Ceilings are usually very challenging to paint because gravity works against you. This makes the use of a brush or roller very tiring and time-consuming.
Therefore, the best option is to use a paint sprayer, which is, of course, very quick. However, there are different types of sprayers that are ideal for this job.
This might make the selection process a bit difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for.
That said, the review below looks at 10 of the best paint sprayers for ceilings that you should consider buying.
In this post:
- Best Paint Sprayers for Ceilings Buying Guide
- How to Paint Ceilings with a Paint Sprayer
- 10 Best Paint Sprayers for Ceilings Reviewed
- 1. Titan Tool ControlMax 1700 Pro (Best Overall)
- 2. Wagner Spraytech 0518050 (Best Budget)
- 3. Fuji Spray 2904-T70 Mini-Mite 4 (Best HVLP)
- 4. Graco Magnum X7 (High-Performance)
- 5. Fuji Spray 2203G Semi-PRO 2 (Best Gravity-Feed)
- 6. Graco 16Y385 (Best Lightweight)
- 7. Graco Magnum 257025 (Easy-to-Clean)
- 8. Wagner Spraytech 0525027 (With a Material Selection Lever)
- 9. Wagner Spraytech 0525032 (Best 2-Cup)
- 10. Paint Zoom GPCT18 (Best 3-Way Nozzle Head)
- Conclusion
Best Paint Sprayers for Ceilings Buying Guide
Generally, airless sprayers are the best option for painting ceilings because most of the surfaces are very wide and require a fast sprayer.
Additionally, some units such as the ControlMax 1700 Pro incorporates the use of HEA technology to reduce overspray by up to 55%, making it the ideal choice.
First you should learn important things to check before choosing the best paint sprayers for ceilings.
1. Types of Paint Sprayers
– Airless Sprayers
This is the most popular type because it sprays at high pressure, producing an even spray over large surfaces.
Airless units are also powerful enough to spray unthinned paints but can create excessive overspray.
– High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) Sprayers
Though slower than the airless type, HVLP sprayers are known for their efficiency, giving out very little overspray. However, they are very expensive.
– Compressed Air Sprayers
Compressed air sprayers have the advantage of being very affordable, but require an additional compressor to operate the gun.
They also create a lot of overspray because of operating at high pressure.
2. Adjustable Pressure
Adjustability is meant to give you more control over the spraying process and apart from pressure, the more the adjustable settings there are, the better.
That said, adjustable pressure and paint flow let you control the size and intensity of the spray fan while adjustable pattern settings allow you to alter the shape of the fan for vertical, horizontal or round spraying.
3. Container Capacity
Large paint cups are generally recommended and a perfect example is the 1.5-qt. cup in Wagner Spraytech’s 0525032, which actually comes with two.
However, a more convenient option is the sprayer that features a flexible suction tube for spraying directly from a paint bucket.
4. Hose Length
Just like with the container capacity, the longer the hose length, the better because getting to all the corners of your ceiling while the pump is stationary requires quite a stretch.
That said, Titan Tool’s ControlMax 1700 Pro takes the top spot because it comes with a 50-ft. hose and can support up to 100 ft.
The 25-ft. hose in Fuji Spray’s Mini-Mite 4, Semi-PRO 2 is also good enough.
5. Dust Filters
Dust filters are very important components because they prevent dust from marring the finish.
Fuji Spray’s Semi-PRO 2 features a quick-change filter that is not only effective at eliminating dust but also quick to replace for easy maintenance.
6. Portability
A lightweight sprayer like Graco’s 16Y385 is definitely easily portable, but a cart makes even the heavy units such as the ControlMax 1700 Pro easily movable around the work area.
This design is highly recommended for the heavy pieces (over 25 lbs.) because it is very convenient.
How to Paint Ceilings with a Paint Sprayer
This process requires a few steps, which can be summarized as follows:
- Take out the furniture and every other item that is not fixed in the room. However, if some items are too heavy, put them in one spot (usually the middle of the room) then cover them using a tarp.
- Cover the walls using tarps and the floor using newspapers. Use painter’s tape to cover all the corners and edges that should not be exposed to paint.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to clean any dirt and cobwebs from the ceiling.
- Get down to spraying. Start with the corners then move inwards to finish in the middle. Leave an overlap in the middle as you go around the corners for even finishing.
- Once complete, inspect the finish from the ground level. If you missed any spots, use a paintbrush to spread the paint to these spots before it dries up.
- Clean the sprayer after use then wait for the paint to dry (about 5 hours). Remove the tarps and newspapers from the covered areas then return all the items back into the room.
