Looking for the perfect paint sprayer for your home decorating project? We review the top cabinet sprayers available right now.
The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in any home, but often the most neglected when it comes to how it looks.
But, with a fresh lick of paint you can transform those old cabinets and modernize your kitchen in no time.
In today’s article, we’ve got paint sprayers for cabinets covered.
We’ve put together a list of the very best models and reviewed each carefully with special consideration to your needs.
Start with the comparison table before moving onto the comprehensive reviews that follow.
If you’re new to paint sprayers then don’t miss our buyer’s guide either. It’s packed with all the key information that you need to make the right decision.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may make a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Table of Contents
The 4 Top Paint Sprayers for Kitchen Cabinets
Start by comparing the leading paint sprayers for cabinets in the comparison table below.
These are the models we recommend over all others. They each stand out in their own right and we’ve categorized them as:
- Our Top Pick – the model we’d choose over all others. The perfect blend of performance and value for money
- The Luxury Choice – the one to choose if cost is no obstacle.
- The Budget Choice – for those running a tight ship.
- The Best Airless Sprayer for Cabinets – the top sprayer using ultra-modern airless technology.
Model |
Details |
||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Our Top Pick HomeRight Super Finish |
Price: $$ Warranty: 2-years Type: HVLP |
|
 |
Luxury Choice Earlex Spray Station |
Price: $$$ Warranty: 2-years Type: HVLP |
|
 |
Budget Choice Hiltex Pneumatic Spray Gun |
Price: $ Warranty: 1-year Type: HVLP |
|
 |
Best Airless Wagner Flexio 590 |
Price: $$$ Warranty: 1-year Type: Airless |
The Best Paint Sprayer for Cabinets – Our Reviews
Take a look at our recommended sprayers in more detail.
If you’re looking for the best HVLP spray gun for cabinets, then look no further than our first review.
HomeRight Super Finish – OUR TOP PICK
The Super Finish sprayer by Homeright is one of the most popular tools for painting cabinets currently on the market. It’s a great all-rounder that scores well in each category and is priced so attractively that it’s really hard to ignore.
So what’s the fuss all about?
For a start this is a really accessible paint sprayer. This isn’t something you can say about all of them as there can be a pretty steep learning curve involved with the more powerful models. This is the sprayer for the home DIY’er that wants to get a quality job done without the fuss of reading manuals and practicing their technique.
The simplicity of design will probably put off the professional/regular painter and I’d point you in the direction of the Earlex HV5500 a bit further down the page.
It’s an HVLP paint sprayer which means it’s suited to using a wide range of paints and it can tackle a wide range of jobs. It’s pretty much just plug-in and paint as you don’t need any additional kit like air compressors or pumps.
The turbine is housed in the back of the spray gun and when the 39-ounce paint container is full, some might find it a bit heavy. This really depends on your level of strength as to whether this can be considered an issue or not. The unit without any paint weighs 2.27 pounds. On the other-hand, having a huge container like this does mean that it doesn’t need refilled as often.
It has three adjustable spray patterns to suit different painting scenarios. The horizontal, vertical, and circular patterns are easily changed on the fly. Just twist the nozzle and it clicks into position for spraying vertically while another twist and click for spraying horizontally, and so on. The flow of paint is also easily adjusted with a knob next to the trigger. Changing this allows you to paint faster or with more control.
It comes with three interchangeable spray tips included but a further three are available. The 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, and 4.0 mm tips that come with the unit are perfect for a variety of paints and uses. The 2.0 mm tip is designed for spraying cabinets, while the other two are perfect for furniture (2.0 mm) and walls, ceilings, decks, and fences (4.0 mm).
Its simplicity and ease of use make this one of the most accessible and functional paint sprayers for kitchen cabinets on the market. However, this does bring with it a drawback. This downside is that it requires regular cleaning. The more organized painters out there might argue that all spray guns do, but I’d argue this one needs a bit more regular attention. Thankfully, the cleaning process is really easy and won’t take up much of your time.
