Paint sprayer for walls

[wingrider02]

Hey all,

My wife and I are embarking on building our first new home! We have decided to prime and paint ourselves, among other things to help put some sweat equity into the place.

I am thinking of getting a paint spray system that would help speed up the process of painting the whole interior. I would also use this to paint the interior of my 40x56 pole barn we built first....so it is essentially one big garage, tying into the forum here.

I don’t know where the best place to get one. I do get a pretty good discount at one of the local paint shops, so that is possibly an option to look at.

Can anyone recommend a decent system that won’t break the bank, but will last a while?

Thanks for any help!

 

[CraigStu]

I can't recommend a system because I have rented from HD the last couple of times. I will recommend getting one that will hold 1 gal and 5 gal buckets. Also think carefully about colors. We have finally settled on a real pale linen and paint the walls and ceiling the same. Getting rid of dealing w/ that ceiling/wall edge really speeds things up. We did the entire first floor, stairs and second floor hallway that way. Only bedrooms were a different color. Also changing colors requires cleaning the whole sprayer for each change. So it is almost not worth it (vs usual hand held roller) for a 10x12 bedroom. If you chose something like our linen you could do most of the house w/ 2 coats and just do one coat in other rooms as the primer. Good luck.

 

[wingrider02]

Thanks for the replies so far! No worries on the color, most will be the same, just a couple changes that are all in the same family of colors. My mother is an interior decorator, and has a great eye for color, so we are all good.

One of the reasons I was thinking of buying was from a previous rental disaster where the rental didn’t work, and we scrambled to get the job done, as we had a time crunch.

 

[yatg]

Have an older Graco XR9 from about 2003 that's been used for several big projects.

Its a huge pain to wrangle a full 5 gallon bucket and get the feed hose into it. I mix the 5 gallon bucket then strain (if needed) and/or pour into a 2 gallon bucket. And I keep another 2 gal bucket on the side as the puke bucket.

Make sure you clean the equipment really well and store it with a pump preservative. My friend, a real painting contractor, said he used thinner in his machines and I used that the last time on mine. Just flush it out before priming the pump with paint.

When possible, I leave the sprayer outside and run hose inside through doors or windows. Also makes cleanup easier because on mine you can remove the feed tube filter and attach a garden hose to flush it.

I switched to a flat tip gun on the last project, so I've got some flip tips and parts if anyone is interested.

 

[bob15]

I bought a refurbished 5/8hp airless Wagner about 15 years ago from Gleem Paint (https://www.gleempaint.com/). Couldn't be happier with it. I did the outside of my barn with it (15 gallons worth of paint) and my brother did the interior of his house with it. Either one of those jobs paid for it.

 

[glentre]

Can't help with equipment recommendations but you are on the right track to do a fast job. If you are going with a high pressure system, suggest you view some Youtube clips on techniques because you have to move quickly and maintain a constant distance from the work with the gun tip.

I'm just finishing up a complete house renovation. 2,700 sq ft with five bedrooms. My painting contractor and his sister did the entire house including trim, doors, white ceilings and one color in all rooms. Took them 2 1/2 days complete. One coat oil base primer & two coats water base eggshell. They sprayed and backrolled the ceilings, sprayed the trim with semi-gloss white and brush/rolled the walls with an 18" roller. Used a Graco high pressure machine but don't know the model.

Glen

 

[gnpenning]

2nd the x7 for the reasons mentioned. Works great and you can buy different size tips if needed. I've done several houses and a very large shop with mine.

As mentioned store with pump lube. Disconnect the hose while pumping in the lube. Hose doesn't need lube and quicker to pump out before the next time you use it.

You can get extension wands as well if you have taller ceilings.

For that matter you can even get a roller attachment. Know idea if it works.

 

[wasfast]

One solution I've found to speed things up is a Pressure roller. It consolidates the spray and back roll steps into one. It's just a replacement tip on an airless but you can paint as long as the paint lasts (5 gallons) or your arms give out

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Graco-P...Viewed-_-301100278;301300857;-_-100163091-_-N

 

[Parrothead]

I went with the Graco LTS 15 (aka X5) for my residential home interior and that was an excellent machine for me. The model has changed a little bit but is basically the same. In my situation there wasn’t a whole lot of moving the machine/bucket around, I just put it in the middle of the room and sprayed away. Where it really shines is ceilings.

