Are you looking for a stellar paint sprayer to use when painting cabinets?
You've come to the right place!
In this ProPaintCorner.com guide, you will learn the following:
- The different types of spray guns for cabinets
- How to use paint sprayers on cabinet doors
- What to look for in spray gun for painting cabinets
And much more!
Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use the best spray gun for your next cabinet project!
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Top Pick
| Our Top Pick | Wagner Spraytech FLEXiO 5000 HVLP Sprayer
|
| View on Amazon |
| Best Budget
| Best Budget | REXBETI Ultimate 750 Paint Sprayer
|
| View on Amazon |
| Best High End
| Best High End | Graco Magnum X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer
|
| View on Amazon |
|
| Graco TrueCoat 360 VSP Handheld Paint Sprayer
|
| View on Amazon | |
|
| NEU Master Cordless HVLP Paint Sprayer
|
| View on Amazon |
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On February 17, 2023
Our best paint sprayer for cabinets on this list is the Wagner Spraytech FLEXiO 5000 which is an amazing HVLP paint sprayer.
This paint sprayer is amazing for creating a precise, easy-to-control stream of paint that makes it much easier to paint kitchen cabinets.
Because it has a versatile nozzle and a precision spray tip, it minimizes the risk of clogs which makes it much easier to maneuver and create an even coating of paint on things like cabinet doors.
If you're looking for an affordable high-volume, low-pressure spray gun, this is a great option for you!
Top 5 Best Paint Sprayer For Cabinets
Take a look at our top 5 rated paint sprayers below:
What Are The Different Types of Spray Guns For Painting Cabinets?
Spray guns can make your life way easier if you’re a frequent painter or DIYer.
What once took you hours of laborious painting with a brush and a bucket can now take mere minutes once you get the hang of it.
However, there are several different types of spray guns you can choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Airless Paint Sprayers
One of the best types of paint sprayers you can use with minimal overspray and high precision are airless paint sprayers.
Airless paint sprayers are probably one of the best paint sprayers for cabinets because they are the most precise form of paint sprayers out there.
Because they use a piston to propel the paint using high pressure (up to 3,000 psi) rather than atomizing the paint with air, they make it much easier to control spray patterns and create a precise paint pattern when painting cabinet doors.
Some of the best airless paint sprayers for kitchen cabinets are the Graco Ultra and Graco Magnum models which tend to offer amazing air pressure and minimize clogging for the best finish.
We do have a Graco airless paint sprayer on the list below if you're looking to invest in an airless sprayer for your cabinet remodel project.
I like airless paint sprayers for painting cabinets because they create an amazing paint flow and they offer a lightweight design that is easily handheld and maneuvered around tricky areas.
HVLP Paint Sprayers
High-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) paint sprayers are some of the best, most common paint sprayers on the market.
These sprayers use an air compressor turbine to atomize the paint. This compressed-air mixes with the paint to form a fine mist and sends it through the air cap to create different spray patterns.
These are a great place to start for DIYers because they don't have a very sharp learning curve.
Plus, they're often much less expensive than airless paint sprayers, so if you're new to paint spraying and you've only ever used a paintbrush, HVLP spray guns are a great place to start for your cabinet painting job.
If you know for a fact that you want to use an HVLP spray gun for your kitchen cabinets, check out our article below that includes our top 5 HVLP spray guns for painting kitchen cabinets.
Otherwise, if you're still on the fence about which type of gun you'd like to invest in, keep reading this list as we'll offer a variety of HVLP and airless paint sprayers.
Read More >> What Are The Best HVLP Spray Guns To Use On Cabinets?
How Do You Paint Kitchen Cabinets With A Paint Sprayer?
If you're new to spray painting and you've only ever used paint sprayers on small projects, there are a few key things you need to know about painting kitchen cabinets using a paint sprayer.
Supplies You Need To Paint Kitchen Cabinets
First thing's first, let's go over some of the key supplies you'll need in order to get a professional finish on your kitchen cabinets as a DIYer.
This way, you can determine which supplies you already have on hand and which supplies you'll need to buy so you can figure out how much this painting project will cost you.
- Drop cloths
- Painter's tape
- Painting masks (or paint respirator)
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Painting clothes
- Sandpaper (and/or sanding block)
- Primer
- Paint
- Sealers or varnishes for finishing the paint job
Once you've gathered the adequate supplies to take on a cabinet remodel project, now it's time to get into the proper process to create a professional finish on your kitchen cabinets.
Prepare Your Surface
One of the first things you need to do in order to get your cabinets ready for paint is to prepare the surfaces you're painting.
This involves filling any holes, dings, or imperfections on the wood with wood filler.
Then, take some sandpaper and start sanding the surface to ensure that any rough patches or other bumps on the surface are completely smooth.
Be Picky With Your Surfaces
Going right along with that, as you're sanding, it's important to be super picky with your surfaces as you go.
If you notice something like a piece of wood filler or a little knick or scratch, take the time to sand it off or otherwise eliminate it before you start painting!