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- The gun on the sprayer is excellent
- Relatively quiet
- Little overspray
Cons
- Sensitive to thicker paints
- Not as speedy as airless models
Bottom Line: The best paint sprayer for kitchen cabinets if you’re a non-professional.
It’s ideal for small to medium projects and can be used indoors as well as out. The perfect blend of performance, functionality, and value for money. A 2-year warranty isn’t to be sniffed at either.
Wagner FLEXiO 590 – Best Airless Sprayer for Cabinets
This airless sprayer features patented iSpray technology and an EZ Boost Turbine that gives you the power to paint anywhere. This is a complete sprayer kit that gives you the power and flexibility to tackle any painting project both indoors and outdoors.
The Wagner FLEXiO 590 Sprayer is a powerful sprayer that puts coats of paint down faster than the competition. Though being powerful certainly has its merits, it also makes this sprayer more prone to overspray.
The turbine has 9 different speed settings which are optimized for performance using the X-Boost power dial. This keeps the air pressure high so the finish is as smooth as possible.
The Wagner Flexio 590 comes with two interchangeable tips. The iSpray nozzle is designed for delivering as much paint as possible in the shortest time and is great for when you need wide coverage. The other option is the detail finish nozzle which is for those tricky, intricate parts.
Using the iSpray nozzle the Flexio 590 can deliver 8 gallons of paint per hour, which is quite a rate of painting.
While a great deal is made by Wagner Spraytech about this spray gun being 20% lighter than traditional airless sprayers it’s not exactly light when compared to HVLPs. At 2.1 lbs it’s just 0.17 lbs lighter than the HomeRight Super Finish that we just reviewed.
This is an awesome paint sprayer for large projects as it can really cut down the painting time. It is a bit trickier to use than some sprayers though so I wouldn’t recommend it to the casual/occasional user. To control the overspray you’ll need to practice and learn what its limits are.
The fairly meager one year warranty might put some people off too.
Pros
- Powerful turbine
- Quick nozzle and pattern changes
- 9 speed modes
- Power control dial
Cons
- Prone to overspray
- 1-year warranty
Bottom Line: It’s versatile enough to handle all of your painting jobs, but really shines with the large projects where its power comes into play.
It takes a bit of practice to master but the pay-off in terms of time saved on the job might just be worth it.
Earlex HV5500 Spray Station – Luxury Choice
The Earlex HV5500 Spray Station is a high quality, compact spray paint station that’s worth the investment if you’re looking for something that works a bit faster.
The sprayer is all stainless steel, very well made and operates really smoothly.
It doesn’t leak all over the place like some cheaper models might and the inside of the cup is Teflon coated which makes cleanup really easy.
Experienced painters will love the cam lock which is so much easier to attach to the cup when you don’t have to thread it unlike a lot of other sprayers.
It has a good selection of spraying tips for everything from the finest stains to the thickest paints.
You can adjust the spray pattern to one of three settings from a 1-inch detail to a 12-inch wide fan and the turbine inside provides a consistent pressure for a nice even coat with very low overspray.
The needle is 2.0 mm stainless steel tip and has a 5.5-foot power cord. The 3 spray selection is a ‘push n click’, which makes it very easy to use. The unit uses 650 watts of power and works at 2.2 PSI. It is ideal for home projects including furniture, walls, and cabinets.
It includes a 1-quart container, spray gun cleaning kit, a long handle, and a viscosity cup.
One of the reasons there are many positive reviews on this model is because there are a lot of instructional materials out there such as videos and user guide articles to help the beginner get started.
In addition, the Earlex HV500 Spray Station can be used indoors and outdoors. The sprayer is really compact and it doesn’t weigh very much. The turbine base acts as a storage unit, keeping everything together so that you can carry it wherever you want.
There’s also no need for pressure regulators or inline air filters because everything is right here – you just plug it, fill it up, and spray.
Pros
- Minimal overspray
- Lightweight
- Great selection of tips
- Awesome build quality
Cons
- Can be noisy with latex paint
- Expensive
Bottom Line: This is a high quality, powerful HVLP paint sprayer. It’ll set you back a bit more in terms of pricing but you’ll be impressed with the build quality and reliability.