That said, if I were doing a barn, get the X7. The price difference is too close now. I’m going to do my father in laws pole barn in a few years and I already know I’m modifying a kids wagon for that. I’ll put the machine and 5 gallon bucket on the wagon and strap it down.

*apparently there is a roller attachment should you want to go that route.

 

[Bolson32]

I was also going to recommend the graco, I used an x5 to do my cabinets and they're super slick little machines. I'm building my garage this spring and I'm thinking of renting one to do the interior when the time comes.

 

[wingrider02]

Thanks for the suggestions! I have been learning quite a bit about these for the past few days.

Well, call me crazy, but I am contemplating getting the next step up in a sprayer setup. Looking at the Graco 390 or 395, and a Titan 440 impact. Kind of feel I will hang onto this even when I am done with the house, and want it to last.

 

[That Guy Scott]

My wife and I painted our own, new custom build last year. What a *****. The quote was $39k so I farmed out the doors, trim, and exterior. Saved me over $20k. We used an x5 and it’s basically a throw away unit. I think you’re on the right track getting a better machine. We did the modern “all white” in the common areas so it was simple. It took us approx 1.5 weeks to prep, prime, and paint over 4K sqft.

 

[ard]

I bought a pricey wagner 20+ years ago. Still running. Just shot some exterior on the shop/barn a week ago.

Ive bought COUNTLESS guns, like 8 or 10, over the years. Many hoses...rebuilt the pump 2x...

Sprayed a ton of latex, oil base, lacquer and urethanes.

I remember thinking "it will pay for itself". Had I known I would have had it for so long, I might have spent more!

In fact, I was buying some parts for my HVLP rig and was actually looking at a new titan 440. I swear, next time that old wagner needs a rebuild, Im doing it!

 

[jbwilkins]

If you want a really consistent finish you can spray, but you really should back roll everything....Talk with any of the paint manufacturers and they'll recommend..........

 

[wingrider02]

Yep, back rolling was my plan. Figured I would be spraying, and have someone else come around and lightly roll it.

 

[Burl]

I don't understand the backrolling thing. Doesn't a sprayer create a nice level finish and a roller possibly create lines from the roller edges and an orange-peel finish?

 

[nadogail]

I tried using a power roller, I got too frustrated and returned it to the store.

Borrowed an airless and had to get the owner of the machine to finish the job for me.

Result; I now hire a professional painter because a house under repair doesn't make any rent money. The Pro gets in, gets it done, and I deduct it as a business expense.

 

[tncatadjuster]

I don't understand the backrolling thing. Doesn't a sprayer create a nice level finish and a roller possibly create lines from the roller edges and an orange-peel finish?

You can't spray a perfect pattern, backrolling levels out the layer of paint and produces really good coverage will few if any holidays. Spray and backroll is the best way to do large jobs. Owning a sprayer is really cool but if only one house and garage I would just bucket and roll.

 

[mcj115]

I also have an earlier Sherwin Williams version of the X5 and am more than happy. I was able to knock out my 30x50 pole barn in a day last summer. The version i have can use a 5 gallon pale. The short comings is that the largest tip you can use is a 515 so you may not be able to spay a thick SW Duration exterior coating.

I went with the Graco LTS 15 (aka X5) for my residential home interior and that was an excellent machine for me. The model has changed a little bit but is basically the same. In my situation there wasn’t a whole lot of moving the machine/bucket around, I just put it in the middle of the room and sprayed away. Where it really shines is ceilings.

That said, if I were doing a barn, get the X7. The price difference is too close now. I’m going to do my father in laws pole barn in a few years and I already know I’m modifying a kids wagon for that. I’ll put the machine and 5 gallon bucket on the wagon and strap it down.

*apparently there is a roller attachment should you want to go that route.

 

[JRC3]

I have a Titan 440i and only use it to paint things that can't be rolled. If it can be rolled I break out the 18" roller, or more typically the 14" roller. I also use 12" for smaller rooms and the only time I ever use a 9" is on something like a bathroom or kitchen.

