Handheld paint sprayers are great for DIY painting projects. They are so versatile that they are the perfect spray gun for painting furniture but work just as well for spraying interior walls.
This style of electric paint gun is recommended for a wide variety of paint materials, including spraying latex paint, as long as you choose the right tip. For example, the Wagner Flexio 570 is a fantastic all-round easy to use model for first time users.
Our 5 Favorite Handheld Paint Sprayer
Let us help you find the best handheld spray gun for your next DIY project with our top 5 top-rated product range.
Don’t forget to scroll down to our buying guide to help you make the choice as this can be a learning curve if you are new to paint spraying and the equipment. You’ll learn the difference between airless sprayers, HVLP and handhelds to allow you to understand the wide range of sprayers available.
Most Popular: Wagner Spraytech Flexio 590 Handheld
The Wagner Flexio 590 HVLP handheld comes from the same range as the earlier mentioned Flexio 570 sprayer but has more advanced features. Where the 570 is more of a beginner’s machine, the Flexio 590 satisfies even the most critical DIYer.
It uses a scaled-down version of technology similar to that of a HVLP paint gun, making it a very lightweight handheld electric sprayer, weighing in at just over 2 pounds.
Combined with the textured soft handle it offers a comfortable grip that does not cause fatigue as fast as heavier models.
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It is important to know that this sprayer model is only compatible with the iSpray nozzles, two are supplied, one is more suited to type of projects like painting decks and interior walls, along with the Detail Finish nozzle which is great for furniture and other smaller surfaces. There’s no hose to worry about, which makes it much easier to change between them.
Regardless of which sprayer nozzle you are using, you can be assured that working with this handheld gets the job done much faster. Wagner rates working with this piece as 10 times faster than if you were to use a brushes or rollers and is rated to spray up to 8 gallons of paint per hour (approx 0.13 gallons of paint coverage per minute).
The speed is adjustable to up to 10 different speed settings with the X-Boost Power Dial and it is incredible what the Flexio 590 is capable of thanks to this power of the X-Boost Turbine – both unthinned and exterior paints are suitable With the low pressure and speed control that helps avoid overspray probably making this the best handheld paint sprayer for cabinets.
Overall, this is a popular HVLP paint sprayer (High Volume Low Pressure) and likely one of the best paint sprayers available in the DIY market. It is incredibly versatile, reliable, and delivers a great performance no matter the task indoor and outdoor.
What We Loved
- Versatile and consistent finish
- Compatible with unthinned paint
- Two nozzles included to manage the flow of paint
- Multiple patterns to get the perfect coat of paint and give you complete control.
Best Budget Option: REXBETI Ultimate 750
Electric paint sprayer guns can get a little pricey but this REXBETI model is far from it. It is a trustworthy budget buy that has already collected over a thousand positive reviews because of its great value for money.
It is powerful for its compact size, rated at 500 watts of power. This lets you finish the paint job in no time, regardless of which of the three included spray tips you are using.
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Unlike with other spray guns, this one features an air pressure control knob meaning the flow rate is adjustable so you can slow down the speed for more detailed work or increase it to cover larger surfaces. This unit comes with a 6.6 feet long power cord so you should have plenty of space to reach the surface, no matter how big or small the project is, but obviously, you can you an extension cord if you need to.
This is a versatile tool since it has 3 different spray patterns: circular, horizontal, and vertical. This is changed simply by rotating the knob so it is easy enough to adjust your strategy without having to stop.
This spray gun is recommended for smaller projects like painting furniture or cabinets. It gives you a smoother finish, reduces paint particles and lets you work much faster than you would with a regular paintbrush.
What We Loved
- Affordable
- 3 spray patterns, easy to adjust
- Good cord length
- Powerful pressure with low noise
- Easy cleaning
Best for Small Projects: HomeRight Finish Max
The HomeRight Finish Max is the perfect handheld paint sprayer machine for a beginner because it is easy enough to handle and comes at a very affordable price.
However, this paint sprayer does have some limitations in terms of performance though so, we would only recommend it for smaller painting projects, such as kitchen cabinets and furniture, etc, in which it truly shines.
