The Best Paint Sprayers for Cabinets in 2022

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A fresh coat of paint can make kitchen cabinets look like new. Using a quality paint sprayer can help you achieve professional-looking results while saving you hundreds of dollars in labor costs.

A paint sprayer has a canister that holds the coating (paint, stain, etc.) while a trigger-operated nozzle sprays the product onto the surface. Since they distribute paint quickly and produce a smooth finish, they’re a much better option for painting kitchen cabinets than standard brushes or rollers. This guide will discuss types of paint sprayers, shopping considerations, and top recommendations to help you find the best paint sprayer for cabinet refinishing.

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Types of Paint Sprayers

There are four different types of paint sprayers, each offering distinct advantages for painting kitchen cabinets.

A compressed air paint sprayer—the traditional version of these devices—applies paint in thin coats using a spray gun attached to a pressurized tank via a high-pressure hose.

Conventional air sprayers can cost more than a thousand dollars, so renting one may be the most viable option. This type of sprayer is ideal for kitchen cabinets because it creates a smooth, professional-looking finish. Though you’ll need to apply more coats than you would with other sprayers, the look and feel of the results are great.

There’s a learning curve to using a conventional compressed air sprayer. These machines use a powerful air compressor and tend to produce a significant amount of overspray—which can make them harder to control. Fortunately, you can fit spray guns with different size nozzles that optimize the spray pattern and flow. Once you get the hang of using it, a compressed air paint sprayer is an excellent tool for repainting kitchen cabinets.

High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) paint sprayers use a small built-in electric turbine that compresses air to apply paint. With HVLP sprayers starting at under $100, these are the most affordable sprayers, making them popular for home painting projects. HVLPs have less output than compressed air sprayers, which makes them inadequate for large jobs but ideal for smaller ones, including kitchen cabinets.

This type of sprayer produces minimal overspray and applies small amounts of paint at a time, making it much easier to paint with accuracy while minimizing mess. Some models struggle to handle thicker paint, requiring you to thin the paint with water before use. Whereas compressed air spray guns use spray tips, HVLP sprayers deliver paint using air caps that you can adjust for flow, spray pattern, and paint thickness. While they may not produce as smooth a finish as a conventional compressed air sprayer, you can still achieve excellent results with an HVLP sprayer.

Like compressed air sprayers, Low Volume Low Air Pressure (LVLP) paint sprayers use an air compressor with a hose to power a spray gun. The difference is LVLPs only need between 3 and 10 pounds per square inch (PSI) to operate. This means they will work with smaller, less powerful air compressors.

Like HVLP sprayers, LVLP sprayers produce smaller spray patterns than conventional air sprayers. While this means it will take more time to paint a kitchen cabinet, LVLP sprayers produce very little overspray, allowing for more precise painting and minimal waste. But because they use less pressure, some sprayers may require thicker paints to be diluted with water to prevent clogging. LVLP sprayers are a great option for those who already own an air compressor.

Airless sprayers are powered by an electric motor and are the most powerful paint sprayer option. They function by pumping paint at a pressure up to 3,000 PSI through a hose and out a tip that diffuses the paint into tiny droplets. They produce thick coats of paint, minimizing the number of coats you’ll need to apply, ultimately saving time. Like conventional air sprayers, airless paint sprayers come with various tips for different spray patterns.

Due to the power behind airless paint sprayers, they produce a significant amount of overspray. These powerful sprayers are suitable for large painting projects like fences, interior walls, and home exteriors but can be overkill for smaller indoor projects such as kitchen cabinets.

In order to achieve a smooth finish with airless paint sprayers, you’ll need to use a smaller tip, such as a 311 size, and allow for a 12-inch buffer between the sprayer and the cabinet while painting, to avoid applying too thick of a coat. Airless paint sprayers are a good option for those who plan to use a paint sprayer for multiple projects.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Paint Sprayer for Cabinets

In addition to understanding the types of paint sprayers available, it’s crucial to know what factors and features to look for when shopping for the best paint sprayer for cabinets and furniture.

Since paint sprayers vary in the amount of paint they can apply, your project’s size is an important factor when selecting a sprayer. A sprayer that’s too powerful for the job will produce excessive overspray, resulting in a messy work area, a poor finish, wasted paint, and, due to the amount of overspray released into the air, a potentially hazardous work environment. Low volume, handheld paint sprayers present the best option as they are easier to control and more affordable.

Unlike HVLP sprayers, which use adjustable air caps to regulate spray pattern and size, airless paint sprayers use a tip that diffuses the paint as it leaves the sprayer. The tip size determines how much paint is delivered and the size and shape of the spray pattern. Choosing the right tip size is essential to achieving a good finish and preventing frustrating clogs.

Tip sizes are delineated by a three-digit code. The first number multiplied by two tells how wide of a spray the fan tip will apply at a distance of 12 inches. The second and third numbers delineate the size of the orifice to the thousandths of an inch. For example, a 425 tip will apply an 8-inch wide fan of paint from 12 inches away and have a 25 thousandths of an inch opening.

