5 Best Spray Guns for Wood Treatment: Staining, Painting or Sealing

The final stage of woodwork is to apply a finish. It reveals a lot about furniture quality. Three factors contribute to the quality of finish: the surface prep, the coating you apply, and how you apply it.
This article focuses on how you apply it, especially the best sort of spray gun for your staining, painting, and sealing needs. 

There are four main types of sprayers:

  • Conventional Compressor Sprayers
  • HVLP Sprayers
  • LVLP Sprayers
  • Airless Sprayers

Conventional Compressor Sprayers

Compressed air paint sprayers use compressed air to project paint from the tip, resulting in a smooth and uniform finish. Compressed air systems are arguably the easiest to use, making them ideal for beginners.

Wear eye protection and a respirator mask while utilizing compressed air systems; you don’t want to inhale any paint that doesn’t settle on your chosen surface. A spray gun attachment, compressor canister, and a high-pressure hose make up a standard compressed air sprayer system.

Before painting your furniture or walls, you should test the paint mix and air pressure on a piece of cardboard. This will allow you to test with the proper air pressure to help you regulate the flow and get the desired result.

Pros
  • Compressed air distribution is a fantastic choice for painting a cabinet or similar-sized piece of furniture
  • Conventional compressor sprayers are less versatile than an airless sprayer, yet it is typically preferred for its simplicity
  • Purchasing or renting compressed air systems is typically less expensive
Cons
  • Compressed air sprayers aren’t cheap to run since they use a lot of paint and require an air compressor

Airless Paint Sprayers

An airless paint sprayer uses an electric pump to push the paint into the sprayer’s tip, putting tremendous pressure on the paint reservoir. The paint is pushed into the sprayer’s tip, which fans minute droplets that adhere to your selected surface and dry with a glass-smooth sheen. They apply thick paint coats, reducing the number of applications required and, as a result, saving time.

The airless sprayer is available with tips suitable for various paint jobs, such as lacquer, wood stain, varnish, and latex paint. When using airless paint sprayers, use extra caution and care as you would with any other paint sprayer. Keep yourself away from the gun tip since it can inject paint into your skin, potentially releasing harmful chemicals into your system.

Pros
  • Easy to get a professional finish
  • Can be directly used from paint tin or bucket
Cons
  • They produce a significant amount of overspray
  • Fine paint particles can drift away while spraying, causing waste of around 20-30%
  • Not economical
  • Spray painting outdoors can be risky as the breeze can carry finer paint particles

HVLP Sprayer

HVLP stands for High Volume Low Pressure. This system sprays paint from the tip of the cannon onto your desired surface using a constant stream of air. Because of the lower pressure, HVLP sprayers are popular because they are easier to manage and produce less mess and waste.

Latex-style paints require an airless sprayer; therefore, HVLP systems are only suggested for thinner paints. Industrial HVLP sprayers, on the other hand, can handle more viscous liquids but are more expensive to acquire or rent.
To atomize the paint, the HVLP sprayer uses a compressor (or turbine). The pressure of the spray can usually be adjusted on most models, allowing you to attend to more sensitive surfaces or tricky corners.

Pros
  • Cheaper compared to the airless spray system
  • Comparatively safer due to low pressure
  • Versatile due to variable pressure settings
Cons
  • Can handle only thinner paints

LVLP Sprayer

LVLP stands for Low-Volume-Low-Pressure. LVLP spray guns can function at low pressures (less than 10 PSI at the nozzle), making them an excellent option for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a good air compressor. Instead, an LVLP pistol and a low-cost (or even free) air compressor can be used.

LVLP sprayers create smaller spray patterns than traditional air sprayers, similar to HVLP sprayers. LVLP sprayers create minimal overspray, allowing for more accurate painting and less waste. Some sprayers, however, may require thicker paints to be diluted with water to avoid clogging since they utilize less pressure. For individuals who already own an air compressor, LVLP sprayers are an excellent alternative.

Pros
  • Cheaper compared to other sprayers
  • Comparatively safer due to low pressure
  • Extremely little overspray
Cons
  • Can handle only thinner paints

Tip: 

HVLP and LVLP could be the system for you if you’re a total beginner seeking a more professional interiors finish around the house.
If you need to paint a wide area fast and professionally, airless sprayers are the way to go. Conventional compressor sprayers are a popular choice for smaller jobs as they require less skill to get good results.

Best Spray Guns in March, 2024

The following products are quality sprayers for Staining, Painting, and Sealing. They’re affordable, simple to use, and have a lot of customization options:

Spray GunType
1Graco Magnum 257025Airless Check Price
2Wagner Spraytech FLEXiO 5000HVLP Check Price
3YATTICH Paint Sprayer
HVLP Check Price
4Fuji 2203G Semi-PRO 2 HVLP Check Price
5SPRAYIT SP-33000KLVLP Check Price

Graco Magnum 257025

Graco Magnum 257025
Photo: Amazon

Graco Magnum 257025 is a perfect entry-level sprayer for tackling home projects such as doors, trim, furniture, interior walls, ceilings, decks, and fences.

Ideal for individuals who paint 50 gallons or less each year. With its speed and precision, the Magnum Project Painter Plus, compared to using brushes and rollers, you can finish your work in half the time. With adjustable pressure and high-speed performance, this sprayer puts you in the driver’s seat.

