If you have been involved in a painting project before, you understand the kind of fun involved in it. If you had earlier used a paint roller on your project, you must have noted that they leave a thick coat of paint on the surfaces they paint.
However, using paint strollers can take a long time to complete the painting project. The ideal alternative is to use a paint sprayer.
All that is required is to pull the trigger and lay down a wide mist of paint. You can cover a broad surface more quickly and with little effort.
It will also allow you to cover cracks, bumps, and other surface imperfections on your furniture that could have caused problems for paintbrushes or rollers.
What Should I be Looking for in a Paint Sprayer?
There are several factors to consider when buying a paint sprayer.
Weight of the Sprayer
This is something one has to consider when buying a paint sprayer to get the exact gadget they are looking for. You should know that the weight of the sprayer massively affects its portability.
It is something that you have to look carefully at when purchasing a paint sprayer. A paint sprayer that is too heavy will be difficult to move around. It will have a massive effect on how you use the sprayer for your painting project.
A lighter sprayer may be easier to move around with. However, it could have some smaller parts that are critical. For instance, if it has a smaller fluid jar, you may be forced to refill the fluid on a regular basis. This will slow down the painting process and that can be frustrating.
Spraying Tips
The spraying tips that come with the sprayer will also have a huge impact on the spray patterns that you make while painting.
It is a major factor to consider if you are specific on the type of patterns you want to get after your painting project is done.
Ensure that you’ve checked the sprayer’s description and confirm if it comes with spraying tips that suit your specifications.
Horsepower of the Sprayer
This is one critical factor you need to consider when choosing a paint sprayer. The horsepower of the sprayer is the key determinant of the power the sprayer generates while pushing paint out of the fluid jar.
A horsepower rating that is high means that the sprayer can generate a lot of pressure for your painting requirements.
This will be critical if you are painting a large surface. What you need to do is evaluate the amount of pressure you need for your painting project and go for the sprayer that will match it.
Top 10 Paint Sprayer for Furniture Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Weight | Price | Rating (1-5) |
 | 1. Graco 17G180 Magnum ProX19 Cart Paint Sprayer | 42 lbs | $$$ | 4.8 |
 | 2. Wagner Spraytech 0518080 Control Spray Max HVLP Paint or Stain Sprayer | 11.18 lbs | $ | 4.3 |
 | 3. Graco 17D889 TrueCoat 360 VSP Handheld Paint Sprayer | 3.75 lbs | $ | 4.3 |
 | 4. Paint Zoom Pro Handheld Electric Spray Gun Kit | 3.2 lbs | $ | 4.3 |
 | 5. Graco Magnum 262800 X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer | 19 lbs | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 6. TACKLIFE Airless Paint Sprayer | 22.8 lbs | $$ | 4.3 |
 | 7. Himalaya Airless Paint Sprayer | 18.8 lbs | $ | 4.2 |
 | 8. Wagner Spraytech 0529091 FLEXiO 5000 Stationary HVLP Paint Sprayer | 15.37 lbs | $ | 4.2 |
 | 9. HomeRight Power Flo Pro 2800 C800879 Airless Paint Sprayer | 15 lbs | $$ | 4.1 |
 | 10. Earlex 0HV6003PUS Spray Port 6003 HVLP Paint Sprayer | 26 lbs | $$$ | 4.5 |
Types of Paint Sprayers
Discussed below are the types of sprayers you can choose for your paint project.
Conventional Sprayers
Of all the sprayers available, conventional sprayers are the most common. You will find them in almost every home and store.
They operate with the mechanism of using compressed air to push the paint out of the fluid container and letting it fall evenly of the surface you want to paint.
While operating, they generate lots of noise. The noise may be too loud and unpleasant to everyone else in the house and even the neighbors.
By using the mechanism of compressed air to push out the paint from the fluid jar, some of the paint will get lost as overspray resulting to paint wastage.
Ensure that everything else you are not intending to paint is covered because an overspray will cause a mess.
HVLP (High Volume Low-Pressure Sprayers)
High Volume Low-Pressure Sprayer (HVLP) is known for its narrower spray results. This makes it ideal for paint projects that require attention to detail.
This sprayer will give you control when it comes to the flow of paint and makes the painting job quite easy. It also makes it possible to complete a project with ultimate perfection.
Since this sprayer generates a slightly lower pressure, the paint volume on the surface you are painting will be higher since the wastage of paint has been reduced.
This type of sprayer is common among professional painters and DIY enthusiasts due to its precision and accuracy in paint release.
