Are you looking for the best indoor paint sprayers? You've come to the right place!
In this Pro Paint Corner Review, you’ll discover
- What is an indoor paint sprayer?
- What you need to know when choosing an indoor paint sprayer
- What are the different types of indoor paint sprayers?
And much more!
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Our Top Pick
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Our Top Pick
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Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus
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Best Budget
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Best Budget
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SHININGEYES Professional HVLP Siphon Feed Spray Gun
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Best High End
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Best High End
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Graco Magnum X7 Cart Airless Sprayer
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Wagner Spraytech HVLP Control Stain Sprayer
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HomeRight C800971.A Super Finish Max Extra Power Painter
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Critter Spray Products Siphon Gun
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Graco Ultra Max Cordless Airless Handheld Paint Sprayer
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Graco 17G177 Magnum ProX17 Stand Paint Sprayer
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Graco 16Y385 TrueCoat 360 Paint Sprayer
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Campbell Hausfeld General Purpose HVLP Paint Spray Gun
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Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On September 22, 2023
For our overall top pick, we chose the best brand, Graco. Then, out of their dozens upon dozens of models, we chose the Project Painter Plus as our best overall pick.
For its price and capabilities, it's a really smart choice.
The only downside here is the 50 gallons per year rating, which is a perfect rating for homeowner use. If you're a handyman or a professional painter, you may need a little more firepower.
For those seeking those bigger guns, check out our third pick which is a Graco X7. It's got all the power you need just this side of commercial.
Let's say you've got a lot of interior painting work to do. Have you thought of the potential time that an indoor paint sprayer may save you?
There are at least 10 great indoor paint sprayers. Among these, one is likely perfect for your needs. That you end up with the best one for you, is to know a little bit about indoor paint sprayers.
There are quite a few different types of indoor paint sprayers on the market and the different types absolutely have different uses.
You'll even find some quality options for around $50 if trim painting or a cabinet makeover is on your project list.
Even better, paint sprayers have a low barrier to entry and a relatively easy learning curve. Your getting into indoor paint spraying is pretty doable.
Below is a quick list of our favorites. Scroll on to choose the best one for you!
Read More >> What Are The Best LVLP Spray Guns?
Top 10 Best Indoor Sprayers
In a hurry? Check out our Top 10 picks below! Keep reading to learn more about these indoor paint sprayers!
- Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus
- SHININGEYES Professional HVLP Siphon Feed Spray Gun
- Graco Magnum X7 Cart Airless Sprayer
- Wagner Spraytech HVLP Control Stain Sprayer
- HomeRight C800971.A Super Finish Max Extra Power Painter
- Critter Spray Products Siphon Gun
- Graco Ultra Max Cordless Airless Handheld Paint Sprayer
- Graco 17G177 Magnum ProX17 Stand Paint Sprayer
- Graco 16Y385 TrueCoat 360 Paint Sprayer
- Campbell Hausfeld General Purpose HVLP Paint Spray Gun
What Are Paint Sprayers For Indoor Use?
A paint sprayer for indoor use is simply one designed to be powerful, precise, easy to set up, and easy to refill.
They're also designed for easy cleaning. In comparison to the sprayers for outdoor use, these are going to be much easier for more indoor applications.
An exterior unit that's intended to be in daily use and to push out many more gallons, is one that you'd rather be bigger and have a higher yearly rating.
You'll find that HVLP sprayers are great for trim work and that airless sprayers are best for ceilings and walls.
Paint sprayers, in general, are a great time-saving tool. Spray painting ought to get the job done faster and give you a fine finish in comparison to paint brushes and rollers.
Before you delve too far into your education on paint sprayers, take a moment to peruse the OSHA guide to respirator use when using sprayed paint.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Indoor Paint Sprayers?
While there are many types of paint sprayers, your paint sprayers for indoor use fall into two main categories: airless and HVLP. Here’s what you need to know about each:
Airless Sprayers
The “airless” in airless sprayer indicates that it operates on piston-powered pumped air, rather than from an air compressor.
Paint is pulled into the gun through the suction tube where pressure builds to the point that a fine mist of paint is expelled from the tip.
Airless sprayers are easily capable of laying down paint ten times faster than with traditional methods.
A definite downside to airless sprayers is their tendency to produce overspray. If you're not aware, overspray is paint that ends up past the place where it was aimed, and where it seemed to be going.
It ends up on whatever surface is next to the area you intend to paint. And Overspray is difficult to avoid entirely, especially with an airless sprayer.
That means aiming for perfection in your taping off and overall preparations.
Take some time to study the basics of painting using an air sprayer, including the proper techniques for holding your sprayer, keeping level strokes, and what the proper distance is to keep from your surface and how to maintain that distance.
This information is typically present in your owner’s material, but it is generally applicable universally among sprayers.
Slight differences will be found on your extremes; your very light-duty or very high-grade sprayers. On these, you may be advised to maintain a slightly greater or smaller spray distance.