The key to success lies in using a tip rated for the coating you’re using. Lacquers and stains are much thinner than paint, and thus require a tip with a smaller orifice, such as .009 to .013. Oil-based and latex paints are thicker and require a wider orifice, between .013 and .019.

Viscous enamels and primers require even larger spray tips ranging from .025 to .035. Too small a tip can result in clogs, while too large a tip can cause excessive overspray. Keep in mind that tips will eventually wear out, affecting their size, so replace paint sprayer tips between projects.

Paint sprayers use two power methods: compressed air and an electric pump. Each has its pros and cons. When it comes to adjusting the spray intensity, compressed air wins out for the following reasons:

While you can achieve a great finish with both types of sprayers, airless paint sprayers have an advantage. Air can mix with the paint producing bubbles in the finish. This is less likely to happen with an airless sprayer.

Power has a significant impact on the amount of paint a sprayer can deliver. The more power, the higher the volume of output. Higher-powered sprayers are capable of producing larger spray patterns, allowing them to coat surfaces more quickly.

While this is an advantage for large projects such as painting interior walls or a fence, too much power can be overkill for a kitchen cabinet repainting project. Sprayers are rated differently for electric versus air-powered sprayers. Most paint sprayers range between 450 and 800 watts for electric sprayers and 26 and 29 PSI for paint sprayers.

Controls on paint sprayers allow you to adjust the amount of pressure pushing the paint through the sprayer. If the pressure is too low, the coating will be uneven, resulting in what’s known as “tails” or “fingers” in the finish. If the pressure is too high, you could likely end up with excessive overspray and misting.

For topnotch results, use just enough pressure to atomize the coating you’re spraying. This can vary based on the viscosity of the coating. In order to get the proper pressure, you need a sprayer that allows you to adjust the pressure.

The higher the capacity (i.e., the amount of coating the sprayer can hold), the less often you’ll have to stop and refill. Most HVLP paint sprayers include metal or plastic cups that fit onto the sprayer and hold approximately one paint quart. Spray guns include a cup that fits on the top or bottom of the paint gun and holds around 20 ounces. Airless sprayers pull paint directly from the paint bucket, and therefore, offer the highest capacity.

With pressure that’s easy to control and many options for making adjustments, HVLP sprayers are the easiest to use. They produce a relatively small amount of overspray, making them optimal for smaller projects like painting cabinets. They also come as a complete package; there’s no need to purchase a separate air compressor to power an HVLP sprayer.

While airless paint sprayers offer superior performance, they are mainly designed to handle big outdoor projects such as fences and home exteriors. They can produce a significant amount of overspray, which can make spraying smaller projects challenging and messy.

While the adjustability and smaller volume output of LVLP spray guns make them an ideal option for cabinets, like a conventional air sprayer, they require an air compressor, which might mean an additional purchase if you don’t already own one.

Our Top Picks

The following products are quality sprayers for painting kitchen cabinets. They’re reasonably priced, easy to use, and offer plenty of adjustment options.

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When it comes to painting cabinets, a sprayer should provide good coverage with control, accuracy, and a minimal amount of overspray. That’s what you get with this 600-watt HVLP sprayer from Wagner. The Spraytech Flexio includes a host of adjusters that allow you to change pattern width and direction, flow control, and power all on the fly with a 1 ½-quart paint capacity.

Some paint sprayers house both the paint and the compressor, making them a little unwieldy and tiring to use for long periods. Wagner houses the motor in a turbine located in a separate base that connects to the sprayer via a hose, making it more lightweight. The stationary base also doubles as a convenient storage bin for the sprayer and attachments.

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Thinning paint, unclogging nozzles, keeping up with accessories, cleaning the sprayer for color changes—these are all inconveniences that can frustrate users when working with a handheld paint sprayer. The Graco TrueCoat addresses these issues with solutions that add convenience while speeding up the process.

The Graco TrueCoat includes a powerful steel piston pump that generates plenty of pressure for spraying unthinned paint. A reversible nozzle makes fixing clogs a breeze: Just flip the nozzle and continue spraying paint. Disposable bag liners make color changes easy, too—simply switch the bag, and you’re ready for the next hue. When you’re all done, a convenient storage case holds the Graco paint sprayer and all its parts conveniently together until the next job.

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With its powerful motor and attractive price tag, this is an excellent HVLP paint sprayer for the DIYer who wants to paint cabinets or furniture without investing in a more expensive model. Its 700-watt motor provides a steady stream of paint and leaves an even finish.

The Dicfeos Paint Sprayer also offers plenty of versatility with four different nozzle sizes, allowing you to fine-tune the sprayer for various applications. A flow control knob lets you make changes to output on the fly while an air cap allows you to spray in three different patterns. Just keep in mind you will have to dilute latex paint with water before using this sprayer to prevent clogs.

