For those of you that are beginners, the team here at Paint Sprayer Guide has done some of the hard work for you by offering a wide range of paint sprayer reviews for different applications.
In the following guide, you will find what we think are the best DIY and professional sprayers for the adventurous out there that are suitable for use with latex paint and that, more importantly, allow you to spray unthinned latex paint with a quality finish.
Whilst previously manufactured with rubber, Latex paints are now manufactured with a water-soluble base and then built upon with vinyl and acrylics.
There are 3 main types of Latex paint available:
- Vinyl-acrylic
- 100% acrylic
- Alkyd-modified latex.
Vinyl-acrylic is best for interior walls and is the least expensive. 100% acrylic paints are the highest performance paints, retain color and are great with adhesion.
But… let’s get back to actually spraying Latex.
Both airless sprayers and HVLP spray paint guns have become incredibly popular over the last couple of decades, thanks to the efficiency and speed paint spraying offers you for any painting jobs you may have, whether it be painting walls, or painting your furniture, or small projects.
As noted earlier, there are various kinds of sprayer guns available right now each has different features for different types of paint. The type we want to consider in this post is the best paint sprayer that allows you to spray latex.
If you don’t have time to read our full review right now? No worries! Here are our top 3 picks of the Best Latex Paint Sprayers.
Best Latex Paint Sprayers
While a paint sprayer specifically for latex paint may not be everyone’s first choice, we think it should be considered seriously because of the various benefits that come from using latex. For one thing, a sprayer can achieve a very smooth, even coverage and fine finish that a brush or roller could not achieve, and as it is a non-toxic medium it is the better choice if you are trying to lead a greener more eco-friendly life.
Above all else, it dries very quickly, compared to other options, which is ideal when you need to complete jobs in a short amount of time or need to cover twice. So, which is the best spray gun for latex paint?
Let’s look at 5 best latex paint sprayers.
Best for Around The House: Wagner Control Spray Max HVLP Sprayer
As paint sprayers go Wagner has a great reputation for designing and manufacturing professional quality HVLP sprayers and other devices that are suitable for more intensive jobs making this one of the options in our latex paint sprayers reviews.
One of the features we particularly like about this model is the powerful two-stage turbine that makes it not only easy, but fast to paint walls and furniture with latex paint, as well as other types of materials that are thinner such as stains for decking.
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This sprayer features an adjustable paint flow by using the air pressure control dial and the fan pattern can spray materials from 1/2″ to 12″ wide with optimum control and precision every time. A simple turn of the ears on the air cap allows for a round, horizontal, or vertical pattern without the need to change the spray tip.
With the base being connected to the sprayer via a generous hose length of 20-feet you have a large working area and can easily reach your painting projects, whether that be your walls or a piece of furniture.
Along with the professional-grade metal 1 qt. paint cup it features, it comes supplied with a viscosity cup that lets you measure the density of the material you’re using and adjust the spray patterns, as required, to get the perfect finish.
We also like the fact there are 2 air filters to stop dust particles from ruining any smooth and even finish on the walls and surfaces you are working on. Yet another best paint sprayer for latex paints for you to consider.
Fastest & Most Professional: Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer
The Graco Magnum series includes the best latex airless paint sprayers available on the market today. The Graco X5 is one of the most popular since it is durable and perfect for most DIY projects.
The Graco Magnum X5 spray gun sets you up with everything you may need for your paint spraying projects. The package features so much, including the stainless steel piston pump armor that gives you longevity.
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The metal spray gun is extremely durable and this latex paint sprayer also features the RAC IV 515 Reverse Switch spray tip so should you get a clog it is sorted in seconds so you can continue spraying your projects, and, as mentioned above the hardened stainless steel piston pump delivers the adjustable pressure to spray unthinned latex paint as well as other types of paint.
The 25-foot suction tube that is the perfect length for most household projects but the Graco paint sprayer can support up to 75 feet when working on outdoor projects, this sucks your materials straight from a 1 or 5-gallon paint bucket reducing the weight that you carry in your hand and therefore increases efficiency since there is no need for a paint reservoir to keep refilling or carrying.
As there is no paint reservoir to worry about you can spray at all angles making this paint sprayer for latex paint ideal for a project such as that old piece of garden furniture that needs a makeover.
