Jun. 17, 2024
If you have ever painted a house and used a roller or paintbrush, you know it's a long, tedious job, seemingly with no end in sight, especially if you have to do more than one coat. Enter the paint sprayer: This tool can save you time by laying down a wide, even mist of paint by squeezing a trigger.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit electric fence sprayers.
Navigating the world of paint sprayers can be daunting&#;from pneumatic to airless to HVLP (high-volume low-pressure)&#;it's not immediately obvious the one you should choose. And although they have huge pluses, this tool sometimes has drawbacks. If you're not sure whether you need to buy one or if you're better off renting one, this comprehensive guide will help you wade through all these considerations.
A paint sprayer is not a common household item, but you can guess what it does from its name. It's a tool used for applying a fine mist of paint from a spray nozzle. It can handle a paint job quicker than a brush or roller and works well over uneven surfaces.
Before Buying a New Paint Sprayer
Before getting one, consider if you need it for a big job, like painting the whole house&#;inside and out&#;or only one room. If you plan to paint a room or two, you'll be better off with a roller and a paintbrush.
But, if you're a new do-it-yourself homeowner and plan to do a lot of your home renovations or maintenance, buying a new paint sprayer may be a good investment. It used to be that a paint sprayer of the past cost thousands of dollars and was only a tool fit for a paint professional, but now, the prices have come down considerably, making ownership much more affordable and worthwhile.
A great benefit of paint sprayers is that they allow you to override bumps, gaps, cracks, and other surface imperfections that cause paint rollers or brush problems. Detail work is a little easier with paint sprayers, like corners and trim work on cabinets that are easier to paint with a paint sprayer. A downside is that preparation work for painting with a paint sprayer requires more time than rollers or brushes. Every surface that you will not paint must be covered. Also, you will use more paint in volume than a roller or paintbrush.
Not everyone needs to buy a paint sprayer. If you do not plan on doing your own painting or do not have big plans after one small project, you should consider renting a paint spraying unit, borrowing one, or buying a used spraying unit.
Buying Considerations for a Paint Sprayer
Space
In terms of how much space a paint sprayer can cover, its size decides its volume. A cup gun sprayer is small, usually holding no more than a quart of paint. As you can imagine, it needs constant refilling, especially if you're doing a large paint project. A larger unit handles more significant volumes of paint, usually with a powered siphon that feeds directly into a can or drum of paint. Both can get the job done; however, one is more seamless than the other, with fewer steps and less hassle.
Material
Paint sprayers vary in cost dramatically. Many cheaper sprayers are made of plastic parts that can gunk up and become inoperable if not cleaned immediately after use. They can be harder to clean and break quicker than units made of sturdier stainless steel or metal parts.
In terms of materials you can paint on and paints you can use with sprayers, you can use a paint sprayer for painting any surface, from vinyl or aluminum house siding and walls to wooden furniture and cars. And you can use all types of paint in a sprayer as long as it's the right type for the gun you get. Most sprayers can use latex, water-based paint, acrylic, primers, vinyl, alkyd, lacquer, enamel, high-heat paint, oil-based paint, epoxy, rust-preventive paint, and plastic paint. Although, some sprayer types may require certain types of paint to be thinned before use for the best results.
Size
Paint sprayers come in different sizes, from small cup sprayers not much larger than a twist-on garden hose spray nozzle to large units hauling an air compressor tank or wheeled cart, the equivalent of the size of an upright vacuum cleaner. The storage space you need depends on the type you get.
Besides varying tank sizes, airless sprayers have various tip sizes that measure the orifice size and the fan size. The orifice size is the hole size, and it measures the gallons per minute that spray through the hole; meanwhile, the fan size measures how many inches wide the spray is when held a foot from the surface.
Features
Handy features on a paint sprayer include adjusting the thickness of the paint coat, the speed, or the spray pattern. Also, with some sprayers, you can attach a garden hose, which makes them easier to flush with water for cleanup.
Portability can make or break your job, so you might want a backpack model or a cart on wheels if you have the option. Handheld models are acceptable but will require constant reloading with paint if you're doing a big project, and they can start to feel heavy if using them for extended lengths of time.
