Ultimate Guide to Paint Sprayers

Our Spray Guide

What Are the Different Types of Paint Sprayers?

When you start thinking about the purchase of a paint sprayer, then it becomes important to purchase one that is equipped to do the job that needs to be completed.  How to use a paint sprayer really depends on the project you are working on.

The types of spray paint you’re planning to use is also an important consideration in the purchasing process.

There are three basic types of paint sprayers to consider.

Airless Paint Sprayer

How do airless paint sprayers work?  This type of paint sprayer works by pumping the paint you’re using out at a high pressure.

This causes the paint to fan out in a series of droplets. The end result is an even coat of paint when you use your preferred sprayer as intended.

An airless paint sprayer works best for interior paint, residential outdoor DIY projects like a deck, fencing, or shutters, and especially well for ceilings.

Airless Paint Sprayer Tips and Tricks

Thicker paints typically work best with this type of paint gun.

Compressed Air Painting Sprayer

This type of paint sprayer uses compressed air to force the paint out into an even and smooth finish.

They are almost foolproof in how they operate, so they are perfect for DIY beginners.

Furniture typically sees the best results with this power paint sprayer, but there are some other limited applications, which benefit as well.

Compressed Air Paint Gun Tips & Tricks

These sprayers use a lot of paint, are typically cheaper, but also require an air compressor to operate.

HVLP Paint Gun

An HVLP paint sprayer uses a steady volume of air to allow the paint droplets to stick to surfaces.

The low pressure creates less mess and waste for your interior projects.  However, if precision at impact is important, you would choose an airless vs an HVLP paint sprayer. 

For beginners, an HVLP would work best.  Modern HVLP spray guns don’t require as much experience.   HVLP will paint thinner materials easily and with professional results. 

If you are working on smaller projects, or using water based materials, this would be your choice sprayer. 

HVLP Tips & Tricks

It is important to remember that every type of paint sprayer should be handled with great care.

This is especially true with an electric paint sprayer that operates at very high pressure levels.

The paint can be injected into the skin if it makes contact with the sprayer tip and this can introduce dangerous toxins into the body. 

​You should always seek immediate medical treatment if you accidentally inject paint, lacquer, or varnish into your skin.

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Gravity Feed Paint Guns

Gravity feed paint guns are called that because the cup in on the top of the spray gun.  Gravity feeds the paint into the gun to be sprayed.

They require less air pressure meaning they have less overspray so you save money on paint.

The low pressure also allows you to have more control over the spray and delivers a softer finish than an airless gun that uses high pressure of up to 2000 PSI to delivers paint to the nozzle.

Gravity feed guns pair well with HVLP technology delivering great finishes with less paint waste.

Siphon Feed Paint Sprayers

Siphon Feed Paint Sprayers have their paint cup on the bottom of the gun, instead of on the top like a gravity feed sprayer.  It uses air to create a vacuum which sucks the paint up into the gun. 

With the invention of gravity feed and HVLP, you see less and less of siphon feed guns as the newer models deliver better results, faster, with less paint waste.

Buying a Paint Sprayer: 4 Important Features

As with any tool, you can expect to find certain features to be available in different combinations depending on the type of paint gun you’re looking at.

Comprehensive online reviews will help you take a look at the effectiveness of these 4 common features you’ll want to consider having with your sprayer so your project can be completed with quality in a reasonable amount of time.

1. Portability

A portable paint gun can complete large and small projects equally well. These are needed more for outdoor projects when compared to indoor projects.

Working with furniture, cabinetry, or automotive painting often requires portability as well.

Most paint sprayers either come in a “backpack” form or are outfitted with wheels to allow for a greater freedom of movement.

2. Flexibility

Some paint sprayers offer users the chance to adjust how the paint is delivered to the surface. You may be able to dispense the paint at various levels of thickness.

Some paint spray gun pressure setting options may restrict what kind of projects you can work on.  Other paint guns offer multiple speed settings.

Sometimes you’ll even have access to different spray patterns. If you want a sprayer that maximizes its versatility, then look for a sprayer that will give you paint, lacquer, and varnish settings based on the type of materials you’re using. 

The best indoor paint sprayers will offer a ton of options so that you can use them for all your DIY porjects.