Cleaning this Graco paint sprayer is done much faster and easier thanks to the Graco Magnum Powerflush Adapter that you can connect to your garden hose and if you have ever tried cleaning a latex paint sprayer that does not have this system you will understand what we mean when we say its one of the most important features.
Graco recommends a maximum annual use of 125 gallons for this latex paint sprayer and it has a performance rating of 0.27 gallons per minute with a maximum of 3000 PSI thanks to its 1/2 HP motor.
Most Versatile: Wagner Flexio 890 HVLP Paint Sprayer
The Wagner Flexio 890 HVLP paint sprayer is one of the best paint sprayers for the DIY paint job. It is efficient, versatile, and does not require a separate heavy and noisy air compressor to finish off your projects.
This is a stationary HVLP paint sprayer and that works to your advantage, as all the weight lies in the main unit so you are not carrying the bulk of the weight in the spray gun itself while spraying.
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The main unit also functions as storage with enough space for the hose, spray gun, and paint cup, this clever design keeps all the different parts together and minimizes your need for storage space and with few parts cleaning is fast and simple.
DIY enthusiasts will be happy to know that this package includes two sets of different tip size nozzles. The Detail Finish tip is for fine detail small projects, while the iSpray spray tip is perfect for larger surfaces and to spray unthinned latex paint. The different spray patterns are horizontal or vertical and wide or narrow.
We recommend using the iSpray tip when working with latex paint as the latex paint is thicker and requires a larger nozzle size to prevent clogging and splattering, always do a test spray unthinned before you start a project and ensure that the materials are not too thick as latex paint can vary in thickness from brand to brand.
The Wagner Flexio 890 is not the most powerful latex paint sprayer but it delivers plenty for DIY projects. Its X-Boost Turbine Power Box reduces overspray of paint particles and offers full on-handle adjustments to maximize coverage and control over the power.
Best Mid Range Airless: Wagner Control Pro 150 High Efficiency Airless
Many experts recommend not using an airless paint sprayer indoors because this type of paint sprayer often creates significant overspray. This limits the versatility of an airless paint sprayer but thankfully there is a better alternative.
More advanced paint spraying technology has brought us High Efficiency Airless (HEA) paint sprayers, these are still airless paint sprayers, but with much greater precision and so much less overspray, as with all paint sprayers ensure that everything is covered and that you are wearing the appropriate safety equipment before starting a project.
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An HEA latex paint sprayer will cause up to 55% less overspray and create a softer spray pattern and finish this is ideal for painting exterior walls, fences, decks, and other outdoor projects. We recommend the Wagner Control Pro 150 airless sprayer as one of the best latex paint sprayers and HEA models.
Versatility is key when you want to stay within a certain budget and the Wagner Control Pro 150 definitely offers that. It is compatible with 3 different spray tips already including the 515 which is the best size for latex paints.
Although it is a stationary design it is still being highly portable making it great for all kinds of DIY projects. . It also has a 25-foot suction tube to pull your materials directly from a 5 gallon paint bucket which you can place on the unit itself.
This unit also has a highly durable pump with a lifespan that is up to 3 times longer than its competition, with this being partially due to the rebuildable fluid section. It has a maximum flow rate of 0.27 gallons per minute (adjustable) and a 0.55 horsepower motor
Best On a Budget: Rexbeti Ultimate 750 Handheld Paint Sprayer
If you have a painting project to complete but don’t want to spend a fortune, then this REXBETI Ultimate 750 sprayer might just be the model for you, another great paint sprayer for latex paint. It provides a great balance between sheer power and smooth professional results.
The smooth finish possible with this unit is thanks to its 500-watts power supply. What we really like though is the 1,000ml container that enables you to do a whole lot of painting before you need to refill, so if you are tackling larger jobs like paint spraying your walls this is a good feature.
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In terms of the versatility it offers, it features three different styles of spray tip, two for the thinner materials and a 3.0mm spray tip that allows you to spray thicker materials such as latex and features the usual different spray patterns of circular, vertical, and horizontal.
Like many others, you can easily regulate the paint flow with the adjustable pressure control knob so that you can control where and to what extent your materials coat the surfaces for the finish you expect. With a 6.6-foot power cord and extremely lightweight and compact design. This has been designed for ease of use and cleaning and actually comes with cleaning accessories, ideal for the novice sprayer.