If money isn’t an issue and you’re prepared to spend, you’ll be hard pushed to find a better cabinet sprayer around.
Hiltex Pneumatic Air Texture Spray Gun – Budget Choice
The Hiltex Pneumatic Texture is a sturdy, high quality paint sprayer that gets the job done. It’s also fantastically well priced and represents a great alternative to the more expensive models.
A big positive with this model is its durability and as long as you take good care of it and clean it regularly you’ll get a good return for your money.
Though this model is great for painting walls and cabinets, painting ceilings might be a little tricky because of the absence of an adjustable hopper. However, it is great for small projects.
The sprayer comes with a 5 liter (1.3 gallon) capacity gravity feed hopper, which is not only strong but durable too. With the hopper positioned over the tip of the gun this does make the balance of weight a bit awkward. Especially if it’s full. This is something that you would need to get used to. This also makes it a bit cumbersome for projects where you need to use fine detail. The hopper does have a handle though which means you could use two hands to paint if need be.
This simplicity of design means there is no stand for filling the hopper and it lacks an instruction manual, but these are things you can easily workaround with a bit of ingenuity.
As for the construction, the air regulating component is made from solid brass while the handle is made from metal. As we touched on earlier, it’s a pretty sturdy unit that will stand up to bumps and knocks.
The nozzles come in three sizes including 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm, which makes it easy to spray materials of different viscosity. These nozzles are on the larger size so this is not the spray gun to choose for intricate painting. They will however, allow you to cover large surfaces with paint quickly.
The Hiltex 31229 Pneumatic Air Texture Spray Gun has a locking control on the trigger that helps you spray uniform coating and an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to hold the machine while painting.
It should be noted that this spray gun will need to be paired with an additional compressor. It’s not a complete kit.
Considering the price of this sprayer, it’s safe to say that it is a great entry level gun for home painting projects.
Pros
- Simple design
- Great value
Cons
- Not suited to fine detail finishes
- Needs a compressor
Bottom Line: If you are a keen DIYer looking for a spray gun to decorate your kitchen then this textured gun could well be the ideal choice.
It’s really well priced when compared to the competition and it’s perfect if you’re working on a tight budget.
Graco 17A466 TrueCoat 360
The Graco TrueCoat sprayer is a versatile piece of equipment that looks more like a laser gun from a sci-fi movie than a spray paint gun for cabinets!
It has two speed settings that make it versatile enough to handle pretty much any kind of painting job. On the high setting it can cover large areas very quickly, while on low speed it can deliver detailed finishes.
A big draw with this sprayer is that the paint does not have to be thinned because it uses a powerful stainless steel piston pump. This sprayer also uses VacuValve technology so that it can be used in any direction, including upside down. This allows it to be used on areas like ceilings and undersides of cabinets, where some sprayers just won’t go.
This device also has a reversible spray tip that gives an easy way to continue spraying if it becomes clogged while in use.
The Graco TrueCoat sprayer is airless (like the Wagner Flexio) and electric and can be used indoors and outdoors making it one of the best airless paint sprayers for cabinets. You can read more in our buyer’s guide about the pros and cons of airless sprayers. One thing is for sure though, they are powerful!
This power is certainly a huge benefit in the hands of an experienced painter, but it presents a steep learning curve for the new user. Overspray and patchy finishes can be expected if you haven’t used a powerful sprayer like this before.
It comes with 4 reusable FlexLiner paint bags instead of material cups. If they are not reused, they can be recycled. If for any reason they are damaged or overused, more can be purchased.
The total weight of the unit is 4.6 pounds. Now this is pretty heavy! Especially when compared to the other top airless sprayer – the Wagner Flexio. The Flexio weighs just 2.1 lbs, which is a considerable difference.
A final point worth mentioning is the warranty. At just one year it’s the bare minimum on offer from sprayers like this.
Pros
- Handles thick paints with ease
- Powerful paint coverage
- Reversible tip
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Heavy
- Not for beginners
Bottom Line: The Graco 17A466 TrueCoat 360 is no ordinary paint sprayer. The powerful piston allows it to cover surfaces in rapid time. Just be warned, it’s not for beginners!
