect and preserve items from water damage and that benefit continues today.  How durable is a lacquer finish?  Lacquer penetrates your surface more than other types of protective coats simply because its thinner, so it seeps deeper into your wood and other surface.

It gives you a tough enough finish that you can use it on a high traffic area like your dining room table, a nightstand, a coffee table, or your outdoor furniture and it will protect like a champ.

It can withstand all types of weather so its perfect for your patio chairs, tables, decorations, etc.

How Long Does Lacquer Last?

Lacquer can last anywhere from a few years to many, many years.  Lacquer that is applied to things that are exposed to harsh weather and outdoor conditions will last less time than lacquer applied to indoor items that are protected from the elements.

How long a specific lacquer will last depends on how well you stored it in the can and each type (water or oil or nitrocellulose) has a different shelf life.  Best to read the can for the optimum shelf life as stated by the manufacturer.

How Do You Protect a Lacquer Finish?

Here are a few tips to keep that lacquer looking lovely throughout the years:

1. Don’t leave heavy items or items that can scratch the surface
2. Wipe up spills right away
3. Dust it regularly

Best Lacquer Brands: Pro Results Fast

There are different lacquer brands available on the market today, so which is reliable?

Deft 

Rust-Oleum 

What Are the Prices for the Best Lacquer Sprayer? 

The price that you’ll pay for a lacquer spray gun that works well depends on the type and features that you’ll need for your next project.

Some basic entry-level models retail for between $25-$50. The average user can find a great spray gun for around $100 and often a bit less.

Premium products for high capacity use can run as high as $300 for a professional grade tool with stainless steel and brass parts.

Conclusion

The best spray gun for lacquer is going to give your project the perfect finish.

If you want amazing results that can be achieved quickly and easily, then the professional looks that these sprayers can provide are going to impress you.

Find yours today and let your creativity start to flow.

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