10 Best Paint Sprayers for Ceilings Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Titan Tool ControlMax 1700 Pro (Best Overall) |
|
 | 2. Wagner Spraytech 0518050 (Best Budget) |
|
 | 3. Fuji Spray 2904-T70 Mini-Mite 4 (Best HVLP Paint Sprayer) |
|
 | 4. Graco Magnum X7 (High-Performance) |
|
 | 5. Fuji Spray 2203G Semi-PRO 2 (Best Gravity-Feed) |
|
 | 6. Graco 16Y385 (Lightweight) |
|
 | 7. Graco Magnum 257025 (Easy-to-Clean) |
|
 | 8. Wagner Spraytech 0525027 (With Material Selection Lever) |
|
 | 9. Wagner Spraytech 0525032 (With 2 Cups) |
|
 | 10. Paint Zoom GPCT18 (3-Way Nozzle Head) |
|
1. Titan Tool ControlMax 1700 Pro (Best Overall)
Photo: Titan Tool
- Max. Pressure: 1500 PSI
- Weight: 37 lbs.
Because of working against gravity, overspray creates a lot of mist falls back to the ground as waste. Titan Tool’s ControlMax 1700 Pro takes care of this by incorporating the use of High-Efficiency Airless (HEA) technology to reduce overspray by up to 55%.
Additionally, the unit has a max pressure of 1500 PSI, which is relatively low in airless sprayer standards and this helps to reduce overspray.
That said, the sprayer is equipped with a powerful 0.6 HP pump that has the ability to spray unthinned paints and stains, and has variable speed settings to adjust the paint flow to a maximum of 0.33 gallons per minute.
Other features include a long 50-ft. hose for reaching the whole ceiling area (can support up to 100 ft.), a cart design with 2 wheels for easy portability, a flexible suction tube for spraying directly from a 1- or 5-gallon paint can and a replaceable fluid section for enhanced durability.
Combined, these features make this the best overall paint sprayer for ceilings. The only problem is that it does not have spray pattern adjustment settings.
Note: Recommended usage is up to 300 gallons/ year.
Pros:
- HEA technology; reduces overspray by 55%
- Powerful 0.6 HP pump
- Paint flow adjustment settings
- Long 50-ft. hose
- Portable cart design
Cons:
- No spray pattern adjustment settings
2. Wagner Spraytech 0518050 (Best Budget)
Photo: Wagner Spraytech
- Power: Corded, 120V
- Cup Size: 1, 1.5 qt.
- Weight: 4.15 lbs.
If you are on a tight budget, Wagner Spraytech’s 0518050 is an affordable paint sprayer to consider buying. That said, the product is an HVLP sprayer that is has a 2-stage turbine that is rated for indoor/outdoor use, and has paint flow adjustment settings for complete control.
At maximum setting, the unit sprays at a rate of 4.9 fl. oz. per minute (0.04 gal/min) with a 12-inch wide fan while at the lowest setting, it goes down to 0.5 inches.
Other features include adjustable spray pattern settings for vertical, round or horizontal painting, a 1 qt. paint cup for working on small projects, a 1.5 qt. container large volume projects, and a viscosity cup for measuring the paint’s thickness.
The only issue is that the paint gun and turbine are joined into a single piece, which makes the sprayer a bit bulky. This design is not ideal for spraying in tight spaces.
More Detailed: Wagner Spraytech 0518050 Review
Pros:
- Affordable
- Material flow adjustment settings
- Spray pattern adjustment settings
- Includes 2 paint cups and a viscosity cup
Cons:
- Bulky design
3. Fuji Spray 2904-T70 Mini-Mite 4 (Best HVLP)
Photo: Fuji Spray
- Power: Corded, 120V
- Max. Pressure: 8.5 PSI
- Cup Size: 1 qt.
- Weight: 28.8 lbs.
As an HVLP paint sprayer, Fuji Spray’s Mini-Mite 4 stands out because it is very powerful, featuring a 4-stage turbine that produces a maximum pressure of 8.5 PSI.
This pressure is supplied to an efficient non-bleed spray gun, which has an ergonomic stay-cool handle for comfortable use, a pattern control knob to adjust the size of the spray fan and a 1 qt. metallic paint cup.
A 25-ft Hi-flex hose is included for connecting the spray to the turbine, which gives a lot of flexibility when spraying around the ceiling.
You get a patented noise reduction feature on the turbine, a heat dissipation box for keeping the turbine case free from heat buildup, a viscosity cup for measuring the paint’s thickness, a cleaning brush and a maintenance wrench. However, this sprayer is very expensive.
