Best Paint Sprayers for Fences Review

Applying a special sprayer is the most effective and comfy way to paint a fence. Such a tool will save you a lot of time and effort, and, in the end, you will be satisfied with a smooth and even finish. But how to choose the best paint sprayers for fences?

In this article, I’ll explore a variety of features that matter most when choosing a sprayer for fence stain. From adjustable spray patterns and nozzle options to tank capacity and ease of cleaning, I’ll break down the nitty-gritty details to ensure you’re armed with all the knowledge you need before making your investment. No more guessing games – just a straightforward, comprehensive review of the top paint sprayers for staining fences.

Our pick

Fuji Semi-PRO 2

Best fence stain sprayer

The Fuji Spray Semi-PRO 2 Model is ideal for spraying furniture pieces, cabinets, walls, ceilings, doors, fences, and shutters. Read the full review.

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Fence stain sprayer comparsion table

How to choose a fence stain sprayer?

Paint sprayer types

There are two main types of fence paint sprayers – high volume low pressure, and airless ones. Each model has its own pros and cons.

HVLP sprayer

Are you a newcomer to the realm of paint sprayers? If so, the HVLP sprayer is your ideal starting point. Its user-friendly nature and forgiving application make it a fantastic choice for beginners. You’ll quickly grasp the basics of handling a paint sprayer while also enjoying the satisfaction of achieving stunning outcomes from the get-go.

This type of sprayer is based on compressed air that activates the stain to spread it on the surface. Such a tool is ideal for smaller jobs that require a detailed finish. Even though it is slower than an airless analog, it minimizes overspraying and saves paint.

Airless sprayer

When it comes to airless stain sprayers, they do not require compressed air but use material pressure instead. Typically, it is a pump or an engine that places the stain under pressure, thus transforming it into a spray. By the way, many professionals prefer airless sprayers because they are much faster than other models.

Airless stain sprayers come in a variety of forms tailored to your staining endeavors. There are the trusty handheld units – those compact companions perfect for tackling smaller tasks with finesse. And then we have the heavyweight portable version, ready to tackle more ambitious staining projects. Their main disadvantage is overspray, which is usually justified by the tool’s efficiency, especially in large projects.

Coating compatibility

Ideally, a modern paint sprayer for decks and fences should be compatible with various types of stains. This coating compatibility is achieved owing to nozzles of different sizes. Some sprayers include only small nozzles, while others come with a set of nozzles for each particular job. Since fence paint is quite a thin material, it generally requires a small spray tip. Such a nozzle permits applying the stain evenly and reduces the waste of paint.

Various spray patterns support

You can cope with dozens of painting projects owing to various spray patterns. Typically, you can pick a round, vertical or horizontal pattern. However, having an opportunity to switch the pattern will save time, effort, and even money since it minimizes overspray.

Sprayer capacity

You can pick a paint cup of a different volume depending on the amount of work that you have to complete. It goes without saying that bigger cups are heavier, especially when filled with paint. Commonly, you will require a bigger cup when it comes to painting fences. Moreover, larger volumes save the time needed for refilling the cup with paint.

How I tested stain sprayers for fence

I tested all the models of stain sprayers described in this review while painting a wooden fence in my yard to find the best stain sprayer for a fence. The first step was to prepare the area and protect the trees and grass from stains. Then I tried each model and used different nozzles and patterns to alter the speed and check the paint waste.

After days of thorough testing, I gathered my notes and impressions. Each sprayer had its unique strengths – some were like precision artists, while others were the speed demons of the staining world. I weighed the efficiency against the potential for overspray, considering how these factors might play out in different scenarios.

Best fence stain sprayer reviews

HVLP paint sprayers

Fuji Semi-PRO 2 – best overall

If you are not a professional and looking for your first electric sprayer, have a look at Fuji Semi-PRO 2. It is an HVLP non-bleed spray gun with a powerful 1400-watt 2-stage motor in a metal turbine case. It is manufactured to apply paint on ceilings, walls, doors, fences, etc.

