Handheld paint sprayers are an excellent choice for your next spray painting project because of their ease of maneuverability and portability.
There is no shortage of handheld paint sprayers on the market, making it challenging for most people to choose the best model.
In this guide, we have selected the best handheld paint sprayers available on the market for your taking. Be sure to pick a favorite and purchase it for your upcoming painting projects.
Let’s get to it!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Handheld Paint Sprayers
- OUR TOP PICK: Wagner Spraytech 0518080
- RUNNER-UP: HomeRight Super Finish Max
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Wagner 0529085 FLEXiO 3000
Comparison of the Best Handheld Paint Sprayers
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What Should I Look For When Buying a Handheld Paint Sprayer?
Choosing the best handheld paint sprayer requires you to consider various factors that make a good model. Below are some key factors to consider before buying a handheld sprayer.
Power Source
Handheld paint sprayers rely on two power sources. You can choose between battery-powered and electric sprayers.
If you have small home projects, you can use a battery-powered sprayer since the battery usually limits its usability to smaller projects as long as the battery is charged.
Electric handheld sprayers are a better choice when you have larger projects because you can use them for a long time without worrying about running out of charge.
However, electric sprayers have limitations. You can only use them as long as you are connected to a mains power outlet, which is not always possible.
Spray Patterns
Most paint sprayers allow you to switch between three spraying patterns to suit your needs and preferences for various projects.
You can choose between vertical, horizontal, and circular/round spray patterns.
Adjustability Options
Handheld sprayers will have different adjustability options, depending on the brand. Standard adjustability options include changing the speed, pressure, and flow rate.
Adjustability enables you to control the amount of material flowing through the tip or nozzle onto the spraying surface.
Paint Cup Size/Capacity
Handheld paint sprayers have small paint containers, making them lightweight and easy to use for a long time. They are your best for small projects.
Due to the small paint containers, handheld sprayers aren’t your best bet for large projects or surfaces. You have to keep refilling, which can be messy and take up a lot of time.
Another aspect to note about the paint cup is its position on the sprayer. All the models in our review below have the paint cups on the bottom, which is referred to as the siphon or conventional feed system.
Siphon feed paint sprayers are generally cheaper than their gravity feed counterparts.
Weight
The weight of most handheld sprayers largely depends on the size of the paint container, battery, and motor. Since all these are directly attached to the sprayer on the gun, the overall weight matters as it determines how much hand fatigue you’ll suffer.
Handheld paint sprayers with large paint cups are heavier when fully loaded, as are those with large batteries and motors. The amount of hand fatigue you feel after a long period of spraying increases as the weight of the sprayer increases.
Some unique handheld sprayers have a stationary base housing the motor. The base has a hose supplying the paint to the spray gun. This three-part design takes the bulk of the weight off the spray gun and keeps it grounded in the base, making it easy to spray for extended durations.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean!
- Weight: The actual weight of the sprayer.
- Dimensions: The length, width, height of the sprayer.
- Capacity: The amount of paint the sprayer can hold at a time.
- Included Tip Sizes/Patterns: The sizes and patterns of the included tips.
- Feed System: The way the paint moves through the spray gun. A gravity-fed sprayer has the paint container mounted on top, and as the name implies, relies on gravity to work. Whereas a siphon gun–essentially the inverse–uses a vacuum to suck up paint from the container placed at the bottom.
Review of the Best Handheld Paint Sprayers
Here’s our list of the best handheld paint sprayers you can buy on the market from different brands. Be sure to pick the one that will best serve your needs, depending on the projects at hand.
Best Overall
Wagner Spraytech 0518080
Specifications
Weight: 9.8 lbs
Dimensions: 18.5 x 12 x 12″
Capacity: 1.5-qt plastic and 1-qt professional grade metal cup
Included Tip Sizes/Patterns: 1.8mm
Feed System: Siphon/Conventional
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Review
The Wagner Spraytech 0518080 paint sprayer is a handy device for both DIYers and commercial painters because of its design.
The sprayer features three interconnected parts, namely the hose, gun, and stationary base. The one good thing about this design is that the motor is in the base rather than the gun.
As such, the sprayer packs more spraying power from the 2-stage motor. The power is most suited for large painting projects. However, the pressure control dial helps tune it for smaller projects as well.
Bottom Line
Professional and DIY painters looking to paint large surfaces will have an easier time with the Wagner 0518080 Control Spray Max paint sprayer.
