Best Sprayer For Staining A Fence
Adrienne started her professional life as a gardener at her local parks department and went on to train at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh where she was the first female student on the prestigious and world-renowned horticultural course run by the Botanic garden. An experienced and award-winning garden writer and past editor of some of Britain’s favourite gardening magazines, Adrienne has for over 30 years, inspired gardeners with a breadth of gardening know-how plus creative and decorative ideas. One of her main aims is to make gardening accessible, even to the smallest green fingers, with her clear advice and straightforward step-by-step instructions. Adrienne loves to travel and has visited, given talks and met ordinary home gardeners in far flung places like China, South Africa, Philippines and Caribbean as well as the UK.
1. Wagner Spraytech HVLP Control Stain Sprayer
Key Features
HVLP spray gun
Control finish nozzle
Three spray patterns
Adjustable flow
1qt container
4.1oz spray per minute
Our top choice for the best fence stain sprayer is the Wagner Spraytech HVLP Control Stain Sprayer. This is an electric sprayer that has a relatively small 1qt container to hold your solution and a fine nozzle, making it very suitable for thin paints and stains. If you have a thick coating paint, you will need to dilute it first before use; otherwise, it will block the nozzle. It is also recommended to strain your stain before use to avoid any unnecessary build-up of debris, although the built-in filter will help with this.
The Wagner Spraytech can be used to apply oil or water-based solutions when staining a fence, and you have the option to alter the spray pattern to be horizontal, vertical, or round. The air pressure and therefore flow can also be adjusted up to a maximum of 4.1oz per minute, meaning that at its lowest settings you will be able to have a very fine, control spray. This HVLP paint sprayer is described as easy to use and easy to clean, but if you use oil-based paint, it will still take you a good amount of time, and you will need more than water to remove the residue. Overall the Wagner Spraytech is a good option for smaller projects but not recommended for staining fences that are particularly large as you will need to cover the areas several times and therefore need to replenish the stain solution frequently.
Pros
Adjustable flow
Fine nozzle
Easy to control
Cons
Not as easy to clean as advertised
2. REXBETI 700 Watt High Power Paint Sprayer
Key Features
1000ml per minute spray
1000ml container
Six nozzle sizes
700watt
Electric paint sprayer
Three spray patterns
Adjustable flow control
6.6ft power cord
The Rexbeti 700w High Power Paint Sprayer will give you a high-speed airflow, meaning it will cover surfaces very quickly in comparison to similar-sized sprayers. In this kit, you get six different shaped nozzles, ranging from 1.0mm to 3.00mm, with the smaller sizes designed for thin paints and varnish, and the larger for latex or chalk type paint. The instructions included to change the nozzles and the type of solutions that should be used are a little vague. It would be better to consult the internet guides for clearer instructions.
The Rexbeti has a 1000ml (1qt) container, with adjustable pressure so you can alter the spray flow speed as you wish. At its highest setting of 1000ml per minute, you will get your fence paint distributed in no time. As with the Wagner Spraytech, it is best to dilute your paints for even distribution and to avoid any solution clogging up in the nozzle. The length of the included extension lead will be appreciated if you need to spray paint on a fence that is a distance away from your power supply.
Pros
Six nozzles adjustable control
Adjustable spray pattern
High-speed output
Cons
Instructions are a little vague
3. Chapin 1 Gallon Lawn, Garden and Multi-Purpose Sprayer
Key Features
1-gallon tank
Two nozzles
Anti-clog filter
Ergonomic handle
12-inch wand
34-inch hose
0.4gallon per minute
The Chapin 1 Gallon Law, Garden and Multi-Purpose Sprayer is our budget pick of the best fence sprayer. This is a pump sprayer, so there is no electric power, and you must create the pressure used to operate the tool by manually pumping the top of the container. It is typically used for spraying weed killers or fertilizers, but it works perfectly well as a paint sprayer for a thin stain solution.