More Detailed: Fuji Spray 2904-T70 Review
Pros:
- Powerful 4-stage turbine
- Efficient non-bleed spray gun
- Long 25-ft. hose
- Patented noise reduction feature
- Heat dissipation box
Cons:
- Expensive
4. Graco Magnum X7 (High-Performance)
Photo: Graco
- Power: Corded, 110V
- Max. Pressure: 3000 PSI
- Weight: 23 lbs.
Graco’s Magnum X7 packs in a lot of power, featuring a 0.625 HP pump that delivers 3000 PSI maximum pressure. Though this produces overspray, it ensures you get a fast flow rate of 0.31 gal/min for quick coverage and allows you to spray unthinned paint at high pressure.
Just like the ControlMax 1700 Pro, this tool is mounted on a two-wheeled cart, which makes it easily portable, and can carry a 5-gallon paint with it. That said, the product is equipped with a flexible suction tube that allows for spraying directly from a paint bucket.
A 25-ft hose is included for connecting the pump to the spray gun, but the pump can support up to a 100-ft. hose for extended reach when working on high ceilings.
Other features include adjustable pressure settings for better control, a power flush adapter that connects to a garden hose for easy cleaning and a reversible tip for clog-free use. On the downside, you don’t get spray pattern adjustment settings for altering the fan’s shape.
Note: Recommended usage is up to 125 gallons/ year.
More Detailed: Graco Magnum X7 Review
Pros:
- Powerful pump with a max output of 3000 PSI
- Cart mounted design for easy portability
- Flexible suction tube for spraying directly from a paint bucket
- Pressure adjustment settings
- Supports up to a 100-ft hose
Cons:
- No spray pattern adjustment settings
- Creates excessive overspray
5. Fuji Spray 2203G Semi-PRO 2 (Best Gravity-Feed)
Photo: Fuji Spray
- Power: Corded, 120V
- Max. Pressure: 5 PSI
- Cup Size: 0.4 qt.
- Weight: 25.2 lbs.
Fuji Spray’s Semi-Pro 2 comes with an M-model non-bleed spray gun, which has a gravity-feed 0.4-qt cup that requires significantly less air pressure for paint atomization.
This spray gun features a dedicated fan knob for adjusting the spray pattern from a 1-inch circular to 12-inch oval size, stainless steel fluid passages that prevent needle tip wearing and multiple air caps (ranging from 0.8-2mm) for spraying different types of paints.
Power is provided by a 1400-watt 2-stage turbine, which supplies air at a maximum pressure of 5 PSI and a 25-ft hose is included to connect it to the spray gun.
Other features include quick-change turbine filters for easy maintenance, a gun holder on the turbine’s case for convenient storage and an easy-to-disassemble gun design for quick cleaning and maintenance.
The only problem is that the paint cup is quite small, which requires multiple refills when working on a large project.
Pros:
- Gravity-feed spray gun; requires less air pressure for atomization
- Long 25-ft. hose
- Quick-change turbine filters
- Stainless steel fluid passages prevent needle tip wearing
- Includes multiple air caps
Cons:
- Small paint cup
6. Graco 16Y385 (Best Lightweight)
Photo: Graco
- Power: Corded, 120V
- Max. Pressure: 1500 PSI
- Cup Size: 1 qt.
- Weight: 3.5 lbs.
Holding a sprayer while painting the ceiling can be quite tiring if it is heavy. However, Graco’s 16Y385 is a lightweight unit that weighs only 3.5 lbs. and has a compact all-in-one design, which makes it very convenient to use.
Instead of the regular plastic or metallic paint cups, this piece is equipped with flex liner bags, which are easily reusable and recyclable. This makes them ideal for multi-color projects.
These bags are held tightly in place using VacuValve technology, which creates an airtight system that allows you to spray in any orientation, including upside down. This is very handy when working on ceilings.
Other features include a stainless-steel piston pump that can spray unthinned paint, a reversible tip for easy unclogging and an in-handle storage for keeping the extra tip that is included.
On the downside, there are no pressure, airflow or spray pattern adjustment settings and the power cord is very short, measuring only 1.5 ft. in length. This requires an extension to enhance flexibility.
Note: Recommended usage is up to 25 gallons/ year.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Reusable and recyclable flex liner bags
- VacuValve technology allows you to spray at any angle
- Reversible tip
- Can spray unthinned paint
Cons:
- No adjustment settings
- Short power cord
7. Graco Magnum 257025 (Easy-to-Clean)
Photo: Graco
- Power: Corded, 110V
- Max. Pressure: 2800 PSI
- Weight: 10 lbs.
