Best Cheap Paint Sprayers — Buyer’s Guide, Reviews, and Comparisons
Are you fed up with unsightly brush strokes and the hassle of decorating with a brush and roller? Our cheap paint sprayer round-up review proves that you don’t need to spend millions on a paint gun to achieve pro-looking results. However, there are a few white elephants on the market that are best avoided. Take a look at our budget sprayer recommendations and get the most bang for your buck.
- Minimal mess and overspray.
- Three spray patterns.
- Weighs in at only three pounds.
- Spacious 20-ounce paint cup.
Cheap Paint Sprayers Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best All-Round Budget Sprayer
|
Best All-Round Budget Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Wagner Control Spray 250 Review Wagner Control Spray 250 Review | |
|
Best Professional Budget Sprayer
|
Best Professional Budget Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Graco ProX19 Review Graco ProX19 Review | |
|
Best Budget Prosumer Turbine Sprayer
|
Best Budget Prosumer Turbine Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Wagner FLEXiO 690 Review Wagner FLEXiO 690 Review | |
|
Best Budget Airless Sprayer
|
Best Budget Airless Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Graco TrueCoat Pro II Review Graco TrueCoat Pro II Review | |
|
Best Budget Compressor Gun
|
Best Budget Compressor Gun
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Husky Gravity Feed Spray Gun Kit Review Husky Gravity Feed Spray Gun Kit Review | |
|
Best Budget Turbine
|
Best Budget Turbine
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Neu Master HVLP Electric Paint Spray Gun Review Neu Master HVLP Electric Paint Spray Gun Review |
Cheap Paint Sprayers: A Buyer’s Guide
This is simply not true, though. Numerous manufactures have realized there’s a niche in the market for affordable paint sprayers. Excellent news for buyers like you, because you can get a quality gun at an attractive price.
To ensure you don’t end up with a second-rate unit that’s ill-suited to your needs, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself:
- What size projects do you intend to spray?
- What is your budget?
- What types of paint would you like to use?
- How much space do you have to store your unit?
Once you have answered these questions, carry on reading this review and I’m sure you’ll find the best value paint sprayer for you.
How to Choose the Best Cheap Paint Sprayer
Power Output
Just because you’re buying a cheap paint spray gun doesn’t mean you can compromise on all factors, power included. For example, you want a tool that has enough oomph for your tasks. If you intend to spray larger projects, such as exterior walls, then you will need a substantial power output.
The power of a paint sprayer doesn’t affect the speed of spraying, it determines the reach. Usually in the paint spraying world, if a unit has more power, it costs more. To help keep your costs down, decide what size projects you will be completing and invest in a machine with a suitably sized motor.
Adjustability
Even in a cheap spray gun, the ability to adjust the pressure is important. By varying the output, you can achieve complete control when coating different sized projects.
If you are working on a small project, reduce the pressure so that you can evenly coat intricate details. Conversely, when coating a large wall or ceiling, crank that pressure up and get the job done swiftly.
It’s well worth investing a couple of extra bucks to ensure that your sprayer has an adjustable flow dial — especially if you plan to complete varied tasks.
Type of Sprayer
For example, if you are looking for a gun that will deliver reduced overspray and is great for smaller jobs, an HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) sprayer is ideal. As a side note, HVLP units are good for automotive work, too.
On the other hand, if you’re planning mid to large-sized residential projects, then an airless sprayer will come into its own.
Number and Sizes of Nozzles
Nozzles are vitally important when choosing a sprayer. They can be bought separately and you will need to replace them periodically due to wear. But in the first instance, it’s wise to buy a cheap paint gun that’s compatible with nozzles in a range of sizes.
It will give you greater flexibility in terms of which coatings you can use and the patterns you can spray with. As a general rule of thumb, if you are looking to spray viscous paints, you will need a wider fluid tip and vice-versa for low viscosity paints. Choosing the right tip for the medium means optimum performance with less clogging.
Weight, Size, and Portability
Another aspect that’s critical in a good cheap paint sprayer, is size, weight, and portability. You don’t want to haul an oversized unit around if you have smallish items to spray.
Weight is also crucial to reduce bothersome arm fatigue at the end of a day’s spraying. There are two fantastic options to reduce the chance of achy arms: either opt for a lightweight handheld unit or a floor-standing unit with a separate gun attached by a hose.
You’ll also want to consider the size of your tool. Look for paint sprayers that are large enough to handle the biggest job you have planned. But if you’re not planning on spraying regularly, you’ll want something small enough to be stored in a cupboard.