The foaming nozzle is adjustable and allows you to see exactly where you have already sprayed, which makes it easier to achieve an equal distribution. The cone nozzle, which can be switched with the foam nozzle, is adjustable to give you either a gentle mist or a coarser stream. While a pump sprayer is not always the easiest to hold and operate, the Chapin does have a 34-inch hose, with a 12-inch wand and the horizontal stream can reach 23 feet so that you get a good amount of reach with this product. Thanks to the minimal number of parts, and a wide neck, this fence paint sprayer is also relatively easy to clean.
Pros
Affordable
Filter included
Foam nozzle
Cons
A little flimsy
4. Graco Magnum X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer
Key Features
Adjustable paint flow
No need to thin paint
Spray directly from the tin
Garden host connection
110v
Easy cleaning
Reliable start
Our premium pick for the best fence sprayer is the Graco Magnum X5. With this model, there is no paint container as you connect the suction tube directly to a 1 or 5-gallon paint or stain tin. You also don’t need to dilute or thin any paint for this sprayer. As a result, there is less preparation time involved, and you can begin spraying immediately.
The Graco has a stainless steel piston pump which gives you an output of up to 0.27gallons (1.22litres) per minute, and this pressure is adjustable. The TrueAirless Spray Tip is designed to give you a softer spray, despite the high speed, so you have greater control and should get less overspray. A 0.015inch tip is part of the standard kit, and larger sizes are not recommended. A 25ft Duraflex hose is also included with the kit, but the device does support a hose of up to 75ft if you require greater flexibility. This sprayer is easier than many others to clean as you can attach a garden hose directly to it and allow the water to flow through the unit, washing out any leftover stain. While the Graco is more expensive than many other brands, it does give you great results and will allow you to apply relatively thick paint quickly. It is one of the airless paint sprayers so you will get high-quality coverage but you will need to tape and cover surrounding areas well.
Pros
Attach directly to a paint tin
No need to dilute paint
Quick spraying for larger tasks
Cons
Primers may clog the machine
No additional nozzle sizes included
5. YATTICH High Power HVLP Spray Gun
Key Features
Five nozzle sizes
Three spray patterns
Adjustable flow control
6.6ft power cord
Copper nozzles
Dust and moisture resistant
800ml container
Cleaning needle and brush included
The Yattich High Power HVLP Spray Gun comes with copper nozzles instead of the usual plastic versions, so you should get greater durability when they are used over time. They are also less likely to break when you change them. These sizes range from 1.2mm to 3mm, and you can adjust the spray pattern between horizontal, vertical, and circular patterns. This model also promotes its safety features, with double-layer insulation materials to protect your hands when in use.
The Yattich electric spray gun has an adjustable flow speed, which can give you a maximum of 800ml per minute, and this is easy to control with a simple dial. The container capacity is 800ml and the maximum spraying air pressure is 0.1-0.2 bar. Included in this kit, in addition to the nozzles and main unit, is a nozzle cleaning needle, a cleaning brush, a spanner plus a viscosity cup to help you dilute your paint. Given that you can easily disassemble this unit, and have the cleaning utensils included, this is one for best sprayers for staining in terms of cleaning.
Pros
Cleaning tools included
Adjustable nozzles, patterns, and flow
Easy to disassemble for cleaning
Cons
Small container
6. Dicfeos 700W High Power Paint Sprayer
Key Features
1300ml container
Four nozzle sizes
700w motor
Adjustable spray patterns
1200ml/minute maximum flow
6.6ft power cable
Detachable design
Paint strainer included
The Dicfeos 700w Paint Sprayer is a relatively lightweight unit with a 1300ml container, so it should need refilling less often than several of the other units we reviewed. The sprayer comes with four different sized nozzles – the 1.3 to 2.6mm ones are best for varnish and thin pains, and the 3.0mm nozzle works best for latex paint and chalk paint. You can adjust the pattern of the spray, as well as the flow rates, which can reach a maximum of 1200ml/minute. Most stains or paints will need to be diluted before using them with this product.
Included with the Dicfeos, are three paint strainers, a container lid (in case you have leftover paint), a sponge filter, and various cleaning accessories. One downside with this model is that the adjustable flow knob doesn’t stay in place with the required tension for a long time, so you will need to keep an eye on this and continuously tweak it for the desired flow. Aside from this, it works exceptionally well as a sprayer for staining small to medium projects.