Another consideration is how it's powered; you can plug in with an electric model, get a cordless unit that will need recharging once it's expended or opt for a gas model, which will need to be refilled once it's used up.
Types of Paint Sprayers
The paint sprayer you get should be a good match for how you intend to use it. Paint sprayers start cheap and get expensive fast. Professional painters usually purchase paint sprayers running into the thousands of dollars. Thankfully, this handy tool's prices have decreased, making it more accessible for DIYers. The three main types are an airless paint sprayer, a pneumatic air sprayer, and an HVLP sprayer.
Paint sprayer types also vary by capacity. Cup sprayers hold about a quart of paint; other models have larger reservoirs or siphon paint directly from the paint can or drum. Also, cup sprayers come in two types: gravity feed (cup on the top) and conventional feed (cup on the bottom).
Airless Paint Sprayer
Airless paint sprayers are tricky for novices and are used mainly by skilled DIYers and professionals for large surfaces such as interior walls and house siding, decks, and fences. This motorized sprayer uses pressurized force to atomize the paint; it works well with thick-bodied latex paints. This tool is not ideal for small detail work. If not used correctly, it can cause injury to the user due to its high-pressure output.
Pneumatic Paint Sprayer
To use a pneumatic paint sprayer or air spray gun, you need an air compressor and hose to attach the two. This sprayer applies paint by mixing in the air from the compressor and forcing the mixture through a spray nozzle. This sprayer can apply a greater volume of paint than airless and HVLP sprayers. These sprayers are a precision tool, most often used in complex commercial and industrial situations, such as automotive bodywork. Although you have to watch for overspray, they are suitable for painting furniture and cabinets; these types use more paint than others.
High-Volume Low-Pressure (HVLP) Sprayer
HVLP sprayers come in a cup-type style or cart version, although most HVLP paint sprayers are cup-style since these sprayers are used most for detailed applications that require accuracy and a smooth finish. Most HVLP models allow you to control airflow and paint volume. You can find HVLP units with a built-in compressor or a spray gun attachment for an air compressor unit you already have.
Cost
Paint sprayers come in all price ranges, as low as $50 for a cup-style pneumatic sprayer to attach to an air compressor, to more than $1,000 for a professional model. Cart-style paint sprayers are more expensive than cup-style paint sprayers. Since they are large and bulky, they require more storage room than cup-style sprayers. For about $300 to $400, you can get a great electric airless sprayer on wheels to paint the house exterior or small projects. You can attach a can or bucket of paint to it so it does not need constant refilling.
Airless models start at about $100 at the low end. The cheaper HVLP units run from $60 to about $400, gradually increasing quality and price. Lower-end sprayers are usually handheld, requiring you to refill the reservoir as you work, and they are not as powerful. More features tend to drive up the cost.
How to Choose a Paint Sprayer
Choosing a paint sprayer hinges on several variables, and answering a few questions will undoubtedly point you in the right direction.
What Is the Size and Scope of Your Project?
If you have a large job, like painting an exterior of a house, you can't go wrong with an airless cart-type sprayer. It can handle large volumes of paint quickly. If you already have an air compressor for other projects and lots of painting projects coming down the line, get a pneumatic spray gun attachment and its compatible hose. It can handle most small to medium painting jobs.
HVLPs are not ideal for large painting projects, like house exteriors, since they use a lower-output, low-pressure air stream and would take a long time to cover an expansive area. You'd be better off with a paintbrush or roller. However, HVLPs are perfect for smaller projects, like painting a piece of furniture. A small cup paint sprayer is versatile, easier to wield, and can stow away without taking too much space.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of best electric paint sprayer for fences. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
How Often Will You Use the Tool?
If you plan on using the paint sprayer often, you will want a sprayer that is easy to clean. Consider getting a model that can be hooked up to a garden hose to make flushing the leftover paint in the paint pump an easier task. If you only plan on using a paint sprayer once, then renting sounds like a better option for you. You can get professional equipment for a fraction of the cost and not worry about storing it away somewhere.