The sprayer comes with a stationary base holding the motor and an attached hose, making the sprayer ideal for large projects because of the high power spraying power and easy reach with the hose.
Pros
Comes with 1 quart and 1.5-quart cups
Has a 20-foot hose for easy reach to tight spots
Air cap can be turned to spray vertical, round, and horizontal patterns
Allows adjusting the flow rate using the pressure control dial for better finishes
Has a powerful 2-stage turbine suitable for spraying both thin and thick materials
Cons
Comprises a stationary base that makes portability a chore when you can’t stretch the hose further
Runner-up
HomeRight Super Finish Max
Specifications
Weight: 3.3 lbs
Dimensions: 9.5 x 6 x 12.5″
Capacity: 39 oz
Included Tip Sizes/Patterns: 1.5mm, 2.0mm, and 4.0mm
Feed System: Siphon/Conventional
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Review
The HomeRight Super Finish Max paint sprayer is an excellent addition to your toolbox, given its handy features such as dual adjustability options, powerful motor, and brass spray tips.
The sprayer lets you adjust the flow rate using the material control knob to ensure less overspray and reduced material wastage.
You also have the option to adjust the spray pattern between round, horizontal, and vertical designs to suit different design requirements for various surfaces like furniture, fences, and decks.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a handheld paint sprayer with multiple spray tip options for applying a wide range of materials with varying thicknesses, the HomeRight Super Finish Max is a good bet.
The sprayer comes with three brass spray tips, with the option to separately buy three more of the six allowable tips.
Pros
2-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects
Adjustable air cap for horizontal, round, and vertical spray patterns
Powerful 450-watt motor suitable for spray materials with varying thicknesses
Comes with 3 brass spray tips that spray better and last longer than plastic tips
Has a control knob for adjusting the material flow rate to manage overspray and reduce wastage
Cons
Requires you to buy 3 of the six applicable spray tips separately
Best for the Money
Wagner 0529085 FLEXiO 3000
Specifications
Weight: 8 lbs
Dimensions: 15.9 x 6.7 x 13.9″
Capacity: 1.5 qt
Feed System: Siphon/Conventional
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Review
The Wagner 0529085 FLEXiO 3000 HVLP paint sprayer has the basic features you want in a simple sprayer, especially when on a tight budget.
The sprayer features two adjustability options for changing the nozzle size and the flow rate to suit your preferences based on the type of project at hand.
Like most other Wagner handheld paint sprayers, it comes with two paint containers to enable you to use either container in alternation to reduce the time spent doing refills.
Bottom Line
The Wagner FLEXiO 3000 HVLP sprayer offers satisfactory features you would want to see in a good paint sprayer on a limited budget.
You get adjustability options like two nozzles for large and small projects and flow rate control. The sprayer also comes in a handy storage case that makes storing it easy and cheap for frequent users.
Pros
Detachable parts for easy cleaning
Numbered settings for easy adjustment of material flow rate
Comes with a storage case for easy storage and protection of parts
Has 2 nozzles for large projects and smaller projects and fine finishes
Has 9 settings on the power dial to suit different coatings and enhanced precision
Cons
Nozzle clogs up easily, causing paint flow-back to the fan and potentially permanent damage to the sprayer
Best Handheld Airless Paint Sprayer
Graco TrueCoat 360 VSP
Specifications
Weight: 6 lbs
Dimensions: 12.5 x 5.25 x 11.8″
Capacity: 42 oz
Included Tip Sizes/Patterns: 0.015″ reversible spray tips, 4″ narrow and 12″ wide
Feed System: Siphon/Conventional
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Review
Reusable paint bags make the Wagner TrueCoat 360 VSP paint sprayer a unique model from the giant paint handling devices brand.
Other notable features include variable speed control, a handy storage case, stainless steel piston pump, and VacuValve technology for spraying in different directions.
The sprayer can also spray up to 25 gallons of material per year, making it ideal for both small and large painting projects.
Bottom Line
While the TrueCoat 360 VSP is another great sprayer by Graco given its innovative use of the recyclable FlexLiner bags, the same bags are a nuisance when you have to refill.
However, the sprayer works great once refilled and will spray fast enough to complete your project in the shortest time possible.
