Hey everyone! As a first-time homeowner, I've decided that using rollers and brushes for painting isn't really working for me. I'm considering getting a paint sprayer, but I'm stuck between airless sprayers and HVLP ones. My projects include painting small bedrooms, repainting some IKEA furniture, and spraying a DIY bench I'm building. I'm looking for something that can give me a nice smooth finish on the furniture but still manage walls without too much effort. From your experiences, are paint sprayers worth the investment? Which type is better for a beginner? I'd appreciate any tips or brand recommendations. Thanks!
5 Answers
I recently used a Graco X5 for some trim and doors, and it worked like a charm. As a newbie, I found it pretty easy to use. Just keep in mind that professionals usually spray walls and then back roll them to even things out. Oh, and don’t forget about overspray—if you're spraying indoors, you'll need to prep for that or it could get messy!
I think paint sprayers are worth it, especially for bigger jobs. I have an airless model and never had issues with ink consistency. Just be prepared for the cleanup—it can be quite the chore, and you need to set up your area to avoid overspray. For indoor work, it can require a lot of prep, while outdoor jobs are usually easier with less fuss.
Completely agree! Cleanup takes a while, and for small jobs, it might not even be worth dragging the sprayer out.
I purchased an airless sprayer from Harbor Freight a while back and paired it with some good quality tips. It did an excellent job for my whole house, and the results have lasted for years! Just be prepared for quite a bit of prep work if you're spraying indoors to avoid overspray. But in my opinion, with some practice, even beginners can get great results.
I actually had the Graco X5 but ended up selling it because I still had to back roll the walls, plus the cleanup became a hassle. I switched to a handheld sprayer for doors and trim, which works way better for my needs.
True, spraying can speed up the process, but having someone to help with back rolling makes it much easier!
I got a Wagner Flexio 5000, and it's worked wonders for both large and small projects, including painting a basement ceiling and kitchen cabinets. I love it!

Totally agree! The Graco X5 is great for homeowners. I've used it a ton too!