Both the spray pattern and flow rate are adjustable so you can get the exact speed with precise control on direction that you need for the particular surface and this is what makes this sprayer great for smaller surfaces that require more detailed work like chairs and cabinets.
Simply Adjust the air cap for three spray patterns of horizontal, vertical, and round.
The volume of paint the paint cup can hold is roughly 27 ounces, which is one of the reasons it is not recommended for larger projects.
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One of the reasons why the Finish Max is considered so user-friendly is how simple it is to clean. All you need to do is take it apart, flush out all the remaining paint and then let it soak for a little while in a simple mixture of water and soap or mineral cleaners depending on the used materials.
The list of suitable materials for this model is very long including chalk paint, latex paint, enamels, clear sealers, milk paints, polyurethane, and stains. In short, no matter the DIY project, this is the best handheld spray painter for the smaller project size.
Besides being versatile, it is also a durable product. It has a brass spray tip and nozzle which lasts much longer than the plastic alternatives on the market.
The downside is that you cannot change the tip for other nozzle sizes on this HVLP paint sprayer, but considering it is brass spray tip technology with the adjustable pattern and flow rate that should not pose an issue. If anything, it saves you the money you would otherwise have to spend on accessories.
Simple to use and clean, this paint sprayer also comes with a useful cleaning brush to speed cleaning up. Overall a very good budget all-round paint sprayer model that is easy to use around the house painting jobs.
What We Loved
- Versatile
- Brass nozzle and tip
- Lightweight
- Adjustable fan pattern and flow rate
- Affordable
Medium Users: Wagner Spraytech Control Spray Double Duty
This Wagner paint sprayer machine is the best choice when working with wood because it is an excellent tool for applying stains. Whether it is a refurbished cupboard or a deck that needs maintenance, this is a excellent handheld choice for wood.
That being said, it is also a slightly more powerful paint tool than the other HVLP models so it works well for medium size DIY projects. Part of the reason behind its power is the two-stage turbine that makes it suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.
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Knowing its power, as with all handheld sprayers it is wise to prepare all the necessary safety equipment but especially when using this tool for indoor painting projects. Make sure you wear the correct paint mask and have a respirator in the room to keep the air clean.
The package comes with two paint containers, a smaller one with a paint capacity volume of 1 quart, and a larger size that fits 1.5 quarts of paint. This gives you a little extra flexibility between smaller and larger projects.
You should know that this model is only compatible with thinner materials such as stains, varnishes, sealers, urethanes, and lacquers.
However, it is possible to apply latex paints with this model but the material needs to be thinned first, and always check the thickness of your materials by using the viscosity cup. If you have any problems as with most of the models, the user manual can be downloaded online.
What We Loved
- Adjustable paint pattern and flow rate
- Suitable for outdoor/indoor use
- Powerful air turbine motor
- Includes 2 paint containers
Best for Furniture: Graco 16Y385 Truecoat 360
The editor’s pick for best handheld sprayer goes to this Graco spray gun for its excellent maneuverability. With most paint sprayers the golden rule is keeping it straight and steady for a smooth fine finish but that is not even necessary with the Graco Truecoat.
Graco has come up with this miracle design that can spray at any angle imaginable, even upside down, thanks to VacuValve Technology. Basically, it creates an airtight space so that the paint does not go anywhere it is not supposed to go.
With the electric motor and a stainless steel airless piston pump that delivers high pressure to spray various unthinned materials.
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This is definitely the most professional handheld sprayer on this list. However, it is best to use it for detail fine finish work since it has a recommended annual use of 25 gallons and it can delivery up to 12 gallons of paint per hour.
This Graco unit includes two 0.015 inch spray tip sizes, one with a narrow 4-inch pattern and one with a much wider 12-inch spray pattern. This is perfect for getting into awkward little corners and spaces when working with furniture or tight spaces. The tip is interchangeable though so if you do want to manage the flow of paint you can simply use a smaller spray tip.
We also love the fact that the Graco package includes 2 liner bags for the paint container. These bags make cleaning so much faster and let you switch between two different paint materials or colors anytime during the project.
This Graco model of handheld sprayers is compatible with a wide variety of paint materials of different viscosity thanks to the high-pressure piston system. These also have the Graco signature reverse-a-clean spray tip technology which gets you back to spraying much faster should the tip clog up.
