Cordless or airless — which paint sprayer do you need?
Cordless HVLP sprayers (high volume, low pressure) are light, portable and quick to set up. They're ideal for fences, sheds, outbuildings, garden furniture, doors and smaller rooms. Fill the pot, set the flow and spray.
Airless sprayers pump paint at high pressure through a hose to a spray gun. They cover large areas such as whole rooms, ceilings, warehouse walls and long runs of fencing much faster, and suit decorators and contractors. See our airless spraying equipment.
1. Match your battery system
Choose the DeWalt-compatible, Makita-compatible or Milwaukee-compatible version to run the sprayer on batteries you already own. If you're starting from scratch, a bundle includes the batteries and charger.
2. What can I spray?
HVLP sprayers handle water-based fence paints, wood stains and treatments, and emulsions. Thicker paints may need thinning — always follow the guidance on the tin. Rough-sawn timber soaks up more product, so allow for a second coat where the tin recommends one.
3. Spray patterns and flow
Look for adjustable flow and a choice of spray patterns so you can switch between fence boards, posts and flat panels without changing tools. Each listing shows exactly which patterns and nozzle sizes are included.
4. Preparation is half the job
- Clean the surface and let it dry.
- Mask windows, plants and anything you don't want painted — see painting preparation.
- Strain your paint into the pot to keep lumps out of the nozzle — see filters and strainers.
- Test on a piece of card to set the flow and pattern.
- Wear a mask and eye protection when spraying.
5. Common mistakes to avoid
- Holding the gun too close or too far away — keep a steady distance and move in smooth, overlapping passes.
- Spraying outdoors on a windy day.
- Skipping the strain — most blocked nozzles are caused by bits in the paint.
- Leaving paint in the sprayer — clean it straight after use.
6. Cleaning and care
Empty the pot, flush it through with clean water (or the cleaner the tin recommends), then take the nozzle apart and rinse it. Spare bottles and nozzles are in parts and spares.
Popular jobs
- Garden fences and sheds — even coats on every board, including the gaps.
- Stables, barns and field shelters — see our farm and agriculture tools.
- Furniture and doors — a smooth finish without brush marks.
- Interior walls — for small rooms; for whole houses, choose airless.
Related
Batteries and chargers · Paint spraying accessories · DeWalt-compatible · Makita-compatible · Milwaukee-compatible · Cordless paint sprayer buying guide
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