Airless Sprayer
Just like the name suggests, the airless sprayer does not mix paint in the fluid jar with air. It allows you to achieve more volume on the surface you are about to paint.
You can never have an overspray problem while using this sprayer as the paint has not yet been mixed with air. Air is usually the main cause of an overspray.
While using this type of sprayer, you will paint efficiently and save on the paint.
Top 3 Best Paint Sprayer for Furniture Reviews
1. Graco 17G180 Magnum ProX19 Cart Paint Sprayer
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 20 x 17.2 x 37.2 inches
- Weight: 42 pounds
- Voltage: 110 Volts
- Warranty: 1 year
The Graco 17G180 Magnum ProX19 Cart Paint Sprayer allows you to control the paint flow. You can adjust the pressure and be able to control the flow of paint on any project.
It features a RAC IV SwitchTip that allows you to reverse the tip if it gets clogged while you are spraying. It also features an InstaClean pump filter that enhances the filtration process reducing the chances of clogs that comes from the debris found in some paints.
It comes with a ProX stainless steel piston pump that enables you to spray unthinned paint at extremely high pressure. Being flexible, this sprayer will allow you to spray directly from a one or five-gallon paint bucket.
This sprayer is a workhorse that can enable you to paint over gallons of paint in one year and still be working efficiently. The Graco sprayer can support up to 150 feet of paint hose, enabling you to have extra reach for your painting project.
2. Wagner Spraytech 0518080 Control Spray Max HVLP Paint or Stain Sprayer
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 12 x 12 inches
- Weight: 11.18 pounds
- Voltage: 110 Volts
- Warranty: 1 year
The Wagner Spraytech 0518080 Paint Sprayer is an HVLP sprayer that uses high volume, low-pressure technology to provide a fine finish that is ultra-smooth.
It features a versatile nozzle that has the capacity of spraying different materials with absolute effectiveness. You can be able to customize your paint flow to give you a perfect finish on your paint project.
The Wagner sprayer will give a fine finish that has no brush marks whatsoever. It also comes with an adjustable flow control knob that enables you to dwindle around the patterns and match your project’s requirements.
3. Graco 17D889 TrueCoat 360 VSP Handheld Paint Sprayer
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 5.25 x 11.8 inches
- Weight: 3.75 pounds
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Warranty: 1 year
The Graco 17D889 Paint Sprayer has a variable control knob to adjust the speed of the paint which is convenient when working with different projects. It has VacuValve technology which allows you to spray in any direction, even upside down.
This sprayer is a perfect tool for DIY projects. It’s ideal for any home improvement projects such as doors, trim, shutters, and outdoor furniture.
It has a stainless steel piston pump, allowing you to spray paint unthinned at high pressure.
The unit is light at 3.75 pounds but if you fill up the reservoir, it can get quite heavy after using it for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Sprayer to Paint Furniture?
Yes, you can use a sprayer to paint furniture. Start by preparing your work area and cover any areas or items that over-spay may land. Remove the drawers and handles and clean the furniture.
Choose the spray tip that fits your paint. The tips hole size should not exceed the maximum capacity of the sprayer. If you have different paint cans, you can mix them to gain color consistency.
Lighter materials should be sprayed using the lowest pressure setting. Low pressure will enable you to have better control and attain a good spray pattern and a fine finish. Spray from top to bottom going with the grain of the wood.
Concentrate on the carvings and trim. If you have drawers, paint them separately while covering the inner surface.
Give time for the paint to dry before removing the protective clothing and tapes. Return the handles using a screwdriver and put everything in place. Clean the paint sprayer and other items.
Is it Easy to Spray Paint Furniture?
It is easy to spray paint furniture if you follow the right process to achieve a smooth finish. Prepare your furniture by removing all the hardware and cover the surrounding items.
The hardware and drawers if any can be sprayed separately. Sand the furniture thoroughly to smooth the rough edges. Clean the sawdust without wetting the furniture. Water is avoided as it penetrates the wood and causes damage.
Use a vacuum cleaner or a compressor to suck in or blow the dust. Use compatible paint and primer for better results. Practice on a scrap object before spraying your furniture to avoid mistakes.
Start with the primer, spray two layers of primer and allow the first layer to dry before applying the next. When the primer coats are dry, spray paint your furniture. Maintain the proper distance between the surface and the paint can.
Ensure your hands are always moving as you do the spraying. Avoid dusty and windy weather conditions. They can cause dust accumulation on the furniture and stray sprays.
