Tired of buying brushes and rollers only to spend the entire weekend on a single project? Then you are in need of a sprayer for polyurethane. They allow you to finish any job much faster than brushing while leaving a beautiful and even finish. Let’s take a look at the best sprayers for polyurethane so your next project goes as smoothly as possible.
Our Top 6 Sprayers For Polyurethane
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Our Top Pick | Our Top Pick | Homeright Super Finish Max C800971
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Best Budget | Best Budget | Wagner Spraytech 0417005
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Best High-End | Best High-End | Fuji Spray 2202 Semi-Pro 2
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Best Airless | Best Airless | Graco TrueCoat 17A466
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Homeright Finish Max C800766
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Best Air-Assisted | Best Air-Assisted | Astro Pneumatic 4008
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What Are Sprayers For Polyurethane?
Polyurethane sprayers are great tools for applying polyurethane, especially for bigger jobs. Brushes and rollers work great, but you won’t be able to cover nearly as much of an area with them. Never worry about leaving behind brush strokes again!
They will look a little different based on what type of sprayer they are. For the most part, they consist of a handheld gun with a customizable tip that connects to a reservoir that holds your urethane. Some use turbines to create pressure, and some use an air source.
This may not sound like a problem at first because the grout should prevent water from reaching the wood underneath, but this isn’t always a reality. Gaps or cracks in grouting can expose the subfloor to water which can lead to a nightmare if it isn’t remedied. If the wood expands, it will either create an uneven surface or cracks in the tile or grout. This is why it is important to be thorough and make sure you are using a suitable product.
What Are The Different Types of Sprayers For Polyurethane?
There are three different main types of sprayers for polyurethane on the market. They differ in how they deliver the urethane from the tank to your project. When shopping for a new sprayer, you will encounter airless, air-assisted, and HVLP models.
Air-Assisted
These types of sprayers are the most basic type, using an air compressor to pressure themselves. These tend to be easier for beginners to use, cheaper, and work better for smaller interior projects. That said, you will need to purchase a compressor if you don’t already own one. You will also have to ensure that you are using the correct amount of pressure to spray a seamless finish.
Airless
Airless systems work by using a built-in turbine or pump to create lots of pressure and spray the urethane through the gun. These are great for bigger projects like decks and other exterior surfaces because they can get messy in the hands of a novice. You can still use them for smaller interior projects but watch out for overspray and leaving an uneven finish. Expect to pay more money for airless sprayers than air-assisted ones.
HVLP
HVLP stands for high-velocity low-pressure. As opposed to airless systems, HVLP sprayers distribute polyurethane using a much lower pressure. This enables them to leave a cleaner-looking finish, waste less urethane, and create less of a mess. You can expect these types of sprayers to cost more than other types.
How Do Sprayers For Polyurethane Work?
Polyurethane sprayers use pressurized air or gravity to propel the urethane from a tank to your surface. The pressurized urethane is then pumped through a hose, gun, and finally out of a customizable tip. Different tips or nozzles will spray the urethane at different rates and in various patterns.
Airless and air-assisted models use more pressure to spray the polyurethane than an HVLP system. This makes them better for medium to large projects, but overspray is more of a possibility with these. Since HVLP sprayers use less pressure, they are more suited for small to medium jobs because they are slower than the other two types.
What Do You Look For In The Best Sprayers For Polyurethane?
When in the market for a new polyurethane sprayer, you will want to first consider a few things before buying. Different types of sprayers will usually work better than others for specific situations.
Air Source
Do you own an air compressor with a spray hose? Do you not mind the extra noise and space needed for the compressor? If not, then consider an air-assisted system.
If you don’t want to bother with an air compressor, then you are going to need an airless or HVLP sprayer.
Water Vs. Oil-Based Polyurethane
Since different types of sprayers use different amounts of pressure to apply the polyurethane, some will work better with either water or oil-based polyurethanes.
As a rule of thumb, water-based products leave a clearer finish than oil-based ones. Oil polyurethanes will leave an amber or yellowish finish, and they will become more noticeable over time.
Both types of polyurethane are toxic and are full of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that you should avoid breathing in. Spraying urethanes will release more of these compounds than brushing or rolling will, requiring you to wear proper protective equipment when working. Oil-based products have a higher VOC content and take longer to dry than water-based polyurethane.
If you want to extend the life of your sprayer, you will need to regularly clean it after use. Water-based urethanes can be cleaned with water, while oil polyurethane requires mineral spirits.
Variable Spray Settings
Some sprayers will have different spray settings, delivering the polyurethane using a different amount of pressure. This is a nice option if you plan to tackle plenty of different types and sizes of projects, but they will surely cost more money.
Project Size
You must consider what types of jobs you will be using your new polyurethane sprayer since some are better for smaller projects and some excel at larger ones. Airless and air-assisted sprayers work better for larger projects, and HVLP sprayers are more suited to smaller ones.
