Manual spray guns and spray systems are designed to apply lacquers, varnishes and paints to furniture quickly and efficiently.

The best machines provide high-volume, high-quality finishes, while reducing misting, overspray and wastage.

Here’s a roundup of five manual spray-painting machines rated tops in their respective categories in terms of cost, performance and longevity.

The featured spray guns and spray systems are available in South Africa in a range of models, so prices vary. They’re suitable for DIY woodworkers and professional furniture restoration and manufacturing businesses.

Our pick of manual spray machines for furniture painting

If you’re on the hunt for manual spray-painting solutions to optimise output, find the category that suits your needs and read the review for more details. Better still, read the lot.

Meite 4001 Air-Atomising Gravity Spray Gun

BEST FOR: applying high-quality finishes to furniture 

The Meite 4001 Air Atomising Gravity Spray Gun is an affordable HVLP (high-volume low-pressure) applicator ideal for spraying top coats onto furniture.

It’s lightweight and has an ergonomic form-fitting design that’s comfortable to use for extended periods. The all-metal construction is resistant to corrosion and wear and tear.

Key features:

• adjustable paint flow, pattern width and air-flow control
• high fluid output
• fine atomisation with reduced paint wastage
• 360-degree adjustable nozzle, available in 1.4 mm or 1.7 mm sizes  
• limited overspray.

Graco FTXpress Airless Spray Gun

BEST FOR: quick, efficient and economical furniture spraying

Affordable, and easy to clean and maintain, the Graco FTXpress Airless Spray Gun is an entry-level option built for any sized job – domestic or industrial.

It has a thumb-engaged safety lock, and choice of two- or four-finger trigger configurations. 

Despite the competitive price points, the US-manufactured gun is tough, durable and boasts a range of innovative features to streamline efficiency and performance.

Key features:

• EasyGlide swivel feature for maximised movement
• enclosed needle design to reduce clogging
• detachable gun filter and trigger guard
• built-in seal to reduce spitting
• lightweight ergonomic design.

Anest Iwata DPS Series Spray System

BEST FOR: delivering large volumes of solvents and water-based paints

Featuring double-diaphragm pumps that rapidly transfer paint onto any surface, the Anest Iwata DPS Series Spray System is lightweight, portable and easy to use.

It is the go-to solution for spraying large volumes of fluids at outputs ranging from 5L/minute to 30L/minute. 

The double-spool air-operating valve, coupled with fully pneumatic pump control, ensures high-quality finishes every time.

Key features:

• high-volume, low-pressure system
• fluid pressure regulator to reduce overspray
• adjustable fluid output and pattern width
• collapsible pump structure for easy maintenance and cleaning
• high-capacity fluid filter.

Graco PerformAA Air-Assisted Airless Spray Gun

BEST FOR: high-pressure, high-flow applications of stains and lacquers

Specifically designed for spraying high-gloss products like wood stains and lacquers, the Graco PerformAA Air-Assisted Airless Spray Gun is all about durability, quality and performance.

It’s a top-of-the-range high-pressure applicator that has the capacity to meet industry demands, quickly and efficiently.

Limited air usage reduces waste and produces optimal quality finishes. Throw in the gun’s lightweight aluminium construction, and the PerformAA does indeed support the model’s tagline, Performance Above All.

Key features:

• RAC tip for easy cleaning
• ergonomic handle with optimised balance and trigger pull
• adjustable fan pattern control
• corrosion- and wear-resistant.  

Meite DPP Series of Spray Systems 

BEST FOR: stable, high-volume industrial-scale furniture spraying  

Featuring a double-diaphragm design for efficient drawing in and dispersal of pressurised material, the Meite DPP Series of Spray Systems are suitable for high-volume industrial applications.

Besides providing a stable fluid output, the systems operate at a comparatively low noise level to enhance operator comfort.

Pumps are manufactured from lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminium, while diaphragms are made from easy-to-clean Teflon for strength and durability.

Key features:

• tough, durable double-diaphragm pumps
• dual-piston directional valve
• lightweight and easy to use
• corrosion-resistant 
• 15L/minute maximum flow rate.

To learn more about our high-performance manual spray painting machines for furniture – or to discuss alternative spray systems that may best suit your requirements – contact us at SCT and we’ll be glad to help.