Conclusion
So after all that which one is right for you?
Well, it really depends on the task that you have ahead and also your level of experience.
For the casual user with little experience, it’s an easy decision. The HomeRight Super Finish is a must buy.
It’s one of the easiest to use sprayers on the market, and it’s perfect for smaller jobs like paining kitchen cabinets. There’s also the matter of the excellent value for money it offers and the 2-year warranty.
If you have a bit of experience with these devices or plan on using your sprayer quite a bit then you want to go with the Earlex Spray Station or Wagner Flexio 590.
They’re a bit harder to use but the pay off is that they are much more accomplished tools for large painting projects. The Wagner Flexio in particular is excellent for covering large surfaces due to its powerful turbine.
Paint Sprayers for Cabinets: A Buyer’s Guide
In this section we explain all the confusing terminology that can be used to describe paint sprayers.
We also outline the key features that you should be looking for when buying.
Why use a sprayer anyway?
Although rollers and paint brushes certainly have their place when it comes to painting cabinets, you just can’t compare their performance to that of a solid paint sprayer.
So, what’s the big deal with cabinet paint sprayers?
- They’re so much faster.
- They give a better finish.
- They give better coverage in awkward areas.
You’ll eventually get a good finish using a roller or paint brush, but how much time have you wasted? If you have lots of painting work ahead of you then a sprayer just makes so much sense.
You just can’t get the same smooth, professional finish with a brush that you can with a paint sprayer for cabinets. Say goodbye to brush marks as your painting advances to new levels of consistency.
Actually spraying or projecting the paint makes those hard to reach areas easier to paint than ever before. Intricate finishes take no time with a sprayer. Just change the nozzle from large coverage to fine detail and you’re ready to take on those awkward surfaces quicker and with more accuracy than ever before.
The Big Decision: Airless or HVLP for Cabinets?
Unless you’ve been doing this for a long time, you may be confused with the choice between an airless paint sprayer and HVLP sprayer for cabinets.
They both specialize in slightly different areas and we’ll explain which one might be best for you in this section.
The Lowdown on HVLP Paint Sprayers
Most spray guns you’ll come across are HVLP (which means high volume low pressure).
They produce the lowest overspray out of the different types of paint sprayers. Overspray is a problem as it results in messy finishes and it wastes paint. Wasted paint means wasted money.
HVLP sprayers don’t produce as much overspray because they paint at a slower speed. This means they aren’t ideally suited to large projects where you want the paint delivered as quickly as possible.
One great thing about HVLP systems is that they are able to tackle a variety of projects. Indoors, outdoor, cabinets, walls, fences, they can do it all.
The best HVLP sprayers for kitchen cabinets come with three main parts:
- Turbine – this is the part that generates the flow of air.
- Hose – it is through the hose that the material flows from the turbine to the tip of the gun.
- Gun – this is the part that transfers the paint onto the surface.
These systems differ slightly from compressor-driven spray equipment as they deliver high volume at very low pressures. It’s this low pressure and slower speed that greatly reduces the amount of overspray.
Another plus for the HVLP paint sprayers for cabinets is that they deliver warm-dry air to the finishing, unlike compressor-driven sprayers that deliver cold-damp air that can sometimes foul up your finishes.
HVLP cabinet sprayers are the better choice for the beginner who has little experience with these devices. They are easier to use and control.
Pros
- Less overspray
- More user friendly
- Versatile
Cons
- Slower
- Not best suited to large projects
Portability, simplicity, low overspray, and excellent finishing make an HVLP an excellent choice for any painting project.
The Lowdown on Airless Paint Sprayers
The airless sprayer is often the popular choice but they should be treated with caution if you have little experience using a sprayer.
The big positive with these types of sprayers is that they are very powerful. They deliver huge amounts of paint in extra quick time. This makes them perfect for big projects. They’re also able to deal with thick paints like latex very well.