Pros
Uses reversible spray tips for easy unclogging
Uses a recyclable or reusable FlexLiner bag instead of traditional pint cups
Has variable speed control to regulate the flow rate for precision and less overspray
Comes with a storage case for optimal sprayer protection to enhance its durability
Features a stainless steel piston pump that makes it easy to spray unthinned materials at high pressure
Cons
Very heavy when full
Difficult and time-consuming to refill, yet it drains the material fast
Best Handheld Paint Sprayer for Cabinets
Wagner Spraytech Flexio 590
Specifications
Weight: 2.11 lbs
Dimensions: 15.9 x 6.7 x 13.9″
Capacity: 1.5 qt
Feed System: Siphon/Conventional
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Review
The Wagner FLEXiO 590 is an ideal handheld sprayer for users looking for as much adjustability as possible in a simple handheld model.
With the Detail Finish Nozzle, the sprayer is a plus when you want to enhance your painting precision and produce smoother finishes for smaller painting projects.
The iSpray nozzle is suitable for larger spraying jobs where you are more concerned with speed rather than finesse and precision.
Bottom Line
One thing you’ll like about the Wagner FLEXiO 590 is its multiple adjustability options that help you achieve a smooth finish with precision and less overspray.
The sprayer allows adjusting the painting speed, flow rate, and spray patterns. You can also change the turbine’s speed to suit spraying materials with different thicknesses, even unthinned materials.
Pros
Sprays up to 8 gallons in one hour
Variable speed turbine for thinned and unthinned paints
10-speed settings for adjusting the flow rate to enhance precision
Allows adjusting between narrow, wide, horizontal, or vertical spray patterns
Has 2 nozzle options for either small projects and fine finishes and large projects
Cons
Small paint container makes frequent refills necessary
Best Handheld Paint Sprayer for Home Use
HomeRight Finish Max
Specifications
Weight: 2.76 lbs
Dimensions: 5 x 9 x 12.5″
Capacity: 27 oz
Included Tip Sizes/Patterns: 2mm
Feed System: Siphon/Conventional
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Review
The HomeRight Finish Max is an HVLP sprayer that uses electricity to power the motor and spray material onto the surface.
The sprayer comes with a 2mm brass spray tip and nozzle, ensuring that your sprayer performs better than similar models that use plastic spray tips and nozzles.
Given the wide variety of materials the spray can handle, adding a free viscosity cup is a wise decision to enable you to always thin your materials the right way for less clogging menaces.
Bottom Line
The HomeRight Finish Max HVLP sprayer is a handy tool for moderately sized painting projects.
As an HVLP sprayer, it ejects high volumes of paint to make painting faster and save you time.
You’ll love the sprayer’s adjustability options. It allows you to switch the spray pattern to your preferences between vertical, horizontal, and round designs.
You can also adjust the flow rate by engaging or disengaging the flow control knob to spray faster or reduce overspray.
Pros
Uses a brass nozzle and tip, which are better than plastic ones
Backed by a generous 2-year warranty against factory defects
Comes with a viscosity cup to help you measure the thickness of different materials
Electric paint sprayer that allows spraying for longer as long as it’s connected to power
Sprays different materials such as polyurethane, primers, clear sealers, latex paints, stains, and varnishes
Cons
Short power cord that limits the sprayer’s portability
Best Cordless Handheld Paint Sprayer
Graco UltraMAX
Specifications
Weight: 5 lbs
Dimensions: 14 x 5 x 10.5″
Capacity: 32 oz
Included Tip Sizes/Patterns: 0.016″
Feed System: Siphon/Conventional
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Review
The Graco UltraMAX is a highly portable handheld paint sprayer ideal for more reach even in tight spots. It’s a good fit where you can’t get easy access to mains power outlets.
The sprayer’s battery means that you don’t have to use power cords to keep the device connected and powered. As such, you can easily move the sprayer around to reach tight spaces like corners.
Unclogging the tip is easy because of the Reverse-A Cleaning (RAC) tips that you only need to twist to 180 degrees to unclog and continue spraying.
Bottom Line
The Graco UltraMAX is an ideal paint sprayer if you want high levels of portability, less hand fatigue, and easy cleaning.
Pros
Comprised of only three major parts for easy repairs
Comes with a DeWalt Lithium-ion battery and charger
Uses Reverse-A Cleaning spray tips that are easy to unclog
Super lightweight hence less hand fatigue during the painting
Cordless sprayer with high portability ideal for projects with no close access to mains power outlets
Cons
Has a small paint container that makes frequent refills necessary, which wastes time
Types of Handheld Sprayers
The market is awash with different types of handheld paint sprayers. Below are different types of handheld sprayers.