Just like we talked about in our "how to paint a wall like a pro" article, the professionals know that to create a clean, crisp finish with your paint, you first need to prime your surface.
This means you need to be meticulous with your wood surface before you get started.
That dent or scratch will most definitely be noticeable after you put 2 or 3 coats of paint over it.
And no, you can't just "sand it off" between coats. Once you paint over it, you're stuck with it.
So take the time to get up close and personal with your cabinets before you paint them and be as picky as possible.
Even in those areas that you "won't see" on the insides of the cabinets. Attention to detail matters when you're dealing with paint.
Eliminating Dust to get a Smooth Coat of Paint
Another key step here to achieve a high-quality result is to prevent any dust or lint from getting stuck on the paint before it dries. Not only will this not sand out, but it will also give your cabinets a rougher texture in the end.
To do this, make sure you're letting the paint dry in one area and sanding in another. Ideally, these would be separate rooms. This is because fine dust particles can linger in the air when you're sanding and that can cling to wet paint very easily.
You'll also want to use an air compressor tool to blow off any invisible dust that might be lingering on the surface before going in for the next coat of paint.
All of these little steps are what will create the highest quality finish in the end.
Painting Your Cabinet Doors
Now that it's time to actually paint your cabinet doors, it's time to familiarize yourself with your new paint sprayer.
Make sure you read all the instructions and figure out the adjustable pressure on your spray gun to prevent any clogging or viscosity issues when you're painting.
While you'll be avoiding the hassle of brush marks by using a paint sprayer, there are still things you need to learn in order to use a paint sprayer and get a high-quality finish.
So, below are the things you need to know before actually laying down paint on your cabinet doors with your paint sprayer.
Test Your Spray Gun Between Coats of Paint
Here's a tip that most DIYers might skip: test your gun!
Before you go in for that next round of paint, use a scrap piece of wood to test out your HVLP gun. Yes, every time!
Why? Because you need to make sure that the paint is going to come out smoothly and evenly each and every time you spray your cabinets. One messy spray can ruin your finish.
If you've been at it for a while or you took a break to sand in between coats, the paint inside the canister could've settled into a goopy mess. But you won't know that beforehand if you don't test it out first!
Sometimes you'll need to add fresh paint or test the consistency of your fluid between rounds to ensure that it's spraying properly.
And sometimes you'll need to clean the tip before you go in for the next round of paint because it'll congeal and have dried bits around the nozzle that will ruin your spray pattern.
So before you make a mess, test, test, test!
Different Parts of Your Cabinets Need Different Spray Patterns
This is where we really separate the amateurs from the professionals because, especially with cabinets, dialing in your settings is the key to a high-quality finish.
For example, the parts of your cabinets that have broader surface areas can handle a larger spray pattern. Those bigger, broader strokes are going to look nice on the bigger areas.
But what about the corners and edges? What about the frames?
Those smaller, more detail-oriented areas are probably not going to look great if you use a super-wide spray pattern on them.
They need a finer mist that's narrower to come outright.
That's why you'll probably want to fine-tune your settings for those pieces, especially on the second or third coat, to really get the detailed, crisp finish you're looking for.
How To Lay Down Coats Of Paint Properly
Once you've tested your gun and it's different spray patterns, it's time to start laying down some paint.
With your first coat, take your time mastering the paint flow and the technique that you want to use to get an even coat of paint down.
Then, between coats, let the paint fully dry (the can of paint you use should say how long you need to wait before adding a second coat) and then get ready to start sanding again!
You can look at the video below to see why it's important to do a spot check in between coats, but if you want to get the best finish possible this is important.
Once you've sanded and dusted between coats, make sure you inspect your first coat really well and take note of any thin spots or missed spots so you can focus on those areas when you lay down the second coat of paint.
Finish Off With A Paintbrush
Once you've sprayed the surfaces of your cabinet doors, make sure you go in with a detailing paintbrush to get around the nooks and crannies that you might have missed with your spray gun.
This is something many amateurs skip because it seems "good enough" to leave these areas behind as they might be hidden when the cabinet doors go back on.
However, in terms of resale value, and getting a high-quality professional finish on your kitchen cabinets, going in with a paintbrush is a good move to finish off the project.
What Are the Best Safety Practices for Spray Guns?
Obviously, when you're working with any type of paint or fluid, there are safety concerns.
But when dealing with paint spray guns it's essential to take proper precautions.
Because the fluid being atomized and creating a fine mist, those particles have a much higher chance of lingering in the air, and thus making it into your airways.
Paint chemicals are not something to mess around with, especially when it comes to your lungs, because they can accumulate in your system at toxic levels and cause all sorts of health problems.
Before you get to work on your cabinets, take a moment to think about the environment you'll be working in.
Do you have a garage or workshop where you can work that will stop the paint chemicals from accumulating in your house? Is that workshop well-ventilated?
Take the time to create an environment that won't expose you or your loved ones to toxic chemicals while this project is ongoing.