What Size Air Compressor Do I Need to Paint Furniture?
The air compressor size is determined by the CFM value of the spray gun. High CFM value requires a compressor with a large tank to maintain the flow.
For example, an HVLP spray gun needs a 50-gallon tank size. Professionals usually recommend a 100-gallon tank. To spray your furniture, an air compressor between 20-30 gallons will do a great job.
How Do I Get a Smooth Finish With Spray Paint?
Clean your object or surface. Ensure the object has no debris or dust by sanding or washing. Let the surface dry before painting. Also, the paint should be compatible with the surface.
Shake the paint to mix and test spray. Shake the paint to obtain an even mix. Use a test object to ensure the spray nozzle is working well. In other situations, the paint may clog in the nozzle and spill the paint instead of spraying. To have a smooth finish, you need a working nozzle and even paint.
Do not be too far or close while spraying. A distance of about 10-12 inches is advisable to keep the spray thin. A thin coat will not drip hence giving you a smooth finish.
Proper start and end. Do not start or end spraying directly on the object. In the beginning, the nozzle may spit. Start away from the surface and glide in the object in a smooth motion. Spray beyond the body so that paint does not accumulate on one edge. As you release the nozzle, move away from the body. Do not use vertical motion, spray across.
Sand if necessary. Human is to error. Even if you are careful, you can still make mistakes. When a spill or a drip occurs, wait until the paint dries and see fine sandpaper or block and smooth it. Paint over it and, you will have a fine finish.
Clean the nozzle. Using the same nozzle to paint for a long time, makes the nozzle build up paint. The paint starts to drip and may mess with your object. Use a dry rag to wipe off the spilling paint once in a while to prevent inconsistencies on your object.
What is the Best Pressure for Spray Painting?
The common working pressure range is 15-50 psi. Smaller patterns need low pressure. Different sprayers have different pressure settings.
| 15-20 psi | Suitable for airbrushing, sun bursting, shading, touchup, and thin finish materials |
| 20-25 psi | Best for soft velvet with lacquer coverage |
| 35-45 psi | Used to spray topcoat and sealing |
| 50 psi | Mostly used to spray water-based lacquers |
An important trick is using the lowest pressure to have the best finish.
What is the Difference Between HVLP and LVLP Spray Guns?
Operating Pressure
High volume low-pressure spray guns HVLP produce high volume output with little pressure. It works at about 20 CMF 50 psi. For it to work efficiently you need at least an 80-gallon tank air compressor.
Low-volume low-pressure spray guns LVLP produce low volume at low pressure. Most operate at 10-25 psi with a 5 CFM. LVLP can work with any air compressor.
Transfer Efficiency
Transfer efficiency varies from one model of the spray gun to another. LVLP spray gun has about 80% transfer efficiency. This means the probability of getting paint in the wrong place is minimal. It hence has an edge over HVLP
HVLP spray guns deliver a transfer efficiency of about 65% to 70%. This is less compared to the LVPL spray guns.
Fan Width
Fan spray pattern affects the overall convenience and performance. Both spray guns deliver quality patterns but LVPL is considered small due to its 8-10 inches range. The small patterns do not affect the quality but consume more time to paint a certain surface.
HVLP spray guns offer larger patterns than LVLP. The range depends on the brand, model that you get. It is possible to have small fan width with the HVLP type.
Ease of Use
This is relative since people have different views on which type is easier to use. HPL gets an upper hand since it has been in the market for a long and people are used to it. You can also access help if you are facing difficulties while using it.
LVLP spray guns are new in the market hence many people have not used them. First-time users will have a steep learning process. Getting support may be hard since there is less information known about them.
The bottom line is you can buy any of the spray guns from a recognized brand that has a support system and offer user instruction.
How Many CFM Do I Need for a Spray Gun?
Spray guns CFM requirements vary from model t model. Small paint guns need lower CFM than bigger ones. Most spray guns have a CFM rating of below 10. It is, therefore, recommendable to use a compressor for spray painting with a minimum of 12 CFM.
Professionals need a higher CFM rating than this. The key thing is to note your spray gun’s CFM requirement and find a compressor with a higher figure.
Conclusion
Paint sprayers can help you undertake a painting project at home and be able to do it with ultimate perfection. From the discussion above, you can see there are several types of paint sprayers. To be able to paint your furniture and give them a new look, you will need to have the best sprayer with you.
Our top pick is the Graco 17G180 spray painter. It has all the important features that will enable you to paint your furniture with precision and give them the appearance you were looking for.