Best Sprayer For Polyurethane Reviewed
Here is a list of our top six polyurethane sprayers. Decide what type of projects you need to get done and your constraints before making a decision.
Homeright Super Finish Max C800971 (Best Overall)
The Homeright Super Finish Max sprayer is an HVLP sprayer that is perfect for any small to medium DIY or commercial job. It has six different spray tips so you can confidently tackle anything from decks to fences and furniture.
It comes equipped with a large 39-fluid-ounce tank, allowing you to spend less time refilling your polyurethane and more time spraying. Unlike lesser sprayers, it is capable of spraying unthinned polyurethane. This means less time prepping and more time spraying, not to mention it’s easy to clean!
Pros
- HVLP system produces the best finish
- Multiple spray tips for different jobs
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not suited for very large projects
- More expensive than some sprayers
Wagner Spraytech 0417005 (Best Budget)
The Wagner Spraytech is unrivaled when it comes to spraying the perfect coat of polyurethane without breaking the bank. It is hard to beat the price of this model, especially since it’s an HVLP sprayer.
It boasts a variable flow trigger and an adjustable nozzle making it great for a variety of projects like desks, fences, and decks. You can also easily replace the filters in the gun, which comes in handy when working outside.
Unfortunately, it leaves a little to be desired in the power department. You will need to take some extra time to thin your polyurethane before spraying.
Pros
- Variable flow trigger for every job
- Large one-quart tank for fewer refills
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
Cons
- Not powerful enough to spray unthinned polyurethane
- Only three different spray nozzle options.
Fuji Spray 2202 Semi-Pro 2 (Best High-End)
The Fuji Spray 2202 Semi-Pro 2 is definitely the most versatile sprayer on our list, and it lives up to its high price tag.
It comes with an extra long 25ft. hose, allowing you more mobility and precision when spraying. No more tripping over yourself in tight spaces!
Combined with a powerful 1400-watt two-stage motor, airflow control, and multiple spray tips, you can tackle any DIY project with ease. That being said, some customers report issues in their polyurethane finish due to the excessive heat it generates on extra-large commercial projects.
Pros
- Easy enough to use for first-time DIY jobs
- Long hose with airflow control to reduce overspray
- Stainless steel construction is easy to clean and will last long
Cons
- Expensive
- Creates a lot of heat which can affect the finish
Graco TrueCoat 17A466 (Best Airless)
Graco is another company known for its stellar sprayers, and the TrueCoat series doesn’t deviate from this. The two-speed system enables you to quickly switch between large strokes and detail work, allowing for more versatility than many airless sprayers.
It only features two different tips, but its patented VacuValve technology allows you to spray in any direction. This makes getting those hard-to-reach corners above your head a problem of the past.
This might not be the best sprayer for beginners because it only has two speeds, making overspray a real possibility. It also is very expensive for a handheld airless sprayer.
Pros
- Versatile enough for any job, small or large
- Holds one quart of polyurethane, great for finishing big jobs faster
- Variable spraying speeds for switching between precision and speed
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suited for complete beginners
Homeright Finish Max C800766 (Best HVLP)
If you are looking for a solid HVLP sprayer that won’t break the bank, then look no further! The Finish Max sprayer comes with plenty of easy-to-use features, making it a great choice for most DIY enthusiasts looking to finally complete some smaller projects around the house.
It weighs less than three pounds, so say goodbye to hand cramps on those larger jobs. Cleaning, assembly, and use are all a breeze, even for first-time sprayers.
This sprayer won’t stand up to commercial use, and even avid DIY users shouldn’t expect it to last a lifetime. On the other hand, good luck finding another quality HVLP sprayer for this price.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight design makes big projects easier
- Flow control knob for adjusting the output
Cons
- Smaller tank than other sprayers on this list
- Plastic design won’t last as long as aluminum or stainless steel sprayers
Astro Pneumatic 4008 (Best Air Assisted)
If you don’t mind lugging around your air compressor, then the Astro Pneumatic sprayer is the best in its class. This sprayer doesn’t come with a ton of options and frills, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing for beginners.
It has an easily adjustable fan tip that goes up to 11”, making this sprayer a viable option for big and small projects alike. Its design also prevents spillage, allowing you to spray at any angle without creating a mess to clean. Not to mention, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy-to-use
- Holds one quart of polyurethane
Cons
- Requires an air compressor and spray hose
Final Thoughts On Sprayers For Polyurethane
Absolutely anybody can spray a beautiful coat of polyurethane, given that they have the right sprayer for the job. Before spending your hard-earned cash on a new sprayer for polyurethane, consider your skill level, the different types of sprayers, and the type of projects you need to knock out. Taking the time to consider these will make your next project go much faster than with a brush or roller and still look amazing.