Finding the best air compressor paint sprayer can make all the difference in the world when it comes to getting the job done. A good paint sprayer is easy to use and delivers a beautiful, smooth finish as the compressed air pushes the paint onto the surface in even layers.
Compressed air paint sprayers are also less expensive than other options available on the market today. Although, they do require you to own an air compressor in order for them to operate. This can significantly add to the overall cost if you need to purchase a compressor too.
The bottom line is an air compressor paint sprayer can significantly cut the time it takes for you to complete a painting job. Whether you have a big painting job or you're simply repainting a few items, one of these convenient air compressor paint sprayers will come in very handy.
Air Compressor Paint Sprayer Considerations
Before buying a paint sprayer, here are a few general points to keep in mind as you begin shopping:
Workability
You'll need to make sure the paint sprayer is compatible with the kind of paint you want to use. The consistency of your paint will have an effect on the kind of gun you'll need. Thinner paints require small nozzles with less pressure, while thicker paint needs a bigger nozzle and gun.
Durability
Before purchasing a paint sprayer it's always a good idea to consider it's durability. Buying an inexpensive tool may be the right choice to handle a one-off project, but ultimately it's a good idea to find a sprayer that will be around for the long haul.
Maintenance
A sprayer that clogs easily and is difficult to clean will be annoying to use, no matter how long it lasts. Make sure the one you choose is easy to keep in good working order.
It's important to note that you'll need an air compressor to operate your paint sprayer. If you don't already own a compressor, you'll need to purchase one before you can use your new sprayer. Read our buyers guide on how to select the best air compressor for painting HERE.
Now let's take a look at our three top choices for the best air compressor paint sprayer.
Campbell Hausfeld DH580000AV
The Campbell Hausfeld DH80000AV General Purpose HVLP Paint Spray Gun is made with quality components, so it's quite durable, provided you treat it with care. It comes with the gravity feed paint gun canister and sprayer, and it's very easy to use. Simply flip the lever to start spraying paint. There's very little fuss and hassle involved.
The Campbell Hausfeld Paint Spray Gun is a really nice option if you're working on small and medium-sized projects. It's an excellent choice for furniture, equipment, and most automotive painting. Lacquers, base coat/clear coat and polyurethane/urethane top coats can all be used with the sprayer, and it has a canister capacity of 20 ounces.
Th spray gun has controls to adjust both the fluid/air flow and spray pattern, which will help you find the perfect setting for your project. The gravity feed canister reduces paint waste and allows for easy clean-up. In addition, you can expect low overspray when working with this spray gun.
In order to use the Campbell Hausfeld DH580000AV General Purpose HVLP Paint Spray Gun, you'll need an air compressor with at least 3/4 horsepower, which can deliver 4.0 SCFM @ 40 psi.
Neiko 31215A
The Neiko 31215A HVLP Gravity Feed Air Spray Gun has the classic high-pressure, low volume gravity feed fluid delivery design that makes paint jobs so easy. It includes a 20.3 ounce aluminum canister with lid, a 1.7 mm color coded nozzle, and metal air gauge/regulator. In addition, it comes with a multi-size wrench and cleaning brush.
The 1.7 mm nozzle is the perfect size for primer, metallic base coat and many other household and automotive paints. The HVLP gravity feed fluid delivery provides precise paint applications and is equipped with three control valves to help you get the perfect spray for each job.
The Neiko 31215A delivers professional spraying and painting results. With it's one-piece steel gun body, solid brass cap, and rust-resistant stainless steel nozzle, you'll have this spray gun around for years to come. It's operational pressure is 40 psi; working pressure 10 psi; and average air consumption 4.5 CFM.
In our opinion, the Neiko 31215A HVLP Gravity Feed Air Spray Gun is the best gravity feed air compressor paint sprayer that you can buy. And to help you properly care for your new spray gun, Neiko even offers an optional cleaning kit. It's hard to go wrong with this paint sprayer since it's more versatile and frequently out lasts other manufacturer models.
Thunder Hardware 4001J
The Thunder Hardware 4001J Gravity Feed Spray Gun works well with paint, stains, lacquers, contact cement, primers, top coats, and virtually everything in between. It's great for working in tight spaces since you'll be able to hold the gun at any angle and the paint will always spray properly.
The 20 ounce canister capacity allows you to hold plenty of paint, and the spray gun requires 20 to 70 psi air pressure. The 1.4 mm nozzle delivers 7 to 10 ounces of paint each minute, and will require an air compressor capable of delivering 6 CFM @ 40 psi.
The Thunder Hardware 4001J comes with a cleaning brush, multi-function wrench, filter and a socket spanner. It's priced to fit any budget and is durable enough to last for many projects. Or, it's priced low enough that you could purchase it as a "throw away" for a one-time project.
The spray nozzle is made from stainless steel and is designed for clog-free operation. There are several adjustment nobs to help you find the perfect paint spray for your project. If you're looking for a solid paint sprayer, the Thunder Hardware 4001J is an excellent choice.
Best Air Compressor Paint Sprayer
The air compressor paint sprayer you choose really comes down to your individual needs. For the most part, the three sprayers listed above are similar in features and can greatly help you with small to medium painting projects.
If you're looking for something that's simple and gets the job done without a fuss, our choice would be the Neiko 31215A HVLP Gravity Feed Air Spray Gun. It's efficient at giving clean, even finishes, and it's a bit more durable and easy to clean than the Campbell Hausfeld DH580000AV General Purpose HVLP Paint Spray Gun.
However, if you're looking for a low cost spray gun that can handle a wide range of liquids, your best bet is the Thunder Hardware 40001J Spray Gun.
It should be noted that none of these paint spray guns are good for large projects. The guns give off small streams of paint for precision painting requires going over a larger area a few times to get the desired result, which can be time-consuming when you're working on wide surfaces.