What We Loved
- Reverse-a-clean spray tip
- High pressure stainless steel piston
- Container liner bags included
- VacuValve Technology
- Adjustable pattern
Handheld Paint Sprayer Buying Guide
A HVLP model is short for High Volume Low Pressure. This type of technology is often recommended for more detailed work and smaller projects but how do you decide which one is suitable for you?
Read on to learn all you need to know about HVLP spray systems.
How Does It Work?
A HVLP is powered by a built-in electric motor. The motor sends air out directly of the spray nozzle, which causes suction in the suction cup and pulls the fluid into the air stream before it is atomized into a mist by the nozzle or needle. This is similar to how air compressor sprayers work, but under a much lower PSI and air pressure.
The difference from other types of paint sprayers are that an HVLP works at a lower pressure which essentially means that the flow rate is slower. This is done on purpose so that it is easier to perform detailed jobs and to keep overspray (mist in the air) to a minimum.
Another advantage of this technology is that they generally waste less paint (though the does decrease the paint per minute you can spray). Where the other kinds of paint sprayers are more prone to overspray, it is minimized with an HVLP.
Advantages of HVLP
Less Overspray: The lower pressure and slower flow rate mean that less paint is lost to unwanted surfaces. This also means that they are more efficient and so require less material for the same job.
Small Size: The designs are generally handheld models which means they are more flexible. It is also easier to get into smaller nooks and crannies with an HVLP, perfect for detail work.
Affordability: HVLP’s are generally more affordable than airless paint sprayers. So, if you have limited DIY projects throughout the year or are working with a smaller budget, they are probably the better option.
Adjustable: Whereas airless sprayers require different tips, good quality HVLP spray systems guns are adjustable from the device itself. Most models have a quick and simple way to adjust both the flow rate and spray pattern without ever switching the tip or nozzle.
Disadvantages of an HVLP
Not Suitable for Large Projects: Due to the slower flow rate, an HVLP is not suitable for large scale jobs like an entire room or outdoor projects. They are simply not fast enough to cover a lot of surface in a limited amount of time.
Essential Features
Spray Pattern: Good models are capable of all three patterns – round, horizontal, and vertical.
Adjustable Pressure: Since the tip is not replaceable, make sure there is enough range in the pressure settings to adjust the flow rate.
Paint Container Size: Granted, they are relatively small since it is a handheld device but make sure it is not so small that it would slow down your work too much.
Weight & Grip: The unit should not be too heavy to carry and should have a comfortable, preferably padded or textured grip, to reduce fatigue.
Tip Material: Although plastic tips and nozzles are more common now, a brass tip and nozzle is much more durable.
As a reminder, here are our top 3 favorites handheld paint sprayers:
- Versatile Product
- Spray Unthinned Materials
- Adjustable Flow Rate
- Multiple Spray Patterns
- 3 Spray Patterns
- Easy Cleaning
- 3 Nozzle Sizes
- 1300+ Amazon Reviews
- Lightweight Design
- Brass Nozzle
- Adjustable Flow Rate
- 3200+ Amazon Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions:
We regularly get asked the same questions about handheld paint sprayers so here are some answers to some of the most common questions.
Are battery powered cordless paint sprayers worth it?
Whether it’s worth it depends on what you need it for. Personally, I would never buy a battery powered handheld paint sprayer again as I’ve had bad experiences in the past with the battery not lasting long enough.
The honest answer is battery technology just still isn’t quite good enough to give you the length of time spraying you need for most jobs.
Are handheld paint sprayers good for painting walls?
Handheld paint sprayers are not the fastest option available for painting walls but they’re still extremely good at the job. If it’s not a commercial job and you can take your time with it, a handheld paint sprayer can still save you a ton of time and give you a better finish.
If you’re a professional contractor you probably wouldn’t want to use a handheld for a large project however. You can try out some other professional paint sprayers available in the market.
What is the best handheld paint sprayer?
Unless you’re spending $500 on a Graco handheld, many of the $50-$200 sprayers more or less perform the same. You will likely need to thin thicker paints whichever model you buy (despite what the manufacturer advertises), and the finish it pretty much the same across the board.