This lightweight sprayer can hold up to 50 feet of paint hose, giving your projects the reach they require. With its flexible suction tube, you may spray directly from a one or 5-gallon bucket.

Pros
  • Fast and easy clean-up
  • Spray directly from the paint bucket
Cons
  • Not portable 
  • Hard to transport

Wagner Spraytech FLEXiO 5000

Wagner Spraytech 0529091 FLEXiO 5000
Photo: Amazon

The Wagner FLEXiO 5000 is an indoor and outdoor portable paint system to speed up a wider variety of painting projects. The new iSpray nozzle provides broad area coverage and is ideal for spraying walls, decks, and other surfaces.

It has a better spray pattern and produces a concentrated layer, allowing for quicker coverage. Detail Finish is ideal for delicate finishing tasks like as trim, cabinets, and furniture. The X-Boost Turbine can spray untinned ingredients directly from the container.

It has customizable control, complete coverage, and minimal overspray. The turbine is placed in the X-Boost Power Box, which keeps the weight on the floor and away from the user’s hands, minimizing fatigue during long tasks. 

Pros
  • Portable paint system
  • Highly adjustable settings
  • Easy clean-up
Cons
  • A bit on the expensive side
  • Quite noisy
  • Susceptible to clogging

YATTICH Paint Sprayer, High Power HVLP Spray Gun

YATTICH Paint Sprayer, High Power HVLP Spray Gun
Photo: Amazon

YATTICH Paint Sprayer is designed to apply a smooth, consistent finish on small-sized projects such as furniture, décor, crafts, and more. It offers superior results to the average brush or spray can and features multiple adjustable settings to suit your project needs.

With a quick adjustment, you may choose between the three spray patterns (horizontal, vertical, or round) and modify the flow control knob to increase or reduce material output with a simple adjustment. The sprayer can spray a wide range of paints and stains, including diluted latex paints, stains, sealants, enamel, and more!

Pros
  • Portable
  • Handheld and easy to make quick adjustments
  • Lightweight 
  • Backward flow protection
Cons
  • Not durable 
  • Spray can be inconsistent when tilting the spray gun.
  • Fewer features compared to other brands 
  • Only ideal for light indoor projects

Fuji 2203G Semi-PRO 2

Fuji 2203G Semi-PRO 2
Photo: Amazon

The Fuji Spray Semi-PRO 2 Gravity model has characteristics that no other model in its price range can match. The Fuji M-Model Spray Gun comes with professional features, including non-bleeding paint and a Fan Control Knob that allows you to change the pattern size from small circular to large (and all increments in between).

It is ideal for spraying furniture doors, pieces, cabinets, walls, shutters, ceilings, fences, etc.

The Semi-PRO systems include the Fuji M·Model spray gun, which has professional features such as non-bleed and a Dedicated Fan Control to adjust pattern size from small circular to broad (and all increments in between).

Pros
  • Disassembles easily for quick clean-up and maintenance
  • Stainless steel fluid passages prevent wear on the needle tip. Ideal for waterborne and solvent-based coatings
  • Allows vertical, horizontal, or circular adjustment from a 1″ circular to 12″ oval pattern
Cons
  • Not portable
  • Hard to store
  • A bit noisy

SPRAYIT SP-33000K LVLP

SPRAYIT SP-33000K
Photo: Amazon

The SPRAYIT SP-33000K LVLP Kit can be used for various applications like staining, sealing, and painting. Because the LVLP features utilize less air, you may use a smaller air compressor.

The Low Volume, Low-Pressure function gives you more control while reducing waste and overspray. Working with this spray gun is simple, thanks to the one-piece Lightweight Aluminum Gun Body and 20 oz./0.6 l plastic cup.

It’s a good choice for professionals or serious DIYers who want to work on other projects when the woodworking is finished. 

Pros
  • Lightweight aluminum
  • Adjustable fluid, fan pattern
Cons
  • A bit more expensive
  • Difficulty disassembling
  • Pressure-related issues after some years

To Conclude – A Quick Buyers’ Guide When Selecting the Best Sprayer for Woodworking Project

Adjustable Controls

This is one of the essential features that distinguish high-quality spray guns. A sound spray system should allow you to make rapid and easy changes to get a flawless finish.
You’ll have a spray gun that’s adaptable enough to utilize in any way if you can alter the flow control, spray pattern, and spray thickness.

Compatibility

Compatibility is another important characteristic that most customers seek in a spray gun. Any substance, such as lacquers, stains, varnish, and latex paints, will work well with an ideal sprayer.
It should be able to apply a consistent and even coat of stain to your wooden projects.

Price

This is also a crucial consideration before making a purchase. More expensive sprayers tend to be of higher quality and have more functions. It’s worth mentioning, though, that not all high-priced items are worthwhile.

Always be sure to compare and contrast a product’s qualities with its selling price. Furthermore, if you only require a sprayer for a few light painting tasks or one-time use, a low-cost model is the way to go.

Bottom Line

The best sprayer for you will eventually be determined by the jobs you need it for. However, that said, the Fuji-Semi Pro 2 is the finest sprayer for woodworking, in my view, especially if you’re searching for an all-in-one spray gun.

William Stewart

The proud owner and lead writer of WoodImprove.com. Started writing in 2018 and sharing his love and passion for wood treatments and crafts.

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