I also paint up to 20' walls with a pole and first cut in with an extension ladder with a standoff.

Wooster makes a great 14" pan and roller. Spend the extra on a good pole too. I have Wooster poles like this and it's the easy I own or have ever owned. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wooster-4-ft-8-ft-Sherlock-Extension-Pole-00R0550000/100187725

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wooster-1-gal-14-in-Plastic-Sherlock-Bucket-Tray-0BR4140140/205745979
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wooster-14-in-Sherlock-Roller-Frame-00R0170140/204354026


18"
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Linzer-18-in-Plastic-Deep-Well-Tank-Paint-Roller-Tray-MHT-18/100670850
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wooster-18-in-Pro-Sherlock-Wide-Boy-Roller-Frame-0HR0360180/309063311


No matter what spend money on good roller covers and brushes, Purdy or Wooster. I think the Purdy brushes are a tad better.

And don't forget to prime the walls first.

My advice is to roll it. Fighting with a sprayer unless you do it every day isn't the way to go.

 

[Burl]

I just finished my garage ceiling (12') with sheetrock and am considering spraying it this summer. Better to rent or buy a sprayer? Should only take a few hours, rollong is out due to a bad shoulder.

 

[tncatadjuster]

I have a Titan 440i and only use it to paint things that can't be rolled. If it can be rolled I break out the 18" roller, or more typically the 14" roller. I also use 12" for smaller rooms and the only time I ever use a 9" is on something like a bathroom or kitchen.

I also paint up to 20' walls with a pole and first cut in with an extension ladder with a standoff.

Wooster makes a great 14" pan and roller. Spend the extra on a good pole too. I have Wooster poles like this and it's the easy I own or have ever owned. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wooster-4-ft-8-ft-Sherlock-Extension-Pole-00R0550000/100187725

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wooster-1-gal-14-in-Plastic-Sherlock-Bucket-Tray-0BR4140140/205745979
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wooster-14-in-Sherlock-Roller-Frame-00R0170140/204354026


18"
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Linzer-18-in-Plastic-Deep-Well-Tank-Paint-Roller-Tray-MHT-18/100670850
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wooster-18-in-Pro-Sherlock-Wide-Boy-Roller-Frame-0HR0360180/309063311


No matter what spend money on good roller covers and brushes, Purdy or Wooster. I think the Purdy brushes are a tad better.

And don't forget to prime the walls first.

My advice is to roll it. Fighting with a sprayer unless you do it every day isn't the way to go.

Perfectly worded, thanks.

 

[brownbagg]

i got the wagner sprayer 17 years ago, i like it

 

[strutaeng]

Yeah, 18" roller is great for large projects. I just did 4,000 sq ft of walls and 2,000 of ceilings. 2/3 of that area was a 17' ceiling. Smooth walls finished to Level 5. My tape and bed guy is great.

I have a Titan 640i lowrider that I bought from a fellow that used it just a few times. The ball was stuck because it wasn't cleaned well, so I got it for like $600, almost brand-new. Works great.

I sprayed a high-build primer with the airless for walls, and PVA for ceilings. I also sprayed the ceilings paint, but backrolled. Spraying and backrolling is a 2 man job, but the result is great. It evens everything out and leaves a little stippling for touch-ups.

For the wall paint I just rolled them with 18" roller and took it easy. Working on a scaffold is tiring!

I would recommend a Titan 440i. They are the industry standard for painters. I think the equivalent is Graco 395?

If you have never used an airless, start on a closet or garage. As you use it you will gain confidence. There is a learning curve. Maybe also start with a smaller tip like a 515. It puts out less paint, but also less chance of getting runs.

Finally, safety first. Read all manuals and paint data sheets. Be careful, as airless operate at very high pressures.

The PaintLife guy in YT has many excellent how-to videos.

Good luck!

 

[mcj115]

Better to rent or buy a sprayer? Should only take a few hours, rollong is out due to a bad shoulder.

Buy new, do project, clean well, sell for 75percent of new with you recent receipt.

 

[JRC3]

Buy new, do project, clean well, sell for 75percent of new with you recent receipt.

And keep the box and literature. The box always seems to give some subliminal mindset that it's like new.