How Detailed Will You Need to Get With Your Paint Spraying?
High-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) paint sprayers are the best for more detailed work, like painting trim, molding, and cabinets. Airless sprayers are not helpful in precision situations. Similarly, a pneumatic gun is the hardest to control due to its overspray, requiring you to mask off entire sections and everything around. You might get more of a mess than you bargained for when using a pneumatic gun&#;although the automotive industry swears by them.
Cup Gun vs. Cart Sprayers
Cup-style sprayers consist of a gun with a reservoir holding a small amount of paint, usually no more than one quart. The cup either sits at the top of the gun (gravity-feed) or the bottom (siphon or conventional style). Gravity-fed sprayers tend to require less pressure, have less overspray and offer more control. They are also easier to clean up since you don't have to disassemble them to remove the paint. For these reasons, the trend favors gravity-fed over siphon-fed if you're looking at cup sprayers.
Price is one of the best things about cup-style paint sprayers, with many good-quality models available for less than $100. The downside of cup spray guns is that the reservoir depletes quickly. Frequently adding infusions of more paint is a process that gets tedious after a while. Also, this type of sprayer has limitations regarding how steeply you can aim the paint spray.
Cart-style paint sprayers offer two distinct advantages. First, they have a larger reservoir since they can draw from one-gallon and five-gallon paint buckets (this also means that you do not need to clean out a reservoir cup at the end of the workday). Second, they have longer hoses that offer a greater range of mobility. Many cart-style sprayers can support hoses up to 150 linear feet, giving you the ability to keep the paint sprayer in one spot and move around the house as you paint.
Where to Shop
Paint sprayers can be purchased online or in paint stores, hardware stores, or big box home improvement stores.
Buying in-Store
The biggest advantage to buying a paint sprayer in a store is that you get it instantaneously. The biggest disadvantage is that they only carry a few models in stock, so your selection is small&#;but usually, the most popular models are for sale, helping you eliminate a lot of the guesswork.
Unfortunately, most salespeople are not actual experts on paint sprayers unless you're going to a specialty paint store. Even then, paint store personnel usually know more about paint than the equipment. If you are lucky enough to get a salesperson with expertise, ask about the cleaning procedures with the different models. Also, ask which models have the least clogging issues. If you get a model that continuously clogs, it's useless. Always find out the return policy if you are dissatisfied with the product.
Buying Online
You can buy practically everything online, and paint sprayers are no exception. The critical thing about buying paint sprayers online is their return policy. Indeed, if a product arrives broken or incomplete, you want guarantees that you'll get your product refunded or replaced. Still, if you open the unit, start using it, and notice it's faulty or not working for you, you need assurances that you can send it back. Most manufacturer warranties are up to at least one year. If an online seller or the product manufacturer will not refund or accept returns, look elsewhere.
Where to Buy a Paint Sprayer
Going into a retail store doesn't get you the vast selection that online does; however, it gets you the product immediately. Rest assured, you can find a paint sprayer for your budget and your needs, but be realistic and don't overshoot and splurge for something that you might not use in the foreseeable future.
FAQ
Can a beginner use a paint sprayer?
If you're a novice, you can use a paint sprayer, but you must practice using it before painting the item you plan to paint. Get scrap plywood or scrap materials that match the type of material you plan to paint. Get a feel for handling the gun, and understand the flow rates and thickness of the coverage. See how the spray fans out, look for overspray and see if you notice drips. Practice moving the spray from side to side and look at how the paint spray is affected by moving closer and farther away from the object. Also, wear old clothes that you don't care about getting ruined by paint spray.
What size paint spray tips do I need?
You can get different spray tips for airless and HVLP models. If a pneumatic model offers controls, it is usually adjusted by turning a valve. Get tips that are rated for what you're painting and that will fit your unit. Lacquers, stains, and enamels require a small tip, while heavier paints require a larger spray tip. Paint manufacturers usually list suggested tip sizes with their products.
Is it worth getting a paint sprayer?