They are able to work so quickly and deliver thick coats of paint because they work at very high pressures. This does have the drawback of producing more overspray. This is part of why they are more difficult to use. It takes experience to know how to control this or you’re just going to end up with messy finishes and waste paint.
They’re not just good for big projects though. They come with a variety of tips for delicate finishes and the better models give the user complete control over the power settings and speed. The Wagner Flexio for example has 9 speed settings and and is really good with intricate painting too.
Pros
- Fast
- Handle thick paints easily
- More user control
- Better for large projects
Cons
- More overspray
- Steeper learning curve
A must buy for large painting projects due to their power and rapid paint delivery. Probably not for the beginner as they take a bit of practice to master.
Which is Best for Painting Kitchen Cabinets?
The first point to consider is your experience level. If you’ve used spray guns before then you’re ready for an airless model.
Otherwise, stick to the HVLP models (like the HomeRight Super Finish).
The second point to consider is the size of the task ahead. Most cabinet painting projects probably aren’t that big, so an HVLP model is perfect. If you’ve got a huge task ahead then an airless gun will get it done much faster.
Finally, consider what else you might use the spray gun to do. If you have large projects planned in the future then an airless paint sprayer is probably worth getting to grips with.
For infrequent, smaller tasks go with the HVLP.
For large jobs and more frequent use you’ll be glad you got an airless sprayer.
5 Key Things to Look For
As we’ve been explaining, paint sprayers were not created equally! However, there are some key features that you shouldn’t be doing without.
The perfect paint sprayer for cabinets will combine as many of these features as possible into one complete package.
Here are the things to look for that will make your life easier.
1. Speed & Pressure Controls
Ideally, you want as much control over the rate of paint delivery as possible. For those large surfaces you want to “put the hammer down” and get that coat of paint down as quickly as possible. But, for those more detailed edges you need control and finesse.
You want to be able to control the pattern of paint and also the flow.
2. Weight
Painting jobs are usually a bit longer than a quick 10 minutes before dinner. The weight of a cabinet sprayer should be given serious consideration as it can really affect your enjoyment of the task. I’m not saying painting should be fun, but if you’re having to hold up a heavy spray gun for long periods of time then it might affect the quality of job you do.
Consider the weight of the device and also the size of the hopper and how much paint it can hold.
3. Nozzle/Spray Options
Some models like the HomeRight Super Finish offer six whole nozzle variations (only 3 included). This gives you total control over the job in hand. Need a thin tip for a really intricate piece of detail? Or a 4mm tip for some thick latex to finish the fence quickly? No problem.
4. Capacity
The capacity dictates how often you’ll need to stop and refill the hopper and also the potential weight of the gun. Also, note that a particularly large hopper makes it difficult to paint in enclosed spaces.
5. Maintenance
How regularly will it need cleaned? How easy is it to clean?
Reversible tips are really handy as they are a quick way to get around clogging.
Also, don’t forget to check out the warranty.
Six Tips to Get You Started
Spraying cabinets is easier than you think. Just make sure you do the right preparation and don’t take any shortcuts.
Here are 6 tips to make sure you get that perfectly smooth finish.
- Make sure all necessary prep work is done well. Especially marking surrounding surfaces that you don’t want the paint to reach. When done properly, the painting will be easy and the material will stick to the surface quicker.
- Setup up a spray booth to paint your cabinet doors and drawer fronts. You can use your garage or set up a station outside the house (make sure everything is well covered so that the air is not filled with paint and chemicals).
- Use a 180 grit sandpaper to sand all cabinet surfaces. Do this until you have a smooth surface to paint on. Without this the paint won’t stick and that will result in extra work for you.
- Make sure all the dirt, grime, or grease is properly cleaned off and use a degreaser to ensure a smooth painting surface.
- Have a drying station to dry doors and drawers. When properly exposed to ventilation they’ll dry within 24 hours. Label each door and drawer with masking tape to identify where each one goes after they are dried.
- Make sure the cabinets are primed before applying your first coat of paint.
We hope you’ve found our guide to cabinet sprayers of value. If you have any questions just drop us a comment down below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.