Mid-range: In the $50 to $150 range are higher quality conventional sprayers and many HVLP sprayers of varying quality that include their own compressors. Keep in mind that most conventional paint sprayers in this price range do not include compressors. Some sprayers come as part of a kit, which includes several tip sizes to accommodate different types of paint. Inexpensive: For under $50, you can find conventional paint sprayers that are either gravity- or siphon-fed. If you need to move your paint supply and sprayer a long distance, a backpack or sprayer with wheels are both good options. Portabilityĭepending on the type of job, portability can be important. HVLPs are the quietest, while gas-powered sprayers are the loudest and should only be used outdoors. The sprayer’s volume is a serious consideration, especially if you are painting indoors. High, low, cleaning, and roller settings can improve results and save money by extending the life of the tip. Paint sprayers with pressure control will not wear out their tips as fast as non-adjustable types. You may need to thin paint in order to use it in an HVLP sprayer. Exterior latex paint needs the bigger tips usually found on conventional or airless sprayers. If speed is important, higher horsepower is going to get the job done faster.įor safety’s sake, be sure you don’t have more horsepower than you can physically handle.ĭifferent coatings work best with different sprayers. More horsepower means more gallons per minute. What to look for when buying a paint sprayer Horsepower Airless paint sprayers cannot spray paint with any grit or texture. This type of sprayer works best for large jobs like painting a fence or the exterior of a house.ĭue to the difficulty of adjusting the spray pattern and the noise of airless sprayers, they aren’t ideal for detail jobs or inside work. However, controlling the spray pattern can be difficult.
Adjusting the pressure lets you customize coverage, with results that are often indistinguishable from a professional job. Airless models can be either electric or gas-powered. An airless sprayer effectively covers a large surface area in a small amount of time. Airless paint sprayersĪirless paint sprayers use high pressure to pump out paint. However, if you pick a compressor that is too big, you may use more paint than necessary. If you choose a compressor that is too small, the paint job may be spotty. The size and power of the compressor greatly affect the performance of the paint sprayer. They are easy to use, but they do not offer as much control as HVLP or airless sprayers. Conventional sprayers cut down on paint time and are inexpensive. With this type of sprayer, an air compressor pushes paint through the tip. HVLPs don’t perform as well with lacquer or thick paint. If you have a large surface area to cover, you may need something more powerful.
However, low-pressure painting can be slow. Their simple design makes them easier to clean than other types of sprayers. HVLP sprayers are ideal for detailed projects like cabinets or doors. This type of sprayer offers the best user control because you can adjust the amount of paint that comes through the tip. They work best at a six- to eight-inch spray distance.
High-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) paint sprayers use a high volume of air to push paint through the tip, along with a low-pressure air stream that produces a mist-like spray pattern.
There are three basic types of paint sprayers available today, each with its pros and cons. You’ll want to be able to replace anything that wears out or breaks on your paint sprayer. They actually have a slightly different saturation/hue most of the time.Īnother problem with the dodge & burn tools is that they add random yellow/orange tones at the edges of your brush strokes.Before buying, check to see if replacement parts are available. In the real world, areas of light and shadow aren’t just a brighter or darker tone of the base color. Moreover, the dodge & burn tools only add white or black to a given color. The more you go over an area, the brighter/darker it gets – which leads to too much contrast quickly. They brighten (dodge) or darken (burn) colors and seem like the ideal tool for lighting and shading. Too much contrast is often the result of overuse of the dodge & burn tools.Įspecially to a digital art beginner, these tools seem useful. It can overtax the eyes of the viewer and make the painting seem unaesthetic. However, you can also use too much contrast. It’s appealing to the eye and can really make a painting seem to jump off the page. No matter what you are painting or what medium you use – contrast is important.