Pros
Good size container
Cleaning accessories included
Strainers and nozzles included
Cons
Adjustable flow knob is a little unreliable
7. Chapin International 2Gal Steel Deck Sprayer
Key Features
Two-gallon tank
Three nozzle designs
Ergonomic handle
Wide mouth
12-inch want
60-inch hose
0.4gpm
Our value choice for the best paint sprayer is the Chapin Professional Tri-Poxy Steel Deck Sprayer. This is a pump spray gun, so it is not powered by electricity but works effectively as a sprayer for staining deck and fence surfaces. This model is called a Tri-Poxy thanks to the design of the tank: It is lined to provide triple protection again rust, dents, and corrosion. There is a large funnel at the top of the container, which makes it easier to fill and to clean. As it holds two gallons of paint or spray, you should be able to go for a while without having to stop and refill.
The paint sprayer comes with a 60-inch extension hose, a filter, and three different applicator tips. You must select the right tip style for the type of stain you want to apply to avoid clogging. With the right product and the right nozzle, you can apply the stain quickly and evenly, despite it being a manual pump design. It is not especially easy to use as a perfect application might take a bit of trial and error.
Pros
Easy to clean and fill
Large container
Great value
Cons
Doesn’t work with all stains
8. NEU MASTER 600 Watt High Power HVLP Home Electric Paint Spray Gun
Key Features
Electric paint spray gun
Three spray patterns
600watts
Adjustable valve
Lightweight
Six-foot hose
6.6ft power cord
Two nozzles
If you are looking for lightweight yet effective sprayers for staining fences then the Neu Master 600 watt Home Electric Paint Spray Gun is worth considering. The top of the unit is detachable, weighing less than a handheld spraying paint gun, at only 3lbs once filled with staining or paint solution. You can choose to rest the bulk of the unit on the floor or carry it around using the included shoulder strap. With a six-foot hose and a long power cable, you get the flexibility you need to tackle a variety of staining tasks.
The Neu Master has two different nozzles of 2.5 and 3mm, and the spray pattern and flow can be adjusted. This machine will work with a wide range of paints and stains, provided they can pass through the included viscosity paint cups within 60seconds. If not, they will be too thin and cause blockages. There may be a noticeable amount of overspray paint with this unit, so it is best to cover all surrounding surfaces very carefully when staining a fence. The container on this paint sprayer will hold 800ml of a solution, and cleaning utensils plus caps and a viscosity cap is included. At maximum pressure, it will produce 24 oz per minute (almost 700ml).
Pros
Easy to clean
Good value for money
Lightweight
Cons
Instructions hard to follow
Considerable risk of overspray
Features To Consider With Fence Stain Sprayers
Type
When selecting the best sprayer to stain your fence, you have various types to choose from.
- Airless Paint Sprayer uses lots of pressure to force paint through the nozzle of the unit, forming an even pattern of droplets. These are great for large volume work and tend to be quite expensive. However, an airless sprayer may cause overspray so isn’t best for small tasks.
- HVLP Paint Sprayers are high volume, low-pressure units that minimize pressure to produce a high volume of droplets. It will provide a great finish but won’t be quick; however, they are well suited for precision tasks.
- LVLP stands for low volume low-pressure models, and these are very popular for amateur DIYers. They are more affordable and can run off regular air compressors to cover large surfaces easily, much like an airless sprayer.
- Pump Style Sprayers are those that require manual pumping to build up pressure and create a vacuum inside the unit. You will need to push and pull the handle continuously until it becomes difficult to move – this means the container is now pressurized and ready to spray. These models require more manual effort but are a good affordable option for small tasks.
Speed
The maximum flow rate of a paint sprayer indicates the speed at which the paint will be forced out of the gun. This can range considerably from 10oz per minute up to 50oz per minute or higher for commercial machines. A high flow rate will be preferred if you have large surfaces to stain, but this may also make them harder to control and increase the risk of overspray. High speed and spray power will be best to paint uneven surfaces.