Related: Use your airless sprayer to paint eaves, ceilings, and more. Read our guide, “Best Paint Sprayer Extension Tip”
Bottom line: Airless sprayers are a great choice for interior paint jobs. They cover large areas quickly.
Here are some tips that you should keep in mind when painting interior walls using an airless sprayer.
HVLP Sprayers
First off, the name HVLP is an acronym for high volume, low pressure.
They're smaller, more portable, and generally hold less paint in their cups than airless sprayers.
The use case for an HVLP sprayer is when you need to do fine detail work like painting trim. Walls and ceilings are best done with an airless sprayer.
There are two kinds of HVLPs: Dedicated and conversion. The dedicated type has its own turbine for generating pressure. The conversion type hooks into an air compressor and converts it from high pressure to low-pressure going into the spray gun.
Try not to let the rush of information overwhelm you, these are still great options for DIYers. The most important thing is that you gain enough grasp on these concepts as possible. That way you can make an informed decision.
Once you have your sprayer, drill-down and deep dive on any and all information you can find on it.
That will help you get the most out of it and create the best paint flow possible so you get the most out of your HVLP spray gun. Plus, learning how to use it right will extend its lifespan!
Compression-based sprayers
If you have an air compressor on hand, then you have the option to at least consider using it as your paint sprayer propulsion method. Quite a wide range of options exist in the market place for compressor-attachable sprayer can and tip setups.
We’ll highlight some professional-grade as well as a few low-tech models. We review one that even includes a modified mason jar as the paint container.
Real quick, check out this helpful PDF from the CDC detailing recommended safety procedures when using compressed air systems.
Read More >> What Are The Best HVLP Spray Guns For Cabinets?
What to Look For When Buying An Indoor Paint Sprayer?
When you're off shopping for an indoor paint sprayer, you'll want to know some basic information. Here we break down the various types of sprayers and some helpful features to have.
Choose your sprayer type
If you have a lot of walls to paint, and maybe some ceilings, an airless sprayer is the move for you.
Grab a tip extender and give your back and knees a break. You’ll be glad you did.
Perhaps you have a cabinet makeover or trim touch up project on deck. You’d definitely want to look at some of the advantages that an HVLP sprayer introduces, namely their lower price, more fine spray patterns, and reduced overspray.
Helpful Features to Have
These are some nice-to-have but perhaps not must-have features to look for when shopping for an indoor paint sprayer.
Pressure regulator
This usually takes the form of a lever that can be adjusted in two ways. One way for higher pressure, and one for lower. Thicker paint requires high pressure, while standard latex paint is run at a relatively lower pressure.
A pressure regulator saves you from having to buy two or more separate paint sprayers.
Alternate nozzles
Paint sprayers are compatible with various nozzle sizes. Make sure when you buy one that it's compatible with your spray gun.
Our Reviews Of The Best Indoor Paint Sprayers
Here are our 10 best paint sprayers for 2020. Read on to select the one best suited for the painting projects you intend to tackle. Choose wisely and you'll have a trusted go-to paint sprayer that you can use often.
Pick #1: Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus
Some Project Painter Plus users have shared that a 310 spray tip (sold separately) is a better all-around spray pattern for daily use than the 515 sprayer tip that's included.
Yes, it has a RAC IV Switch Tip so you can quickly flip over the tip, clear out the dry paint, flip it back and keep spraying.
Pros
Cons
It's a budget pick, alright! These little industrial-looking sprayers are a great first sprayer for any homeowner, DIY enthusiast, or even for a professional.
The SHININGEYES Pro is a really clean paint gun to have on hand. Think of it for your trim pieces, cabinet and furniture restoration, and your more detailed painting jobs.
The thing looks awesome. Blue accents on the adjuster knobs and shiny stainless steel alongside it make this little budget sprayer incredibly eye-catching.
The consistently high Amazon reviews for it speak volumes and helped lead us to our selecting it.
Pros
Cons
Pick #3: Graco Magnum X7 Cart Airless Sprayer
It's a premium machine, yet suitable for a homeowner with a garage or shed.
Spray directly from your can or bucket, and keep spraying while enjoying the Magnum X7's 125 gallons per year rating.
If there were an angle for complaint with this machine it would be that it's a bit involved for a homeowner.
Getting it around a normal-sized home is a bit cumbersome, and it's not quite powerful enough for a professional to use multiple times per week.
Pros
Cons
This is a quick-and-easy, affordable HVLP paint sprayer that is what you might call homeowner grade.
Just like their Flexio series, Wagner makes amazing spray guns that are perfect for those sorts of small projects and surface areas within your home.
It's definitely not a tool you'd grab to coat your walls. It's the one you reach for heading into your workshop to prime some crown moldings.
For a budget piece, it's nice to see it having three spray patterns: horizontal, vertical, and narrow round.
