Paint sprayer buying guide - how to choose a paint sprayer

Whether you’re painting a bedroom, a fence, furniture or the outside of your house, a paint sprayer can make the job easier and faster—plus it can save you money. There are different types of paint sprayers available at Bunnings so before you buy one, check out this guide to help make your choice easier.

Why use a paint sprayer

There are many benefits to using a paint sprayer instead of a paint brush or roller.

Paint sprayers speed things up as they can cover a large area quickly and easily. They’re also able to cover rough or uneven surfaces and get into those hard to reach places, like corners—while leaving a finish that looks like it was done by a professional.

If used properly, paint sprayers waste less paint, saving you money.

When you’ve all finished painting, paint sprayers are much easier to clean than a brush or roller and you don’t need to wash things like roller trays or paint stirrers.

Choosing the right paint sprayer

With a few different paint sprayers on the market, it’s important to choose one that’s right for you and your job.

There are two common types of paint sprayers—hairless and high volume, low-pressure (HVLP).

Airless paint sprayers have an electric motor that draws paint up and forces it out of its nozzle at high pressure.

HVLP sprayers atomise the paint under low pressure to create a very fine spray.

airless high pressure paint spray yellow grey

Airless paint sprayers

Traditional high-pressure airless sprayers come in a range of models from small, handheld units to semi-professional models for big projects. They’re perfect for small to large, broad exterior surfaces like fences, pergolas, sheds, weatherboards, gazebos, garage doors, lattices and walls.

Use them with water-based paints (acrylics) and with oil-based paints, primers, topcoats (enamels), aluminium paints, wood preservatives, polishes, oils and stains.

fine paint low pressure hvlp sprayer yellow black

Fine paint sprayers

Traditional fine sprayers use high volume, low pressure (HVLP) technology and are known as a finishing tool. They’re perfect for small to medium high quality, precision spraying projects around the house and garden, like gutters and pipes, furniture, shelving, cabinetry, window frames, shutters, architraves and more.

You can use them to spray oil-based paints and primers, wood preservatives and stains as well as water-based paints (acrylics) and primers.

Paint sprayer preparation and safety

Remember, preparation and safety are important so ensure you cover yourself and cover surfaces with drop cloths and tape before you start. Then simply pour the paint into the sprayer and you’re ready to go.

Your paint might need thinning with water or turpentine, so check the paint sprayer’s instructions before you get started.

If you want to learn more about using a paint sprayer then watch our How to use paint sprayers video.

Get your paint sprayer

Check out the full range of paint sprayers available at your local Bunnings.

More D.I.Y. Advice

Guides & Projects How to upcycle almost anything with paint Rather than throwing out old household items, you can restore them with paint. It’s a quick, easy and affordable way to give anything from furniture to fences a new lease on life. However, because not everything is made from the same materials, it’s...

01:51

Preparation How to prepare walls for painting Good preparation is the key to any painting project. We’ll show you a few of the basic steps involved in preparing a wall for painting to make the job much easier.

Preparation How to choose a paint colour for your indoors A new colour on your walls can transform your indoor spaces. However, there are loads of popular colours to choose from. Andrea from Dulux provides some tips on how to get the right colour for you.

01:22

How To Paint How to use paint sprayers You can power through any paint project big or small with a paint sprayer. They’re easy to use and give you an even, professional finish every time.

01:58

How To Paint How to paint a ceiling Painting a ceiling is a great way to freshen up a room. We’ll show you how easily it can be done with a few tips and the right tools.

Guides & Projects How to safely dispose of paint products Disposing of unused paint and paint tins in an environmentally responsible way can be tricky, so we’ve come up with a few tips to help you safely dispose of these items.

Guides & Projects Power painting Paint sprayers can turn the most laborious of painting jobs into a weekend project that’s fast, straightforward and even fun!

dining room with different paint surfaces

Guides & Projects Specialty paints for every surface There’s a paint for every surface and a textured effect for every mood, creating endless transformation possibilities.

Ideas & Projects 10 indoor D.I.Y. projects for winter When it’s cold and wet outside, starting an indoor project is an excellent way to spend your winter. These D.I.Y. projects will keep you warm and help to brighten up every room in the house.

Ideas & Projects How to achieve an industrial style look in your home Rough and ready warehouse style is contrasted with sleek and sophisticated surfaces in a chic new take on the enduring industrial trend.

Shelving & Storage Four storage ideas to tidy your home You’d be surprised how easy it is to clean up your home with the right storage and accessories

Ideas & Projects Timber dowel, three ways A rod or two of dowel is ripe with possibilities for your next D.I.Y. project. See how we've used dowel to create a towel ladder, hat rack and herb planter.

Removalist van filled with moving boxes and items

Ideas & Projects How to get your rental bond back If you’re about to move on from your rental property, you want to make sure you leave it squeaky clean.

Ideas & Projects D.I.Y. ideas for renters Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you can’t turn your house into a home. As a renter, there are plenty of D.I.Y. ideas for improving your home and the best thing is, you can take them with you when you move. If you do decide to make more perm...

02:08

Shelving & Storage D.I.Y. indoor garden shelves These indoor garden shelves are a great way to display indoor plants and are so easy to make.

Ideas & Projects D.I.Y. ideas to warm up your winter Sometimes, winter can be a bit of a struggle. While blankets and fireplaces are great, there’s lots of other ways to keep yourself warm. Here are some D.I.Y. projects you can do at home to help you get through the winter.

01:04

Planning & Projects How to give your front garden a D.I.Y. makeover With some simple D.I.Y. skills, you can transform your front yard into something special that will improve your home’s street appeal.

01:04

Bedroom Refresh your master bedroom We’ll show you how easy is to transform your master bedroom into a contemporary masterpiece.

01:09

Outdoor Living How to build a D.I.Y. outdoor playground Transform an unused corner of your backyard into a fun children’s playground.

Paths & Landscaping Landscaping for any size backyard Here are some simple D.I.Y. landscaping ideas to make a great outdoor space.

Planting & Growing What to plant in spring Say goodbye to cold winter days and hello to the sun and warmth of spring. Now is the perfect time to get in the garden and start planting. But what to plant? Our spring planting guide has the answers.

01:30

Ideas & Makeovers How to renovate and modernise your kitchen Watch how we renovate an old 70s kitchen and give it a stylish D.I.Y. makeover that suits modern living.

Benchtops & Cabinets What to consider when installing an outdoor Kaboodle kitchen A kitchen is a great way to spruce up your outdoor living and entertaining areas. The team at Kaboodle share a few hints and tips on what to consider when designing your very own outdoor kitchen using their products.

02:32

Bedroom D.I.Y. copper clothes rail Create more space in your wardrobe with this easy-to-make industrial copper clothes rail.

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.