Accessories
Accessories are key when investing in a good cheap paint gun as these can save you from having to purchase extras in the long run. Depending on the type of sprayer you’re considering, these specs can vary.
Look out for a durable storage case, sizable paint cup, and a long, flexible hose. Air regulators with gauges and wrenches are also helpful accessories.
The 7 Best Affordable Paint Sprayers
Now that we’ve looked at considerations when buying a cheap paint sprayer, here are the top seven best inexpensive paint sprayers. Follow me as we go through each unit’s pros, cons, and unique selling points.
If you are looking for a cheap paint sprayer that can provide coverage three times faster than a brush, the Wagner Control Spray 250 is a definite top contender.
This sprayer is designed with DIYers and home improvers in mind and offers ultimate control and precision. Achieve a variety of adjustable coating outputs and patterns, all in one ergonomic, sleek hand-held design.
The ability to push out 1.25 liters per minute without a compressor allows this HVLP unit to handle the majority of small to medium projects with ease. The Control Spray 250 is also one of the best budget paint sprayers for lacquers and solid stains while still providing a consistent, smooth finish — although thinning may be required with some mediums.
When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, Wagner’s Lock-N-Go system makes this tedious task straightforward — as it separates all components into easy-clean parts.
Wagner SprayTech’s Control Series line is aimed at users looking to complete projects rapidly and still get an even, pro-looking finish — and the 250 sits right in the middle of this range, making it a great all-rounder. The Wagner giant boasts over 70 years of fluid handling experience, making it a brand to trust when choosing your paint tools.
- Lock-N-Go easy clean technology..
- Vertical, horizontal, and circular spray patterns.
- 1.25 liters per minute spray rate.
- HVLP technology offers minimal overspray.
- Only weighs three pounds.
- 20-ounce paint cup included.
- Some paints may need to be thinned before use.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Perhaps you need a cheap paint sprayer that will stand up to extreme usage and larger jobs. If so, the Graco ProX19 is ideal. This cart-mounted airless sprayer can handle the demands of professional paint contractors and hardcore DIYers with big projects lined up.
By combining the SG3 all metal paint gun, a possible 150 feet of hose, and a max pressure output of 3000 psi, this sprayer provides even coverage and plenty of flexibility — even when coating multi-story homes. A flexible suction hose allows spraying straight from a one or five-gallon paint can, reducing downtime as there’s no need for paint cup refills.
SoftSpray technology merged with the TrueAirless nozzle ensures minimal overspray as well as accurate control. Sprayer startup is rapid by utilizing the PushPrime feature and end-of-day clean up is also swift thanks to the Power Flush Adapter, which attaches directly to your garden hose.
Graco is a giant in the spray painting world and this Pro line, which includes the X19, is well known for durability. Graco prides itself on delivering quality combined with innovation to all its customers — backed by top-level customer service.
- Fully adjustable pressure output.
- All metal SG3 paint gun.
- Supports extreme usage and multi-story spraying.
- Easy start-up and end of day cleaning though PushPrime and the Power Flush systems.
- Portable due to cart-mounted design.
- 3000 psi max operating pressure.
- Can be a tad complicated for inexperienced sprayers.
- Could be overkill for small projects and occasional use.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The Wagner FLEXiO 690 is a cheap paint sprayer with enough oomph to provide even coverage over medium and large projects — all in a handheld package.
If you are a serious DIYer, this HVLP unit has a separate ground-standing three-stage turbine. Placing the majority of the unit weight on the floor reduces bothersome arm fatigue when working.
You receive two nozzles with this unit, an iSpray, and a detailed fluid tip — allowing this machine to handle both larger walls and ceilings, as well as more intricate jobs. These nozzles also mean you can address different coatings from thicker latex-based mediums to thinner stains.
Furthermore, you can adjust the X-Boost turbine pressure by a turn of a dial and achieve accurate precision when working with a variety of paints, stains, and varnishes. This handy, yet cheap spray paint gun offers three different spray patterns as needed.
Once you’ve finished with your sprayer, a soft carry case means that you have a safe convenient place to store all the extras included with this machine (hose, turbine, paint cups, and gun). Ensuring that you have everything in one place ready to start your next paint project makes everything that little bit easier.
Wagner SprayTech created the FLEXiO range specifically for dedicated DIYers who want less mess and to paint up to ten times faster than with a brush. This manufacturer offers some of the most innovative, high-tech sprayers on the market. which are supported by user-friendly guidance on Wagner’s website and social media accounts — allowing even newbies to achieve pro-looking flawless results with minimal effort.