Cordless Sprayers
Cordless handheld sprayers, also called battery-powered, are the most viable handheld sprayer for small projects before they run out of power. However, the battery is always rechargeable.
Despite the limitation caused by the battery draining out too soon, a handheld sprayer offers better maneuverability with the ability to reach tight spaces like corners.
Corded Sprayers
Also called electric handheld sprayers, corded sprayers use mains electricity as the power source during painting. One upside of corded models is that you can spray more and for a longer time.
The need for an electrical cord limits the maneuverability and flexibility of corded sprayers. You can only use it as long as it’s connected to a mains power outlet.
HVLP Sprayers
HVLP stands for High Volume, Low Pressure and refers to paint sprayers that eject a high volume of material onto a surface at lower pressure. Compared to airless paint sprayers, HVLP models have lower painting speeds.
Most handheld paint sprayers are HVLP models, with only a few unique ones being airless models.
Airless Sprayers
Handheld airless sprayers are your best option if you are spraying large surfaces like walls and fences.
Airless sprayers eject paint at high pressure and speed, making them suitable for large projects that you need to complete quickly.
However, the wastefulness of airless sprayers surpasses that of other types of sprayers. Airless models have a lot of overspray because of the high pressure and speed.
What is a Handheld Paint Sprayer Best For?
A handheld paint sprayer is the best option for the following circumstances.
Small, Recurrent Painting Projects
Since they have a small paint cup, handheld paint sprayers are the best device for small painting projects.
If you need to paint small surfaces or objects like furniture and cabinets, you can use a handheld model for the job.
Depending on the size of your project, you may not have to refill too often before completing your spray painting work for the day.
Handheld sprayers are ideal for DIYers with only a few occasional painting projects at home.
Larger, One-time Painting Projects
The compact and lightweight nature of handheld sprayers also makes them ideal for larger projects, particularly those you only need to do once in a long time.
Being lightweight means that you don’t have to grapple with the troubles of hand fatigue brought about by the excessive weight common with heavy sprayers.
It won’t make much sense to buy an expensive airless sprayer for a project you’ll do only once and then keep the device idle.
For such one-time projects at home, you most likely won’t be pressed for time. This means that despite the lower painting speed of a handheld sprayer, you can use one if you have plenty of time.
As a Complimentary Sprayer for Other Models
As a trade-level or commercial painter, you might have to buy a simple handheld paint sprayer to compliment your other models, such as your handy airless sprayer.
A handheld sprayer will be ideal for reaching tight spots that your airless sprayer wouldn’t reach because of portability and size restrictions.
When is a Handheld Paint Sprayer Not the Best Option?
A handheld paint sprayer isn’t your best option if you have large and repeat projects. With these, you would be better off using other models, such as an airless sprayer.
Large and recurrent projects require using a more versatile sprayer with the ability to eject paint at high speeds and volume, which saves you time as you can complete projects much faster.
Airless models are the most suitable for large projects, either on a trade-level or occasional DIY. They are the best choice for professional or commercial painters with repeat client projects.
If you have moderately sized projects, an HVLP (High Volume, Low Pressure) will be better than a handheld sprayer.
HVLP sprayers eject paint onto a surface at high volume but lower pressure than an airless model, making an HVLP system suitable for fairly sized projects.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Handheld Paint Sprayer
Handheld paint sprayers have their fair share of advantages and advantages you should consider when buying one. Let’s look at some major aspects that make or break these sprayers.
Advantages of Handheld Sprayers
Below are the major advantages of handheld sprayers.
Reduced Overspray, Less Wastage
Handheld sprayers eject paint at lower speed and pressure, making them less wasteful since there is less overspray. The sprayers also have a lower flow rate, which helps reduce material wastage.
Reduced overspray means that less spray material lands on other unwanted surfaces, saving you material for your project.
Lightweight for Prolonged Use
Handheld sprayers are characteristically lightweight even when they include a battery and paint cup on the gun’s head.
Since the cup is small, it holds only about 1 to 1.5 quarts of spray material. As such, it’s easy to paint with a handheld sprayer for an extended period without suffering hand fatigue.