Paint sprayers are faster than hand painting. But, not all applications are ideal for paint sprayers. Very intricate detail work, such as small objects, should be hand-painted. Buying a paint sprayer is worth it when you have a large project or many small projects planned out and ready to go. Otherwise, renting a unit is an intelligent choice.
Fences &#; like cars and homes- are a big ticket item. Although your new fence may not be nearly as expensive as your home or your car, it is a large enough investment that you want to do plenty of research, shop around, and find something you&#;re going to be happy with for years to come.
Think about when you bought your home. Did you sign a contract for the first home you looked at? Did you look at other homes? Chances are you looked at several place and asked plenty of questions. How old is this home? Are there any leaks? You probably took the time to carefully look over the walls, the doors, the fixture, and the appliances.
Now, when you buy a fence you aren&#;t afforded the luxury of seeing your fence before you buy it. Instead, you&#;re shopping for a fence company that will build a high-quality fence that matches or exceeds your standards. You should read reviews, look at their previous work and decide whether or not you trust the company to deliver what you want.
Hiring the first fence company you find is an easy mistake to make, especially when your fence has fallen over and you need a new one fast. Unfortunately, there are fly-by-night contractors who prey on homeowners who don&#;t do their research. Sometimes, you may think you&#;re getting a good deal to realize that the person you hired has no liability-insurance, no location, and is impossible to reach when your fence breaks, or they may fail to show up at all.
The best way to protect yourself from being scammed by a fence contractor is to shop around, ask plenty of questions, and look for red flags while you research and collect bids.
Every reputable fence company should have some kind of liability insurance policy. Your home will become a construction site when they install your fence, so the chances of an accident increases. Even trustworthy fence contractors can accidentally hit a shallow pipe or wire (more on that in the next red flag). To protect themselves and their customers, fence companies must be insured to pay for any damages and fix any issues that may occur.
We recommend that you ask all the fence contractors you gather bids from about their liability insurance policy. Texas Fence has a copy of our policy that we are required to show our commercial clients. If a homeowner asks to see this policy, we will them a copy.
The State of Texas has several damage prevention laws, including the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act, that require any construction team planning to dig further than 16 inches into the ground to call 811 so that a utility provider can mark their cables before starting a project. This law applies to every fence company in Texas because the holes dug for fence posts should be at least 16 inches deep. And a good fence contractor should let you know upfront that they plan to call 811.
After a utility company marks electrical, , and other utility lines with either flags or spray paint, your fence contractor will clearly be able to tell where their team should and should not dig. If the fence installer hit a line that was marked, the fence company is liable and must pay to fix it, which is why they need to be insured. If the installer hit a line that was not marked by the utility company, than the utility company is liable and must pay for the repair.
Many reliable fence contractors, including Texas Fence, offer underground utility protection. Underground utility protection covers any electrical, water, or gas lines under your yard that wouldn&#;t be marked by your utility provider. Say, for instance, you added a sprinkler system or a gas line that connects to a barbeque pit. Your utility provider probably won&#;t mark those lines because they only cover their lines of service, so some fence contractors will offer to cover additional underground utilities as well or ask that you mark or remove any additional lines before they begin digging.
One thing you can do is ask the fence contractors competing for your bid if they plan on calling 811 and how they plan to install their fence around your sprinkler system (if you have one). A reliable contractor will tell you that they plan on calling 811 the week before they install your fence. They should also work with you to ensure that any additional underground lines will be accounted for, whether they offer underground utility protection or tell you to remove or mark them before they install your new fence.
If a fence contractor begins to install your fence and you notice that there are no marking in your yard, it could mean one of two things. Either there are no lines running through your yard (which is typically the case in older neighborhoods with above ground power lines), or it means that they didn&#;t call 811. In either case, if you notice that there are no markings, you should ask your contractor if they called 811.
You can usually tell how reliable a fence company is simply by typing their name into an online search engine. Unless they&#;re a brand new company, you should be able to find some reviews and a company website. If a contractor claims to be a new company, it can get a little tricky. Yes, they could legitimately be a new company, but one tactic that fly-by-night fence contractors use is changing their name so that potential customers cannot find bad reviews. Either way, there are three places you can look for customer reviews and ratings if you want to determine how reliable a fence company has been in the past.