- 15-foot flexible hose.
- A floor-standing turbine reduces the weight in your hand.
- Two different nozzles and paint cups are included.
- Included a soft carry bag for easy transportation.
- Supports three spray patterns.
- Suitable for large scale home improvement projects.
- Can be challenging to fit all components into the storage bag.
- Has been replaced by the FLEXiO 4000.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
If you are not a brand junkie when it comes to your cheap paint sprayer, this GoPlus Airless spray gun, while not well-known, shouldn’t be sniffed at.
It’s angled toward DIYers looking to paint walls, doors, decking, and other substantial interior and exterior tasks. An airless machine, it delivers 3000 psi and is fully adjustable when it comes to power control. Volume delivery is also variable. When you combine these features, you’ll find that it’s nifty at spraying a whole range of paints over different sized projects.
Even though GoPlus isn’t a strong industry leader in the paint spraying world, it does offer favorably priced, high-quality products. This generic brand also manufactures sport, garden, and vehicle products and provides reliable machines backed by faultless customer service.
- 0.32 gallons per minute output.
- Sprays directly from the paint canister.
- 25-foot power cord.
- Ground-based unit.
- Straightforward to use.
- Lesser-known manufacturer.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
If you haven’t completed any spray painting before, then a cheap paint sprayer kit like the Husky gravity-feed package is a fantastic investment — it has everything you need to get you started (apart from the compressor).
It’s straightforward to use and ideal for newbies, thanks to the step-by-step instruction guide. There are two spray guns included, which will help you complete both precision work and larger surface areas. You can also change the capacity easily with two different gravity-fed paint cups — one is 0.63 quarts and the other cup is 0.21 quarts.
However, this kit does redeem itself by including two air pressure gauges, a multi-size wrench, five filters, and a variety of different size brushes for cleaning. To enhance storage and portability, a sturdy carry case is part of the package — allowing you to keep all the key parts of this spray unit in one place between uses.
Husky paint sprayers fall under the Home Depot umbrella and are primarily aimed at home improvers looking to upgrade their dwellings. While Husky products generally lack the everyday spraying capacity that dedicated paint gun manufacturers provide, most weekend warriors and occasional DIYers are more than satisfied with the reliability and practicality these units offer.
- All-in kit (apart from the compressor).
- Two spray guns included.
- Capable of completing small to large size projects.
- Ideal for inexperienced painters.
- Sturdy storage case for easier mobility.
- Unsuitable for paint pros.
- Can’t handle thick latex paint.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Meterk Paint Sprayer HVLP Electric Paint Gun
If you want a cheap paint sprayer just for smaller projects, the Meterk HVLP electric paint gun is a commendable option. Weighing in at 3.23 pounds, this lightweight handheld unit has more than enough capability for most occasional DIYers — and it’s light enough to allow maximum reach on all small tasks.
This 400-watt machine includes three nozzles, allowing use with different density paints — from less viscous stain and varnish though to thicker latex coatings. If you’re not sure of your paint’s thickness, there is even a handy viscosity cup that can measure the density for you.
You have the option of three different spray patterns which allows you to adjust between projects and still guarantee even coverage. There is also a dial that allows complete control and adjustment when it comes to the rate of paint output.
Cleaning this unit is a simple affair as all parts are detachable. To make sure that you get all of the paint out, you also have a small wire brush for those hard to reach places. At the back of the sprayer’s housing is a replaceable filter that both protects the turbine and keeps your paint finish blemish-free.
Meterk is a Chinese brand owned by Shenzhen Tomtop Technology, it was founded in 2004. Mostly specializing in consumer electronics, this is the only paint sprayer it has developed so far but the company is constantly broadening its product lines, so this could be the first paint gun of many.
- Adjustable material flow dial.
- Replaceable rear air filter.
- Handy viscosity cup included.
- Three spray pattern ability.
- Weighs only 3.23 pounds
- Unsuitable for larger projects.
- Not the most well-known manufacturer in paint spraying circles.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The NEU MASTER HVLP home electric spray gun is a cheap paint sprayer designed for DIYers who occasionally paint.
This unit features a floor-standing turbine and motor with 600-watt output. It’s ideal if your list of tasks includes revamping decking, doors, and cabinets, or other small to medium-sized projects.