Next, it's important to think about safety gear for yourself and anyone who is helping you.
This includes things like safety goggles, gloves, and a mask made specifically for painting.
You want to avoid any fumes, sanding particles, or atomized paint from making its way into your system, and that includes contact with your skin.
Read More >> How Much Does It Cost To Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
What To Look For In The Best Spray Guns For Cabinets?
When you’re trying to find the best paint sprayer for your kitchen cabinets, you want to consider a few things.
The first thing to consider is how often you think you’ll be using this spray gun. Is it something you want to add to your arsenal for years to come?
Do you need it for smaller projects or large areas?
If so, it’s worth spending the extra money to invest in a high-end gun that will last for years and give you a great finish on any project that arises.
But, if you’re just looking to redo your cabinets quickly and easily and it’s just something that will be “nice to have” but not necessarily something you’ll use a lot, you might not want to spend the big bucks on it.
Paint guns are a great choice for cabinetwork because they’re typically going to give you a smooth finish that you just can't get with a brush.
They also increase transfer efficiency and reduce the amount of paint you’ll waste during a project.
So before you dive into purchasing a paint sprayer, just consider how often you’ll use it and whether it’s worth it to spend a bit more upfront to have an awesome tool for a few years.
Read More >> What Are The Best Paints To Use On Kitchen Cabinets?
Our Reviews Of The Best 5 Spray Guns For Painting Cabinets
So, if you plan to DIY other things in your home and you're looking to make the investment in a high-quality paint sprayer, this is a great option for you.
Not only is it incredibly affordable for a high-quality paint sprayer, but it's also easy to learn how to use. Wagner is one of the most renowned paint sprayer brands out there for a reason.
They're known for making amazing paint sprayers that last for years and are intuitive to learn.
If you're a beginner with paint sprayers, this is a great place to get started.
Pros
Cons
Pick #2: REXBETI Ultimate 750 Paint Sprayer
Our best budget paint sprayer on this list is the REXBETI Ultimate 750 Paint Sprayer.
We've included this paint sprayer on several of our lists in the past because it's one of the most affordable paint sprayers out there that still creates a great finish.
It has so much versatility and durability for a paint sprayer that only costs around $55 and comes with 4 different spray tips as well.
If you're not looking to invest a ton in a higher quality paint sprayer but still want to create a fine finish on your kitchen cabinets, the REXBETI is a fantastic option for you!
Pros
Cons
Our high-end paint sprayer recommendation is the epic Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer.
This paint sprayer is like the Cadillac of paint sprayers.
If you're looking to invest in a high-quality paint sprayer that offers more versatility and durability than almost every other paint sprayer on the market, this is the spray gun for you.
Like I mentioned earlier, airless paint sprayers are going to give you the most professional finish because they offer far more precision and diversity in spray patterns than HVLP paint sprayers.
The X5 is honestly the best paint sprayer for cabinets because it's so precise and once you get the hang of it, it makes it so easy to create a smooth, even finish on your cabinet doors.
Plus, if you're looking to do more professional painting jobs each year, this is a great choice for you because it can spray up to 125 gallons of paint per year!
Pros
Cons
Our next option is another fantastic Graco paint sprayer but this one is handheld and easier to maneuver.
If you're not quite ready for the investment of the X5, this one is slightly less expensive but just as durable and professional.
If you don't plan on using a paint sprayer constantly, this is a better option than the X5 because it only sprays about 25 gallons per year, which is fine if you're just a DIYer looking to level up!
The TrueCoat is easy to control and is a great option for painting cabinets because it's lightweight and handheld.
As far as airless paint sprayers go, this is by far the easiest to maneuver.
Pros
Cons
Our final pick is this cordless HVLP paint sprayer by NEU Master.
If you're looking for something that is super easy to learn and maneuver, look no further than this spray gun.
This HVLP sprayer is completely cordless and battery-powered which makes it a fantastic option for projects like painting cabinets where you need to move it around and find new angles constantly.
While it's not ideal for bigger painting projects (because of the battery life) it's perfect if you're new to paint sprayers and you want something that is simple to learn and amazingly affordable for the level of quality it offers!
Pros
Cons
Our Top Pick: Wagner Spraytech FLEXiO 5000 HVLP Sprayer
If you're looking for something that is going to add to your painting arsenal for years to come, the FLEXiO 5000 is the paint sprayer for you.
It's such a great value for the money, if you're looking to invest in this spray gun go check out the lowest price on Amazon now!
Final Thoughts On Choosing & Using Spray Guns For Cabinets
Choosing the right spray gun for your cabinets doesn’t have to be a chore.
All of these spray guns will help you get the job done, and they’ll be amazing tools for a variety of projects once your cabinets are done, too.
Before you get started on painting your cabinets, just take some time to familiarize yourself with whichever paint spray gun you choose so you can get the most out of its features and settings.
This will reduce the amount of trial and error you have to go through during the project and yield the best overall results.