Best Latex Spray Guns Buyer’s Guide
When looking for a suitable paint sprayer for latex paints, you may be shocked at just how many there are out there. Even with our top 5, it can be hard to make the right decision
That’s why we’ve put together a buyer’s guide. In this, we wanted to home in on some of the key features you should look for when deciding which is the best paint sprayer for latex paint.
What Is a Latex Paint Sprayer?
A Latex paint sprayer is no different than a normal paint sprayer, most sprayers are pretty versatile and can spray a range of materials. By calling it a Latex paint sprayer, we’re simply implying that it is capable of spraying latex paint.
What Is The Best Type of Sprayer for Latex Paint?
There are 4 main categories of paint sprayers out there, but here are the main 3 you need to know about for the purposes of this post.
Airless Paint Sprayers
Airless paint sprayers are considered the best type of paint sprayer for spraying latex. They’re built for speed and coverage over large surface areas. They’re also adept at spraying thicker materials without significant thinning, making them the professional’s choice for spraying Latex paint.
HVLP Sprayers
HVLP paint sprayers are not considered ideal for latex due the fact they’re generally quite slow and also work under low pressure, meaning they can struggle with thicker materials unless they are thinning substantially. With that said, many people still use them for small jobs, but not for large jobs due to the speed restrictions.
Handheld Sprayers
Handheld sprayers are in a similar category to HVLP paint sprayers, they suffer when used with thicker viscosities and have speed restrictions. Handhelds are simply a good budget option for DIY’ers looking to achieve a better finish than using a brush or roller, and faster.
Things To Consider When Choosing a Latex Paint Sprayer
- Sprayer Type: The type of sprayer you choose will greatly affect the speed of the job is completed.
- Tip Size: Most sprayers have multiple tip sizes, be sure to check you’re using the best fit.
- Hose Length: If using a HVLP or airless sprayer, make sure you get enough hose for the job.
- Spray Patterns: Handhelds and HVLP allow you to change spray patterns. Be sure to check your options before buying.
- Flow Rate: Flow rate is the amount of paint that can be delivered per minute. The higher the number, the faster the sprayer
Weight and Size
Equally as important is the size and weight of the machine. Remember, depending on the style you are using, you may have to hold the paint gun for a long time.
While bigger machines will have faster paint flow rates with a high pressure range, and cover greater areas faster, they will also be more awkward and maybe uncomfortable to handle for numerous hours at a time. Look for one that is a happy balance between being robust and durable enough with a big enough capacity, but without being too cumbersome.
Which latex paint sprayer is right for you will be a very personal choice. Here we have tried to inform you of the features on each paint sprayer and what you need to consider when you thinking of investing in a spray gun. As you have seen airless sprayers or an HVLP paint spray gun, do not vary in the job they do, but mainly the materials and paint spraying jobs they are better for.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Just to finish off here are some of the questions that we are asked most here at Paint Sprayer Guide.
Is an airless paint sprayer or HVLP sprayer best for latex paint?
Both the airless paint sprayers and the HVLP paint sprayers can be best for latex paint as both will spray latex paint. However, there are models of both HVLP paint spray guns and airless sprayers that will let you spray latex unthinned, so if you are planning on using latex regularly one of those models is what you need.
Thinning latex paint to the right viscosity (consistency, some manufacturers do provide a viscosity cup for this purpose), can sometimes mean that you will require a second coat and obviously that will make the job more time-consuming.
How to spray latex paint?
To spray latex paint it is extremely important to set the pressure control correctly, make sure you practice on a scrap piece until you get this right and you will achieve a smooth finish with no paint spits or lines. You will find details on the spray tip and pressure control in the manufacturers’ details.
High pressure or Low pressure either way if set wrong the paint sprayer will not give you the finish you would expect for your project, whether that be a deck or a piece of furniture.
Can you use latex paint in HVLP spray?
You can use latex paint in an HVLP spray gun, but in some models, you will need to thin the materials first to get the right viscosity (consistency). The HVLP sprayer will give a smooth finish if you get this right though.
Some say it will give you a better finish quality compared to an airless sprayer, but this is open for debate.
Happy painting!
