Photo: Graco
In this day and age, portability is a very big factor to consider in almost every electric tool. When it comes to paint sprayers, portability is further enhanced by the availability of high-performance batteries, which provide enough power to almost rival the corded type.
This has made cordless paint sprayers very popular for both DIY and professional jobs. Therefore, if you are looking for such a product, this article looks at the best cordless paint sprayers to consider buying.
You can also read other paint sprayer reviews such as HVLP paint sprayer, LVLP spray gun, commercial paint sprayer, airless paint sprayer.
In this post:
4 Best Cordless Paint Sprayers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Graco 17M367 (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. Graco 17N166 (Triax Triple Piston Pump) |
| |
 | 3. Graco 17M363 (SmartControl) |
| |
 | 4. Graco 16H240 (Best Budget) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Graco 17M367 (Best Overall)
|
2. Graco 17N166 (Triax Triple Piston Pump)
|
3. Graco 17M363 (SmartControl)
|
4. Graco 16H240 (Best Budget)
|
1. Graco 17M367 – Best Overall Cordless Sprayer
Photo: Graco
- Power: DeWalt 20V lithium-ion battery
- Max. Pressure: 2000 PSI
- Cup Size: 32 oz.
Graco’s 17M367 takes the overall best spot because it is equipped with 2 filters: a 60 and a 100-mesh filter. These work in tandem to ensure that only the fine paint particles get through to the nozzle.
That said, you get reversible RAC tips that make it easy to undo any clogs on the tip while also providing superior finishes at low-pressure settings.
Two 20-volt batteries are included in the kit, giving you a spare piece as the other recharges. The battery runs a powerful Triax triple piston pump that is capable of pushing through unthinned paints.
Additionally, this pump is fully repairable for durability purposes, and it can spray water, solvent, and flammable paints, making it very versatile. The only problem is its high price tag.
Pros:
- 60 and 100 mesh filters
- Reversible RAC tips
- Fully repairable design for durability purposes
- Can spray water, solvent, and flammable paints
Cons:
- Expensive
2. Graco 17N166 – Cordless Sprayer with a Triax Triple Piston Pump
Photo: Graco
- Power: DeWalt 20V lithium-ion battery
- Max. Pressure: 2000 PSI
- Cup Size: 32 oz.
Graco’s 17N166 is equipped with a durable Triax triple piston pump, which has the ability to pump unthinned paints. This pump is powered by a 20-volt battery and you get an extra one for continuous use as the other recharges.
That said, the pump delivers the spray at a maximum pressure of 2000 PSI and at a rate of 1 gallon/full charge. Thanks to ProControl 2, this pressure is adjustable from 0-2000 PSI, which gives you more control over the spraying process and to reduce overspray.
You get a reversible TC Pro 514 tip for easy unclogging, four 32-ounce flex liner bags, SmartControl for delivering a consistent spray fan, a 60-mesh filter, 99 spray settings and an easy-to-replace pump due to ProConnect, which requires only 3 steps using only a screwdriver.
However, you only get a single filter unlike the two in Graco’s 17M367.
Pros:
- Durable Triax triple piston pump
- Includes two 20-volt batteries
- ProControl 2 for pressure adjustment
- Reversible spray tips for easy unclogging
Cons:
- Single filter
3. Graco 17M363 – Cordless Paint Sprayer with SmartControl
Photo: Graco
- Power: DeWalt 20V lithium-ion battery
- Max. Pressure: 2000 PSI
- Cup Size: 32 oz.
With SmartControl technology, Graco’s 17M363 gives you precision pressure control to deliver a consistent fan size for professional finishing.
Additionally, this spray gun is equipped with ProControl 2 technology, which allows you to easily adjust the motor’s speed to control the spraying pressure and minimize overspray.
Power can be provided by any DeWalt 20-volt battery, in which 2 are included in the set. One battery gives you enough power to apply up to 1 gallon of paint per full charge.
That said, the battery runs a Triax triple piston pump, which has durable carbide pistons, and has the strength to work with unthinned paints.
Other features include ProConnect for easy on-the-job pump replacement, 3-LED fuel gauge system for showing the battery level, reversible RAC tips, and 32-ounce flex liner paint bags.
The only problem is that the gun is equipped with a 60-mesh filter, unlike Graco’s 17M367, which has an additional 100-mesh filter for removing very small unwanted particles.
Pros:
- SmartControl for precision pressure control
- ProControl 2 for motor speed adjustment
- Durable Triax triple piston pump with ProConnect
- 3-LED fuel gauge
Cons:
- Single filter
4. Graco 16H240 – Best Budget Cordless Paint Sprayer
Photo: Graco
- Power: 18V lithium-ion SlimLine Battery
- Max. Pressure: 1697 PSI
- Cup Size: 24 oz.
If you are on a tight budget, Graco’s 16H240 is an affordable cordless paint sprayer to consider buying. Despite this, the product comes as a complete kit, containing two 18-volt slimline batteries, two reversible spray tips, a 24-ounce cup with 5 liners and a repair kit and storage case.
