Learn to paint your cabinets efficiently by choosing the best DIY paint sprayer to do the job.
Are you tired of the same old boring cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom? With a good paint sprayer, you can easily upgrade the look of your cabinets at a fraction of the cost of a remodel. But how do you find the best paint sprayer for cabinets?
This article will guide you through two different types of paint sprayers, and explain why I prefer the Graco paint sprayer above other cabinet sprayers. With crucial tips on the features to look for, advantages and what to avoid, you'll be armed with the knowledge necessary to make the right decision and update those cabinets like a pro!
What to Look for in a Paint Sprayer
- A sprayer that can handle a lot of paint flowing through it - this will determine how smooth of a finish you get
- Ability for easy clean-up
- Options for different nozzles
- Avoid paint sprayers that have to be thinned
Best DIY Paint Sprayers for Cabinets
Painting cabinets is a great way to transform a room and create an eye-catching aesthetic. If you're looking to go the DIY route, be sure to pick the right tools for the job, like a quality paint sprayer.
Homeright Super Finish Max Sprayer
This Homeright Super Finish is an HVLP sprayer (high volume, low pressure) that applies paint through a steady air stream with a turbine motor, so an air compressor is not required. The paint travels slower with the low pressure so you don't end up having a lot of overspray. However, HVLP paint sprayers like this also clog easier because they don't handle thicker paint well.
I used this sprayer on my daughter's green wall with molding in her Boho bedroom. I also used it on my mismatched barstools in my farmhouse kitchen. While this is a great sprayer for small projects and interior walls, I don't love it for kitchen cabinets because the finish is not as smooth and it usually leaves a somewhat orange peel texture.
Overall, this is a decent sprayer for smaller projects and functions fairly well. However, a smooth finish is very important to me when it comes to a cabinet, so I went with my first choice option.
Graco Paint Sprayer
The best airless paint sprayer I have found is by the professional paint brand Graco, specifically the Graco Truecoat. Airless paint sprayers pump out paint at a very high pressure, applying your paint evenly and quickly. It also helps that the valve on this sprayer can apply paint in any direction which makes for an easier application.
This Graco airless sprayer can handle unthinned paint and puts out a lot of paint at once, which gives the smooth finish. This is ideal for larger projects that cover a large surface area.
But I have also found that it is the best option for smaller jobs like cabinets, drawers, shelving and cabinet doors. The Graco holds a pint of paint. This is perfect for a smaller paint job. Bigger sprayers require 5 gallon paint buckets, so this is more manageable for DIY projects.
Even though this DIY paint sprayer does not require paint thinning, you will still want to do a test run on a scrap piece of wood before tackling your project. This will help you to see the paint flow and experiment with the adjustable pressure level to help you find the right setting.
Tips for Using the Graco Paint Sprayer
Before tackling any kind of paint application on your cabinets, you'll want to do the necessary prep work.
Prep Work for Cabinets
A high-quality paint, such as a semi-gloss, is best for kitchen or bathroom cabinets. In addition to the Graco sprayer or whichever sprayer you prefer, you'll need sandpaper, primer, rags, and painter's tape. Don't forget to properly prep the surface of your cabinet doors and drawers, as a good paint job will depend on how well the surface is prepped. Check out this post for more information on prep for painting wood furniture.
The prep work also includes taping everything off that you don't want covered in paint. It can take a long time to tape off, but it will shorten your clean up time and make it so you have a more professional-looking finish that is neat and tidy.
Also make sure that you use the necessary protection equipment. I use a mask when I am in a small area indoors or a room that isn't ventilated well. It's also smart to cover your arms and legs from overspray.
Using Your DIY Paint Sprayer
Painting cabinets can be a learning curve, but if you take the time to do it right, you'll achieve a professional finish. Follow this tip once your cabinets are ready to go.
TIP: Start by over spraying off the project slightly, if you have the space to do so. This will help you to get the best coverage on all of your edges.
Just like using paint rollers, you will want to use slow and even strokes when spraying. Also make sure to stand the same distance away every time you spray. This will help to give you a perfect finish that is even.
When you have finished spraying, allow your coat to dry. Look for any areas that you might have missed. With this Graco sprayer, you should be able to do it with less coats because you won't have to thin down the paint. With white paint, I always use more than one coat for a solid finish.
I used this Graco DIY paint sprayer for my mudroom cabinets and my built-in cabinets for my entertainment bonus room. It was the best choice for a smooth and professional finish.
In conclusion, a DIY paint sprayer is an essential tool for any home improvement project. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, getting the right sprayer is critical for achieving a beautiful, professional-looking finish. Consider the size of your project, the features you need, and your budget when shopping for a sprayer. The Graco TrueCoat paint sprayer is my go-to tool for achieving a beautiful finish that looks professional.
Happy DIYing!
Brooke
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