Best paint sprayer for trim?

Question

Does anybody have a recommendation for a paint sprayer for spraying trim and windows with latex paint?

I have had an Graco airless sprayer for years, the one with a hose that goes into the bucket. Works great, but I thought it's a bit too much for trim. Not concerned about overspray since the walls will be done anyway after.

Tried an HVLP with compressor, and that would take 3 days for a room.

Reverted back to the brush and got frustrated after the first window.

Bought a Wagner sprayer with cup,realizing they are consumer models,still expecting a half-way decent result: Very limited control, heavy beast in your hand, overspray like crazy combined with a pattern that is a mix of big droplets and almost bare spots. Might be a setting thing, and a half dark room doesn't help with adjusting, but I think that POS's destiny is already sealed.

Should I just get the smallest tip for the Graco (still like 8-10" width) and just deal with the setup, but be a happy camper?

Any other thoughts?

Account Closed · Answer

I have a wagner I don 't use and two gracos

I used to pre strain the paint with knee high panty hose .or a double layer of screen I rinsed off in a bucket

now I use two stainless screens my wife had that were under the kitchen sink guess they were for  drain cover strainer?

Have found lots of clotted paint with them

Ryan Rippinger · Answer

I have two that I use, for interior and exterior walls, and trim I use a graco pro x9 and for things that need a finer finish, furniture,  cabinets, doors, ect. The main thing with using a larger sprayer is prep work. I Use 9 in. paper and tape around top and bottom trim and plastic on the walls and floor to prevent overspray. It might take a while but its much less hassle than brushing. I use an earlex hvlp spray station 5500.  If youve got any rehab type question feel free to message me.

Damaris Sutton · Answer

When it comes to oil based paint I use old panty hose because its not worth it to clean it up afterwards. For all latex paints I actually buy a straining bag. I always use the 5 gallon variety as to not have spills. Best way is to buy the ones with an elastic band, place it into a clean and empty pot then pour the paint into. Hope this helps. Anybody have paint questions direct to me. Thanks,

Damaris

Sylvia B. · Answer

@Damaris Sutton

What do you strain through? Cheesecloth?

Damaris Sutton · Answer

I strain ALL paint. Even new paint has boogers in it and make sure you stir and box your paint.

Chris Adams · Answer

I use the same cheap Graco  airless sprayer you have and I use a 311 tip, works fantastic for doors and trim. Never underestimate straining your paint to prevent gun plug ups.

Damaris Sutton · Answer

Are you going to be painting that is already installed or will it be new trim to be installed. If its in a house I would use the Graco Pro Shot and tape everything up first. Its its lose trim just cover the garage floors and spray with an airless.

Rick Baggenstoss · Answer

@Chris Martin Do you paint cabinets with yours?  I'm curious about how difficult it is to learn to spray cabinets.

Chris Martin · Answer

Answering late... so this answer is for next time because you are probably done already.

I have a Titan 440i skid sprayer, but the Graco equivalent is fine for trim work when overspray is not an issue. Depending on the windows and doors, you may want to remove or mask appropriately. I generally use a 313 tip since that's the only 3xx tip I have. Lower volume tips are best for trim, IMO. I paint at about a 45 degree angle to the trim length and always make sure the gun is in motion before pulling the trigger. If you have wood frame windows, generally you can easily clean the dry latex from the glass with a 3" razor knife or just a 'raw' utility blade held at 15 degrees or so from the glass.

I recently switched from the Titan gun to a Graco and it seems to work a little better. My Titan is 9 years old and the old gun is heavier than the new guns. A little better control with small fan tips and a lighter gun.

The other so called 'sprayers'? I have one. Used once. Not worth it. My Titan has probably done 50 properties, many were full interior and exterior. I did a few acoustic ceilings in the past few weeks, and for sure, I can agree with: "just deal with the setup, but be a happy camper".