The unit is also very versatile because it can be used to spray a wide variety of paints, ranging from stains to lacquers, enamels, acrylics, hot solvents, and even heavy latex. However, it is not suitable for spraying flammable paints.
Other features include ProSpray technology for consistent, high-quality results, and ProControl for adjusting the pressure and reducing overspray.
However, this unit’s relatively small paint cup means you need multiple refills, especially when working on a large project.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Includes 2 reversible spray tips
- ProSpray and ProControl technology
Cons:
- Not ideal for spraying flammable paints
- Relatively small paint cup
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cordless Paint Sprayers
Photo: flickr.com
1. Advantages of Cordless Paint Sprayers
Easily portable
Most cordless units are smaller and lighter than their corded counterparts, making them easier to transport. Additionally, the battery can be removed for compact storage in the respective carrying case.
Usable Anywhere
Without the need for hooking up to a power outlet, one of the biggest benefits of using a cordless sprayer is that you can work on a project anywhere. Battery power also allows you to continue spraying if the mains power goes off.
Safety
Since there is no electrical cord following you all over, the risk of toppling items between you (holding the tool) and the wall outlet is eliminated as you move about.
Also, if there happens to be a cut along the cord that exposes the live wire, this might cause electrocution. Though rare, such a case poses a big safety risk. For cordless sprayers, this is not an issue.
2. Disadvantages of Cordless Paint Sprayers
Not as powerful
The biggest disadvantage of cordless units is that they do not provide as much spraying power as the corded type because battery power is limited. Additionally, battery power reduces gradually, which means the sprayer might not provide the same performance as it discharges.
Coincidentally, this is the greatest strength and advantage of the corded paint sprayer.
How to Buy the Best Cordless Paint Sprayer
Photo: Graco
1. Power
Since cordless paint sprayers are battery powered, it is important to consider this factor. Most of these tools, which is quite powerful. Ideally, the higher the voltage, the better because this provides sufficient power for high-pressure output.
However, you must ensure the sprayer is compatible with the battery. For instance, you cannot fit a 36-volt battery into a 20-volt compatible sprayer. This will fry the internal circuitry.
Another thing to check is the battery’s amperage. Given in ampere-hours, the higher it is, the more the charge that the battery can hold and thus, the better.
2. Pressure
Pressure is also a big factor to consider when it comes to sprayers. High-pressure units like the 2000 PSI 17M367 gives you the benefit of quick spraying because a lot of paint is released per time. This makes it ideal for large projects.
However, there is a catch. The higher the pressure, the more the overspray. Therefore, you need to strike a balance between performance and wastage. The best thing is to buy a sprayer with adjustable pressure settings for complete control.
Graco’s 17M363 is equipped with some key features such as SmartControl and ProControl 2 for managing the pressure level, which is highly recommended.
3. Material
Not all sprayers can be used to apply all kinds of paints. Some have limitations. For instance, Graco’s 16H240 is not suitable for spraying flammable-based paints.
On the other hand, the 17M367 is more versatile because it can be used to apply a wide variety of paints, including the flammable types. This gives it an edge over the former.
4. Capacity
A paint gun’s capacity is considered in terms of the paint cup’s size. Given in ounces (oz.), the larger the cup, the better. This is because it will hold more paint and thus, require fewer refill interruptions as you work on the painting surface.
That said, the 32-ounce cup in Graco’s 17N166 is much better as compared to Graco’s 16H240 24-ounce cup.
5. Accessories
A cordless paint sprayer cannot function properly on its own. Some accessories are required and you should check for an extra battery, which allows for continuous spraying as the other one recharges and multiple filter cups, which allow you to use different paints easily.
Also, a filter is ideal because it helps to get rid of large particles that may clog the internal pathways or the tip. Graco’s 17M367 is the ideal choice here because it has 2 filters (60 and 100 mesh), which work together to block any unwanted, large particles.
6. Ease of Maintenance
It is quite obvious that painting is messy. As such, it would be ideal if the paint gun is easy to clean and for this, most sprayers contain cleaning kits for washing off the residue before storage.
Clogging is also quite common on the tip and instead of dismantling the entire tip assembly, some, like in Graco’s 16H240, are reversible, which makes it much easier to undo any clogging.
Other than that, easy maintenance is also very important and the main feature to consider here is the pump. Since this is the main component, if it breaks down, the gun is basically useless.
However, some units such as Graco’s 17N166 have a ProConnect feature, which makes the pump easy-to-replace in 3 simple steps using only a screwdriver. This improves the overall durability of the product because you can quickly fit in new parts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cordless paint sprayers are particularly advantageous due to their easy mobility. Most of the products reviewed above are similar in design and features, save for Graco’s 16H240, which is a bit less powerful but ideal if you are tight on cash.
That said, we recommend Graco’s 17M367 as the overall best cordless paint sprayer because it is equipped with 2 filters that prevent clogging. It can also be used to apply a wide variety of paints and is fully repairable for durability purposes.