3. Power

Paint sprayers can be powered in a number of different ways. The basic sprayer is controlled by hand, much like a spray bottle.

You’ll also have cordless, electric, or fuel-powered options depending on what kind of delivery system you need.

Certain models may need a power source for a compressor in addition to the power source for the paint sprayer, so keep this in mind during the shopping process.

4. Cleaning Your Paint Sprayer

The messiest part of owning any paint sprayer is the cleanup process. It takes a lot of time to take apart a sprayer so it can be flushed out.

You’re going to have paint go everywhere while you’re getting this job done as well. Certain makes and models can attach to a garden hose, however, to make cleanup go a lot faster.

Look for this feature if you don’t like the idea of getting messy. There are other unique features that may be available only in specific brands or in certain types of paint sprayers as well.

The best paint sprayer reviews can help you to sort out which features each model has so you can have confidence in your purchase.

That way your next DIY project will get finished faster than you imagined possible.

Features to Look for in a Paint Sprayer

What Accessories Can Work With a Paint Sprayer?

The best paint sprayer is designed to make your job easier. The accessories that come with certain paint guns also help to make fast work of your next DIY project.

Some are even designed to help extend the life of your preferred electric paint sprayer.

Here are the best-selling options that come with some models and can often be found separately for purchase if they are not included.

Hoses

You’ll need several hoses available for your paint sprayer so that it can be as versatile as possible. A smaller work area requires a smaller and shorter hose.

On the other hand, if you’re working on a fence, you’ll want a hose that is at least 25 feet in length so you have space with which to work.

Extensions

Certain rods can be attached to today’s paint sprayers to make delivering a smooth surface a lot easier to do.

Ceilings, decks, and other hard to reach areas benefit from this accessory and it’s a lot easier on your back as well.

Filters

You must have a paint sprayer with a filter if you want a finish that is smooth. Filters are designed to make sure contaminants are kept to a minimum in the paint.

They also help to prevent splattering and clogging.

Protectants and/or Conditioners

These formulas can be added to your paint sprayer so corrosion, freezing, or sticking is kept to a minimum.

To maximize the life of your home paint sprayer, you’ll want to have these on-hand and use them as recommended by the manufacturer.

Tips

Different tips are used for specific jobs on your preferred paint gun.

They can help you use thicker or thinner paints, change spray patterns, or let your sprayer be used for varnish or lacquer in addition to paint. This gives your tool the most versatility when it comes to exterior and interior projects. 

Sometimes you’ll find that a paint sprayer comes with certain personal protective equipment.

Make sure the equipment is of the proper size before finalizing your purchase.  Otherwise you’ll have to purchase more protective gear that does fit your unique needs at an extra cost and you’ll be stuck with useless gear at home. 

How to Use a Paint Sprayer 

Using a paint sprayer can feel overwhelming at first, but with a little prep and practice, it becomes one of the most efficient ways to get a smooth, even finish on a variety of surfaces.

Our Tips for Using a Paint Sprayer

Practice First
Always test your spray pattern and technique on a piece of cardboard or scrap material. This helps you adjust settings and get used to the spray distance, speed, and trigger control.

Achieve Even Coverage
Keep the sprayer about 6–12 inches from the surface, moving at a steady, consistent pace. Start your pass before the surface and continue past it to avoid uneven edges.

Mind the Weather

• Don’t spray below 45°F or above 75°F.
  Temperatures outside this range can cause issues like poor adhesion or paint running.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
  The heat can cause the paint to dry too fast, which affects bonding and leads to streaks or cracking.

Use Proper Paint Prep

• Make sure to strain your paint to avoid clogs.
• Thin the paint if necessary, according to your sprayer and paint manufacturer’s instructions.

Watch for Clogs
Cold paint or improper thinning can cause blockages. If your sprayer starts sputtering or the spray pattern becomes inconsistent, stop and clean the nozzle.

Protect Surrounding Areas
Overspray is common. Use painter’s tape, drop cloths, or plastic sheeting to protect areas you don’t want painted.

Clean Thoroughly After Use
Don’t skip the cleanup. Follow your sprayer’s manual for cleaning steps—this helps prevent clogs and extends the life of your tool.