 

[strutaeng]

And keep the box and literature. The box always seems to give some subliminal mindset that it's like new.

That's a good point. If you rent for a day its around $100 per day. To paint an entire house (new construction,) probably 2-3 days. At that point, might as well buy.

Buying new allows you to take as long as you want. Still, I would just keep.

The cost saved in painting a house is easily justified paying for a $1,000 pro. rig. Airless are also great for painting/staining fences. With the new FF and HEA tips you can also do fine finishing such as kitchen cabinets and furniture. The little cordless Graco Ultras make more sense for this use, but for an entire kitchen cabinet job, a full-size rig is just perfect.

 

[harrytbagger]

+1 on PaintLife, guy knows his stuff and is great at explaining it to us common folk.

 

[johnnyradiant]

Thanks for the suggestions! I have been learning quite a bit about these for the past few days.

Well, call me crazy, but I am contemplating getting the next step up in a sprayer setup. Looking at the Graco 390 or 395, and a Titan 440 impact. Kind of feel I will hang onto this even when I am done with the house, and want it to last.

Graco 395 is a great unit. It will last a LONG time if you store it correctly. Keep a couple basic parts on hand like a filter and you'll be good to go. I'd recommend the lo boy model.

 

[rattle_snake]

I've rented graco units a few times. Used a friend's Horrible Freight a few times now, 40+ gallons. Worked just as good. Your mileage may vary.

 

[wingrider02]

Well, figured I would finish off this thread with what I got. Ended up going just a tad bigger, and ordered a Graco Ultra Max II 490. Seemed to me to be a better deal, and sounds like it cleans a bit easier than the 395.

One of the big reasons I also went with the 490 was that I plan to spray the walls in the shed with an oil based primer. The 395 won’t push that I guess.

Time will tell if I got the right machine for me.

 

[HotrodHR]

All the contractors in my area paint new homes inside and out with the airless sprayers.

I bought a Graco airless to paint (opaque stain) my new shadow box style wood fence. I saved enough to cover the cost of hiring the job out.

Now here's the interesting part... a friend borrowed my sprayer to paint the inside of a large shop. Unfortunately he used an oil based paint and didn't get the line or the gun cleaned. He bought me a new line and I cleaned the gun but could never get it to work right. So I went back to Lowes to buy a new gun and they want a $100 bucks for it. So instead of buy the gun from Lowes I went to Horrible Freight and bought their "knock off" airless sprayer outfit for about $150. Guess what, works like champ.

Go check out demos of people using the various sprayers on you tube, then decide. I would not waste my money on the Wagner cup type sprayers... just my opinion.

 

[rayra]

I don't understand the backrolling thing. Doesn't a sprayer create a nice level finish and a roller possibly create lines from the roller edges and an orange-peel finish?

Mostly an issue of technique, with either method. But same rules apply, even application / coverage and keeping a wet edge.

If you are getting orange peel and roller edge lines, you are basically doing several things wrong. Too much paint on the roller, wrong nap, torquing or twisting the roller and squeezing paint out the ends, not 'keeping a wet edge' which means you are rolling randomly instead of laying paint down from one side to the other continuously, start at one end of the wall and work up and down and towards the other end of the wall. And you are putting too much pressure and uneven pressure on the roller.
oh and painting outside, don't paint in direct sun. Work on the opposite side of the house over the course of the day. Give the paint time to spread / lay down, before the sun blasts it.

I've done a lot of residential painting inside and out, many different methods.
Typically I'll cut in the edges or details with a brush or small pad, then fill in the field with bigger easier methods. interior I prefer to roll using the mini rollers. Lot less slop that way and very little tape or tarping required. Last was painting the outside of my stucco-finish house with an HVLP and exterior latex and was very happy with the results. Painters wanted $29k. I did it in a week for about $1000

can't seem to find my 'beauty shot' right now, but here's the sample spray I did in back. I cut in the window edges with a brush and then just used an HVLP wagner handheld and one of those pole-mounted spray shields and whipped this out pretty quick.

Took about a week to do the whole house, most of the time was spent remediating roof fascias. The walls / 'field' was easy and quick, like any sort of similar work. 80/20 rule.