With its power flush adapter, Graco’s Magnum 257025 can be easily connected to a garden hose for cleaning purposes. This enables you to pass clean water through the system until all the paint is cleared out.
Other than that, you get a stainless-steel piston pump that can spray unthinned paint at high pressure (2800 PSI), and this pressure is adjustable to give you control during the spraying process.
More features include a flexible suction tube for spraying directly from a paint bucket, storage compartments for the spray gun, tips and power cord, a 25-ft. hose with support to up to 50-ft. and reversible tips.
However, the pattern is not adjustable for vertical, round or horizontal spraying.
Pros:
- Power flush adapter for easy cleaning
- Stainless steel piston pump sprays unthinned paint at high pressure
- Pressure adjustment settings
- Flexible suction tube; sprays directly from a paint bucket
- Onboard storage compartments
Cons:
- Nonadjustable spray pattern shape
8. Wagner Spraytech 0525027 (With a Material Selection Lever)
Photo: Wagner Spraytech
- Power: Corded, 110V
- Cup Size: 1 qt.
Wagner Spraytech’s 0525027 features a material selection lever, which enables you to set the sprayer to match the material that you are spraying. You can adjust to “paint”, which is ideal for spraying thick coats or “stain” for applying thin coats.
That said, the sprayer is equipped with a 1-qt. paint cup, which has a flexible suction tube inside that allows you to spray from any angle as you move around the ceiling.
Other features include spray pattern adjustment to vertical or horizontal spraying and a twist-lock mechanism for easy refilling of the paint cup. However, this piece is very bulky because it has an all-in-one turbine and spray-gun design, which might not fit easily in tight spaces.
Pros:
- Material selection lever for adjusting to the paint type
- Flexible suction tube; allows for spraying from any angle
- Spray pattern adjustment
- Twist-lock mechanism for easy paint refiling
Cons:
- Bulky design
9. Wagner Spraytech 0525032 (Best 2-Cup)
Photo: Wagner Spraytech
- Cup Size: 1, 1.5 qt.
- Weight: 9 lbs.
This paint sprayer is quite similar to Wagner Spraytech’s 0525027 in design, but it comes with 2 differently-sized paint cups. The small 1-qt cup is meant for smaller projects while the large 1.5-qt container holds enough paint for large volume jobs.
Switching between the two is simplified by a twist-lock mechanism, which also makes it very easy to refill.
Power is provided by a tungsten carbide piston pump, which is very durable, while an electronic 2-speed setting helps you to control the paint output when spraying large surfaces or narrow trims and the like.
Other features include an Optimus dual tip that reduces overspray, a low-level indicator that shows you when it’s time to refill and a multi-directional suction tube that allows you to spray in any direction.
However, this sprayer has a bulky design that does not fit easily in tight spaces.
Pros:
- Comes with 1 and 1.5 qt. paint cups
- Twist-lock mechanism for quick refilling
- Adjustable speed/paint flow settings
- Low-level indicator
- Multi-directional suction tube
Cons:
- Bulky design
10. Paint Zoom GPCT18 (Best 3-Way Nozzle Head)
Photo: Paint Zoom
- Power: Corded, 120V
- Cup Size: 0.9 qt.
- Weight: 5 lbs.
Paint Zoom’s GPCT18 HVLP sprayer is characterized by a 3-way direct-dial nozzle head, which allows you to spray a vertical, horizontal or round spray fan to suit different surfaces.
The unit has a separate turbine that stays stationary on the ground, leaving you with a very compact spray gun that is easily maneuverable in tight spaces.
Connecting the two is a 5-ft. hose, which is not very long, but the turbine’s housing is fitted with a carrying handle for easy movement around the work area.
Other features include a paint flow adjustment knob for more control, a viscosity cup and a carrying strap for the turbine.
Pros:
- 3-way direct-dial nozzle for adjusting the spray pattern
- Carrying handle and strap for easy portability
- Paint flow adjustment knob
Cons:
- Short hose
Conclusion
Even though all the products reviewed above are the best paint sprayers for ceilings, Titan Tool’s ControlMax 1700 Pro stands out as the best of the best because it is powerful, has reduced overspray, comes with a long hose and is mounted on a cart for easy mobility.
Though very costly, Fuji Spray’s Mini-Mite 4 offers even more spraying efficiency because it is an HVLP unit. However, if you want an affordable sprayer, we recommend Wagner Spraytech’s 0518050 as the best choice.