We regularly receive inquiries from ambitious DIY airless sprayer enthusiasts who want to spray their own home with a professional airless device. Here are the questions almost all homeowners ask when wanting to grab the spray gun and do the work themselves. In the following article, we will give an overview of the professional airless devices most suitable for home renovations. But first of all, to answer the essential questions that arise when speaking with ambitious home improvers wanting to use a DIY airless sprayer.
What is the minimum cost to spray with an airless sprayer in my house?
Is it worthwhile using a professional paint spraying machine for a private homeowner?
What should be considered when choosing a professional sprayer for home renovations?
What is the cheapest professional sprayer that I can use for painting projects in my house?
Professional sprayers for the DIY market, with comparative performance values (output per minute, maximum nozzle size) start at about 1000 €. At the entry level, if more output is needed to process the color, the price can reach 2000 € and more. Our article includes summarized examples of applications and suitable airless sprayers for purchase. There is also a link with pricing information for the respective paint sprayer. If you can not afford the purchase of a professional sprayer, you have the possibility to rent an airless device too. Here is more information about the rental conditions and handling for airless equipment. Another option is the purchase of used airless devices, in the video contribution Tips for the purchase of a used airless paint sprayer, you will find more info.
Is it worth the use of a professional paint spraying machine for a homeowner?
Answering this question depends on the expectations, budget and respective projects of the individual. If you have ample time for the painting project i.e. no immediate deadlines, then the cost factor would be the primary driving force, and the implementation of the project using traditional working methods is certainly the better option. If you do not have an infinite amount of time available, the use of a professional sprayer can certainly pay off. In addition, there are certain surfaces that are ideal for a sprayer, because these surfaces can be difficult to work on using a brush and roller. These include, for example, roughcasting and structured surfaces. When looking at cost-effectiveness, consideration should also be given to the potential after-use or the post-project value of the sales cost. Many home improvement customers also buy the paint sprayer with the help of a neighbor, family member, or acquaintance to share the cost. The sale of the airless device after completion of the renovation is another way to reduce the total cost. The main reasons why do-it-yourselfers consider the purchase of a professional airless equipment can be summarized as follows:
• Cost factor – smaller airless devices are cheaper than other solutions.
• Working speed improves greatly, especially for larger areas.
• Bad experiences with hardware stores or under-performance of poor quality devices when purchased from unknown company brands.
• Performance requirements that DIY equipment does not meet (eg for thicker colors or putty).
What should be considered when choosing a professional sprayer for a home builder?
Sufficient flow rate – The sprayer should be suitable for the work in question and should have enough power (flow rate) for the planned work assignment. Too little power could overload the device, disturb the uniformity of the spray pattern or cause an uneven paint application. If the airless pump is significantly under-equipped to meet the demands of the job, it can lead to nozzle blockages or even complete failure. In the article Small airless device – risks and damage by overloading we summarized further information.
Higher output of the sprayer = larger nozzle size = use of thicker colors & materials
Nozzle Selection – The spray tip should be selected to match the material used. Our nozzle table can provide a first overview. Ultimately however, the tip used should be fine-tuned to best suit the material used, this also means adjusting the machine for optimal pressure when operating the device. There is information for the paint from the respective technical data sheet from the paint manufacturer.
Accessories – The accessories should fit the project, not only choosing the right nozzle but also suitable filters, the right hose length or the suitable intake system (hose / tube for large quantities of paint / funnels for paints and small quantities) – these all have an effect in practice.
DIY Airless Sprayer Application Examples for Interior Wall Paint
Interior wall paint is sprayed in most cases with a 0.015 to 0.021 nozzle (eg 515 to 521 nozzle). Here are some airless sprayers that have sufficient capacity to spray inside wall paint (Attention: does not apply to silicate paint indoors, silicate paint requires more powerful sprayers as it is used for exterior wall paint).
Graco GX 21
The Graco GX 21 has a delivery rate of 1.8 l / min and can be used with nozzles up to 0.021 holes (eg 521).
Graco GX 21
Wagner ProSpray PS 3.20
The Wagner PS 3.20 sprayer delivers a flow rate of 1.6 l / min and is suitable for nozzles up to a 0.021 bore (eg 521).
Graco Classic 395 PC
The Graco Classic 395 PC can supply paint to nozzles up to 0.023 in bore, with a maximum flow rate of 2.0 l / min.
Graco Classic 395 PC
Wagner Super Finish SF 23 Plus
At 2.6 l / min, the Wagner SuperFinish SF 23 Plus offers the highest delivery rate of the aforementioned airless devices and enables the use of a maximum of 0.023 nozzle tip sizes.
Wagner SF 23 Plus (Dispersion)
Application examples Exterior Wall Paint & Roof Coating
Exterior wall paint for facades or for roof coating is usually sprayed with a 0.021 or 0.023 nozzle (eg 521 or 523). In some cases, however, larger nozzles may be required, for example when using silicate paints. For this reason, more powerful sprayers are used in this area of application. The selection is limited in this application as these machines usually cost a lot more. So for economic reasons, only a few models for the ambitious handyman will be covered.
FARBMAX Airless M10 Plus
The FARBMAX Airless M10 Plus has sufficient power to process facade paint (also silicate paint) as well as roof coating.
Application Examples: Putty
Smooth-surfaced walls are enjoying ever greater popularity, so more and more ambitious do-it-yourselfers are willing to do putty work. Plaster and putty sprayers are particularly powerful and therefore costly. For the professional, it is a worthwhile additional to their airless spraying arsenal. However. fpr DIY enthusiasts, the purchase cost in relation to the limited service life might mean it is not as economical to keep one for yourself. A detailed overview with sample devices for spraying putties can be found in our other article Apply putty with Airless sprayer.
Additional advice for choosing the right airless device for your project
For all further questions about the selection of the right DIY airless sprayer for your project, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone +49 (0) 30/22015436, by mail via our contact form or directly in our service center.