Prepping Your Paint Gun

Clogging, in fact, is the #1 complaint that people have when using a paint sprayer. You’ll see this as a running theme in the public reviews of today’s best paint sprayers.

To prevent clogs, it is important to stir your paint extremely well. You’ll then need to strain it before hooking it up to the sprayer for best results. 

Once you’ve done all this, you’re ready to begin painting.

How to Use a Paint Sprayer Indoors

Using a paint sprayer indoors can give you a fast, smooth finish on walls, furniture, cabinets, and more—if you use it correctly. Below are step-by-step tips for success along with essential maintenance advice to keep your paint sprayer running like new.

Start Moving Before You Spray

Begin your arm motion before you pull the trigger. This avoids heavy paint buildup at the start of your stroke and helps maintain smooth, even coverage.

Use Your Arm, Not Your Wrist

Move the sprayer using your entire arm in a sweeping, horizontal motion. Avoid flicking your wrist, which can lead to uneven coverage or inconsistent lines.

Keep It Straight and Steady

Always spray in long, straight passes. Avoid curving or arcing the sprayer as you work. Consistency of motion is essential for a professional-looking finish.

Maintain Proper Distance

Hold the sprayer approximately 10 to 12 inches from the surface. Getting too close can cause the paint to run, while being too far may result in poor coverage. Try to keep the same distance from the surface throughout the project.

Watch Your Angle

Keep the sprayer perpendicular to the surface at all times. Tilting the sprayer up or down can cause it to sputter or spray unevenly, which will affect the quality of your finish.

Avoid the “Bowtie” Mistake

Many first-time users naturally swing the sprayer in an arc, which leads to a “bowtie” pattern—thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges. Keep your arm movement straight to prevent this.

Apply Light Coats

When in doubt, apply a lighter coat. It’s always better to apply two light coats than one heavy one. Heavy application can lead to dripping and uneven surfaces.

Recommended Order of Application

1. Paint corners first
2. Follow with edges and any protrusions (like trim)
3. Finish with the large flat areas

This order reduces the chances of drips and helps maintain a consistent finish.

How to Maintain a Paint Sprayer 

Clogs are the most common issue with paint sprayers, but regular maintenance will prevent most problems.

Clean the Tip Guard Regularly

Most paint sprayers include a tip guard to help prevent accidental paint injection. This area can accumulate paint as you work.

• Never use your fingers to clean the tip, as doing so can be dangerous
• Always release the trigger before cleaning
• Use a cloth or rag to wipe off any buildup

Never use your fingers or your hand to clean out a spray tip or nozzle to avoid accidental injection. 

Cleaning Your Paint Sprayer

Clean your sprayer thoroughly after every use. If you’re switching paint colors and expect a long pause between sessions, clean it then as well.

Cleaning Instructions

• For sprayers with a garden hose attachment:
  Connect the hose and run water or cleaning solution through the sprayer until the output runs clear.
• For sprayers without a hose connection:
  Disassemble the unit and clean each component by hand. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the user manual for the best results.

Clearing a Clogged Tip

• Rotate the spray tip 180 degrees
• Aim the sprayer at cardboard or scrap wood
• Pull the trigger to clear the clog
• If that doesn’t work, remove and manually clean the tip

Also check and clean the filter, hose connections, ball-check valves, and any internal mechanisms. A quick inspection after every use can prevent bigger issues down the road.

Some manufacturers recommend storing the sprayer with a protective storage fluid or pump preservative. This keeps the seals lubricated and prevents internal components from drying out between uses.

What Is Backbrushing or Backrolling?

Some paint sprayer manufacturers recommend a technique called backbrushing or backrolling to improve the quality of the final finish.

What is it?
Backbrushing (or backrolling) means that after the paint has been sprayed onto a surface, you follow up by running a brush or roller over the freshly applied paint. This ensures the paint or stain is worked into the surface and provides a more even, consistent finish.

How it works:

1. Spray the paint or stain onto the surface.
2. Immediately follow with a brush or roller while the coating is still wet.
3. Let it dry as directed by the product’s instructions.

This technique is especially useful when painting or staining unfinished wood, rough surfaces, or wood that has been previously painted or stained. Even if the sprayer doesn’t require it, backbrushing helps fill in grooves and pores and eliminates uneven coverage.