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This precision spray gun from Fuji offers pro-level performance. The sprayer contains stainless steel, which makes its parts less likely to gum up—translating to fewer clogs during use and easier cleanup post-project. A pattern control knob and adjustable aircap allow for a fine finish with minimal overspray.

Fuji’s sprayer is also well balanced, helping to eliminate the fatigue associated with top-heavy gravity style spray guns. This is a premium sprayer, significantly more expensive than other models, so a solid option for pros or the serious DIYer who plans to tackle other projects after those kitchen cabinets are done.

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When you’ve only got a weekend to paint all your kitchen cabinets, you can’t be stopping every 30 minutes to refill the bucket, clean the nozzle, or thin the paint. With its powerful compressor and ability to deliver paint directly from the bucket, Graco’s airless paint sprayer can handle big jobs.

Its powerful steel piston pump is strong enough to spray unthinned paint. There’s no bucket attachment to refill; instead, a suction tube delivers paint directly from the can to the sprayer, allowing you to work without interruption. If the nozzle gets clogged, simply reverse it to unclog.

Cleanup is also simple, thanks to a hose attachment that lets you run water through the lines. The Graco Magnum is an excellent option for large jobs, such as a full kitchen redo or repainting a backyard fence.

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With panels, trim, and cutouts to navigate, spraying cabinets takes some skill—and a sprayer that will give you ample control to achieve a quality finish. The Wagner Spraytech provides that control, letting you adjust the spray width from 1/2-inch to 12 inches. Pressure control and flow control dials allow you to fine-tune the amount of paint you’re spraying to suit the material and desired finish.

Minimal overspray means a smoother finish and less mess. The sprayer is powered by a separate hydraulic pump that connects to the sprayer via a hose to lighten the load, reducing arm fatigue.

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Our Verdict

Selecting the right paint sprayer for cabinets, furniture, and even whole rooms can be difficult with so many options available today. One of the best options overall is the Wagner Spraytech HVLP sprayer. This lightweight model has a dual nozzle design for ample coverage, comes with a material flow and pressure adjuster, plus a detail finish nozzle for retouching or small areas.

For professional applications, the Fuji Spray conventional/compressed air sprayer offers premium performance and the durability of stainless steel. This unit has a pattern control knob, an adjustable air cap, and a lightweight build that won’t cause arm fatigue while spraying.

How We Chose the Best Paint Sprayers for Cabinets

Different types, capacities, weight, design features, and materials included on today’s paint sprayers can make it hard to pick one that can help with your specific project. But, HVLP, airless, conventional/compressed air, and LVLP sprayers are the most sought-after sprayers on the market as they are efficient, precise, and effective for either small or large projects.

These types of sprayers come with different capacities for their intended use. HVLP sprayers being the most common in the above list, they usually come with ample capacity to cover whole rooms or other large spaces. Airless also allows for ample quantities of paint distribution, as they usually rely on pumping paint from a bucket to operate.

On the other hand, conventional/compressed air and LVLP sprayers are effective on trim, window frames, and DIY projects for their smaller paint capacities and nozzle types. For convenience, all of the sprayers listed above are lightweight to reduce fatigue while spraying and many come with adjustable tips and nozzles, pressures, and pump types for your needs. Finally, most of these sprayers are constructed of plastic and stainless steel for durability and long lifespans.

Tips for Using a Paint Sprayer

Using a paint sprayer is an effective way to apply a smooth finish to your cabinets, but working with them can take some getting used to. The first key to success is choosing the proper tip. Spraying cabinets is a relatively small job, so use a tip that delivers a smaller fan of paint. A 311 tip, which delivers a 6-inch fan, is a good option.

Before you begin spraying cabinets, conduct a few test sprays on cardboard or scrap wood. This will allow you to practice your technique and fine-tune the sprayer’s adjustments for an optimal finish.

When spraying, make slow, even passes with the sprayer, overlapping each pass by about half to ensure proper coverage. Keep the sprayer perpendicular to the cabinet as you make each pass. Resist the urge to fan the sprayer by bending your wrist, as this will result in uneven coats.

Once you’re done painting, clean the sprayer immediately, making sure to disassemble all removable parts. Delaying the cleaning process will allow the paint to dry in the sprayer, making cleaning much more difficult.

FAQs

Read on for answers to the most common questions about spraying kitchen cabinets.

It costs between $385 and $1,118 to paint kitchen cabinets, according to HomeAdvisor, with the majority of that cost coming from labor.The cost of supplies ranges between $200 and $600.

A small tip is best to achieve a good finish with minimal overspray. A 311 size tip, which will produce a 6-inch fan, is a good tip size. If you’re using a sprayer that uses a cap, adjust the sprayer to achieve a 6-inch fan width.

Since kitchen cabinets are in close proximity to cooking and food, degrease them by using TSP (Trisodium Phosphate), which is a cleaning agent that cuts through grease and grime. Once clean, paint the cabinets with a quality primer. Lightly sand the primed cabinets just enough to smooth the surface, then you’re ready to begin spraying.