Best Paint Sprayers for Ceilings + Is It Better to Spray or Roll?

While it might not be the first thing to come to mind, ceilings can add to the overall look of a room. For those whose ceilings are showing their age, it might be time to freshen it up. Painting your ceiling is an easy way to give it new life.

If you’re looking for both quality and speed, you might be considering using a sprayer to paint your ceiling. This article will help you find and use the best paint sprayer for ceilings by covering the following:

• 10 best spray guns for painting ceilings
• What’s the best type of sprayer for walls and ceilings?
• Best way to paint ceilings: spray, roller, or brush?
• Best way to paint a ceiling with a sprayer

Before we get into painting a ceiling with a paint sprayer, let’s dive into the best paint sprayers for walls and ceilings. If you’re also considering brushes and rollers for painting your ceiling, check out the best paint brushes for ceilings.

10 best spray guns for painting ceilings

There’s a variety of paint sprayers available today. However, only some are well suited for use on ceilings. These are our recommendations for the best spray guns for painting ceilings.

1. HomeRight Super Finish Max Sprayer

Material: Brass, etc.

Weight: 1.5 kg

Capacity: 40 oz

Tip Size: 1.5, 2.0, and 4.0

Best Feature: Versatility

For a beautiful finish on your ceiling, try the HomeRight Super Finish Max Sprayer. This paint sprayer is equipped with adjustable settings to allow users to achieve the best coverage to their small or large project. It can be used with a variety of materials, including latex and milk paints, stains, and varnishes.

2. Graco TrueCoat 360 VSP Handheld Paint Sprayer

Material: Stainless steel, etc.

Pressure: 1500 PSI

Weight: 1.7 kg

Capacity: 42 oz

Tip Size: 0.015-inch

Best Feature: Controllability

The Graco TrueCoat 360 VSP Handheld Paint Sprayer is a perfect choice for a paint sprayer for walls and ceilings as it allows you to spray in any direction. This sprayer has been made to include VacuValve technology that allows you to securely hold it any way, and it also includes various speed settings to help you get your perfect coverage. It also includes FlexLiner bags, allowing you to easily switch between colours or materials.

3. Wagner SprayTech Control Spray Max HVLP Paint or Stain Sprayer

Material: Metal, plastic, etc.

Pressure: HVLP

Weight: 5.08 kg

Capacity: 1-1.5 qt

Best Feature: Adjustable pressure

If you want an HVLP ceiling spray gun that will work with almost any project, you need the Wagner SprayTech Control Spray Max HVLP Paint or Stain Sprayer. This sprayer is made with technology that helps you easily achieve a smooth finish. It works with a variety of materials regardless of their thickness.

4. Graco Ultra Cordless Airless Handheld Paint Sprayer

Pressure: 500-2000 PSI

Weight: 5.04 kg

Capacity: 32 oz

Best Feature: Portability

For quick and easy application, the Graco Ultra Cordless Airless Handheld Paint Sprayer is another great choice. This sprayer is really easy to use, is quick to set up, and really portable. It can be held at any angle to apply material, making it a great option for ceilings.

5. Titan Tool ControlMax High Efficiency Airless Paint Sprayer

Pressure: 1500 PSI

Tip Size: Various sizes available for purchase

Best Feature: Long-lasting

If you’re looking for an airless paint spray gun for ceilings that is easy to move around with, check out the Titan Tool ControlMax High Efficiency Airless Paint Sprayer. The sprayer is made with top technology to help you get the coverage you need while limiting mess. It also has a 25 foot hose, allowing users to walk around and spray larger projects without having to carry the entire weight of the sprayer.

6. Graco TrueCoat 360 DS Paint Sprayer

Pressure: 900 & 1500 PSI

Weight: 2.04 kg

Capacity: 32 oz

Tip Size: 0.015-inch

Best Feature: Adjustable pressure

Also part of the 360 line, the Graco TrueCoat 360 DS Paint Sprayer also offers lots of flexibility when painting. The VacuValve technology and adjustable speeds allow you to work in a way that is comfortable and gives you full control while painting ceilings. It even allows you to spray unthinned paint for faster application.

7. Hiltex Pneumatic Air Texture Spray Gun

Material: Metal, solid brass, etc.

Weight: 354 g

Capacity: 5 litres

Tip Size: 4, 6, and 8 mm

Best Feature: Affordable

The Hiltex Pneumatic Air Texture Spray Gun is a great option for those seeking comfort and affordability. The spray gun for popcorn ceilings is built with an easy grip handle that helps you remain comfortable while painting and also includes a lock control setting to make achieving even coverage easier. It works with various materials and can be sprayed at an angle to better paint walls and ceilings.

8. Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer

Pressure: 0.24 GPM

Weight: 7.26 kg

Capacity: 1 or 5 gallon paint bucket

Tip Size: 0.015-inch

Best Feature: Controllability

If you’re looking for a spray gun for ceilings that’s easy to control, opt for the Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer. This sprayer allows you to easily adjust the pressure in order to achieve your desired coverage. It’s also built to allow you to spray paint directly out of the bucket.

9. Wagner SprayTech Control Spray Double Duty Paint Sprayer

Pressure: HVLP

Weight: 1.88 kg

Capacity: 1 and 1.5 qt

Best Feature: Versatility

For a sprayer that can take on the largest ceilings, the Wagner SprayTech Control Spray Double Duty Paint Sprayer is a top choice. It is built with a powerful air turbine that is appropriate for interior and exterior projects and can provide a smooth finish. A variety of materials can be used with it.

10. Graco Magnum X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer

Material: Metal, etc.

Pressure: 3000 PSI

Weight: 8.62 kg

Capacity: 1 or 5 gallon paint bucket

Tip Size: 0.015-inch

Best Feature: Controllability

Also from the Graco Magnum line, the X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer prioritizes comfort and ease of use. This sprayer has adjustable settings to give you your ideal finish for a variety of projects. It also has a 75 foot hose to allow for better reach and improve your ability to move as you spray paint directly from the can.

What’s the best type of paint sprayer for walls and ceilings?

When searching for a sprayer for walls and ceilings, it’s important to understand what options are available and the pros and cons of each to find the one that’s best suited to your ceiling specifically. Here are the four types of sprayers to consider.

HVLP

High volume, low pressure (HVLP) paint sprayers are designed to work for a variety of projects. Using an air compressor, they’re able to spray a large volume of paint quickly. However, having the compressor means you’re limited to how much space you can cover at one time. These are best for ceilings in small rooms.

LVLP

Low volume, low pressure (LVLP) sprayers are very similar to HVLP sprayers. The biggest difference is the low pressure makes them a relatively safer choice. However, this also means that the application process will be much slower. LVLP options are best for small ceiling projects where time is not a concern.

Airless

Airless sprayers are able to spray paint without any technical components. The one downside of these sprayers is their tendency to overspray while using, making them better suited to large ceiling and wall projects.

Electric handheld

Electric handheld paint sprayers are the most compact and affordable of all the types of sprayers. They are often made with quality materials, have an ideal amount of pressure, and are easy to move around with. This all makes them a great choice for working on all ceiling projects, especially large ceilings.

Best way to paint ceilings: spray, roller, or brush?

If you’ve been asking if you should use a paint brush, spray, or roller on ceilings (or even “is it better to spray or roll a popcorn ceiling?”), you have two options that depend on your personal preferences. Paint sprayers are a great choice for ceilings if you want to achieve an even coverage in the shortest amount of time. However, it should be noted that this is the most expensive option and has the potential for overspray. Your other choice is to combine a brush for cutting in with a roller for painting the main surface of your ceiling. This is the best option if you want to paint with more precision, less mess, and for a smaller amount of money.

Choose a sprayer if…

• You want to work fast
• You’re not concerned about overspray or mess
• You have the money to invest

Choose a roller and brush if…

• You’re most concerned about precision
• You want to cut in the edges separate from the rest of the ceiling
• You want a more affordable, clean option

Best way to paint a ceiling with a sprayer

When you’re painting your ceiling on your own, it’s important to know what to do to get the best quality results. Follow these tips to best know how to paint a ceiling with a spray gun.

• Protect the surrounding area – To keep your focus on your painting, use painter’s tape and covers to protect any surfaces where you want to avoid getting paint on. Also make sure to remove any furniture and fixtures when possible.
• Clean the surface – Wipe down the ceiling to remove any dirt and debris. This will help the paint stick and keep your coverage smooth.
• Repair any damage – If your ceiling has any cracks or holes, fill them with caulk or spackle before painting. This will help you achieve smooth results and prevent damage to your work later.
• Apply a primer – Cover the ceiling in a coat of primer before you paint. This will help your paint to spread easily and provide it with more durability.
• Spray from edge to edge – When painting, start from one edge of the ceiling and paint all the way to the other. This will help with the evenness of your coverage.
• Overlap the paint – While painting from edge to edge, you also want to overlap the paint by 50%. This is done to help prevent lines.
• Finish before the paint dries – You’ll want to complete each coat of paint on the ceiling before it has dried. This helps prevent visible overlapping.

Now that you know everything about finding and using the best spray guns for ceilings, it’s time to get started on your project. If you think you’d prefer to hire a professional, the City Painters are here to help. Contact us here or give us a call for a free quote.