A versatile machine, it handles a range of mediums including acrylics, polyurethanes, enamels, and stains. If you’re not sure of the density of your chosen paint, a handy viscosity cup can help you determine if your liquid needs thinning before use.
As there are two differently sized nozzles included (2.5 and 3 mm), you can choose the best for your project — either intricate work or swift coverage of a larger area. You also have the choice of three spray patterns to further compliment this sprayer’s adaptability.
Accessories include a 0.875-quart paint cup, which is more than enough to cover most midsize projects adequately without refilling without being too heavy. Furthermore, a 6.6-foot power cord and 6-foot hose minimize the need to move the turbine too much. But just in case you do need to carry the unit, there is a convenient handle on the top of the housing.
The NEU MASTER home electric HVLP sprayer is the only ground-based unit in this manufacturer’s paint gun range. Originally focused on electrical goods, NEU MASTER’s parent company, Prulde, has branched out into fluid handling and now offers a simple to use range of cheap spray guns.
- Attractive price point.
- Turbine housing includes a convenient carry handle.
- Viscosity cup to determine dilution requirements.
- Three spray pattern capability.
- Two different sized nozzles included.
- Not great at minimizing overspray.
- Latex paint will require thinning before use.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Conclusion
So you don’t end up with a product that is more hassle than it’s worth — and so that you don’t waste time wishing that you had spent a little more — remember to make a note of the critical aspects that you should look for before you click pay and deliver.
Before you invest, try to figure out what size projects you have lined up and double-check that your sprayer pushes out enough power to achieve a vast reach if needed.
Also, the number and sizes of the nozzles is important so that you have the option of working with a range of coatings — from thin stains and varnishes through to thicker latex paint.
Another point to consider is if an external compressor fits within your budget? If not, then perhaps a turbine-driven cheap sprayer, as opposed to a compressor-powered machine is a better fit for you. On the subject of accessories, if you’re a new painter, then you won’t go far wrong with a complete kit — these include everything you need to get started at no extra cost.
To encapsulate this cheap paint sprayer review, my parting words are that you don’t have to spend a fortune to be the proud owner of a quality home-improvement machine.
Cheap Paint Sprayer FAQs
Q: Is it Worth it to Buy a Good Cheap Spray Gun?
If you invest in one of the best spray guns for the money, you’ll find that not only is your decoration speed improved, but you will also achieve impressive results with minimal effort. There is, of course, a school of thought that suggests you have to use your machine frequently to make it a worthwhile investment. But this simply isn’t true, you can pick up a decent unit for less than the cost of a good evening out.
Q: What Is the Easiest Paint Sprayer to Use?
One of the great things about investing in a good, cheap paint gun is that they’re usually straightforward. This isn’t to say they lack features, but they tend to focus on the crucial elements that get the job done. More advanced units, on the other hand, can feature bells and whistles beginners don’t need yet.
Many inexperienced decorators swear by HVLP sprayers as they can spray straight out of the box with minimal setup requirements. They usually include a step-by-step user manual and then, when you’re done, they are simple to clean.
Q: Do You Have to Thin Paint for a Sprayer?
Many of the best cheap paint sprayers on the market can handle a variety of coatings without thinning, but it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Even if thinning is required, many sprayers include viscosity cups that help you determine the exact dilution.
Q: Should I Spray Ceilings or Walls First?
Now that you have invested in one of the best cheap spray guns, it’s time to get on with coloring your world. But where should you start? If you are a newbie to decoration, walls and ceilings are great as they do not usually include any intricate work.
You should start with the walls first and then allow them to dry completely. Once they are dry, tape plastic sheeting over the walls to protect them, and then you’re set to spray the ceiling.
Q: Is It Dangerous to Spray Paint Indoors?
Now that you’ve invested in the best cheap paint gun on the market, you want to put it to use. But can you use it indoors? Yes, you can, as long as you make sure that the room is well-ventilated, you’re good to go.
Q: Is It Dangerous to Spray Paint Indoors?
Using a paint sprayer indoors is not necessarily a dangerous undertaking. To avoid any irritation to your skin, eyes, throat, and lungs, make sure that the room is well ventilated to allow fumes to escape. You may also find a pair of goggles and a mask that covers your mouth and nose improves your spraying comfort.
Q: How Long Does it Take to Paint a Room With a Sprayer?
One of the best things about the best budget paint guns is that they will allow you to decorate a room up to ten times faster than with a traditional brush or roller — even taking into account pre-job set up and post job cleaning. In a world where time is money, your painting efficiency is really cranked up.