When to backbrush or backroll:

• Unfinished or rough wood: Helps stain or paint soak into the surface.
• Previously stained or painted surfaces: Creates a more even coat.
• Primers and sealants: Backbrushing is often recommended to ensure full adhesion and protection.

What Are the Jobs a Paint Sprayer Can Do?

Paint sprayers are versatile, but like any tool, they have their strengths and limitations. Knowing when to use a sprayer—and when to opt for a different method—will save you time and effort.

Ideal Jobs for Paint Sprayers

• Fences and decks
• House siding and exterior walls
• Large interior walls and ceilings
• Cabinets and furniture
• Doors and trim
• Garages, sheds, barns
• Staining pergolas or outdoor structures

Sprayers excel when you’re covering large, flat areas or need to apply paint quickly and evenly.

Jobs Where Sprayers May Not Be Ideal

• Tight indoor spaces with poor ventilation
• Detailed trim or corners where overspray is hard to control
• Tiny touch-up jobs where setup time outweighs the benefit
• Surfaces where masking off areas is difficult
• When working with thicker materials not suitable for your sprayer model

Always review your sprayer’s recommended uses and limitations before beginning a new project. In many cases, combining your sprayer with traditional tools—like backbrushing—will give you the best results.

Paint Sprayer Guide

The Do’s of Painting with a Paint Gun

Do use a paint sprayer when you’ve got a large painting space which needs to be completed.

This can be anything from the siding on your home to the interior walls of your room.

Just make sure you have plastic sheeting or other protections in place to prevent paint from going places where you don’t want it to go. 

Do use paint sprayers when you’re painting furniture.

A sprayer that produces a fine mist will allow the paint to get into the difficult corners, cracks, and nooks that are spots your average paint roller or brush is able to reach. 

Do use a paint sprayer when you’ve got multiple surfaces which need to be painted with the same color of paint.

Because this tool creates a rather large mess, you’ll have better results if you are planning to paint the trim, ceiling, and walls the same color.

Precision work takes a lot of prep time, but it can be done if you make preparation efforts. 

Do figure out how much you will be using your sprayer.  If you’re using it frequently to paint large areas like fencing, decks or home exteriors, you will exceed the gallon limit on most paint sprayers. 

Take a look at buying a commercial paint sprayer for professionals.  They have much higher annual gallon use recommendations.

Do make sure you take time to practice your technique. Each spray pattern is a little different.

Make sure you have some cardboard or scrap wood around so you can practice before starting to paint for real. 

Do try to use a paint sprayer when no one else is around. It works best to paint when a room is empty, a house is empty, or the weather is cooperating with you outside.

Low wind conditions are the best conditions for outdoor use with this tool. 

Always use a paint sprayer in an environment that is well ventilated for best results. 

Do use protective personal equipment when using any type of paint sprayer. This means you should wear something to protect your airways, such as a mask.

Safety glasses are a must-have to prevent paint, lacquer, or varnish getting into the eyes. You’ll want to wear clothes that you don’t mind being ruined. 

The Don’ts of Painting with  Paint Sprayer

Don’t use a paint sprayer if you are concerned about how much paint you’ll be using. A paint sprayer will almost always use more paint than a brush or a roller.

If your budget is tight and you want to minimize paint waste,  other tools will more effectively get your job done. 

Don’t use a paint sprayer for small jobs you’ve got around the house. This is especially true if you don’t have enough room to be able to use the paint sprayer. 

Don’t use paint sprayers if you aren’t willing to invest some time into your prep work.

You’ll be taping and covering many things before you get to work. This has a time and cost investment associated with it, so it may not be right for everyone. 

Don’t use a paint sprayer if cleaning up after a project is your least favorite thing to do.

You’ll need to take apart your paint sprayer to clean it out after every use and this consumes a lot of time – especially when compared to cleaning out a brush or roller and a paint tray. 

How to Use a Paint Sprayer: 6 Helpful Tips

There are certain best practices that have been developed over the years from professionals and DIY experts that make using a paint sprayer relatively simple, even if you don’t have previous experience with this tool.

Here are some helpful tips that can help you maximize the use of your sprayer before you get to work on your next project.