The first site to always check is the Better Business Bureau. Here, you should have the ability to see how long that company has been in business, read customer reviews, and find their overall score based on their history of customer satisfaction, transparency, and experience. Angi, which is now free for customers to join, is another place place where you can find reviews for most established fence companies.
Now, you may want to go with a newer company that doesn&#;t have many reviews, but you should be careful and at least ask for a few local references before going with that contractor.
Reliable fence companies will always have some sort of office, warehouse, or storefront. Managing a fence company and installing fences for homeowners is a major business operation that requires a good sized team and readily available materials. If a contractor says they don&#;t have a location, it&#;s a good indicator that they work out of their truck and source their materials from a hardware store.
We understand that everyone has to start somewhere, but it&#;s difficult for contractors that work out of their truck to prove accountability. Without a location, it&#;s a lot easier for them to take someone&#;s money, disappear, and change the name of their company.
When researching fence companies and gathering bids, you should always look for an address on their business card, website, or marketing materials. If you can&#;t find an address, ask them, &#;Where is your office?&#; If they give you an address and you still suspect they may not have an actual office, you can search it on your smartphone&#;s map and usually tell whether it&#;s a home, P.O Box, or an actual office building
It&#;s standard practice for a fence company to ask for a deposit, but it shouldn&#;t be more than 50%. Typically, a fence company with an office, warehouse, and materials on site will charge somewhere between 20%-30% upfront. If the contractor you&#;re working with charges more than 50%, they may not have the capital they need to be a reliable fence company. But you should never pay a fence contractor the full price up front.
After you&#;ve researched several fence companies, you should select the two or three companies you find to be the most reliable and ask them for an estimate. When you ask for an estimate, they should schedule an appointment to meet in person at your house or the site where you plan to have your fence installed. Typically, fence companies will send a team member who will ask you questions to determine the type of fence you want and any additional features that may be necessary.
Whoever they send should also walk your yard and take measurements to give you a written estimate that is as accurate as possible. When they hand you your quote, you should also ask them to specify how long it will take to complete the job and ask them what their backlog looks like. Make sure they provide you with a quote that includes all measurements in linear feet and and details what materials will be used, where the posts will be, where the gate(s) will go, and indicates any features or add-ons that you want them to include in your fence.
Much like fence companies that ask for a full deposit, you should also be wary of fence companies that charge for an estimate. Estimates don&#;t guarantee that the fence company will get the bid, so there is a chance that the fence contractor could lose that time, but that burden shouldn&#;t be on the shoulders of the customer who is doing their research and shopping around It is standard for fence companies to provide free estimates, so that&#;s what you should expect.
After you&#;ve narrowed your search down to a fence company you feel like you can trust, you should execute a contract. The contract should specify the work to be done, total cost, payment schedule, start date, and the estimated date of completion. It should also specify that they are responsible for cleanup and the removal of your old fence.
The bottom line when it comes to signing a contract with a fence company- or any contractor for that matter- is that you understand what you&#;re signing. Does it specify the process? Is the product and service you&#;re paying for clearly detailed in the contract? Did they provide a spec sheet? Did they set expectations?
Once you sign the contract, you have something in hand that holds your fence contractor accountable and provides you a high level of assurance that you will soon have a fence that you&#;re happy with.
Buying a new fence takes some time and requires quite a bit of research on your end. But once you find a company that delivers what they promise and provides you with service you can count on from start to finish, you&#;ll be happy that you took the time to research and ask questions.
To learn more about purchasing a fence like what to do if you have a pool, popular add-ons, or how to address common HOA by-laws, visit The Learning Post on our main website.
And if you&#;re ready to schedule a free estimate with Texas Fence, you can call us at
(281) 807- or schedule a free estimate online.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website roller for filler.
Previous: Unlocking the Secrets of Hollow Pet Paint Brush Fiber: What You Need to Know
Next: Innovative Ways to Use a Putty Knife: Which Will Surprise You?
If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!
All Comments ( 0 )