Versatility/Flexibility
Handheld paint sprayers are highly versatile because of their compact design, whether it is a corded model or a cordless one.
The compact nature makes the sprayers highly portable such that you can easily reach tight spots such as corners and the undersides of objects like furniture and vehicles.
Cordless sprayers will give you the highest level of flexibility. You can easily move them around anywhere and spray away before the battery runs out.
Corded models are also portable to a good extent, but the shortness of the cord and the unavailability of power outlets limits their flexibility.
Disadvantages of Handheld Sprayers
You’ll encounter some of the following shortcomings when using handheld sprayers.
Time Wastage
While they waste less spray material, handheld sprayers will waste a lot of your time because of the mandatory frequent refills necessitated by the small paint cup capacity.
The smaller the paint cup, the more you will have to refill, which can be very time-consuming. It’s also messy due to spillages.
The problem of small paint containers makes handheld sprayers unsuitable for large and repeat spraying projects.
Top Brands in the Handheld Paint Sprayer Space
There are tens of brands making handheld paint sprayers, but the most significant ones are Wagner, Home right, and Graco. Here’s a quick overview of these three famous handheld sprayer brands.
Wagner Spraytech
Wagner Spraytech is an advanced paint applicators company based in Minneapolis with products for home improvement, industrial, and commercial painting markets.
Besides paint application devices like sprayers and rollers, the company also makes surface prep devices and heat guns.
The company has grown over the years to become commonly known as Wagner since its establishment in 1907 by Josef Wagner.
Wagner acquired HomeRight in November 2018 and has continued growing to a global scale with five worldwide manufacturing centers and numerous product distribution facilities.
Wagner has also acquired two other companies – Earlex in 2013 and Titan Tool to expand its market and product line.
The Wagner Spraytech 0518080 is one of their best handheld paint sprayers.
HomeRight
HomeRight is now owned by Wagner Spraytech but continues to produce its line of HomeRight products such as streamers, heat tools, paint shelters, and paint sprayers.
The brand’s most liked products include sprayers in the Finish Max and Super Finish Max series.
Graco
The Gray brothers founded Graco over 90 years ago, in 1926, and have grown to about 3,500 employees worldwide and happy customers in over 100 countries.
The company has its main headquarters in Minneapolis and four other locations in Rogers, Sioux Falls, North Canton, and Anoka.
Graco produces paint handling devices for DIYers, contractors, and industrial users. Some of the brand’s most famous devices are products in the magnum airless paint sprayer series.
Price Points of a Handheld Paint Sprayer
Given that various brands produce handheld paint sprayers with varying designs and features, you can always expect to spend different amounts of money to acquire your devices.
Below are common price points for handheld sprayers.
$70 – $100
The HomeRight Finish Max and HomeRight Super Finish Max fall within this price range. Notable features here include adjustability options, brass spray tips, and powerful motors.
$100 – $200
Notable handheld sprayers in this price range include Wagner 0529010 FLEXiO 590, Wagner 0529085 FLEXiO 3000, and Wagner Spraytech 0518080. The products in this category tend to have larger capacities or upgraded features.
$200+
Graco usually has superior paint sprayers above the $200 mark, with models like the Graco UltraMAX hitting upwards of $809. You can expect better features such as reversible spray tips, high-speed and high-pressure airless models, high voltage rechargeable batteries, and storage cases.
Conclusion
Each of the handheld paint sprayers we have discussed will do the job well, especially when your project is small or moderately sized.
The best handheld paint sprayers complete your painting job at a slower rate but with higher precision, reduced overspray, and less material wastage. Be sure to pick a favorite from the list!
People Also Ask
Although we have discussed the best handheld paint sprayers you can buy and explored in-depth information to help you in your buying process, you may still have some unanswered questions.
Let’s answer some of these potential questions in this section to help widen your understanding of the subject and make your buying process even easier.
A handheld paint sprayer is worth every penny you spend on it, especially if you buy the right model for your project.
Given their portability, ease of use, and reduced wastage, handheld sprayers are worth buying for small and moderately sized projects.
You can’t paint moderately sized walls with a handheld paint sprayer. If the wall is too large, you had better use an airless sprayer or HVLP system with a higher flow rate and painting speeds.
You don’t need a compressor for cordless and corded handheld paint sprayers. These sprayers have a motor embedded in the gun, which eliminates the need for an external compressor.