#1. How to prime a paint sprayer

Most paint sprayers have a valve that gives you two or more options: prime and spray, then different types of sprays.

You’ll want to switch the valve to prime, switch the pump on, and then turn the pressure valve up until the pump starts on many models.

When you see the paint starting to flow through the priming tube, you’re ready to move it into the paint bucket and begin getting to work.

Let it run for about 30 seconds to remove any air bubbles.

#2. Know your tip size

​Paint sprayer tips are defined by a 3 digit number. The first digit tells you the width of the spray fan when measured at 10-12 inches when you double the number.

The second and third number tell you what the size of the application hole in the tip happens to be in thousandths of an inch.

If you have a large surface to spray with latex paint, having a 515 tip or larger would be beneficial.

For staining or varnishing, a 310 tip would provide better results. 

#3. Watch out for tails

​Even if you’ve used a paint sprayer before, it is important to test your spray on a piece of cardboard or scrap wood before getting to work.

You’re doing this so you can check for “tails” which appear at the end of the paint.

You can recognize a tail because it gives your spray pattern a rounded corner.

This means your air pressure is too low. If you have overspray, then you have too much pressure. Retest your spray pattern until you get consistent results. 

#4. Always keep your trigger locked

​It’s a simple step, but one that is often forgotten when you’re done spraying.

Keep your trigger locked and follow the manufacturer’s pressure relief procedures before you start the cleaning process or perform maintenance tasks.

This will help to prevent accidental injections from occurring.

#5. Follow grounding precautions for certain materials

​You can spray oil-based products through many of today’s paint sprayers. The only problem is that these products are also highly flammable.

You’ll need to make sure that you follow all grounding precautions and procedures so sparking can be preventing while spraying.

Your owner’s manual will have specific step-by-step instructions that must be followed to make sure your gun and paint or product pail is properly grounded. 

#6. Give yourself a break from time to time 

​When you hold a paint sprayer for some time, you’ll find that your grip will begin to cramp up.

This can even cause finger spasms to occur if you force yourself into a state of fatigue.

Allow yourself to have a 5 minute break for every 25-30 minutes of work to prevent mistakes that may happen because your hands have worn out. 

For best results, you’ll always want to move back and forth like you would a paint brush or roller when using a paint sprayer.

Horizontal application strokes tend to work better than vertical ones because it reduces the chances of a bothersome run or the sprayer spitting.

Take your time, go slow, and don’t worry about how much paint you’re using.

If you can do that and follow these tips, then you’ll be proud of the results you were able to create.

Practice Makes Perfect

A paint sprayer can be a huge time-saver—and a money-saver too—once you’ve learned how to use it properly. But like any new tool, it comes with a learning curve.

Take the time to practice before jumping into your first big project. Whether you’re spraying a fence, a cabinet, or a full room, spending some time on practice runs will lead to smoother, more professional-looking results.

Don’t Expect Perfection Right Away

Some users pick up the technique quickly after a few test sprays. Others may need a few days—or even a few weeks—of practice to feel confident. Either way, learning the correct spraying distance, speed, and angle is more important than rushing through a job.

Know When a Sprayer Is (or Isn’t) the Right Tool

Not every task calls for a paint sprayer.

Smaller jobs, tight spaces, or areas where overspray is a concern might be better handled with a brush or roller. Think about your project’s size, location, and level of detail before deciding which tools to use.

Choose the Right Sprayer and Tip

• Review the specs of various sprayers before purchasing.
• Match the tool to the job size and paint type.
• Always use the correct spray tip as recommended by the manufacturer.

The spray tip has a big impact on your results. The wrong tip can cause clogging, uneven coverage, or wasted materials, so take the time to choose the right one for your application.

In Summary

• Practice before you paint.
• Be patient with yourself.
• Pick the right tool for the job.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines, especially for spray tips.

Learning to spray properly takes time, but once you have it down, the speed and quality of your results will speak for themselves.

Conclusion

The ultimate guide to paint sprayers is intended to help you see if this tool could be right for you.

If you believe it could be, then the next step is to find the best paint sprayer for your upcoming project. Get started with your research today right here and you’ll be able to find the right product at the right price for your budget.

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