Beginners Guide To Using A Paint Sprayer Outdoors

Airless sprayers pump more paint at high pressures, oftentimes up to 3000 PSI. The airless sprayer tip is designed to break up the paint evenly into a spray pattern made of small droplets.

Some models of airless sprayer, such as Graco paint sprayer and Titan brands, will offer the ability to spray directly from a 1 or 5-gallon bucket. This means you can get the projects done faster with great spray pattern. 

Here are some simple steps to follow when learning how to use an airless sprayer.

HVLP spray guns use high-volume and low-pressure. With high volume and low pressure, they are best for detail work and automotive projects.

Wagner is one of the top brands when looking for an HVLP spray gun.

Read about how to use a Wagner paint sprayer here.

Here are some simple steps to follow when learning how to use an HVLP sprayer.

If you have an air compressor, you don’t need to purchase an HVLP system but could just use a Spray Gun.

Air compressor is more cost effective than purchasing an entire system, but you’ll need your air compressor with you wherever you are doing exterior paint job.

Here are some simple steps to follow when learning how to use a Spraying Gun with an air Compressor while doing exterior paint project.

Paint Sprayers are ideal for a multitude of projects. One of the main reason people use them is to prime or paint new, large interior walls or spaces.

This project goes faster than rolling alone. This is also valuable when working with new construction because the flooring and ceiling won’t be an issue.

When exterior painting of a home that has a clear perimeter, airless sprayers will out-perform painting by hand.

If you don’t have a clear perimeter but have mature landscaping, sunrooms, playsets and other items in the yard, you can still use a paint sprayer, but prep time will be slightly longer.

If you are painting areas that have detail work or texture, use a paint sprayer, which is a great tool. It makes short work of projects like crown molding or popcorn ceilings.

There are sometimes when use an airless paint sprayer won’t be ideal. These include:

Overall, spray paint will generally save you time in comparison to painting with a roller and paint brush. If you are working on a large project, it can also save money over hiring a professional to complete the assignment.

When it comes spray paint with paint sprayers, you not only have to choose the type of sprayer but the brand you want as well. There are dozens of paint sprayer manufacturers out there, and each one has good points and bad points. The problem is that most of them have more bad points than good.

For that reason, you want to stick to a well-known, trusted brand that will stand behind their product. You want a company you know is going to be there tomorrow to help you is something goes wrong, or you need a new part for your older sprayer.

While we aren’t taking anything away from any brand out there, three brand names continue to jump to the top of the list.

Graco has been in the paint supply game for a long time. Their products are tried, tested, and abused, and they continue to perform day in and day out. From the professional, commercial painter to the once-in-a-while DIY homeowner, Graco has products designed for every project and skill level.

Fuji is a name that most professional painters know and trust. Homeowners and DIY experts are also onboard. Fuji makes paint sprayers for every budget and project imaginable and will have what you need when you need it.

One of the biggest draws to Fuji is their paint sprayer accessories, which allow you to expand your exterior paint spraying venture beyond what comes in the box.

Wagner is geared more for the DIYer, though they do have a solid hold on the commercial market as well. If you are looking for a sprayer that won’t see a lot of use, you can save money with Wagner. You won’t lose out on quality, though, and that is why this home-name brand has stuck around for as long as they have.

Depending on your budget, there is a paint sprayer for you. You can find budget models that cost less than $100, but these will generally be all-in-one styles that don’t offer accessories or extras. There are also commercial-grade sprayer systems than can top over $2000.

Whatever your budget calls for, there is a sprayer system that will work for you. Here at Paint Sprayer Judge, we attempt to find the best deals on the highest-quality paint sprayers.

We want you to be happy with your purchase. To that end, the brands and models we test, review, and compare typically fall in the $200 to $600 range.

When deciding on a proper paint sprayer, you are going to want to make sure it will work with the materials you are using.

Most paint sprayers are versatile and can be used with a multitude of materials including stains, paints, lacquers and primers.

Make sure that you also refer to the user guide of your sprayer to ensure that you are applying proper materials. Most airless sprayers can be used with water-based exterior and interior materials. 

In addition, most sprayers are capable of applying oil-based exterior and interior paints.

Not all sprayers will apply paint solvent-based flammable materials. These include primers, shellacs, lacquers and sealers. Refer to the specific sprayer to determine if you can use it for these items.

There are also special materials such as undercoating and sealers that will require a specific model of sprayer. Keep in mind when using thicker materials; you may need a larger spray tip to accomplish the paint job.

You should also cover all furniture, flooring, and any other material you don't want to use an exterior paint to ruin with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.

Cleaning after use a paint sprayer is a necessary evil that will require your tie, devotion, and attention. You will need to clean your entire unit after every use. This also means that you can't leave paint in the sprayer for very long or it will need to be cleaned.

Paint cures quickly and can form deposits in your sprayer system. You should always have a waste bucket, water, rags, drop cloths and mineral spirits on hand. Cleaning with warm water and a mild soap will take care of most paints.

However, when you apply paint which are oil-based paints, you will need to use mineral spirits to clean.

Cleaning an airless sprayer will require you to spray solvent and discharge fresh cleaning solution through the sprayer to clean out the internal tubes, suction hoses, and inner workings of the guns.

After that, you will disassemble the gun, tip, paint strainer, air caps, nozzles, rods, and paint cups to hand wash and scrub. Some models will require you to oil seals and o-rings, and some will need throat seal liquid added before the next use.

After a thorough cleaning, you should check all the parts and perform routine maintenance on the device. This can be as simple as putting in a new filter and spray tip or replacing tubing and suction hoses if they begin to wear out.

Medium tips are the most commonly used because they are the best choice for oil-based and latex paint.

After inspection, maintenance, and cleaning, you can store your machine. Always paint stores in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, debris, and other hazards. Covering your sprayers can help keep them free of dust and dirt, and all sprayers should be stored in an upright position.

What to wear when painting exterior walls? 

Though HVLP paint sprayers produce less overspray than airless sprayers, atomized paint can travel, and could possibly get into your nose and eyes. Using a tip with a smaller orifice and spray fan width reduces overspray and eliminates the chances of damaging anything beyond the spray area.

Protect yourself by wearing proper protection before painting door trim, interior or exterior walls. We recommend: Respiratory face mask Safety goggles/ glasses, Old clothing that can be sprayed with paint, Old shoes that can be sprayed, Old hat to protect your head from paint.

Now that you know how to use your new paint sprayer, it is time to get the paint job done.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions found in the owner’s manual.

Complete all your household paint jobs with ease and spend more time doing the things you love.