One of the advantages of this model is a long 25ft Hi-Flex hose that includes a built-in air control valve to minimize the waste of paint. With this sprayer, you have an opportunity to apply horizontal, vertical, and circular patterns for enhanced precision. Moreover, the tool’s durability is achieved due to the stainless steel nozzle and needle.

Compared to Wagner Control Spray Max, the Fuji sprayer is significantly heavier because of its metal details. On the other hand, the analog features plastic details that are lightweight and easy to break.

The manufacturer states that you can apply different types of paint with this sprayer due to multiple air cap sizes. I used Fuji Semi-PRO 2 to apply the stain on my wooden fence, and the tool coped with the task perfectly. It features an ergonomic grip, does not cause hand fatigue, and leaves a flawless finish. The sprayer is easy to control and adjust, and the overspray is minimal.

However, let’s acknowledge that no tool is without quirks. While the turbine’s vigor is commendable, its boisterous noise might be a point of consideration. Additionally, extended usage tends to heat up the turbine, warranting short breaks to prevent overheating.

Wagner Control Spray Max – budget pick

If you want a decent quality sprayer but your budget is limited, rivet your attention to Wagner Control Spray Max. It is a portable tool suitable for painting fences, door trims, decks, wooden furniture, etc. The sprayer has a powerful two-stage turbine with a power adjustment feature. Thanks to the pressure control dial and material flow control, you will get a consistent finish no matter which paints you use.

The kit includes a 1 ½ qt. cup for larger projects and professional grade metal 1 qt. cup for precise jobs. In addition, the pattern adjustments can be horizontal or vertical and wide or narrow.

Compared to Fuji Semi-PRO 2, it comes with a shorter 20ft hose, while the analog features a 25ft hose. Yet, it is significantly lighter than the analog and weighs only 11 pounds compared to Fuji’s 25 pounds.

I think the sprayer is easy to assemble, use, and clean even when you hold such a tool for the first time in your life. The plastic details look a bit cheaply built, but they do not affect the quality of work. After all, the coverage was good, the quality of the finish was fantastic, and it saved a lot of time and money with minimal overspray.

Airless paint sprayers

Graco Magnum X5 – for professionals

If you want to have your fence painted within a short timeframe, you will definitely want to purchase Graco Magnum X5. This airless sprayer is suitable for big indoor and outdoor projects, including painting decks, fences, sidings, and even small houses. The tool comes with a hardened stainless steel piston pump that allows you to adjust the pressure and alter the paint flow.

Magnum X5 includes a flexible suction tube that allows applying the spray straight from 1 or 5-gallon paint containers. In addition, the sprayer can support up to 75 ft. of paint hose, providing you with extra mobility at the workplace. You will be able to reverse the RAC IV 515 switch tip when clogged for non-stop spraying.

Compared to Wagner Control Pro 130, this tool is extremely easy to clean. You can simply connect it to a garden hose and have it cleaned within minutes. While the analog features less paint waste, this sprayer proves to be more efficient.

In my opinion, this sprayer is designed for professional use. It can cope with a large project quickly, and you will get a great finish. But be prepared that it will use more paint, as the overspray is significant. Moreover, you might need more time to prepare the painting area and clean the machine than the painting itself will take.

Wagner Control Pro 130

In case you require a universal airless sprayer for versatile unthinned materials, take a look at Wagner Control Pro 130. This model is appropriate for bigger jobs like staining garages, houses, fences, decks, etc. The item features high-efficiency airless technology, reducing the paint waste up to 55% and delivering a smooth finish.

You will like the design of this tool because it is extremely practical. The container comes with integrated handles and is comfortable enough for the gun and hose storage when not used. You can spray right from the 1.5-gallon can with a 25ft hose that provides extra maneuverability.

From my point of view, this sprayer is a bit slower than Graco Magnum X5, but at the same time, it uses less paint. While the analog is meant for professional use, this model is rather for DIY projects as it is less sturdy.

The system may get clogged from time to time, causing minor inconveniences. However, what I found really irritating was how long it took to clean the system after the painting job was done.

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