Water-based paint is recommended with the Spraytech. To use anything thicker including latex, floetrol, or Benjamin Moore Advance is to risk a clog.
A great water-based paint that's sure to work with the Wagner is Sherwin Williams' Kem Aqua Plus water-based paint system.
You'll have to go to an actual Sherwin Williams store and ask for that particular paint by name. There's a good chance that the first person you ask will not have heard of it.
Pros
Cons
The HomeRight is an alternate to the Wagner Flexio series but a tiny bit higher-grade.
The Finish Max has a 27-ounce container capacity which is ample enough without it getting too heavy.
It also comes with a helpful viscosity tool that helps you ensure your paints and sealers are properly thinned out, but not too much.
Another nice plus with this HVLP paint sprayer is that it can be used with latex paint, chalk paint, and other designer paints. Thicker paints will need thinning out per HomeRight's included instructions.
One user of the unit suggested putting a quart-sized Ziploc bag into the sprayer paint container prior to pouring in the paint.
This speeds up cleaning time considerably. The container screws right into the sprayer, Ziploc, and all, no problem.
Pros
Cons
Pick #6: Critter Spray Products Siphon Gun
Here's an interesting option, bordering on the realm of hipsterdom.
The Critter Spray Siphon Gun is a basic spray nozzle joined to a common Ball-style mason jar.
The price point is about as entry-level as you'll find. With it's 16oz. mason jar lid adaptability, you can easily stock up on backup paint containers, and larger sizes as well.
This will absolutely save you time when painting multiple colors.
Bottom line: This is a great entry-level HLVP paint spray gun that has rave reviews and excellent portability.
If you have any kind of artistic flair, you can definitely bust out the Critter Spray on your purely aesthetic painting efforts.
Pros
Cons
This is truly the ultimate cutting-edge of paint sprayers.
The main selling point that draws your attention to this Graco unit is the fact that it is handheld.
You have the power of airless, cordless, powered paint spraying, literally in the palm of your hand.
As maneuverable as your common power drill, this offering from Graco is something impressive.
If you're a homeowner, hobbyist, or maker with a little extra in your tool fund, this might be a really compelling option to consider.
Far from your entry-level in terms of price, this modern Graco is still relatively easy to use.
Pros
Cons
This Magnum model has a quick pump exchange system called ProXChange.
That is your big clue that this sprayer is made for commercial use.
Some homeowners are of the sort that they like a professional quality machine for their regular hum-drum residential pursuits.
If so, and you want all that firepower, go with this Graco ProX17.
Of course, this being a high-end model, you obviously have a pressure regulator to control spray pressure.
While it does support up to 150 feet of hose length, be mindful that all that's included is a 50' hose.
Pros
Cons
We've highlighted a few Graco's on our list so far, but this is the one Graco plug-in, handheld model we're highlighting.
It's got all the high-end features you're used to seeing on your Graco Airless systems but in a handheld format.
It sprays unthinned paint, has a reversible tip, easy tip storage in it's handle, and a 25-gallon annual use rating.
Pros
Cons
Here's a super-value pick that came just short of earning our best budget choice.
It's got a gravity-fed design and easy operation. The smooth spray pattern this gun lays down is what makes pros so pleased with it.
It's a paint gun that will work with a small compressor. So, be sure to thoroughly clean the tips especially after each use. This will extend the life of your sprayer.
Because it is a budget piece, some users of the Campbell Hausfeld sprayer suggest something unique prior to your first use.
It's been recommended to take the entire unit apart into it's smallest components, washing each piece, then reassembling.
An optional step, but it may help your paint flow more smooth and even.
Pros
Cons
Our Top Pick: Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus
For your buck, you get the most reliable, longest-lasting, and best-built machine with the Project Painter Plus.
Could it be used for trim? Sure. It's not huge, so it can be easily moved about a job site.
Final Thoughts On Interior Paint Sprayers
Getting involved with paint sprayers can be an exciting pursuit. This basic guide is designed to help caution you towards some of the potential pitfalls that may await you such as clogging in your lines or interrupted paint flow.
Keep in mind also that each handheld paint sprayer has its own maximum recommended use expressed in gallons per year. Our featured pick, for example, has a 50-gallon max recommended use per year.
Exceeding this amount puts excessive strain on your machine and could cause premature failure.
Related: You might be wondering the best way to clean an airless paint sprayer. Read our guide, “How To Clean A Paint Sprayer”
When you're using a paint sprayer indoors be extra sure to tape down all your drop cloths. When you use the sprayer, it puts off a wind that can easily blow under a drop causing it to move. That is, of course, if they aren't taped down.
Keep an eye on your paint level in your reservoir cup while you are painting. If it runs dry, air will get into the system and cause the paint to sputter all over.
Other than this basic information, and these simple tips, you'll get the rest of the way to perfection on the road called practice. Once you've got your sprayer, get a project, some paint, and start perfecting your craft!