Container Size
The container size for a stain sprayer or paint sprayer is also known as the capacity. The typical capacity range will be from 800ml to 2litres. The larger the size, the less often you will have to refill the tank, which is useful if you need to spray a significant area of fencing or decking. A smaller tank will need replenishing more but will reduce the likelihood of wasting any solution. Lower capacities will often be more affordable, so work well as starter model sprayers for stain application.
Quality Finish
A wood stain sprayer or paint sprayer is designed to give you a quality, even finish but in less time than using a brush (which gives you the best quality coverage and finish).
However, the quality of the finish will be affected by any clogging and clumps that form in your stain or paint. This will prevent it from being distributed evenly. Most often, this happens if your solution is not the right viscosity to suit the sprayer, or the nozzles are too wide or narrow for the stain. If you already know what paint or stain you want to use on your fence, search for a sprayer that is compatible with this. If you haven’t decided on a stain yet, take your time researching its properties and how to apply it evenly in terms of dilution and compatible nozzles.
Manoeuvrability
The best paint sprayers for staining a fence should be easy to use, and this includes how easy it is to move around. A model that doesn’t fit in your hand comfortably is too heavy to hold or has a very small extension cord is going to make it difficult to manoeuvre. If you are concerned about having to hold the unit for a long time, which is likely if you have a large fence to stain, then you should consider getting a model that holds the paint in a container on the floor and gives you a handheld gun. This gives you greater flexibility, although be sure to get an adequate length of hose, so you don’t have to move the floor unit continuously.
Adjustable Spray Angles
Most of the sprays for staining a fence we reviewed have adjustable spray shapes or angles; usually, these are circular, horizontal, and vertical. This can help you target difficult to reach areas and select the paint finish that you prefer.
How To Stain A Fence With A Sprayer
Before staining fences you need to take a good look at the wood, removing any nails, broken fragments, and ideally cleaning and sanding it down before beginning, so you get an even surface to work with. You should also cover any nearby surfaces with clothes or tape to avoid accidentally staining other areas.
Once the wood is smooth and dry, you can begin applying the stain with the sprayer. Be sure to use a continuous movement when you apply the stain, so that it will be move even, and keep a brush nearby so you can get into any tight corners if needed. If your fence paint needs two coats, then you should apply the second coat approximately one hour after the first.
Lastly, you will need to be patient and wait for at least 24hours before touching the fence.
Fence Stain Sprayer FAQ
Q: Is it better to spray or roll stain on a fence?
Generally speaking, a brush is a preferred method when it comes to fence staining as it allows you to get the stain to penetrate right into the wood grain. However, a brush makes it difficult to get to the hard to reach areas, and it takes a considerable amount of effort.
Rollers and sprayers are therefore often opted for as a way to complete the task with less manual labour and in a quicker period.
Roll staining allows you to apply the stain quickly and evenly, but you won't be able to tackle the hard to reach areas and corners. You will still need a brush to help you.
Airless paint sprayers are the quickest method to stain a fence and will help you get into all the nooks and crannies. Yet the challenge with this is over spraying and having difficulty to control spray, so you end up covering surrounding surfaces with stain. A sprayer is very effective, but you need to do thorough preparation to protect the areas before starting.
Q: Can I stain a fence with a pump sprayer?
Yes, a pump sprayer can be used to stain a fence. Ensure the fence is cleaned and prepared, and the surrounding areas are protected, and add the wood stain to your pump. Be sure you are about 10inches away from the fence while spraying. An HVLP sprayer or an airless paint sprayer can also be used for staining a fence.
Q: How many layers of stain should I apply on a fence?
If you are applying solid-color stains, then one coat may be enough. If you have chosen a semi-transparent stain, then you will need at least two coats. Check the manufacturers' instructions for exact details.
Q: How do I clean a sprayer after staining?
It is essential to clean your paint sprayer or stain sprayer after use to ensure that leftover paint or stain does not damage your nozzle or the internal seal.
For water-based stains then a good wash with soap and water should be enough to clean the sprayer. Be sure to flush clean water through the nozzle after cleaning to remove any debris.
If the stains are oil-based, then you will need some form of solvent, such as white spirit. Again be sure to rinse the sprayer with clean water afterward.
A pump sprayer for fence staining will be one of the easier models to clean whereas an electric spray gun or HVLP paint sprayer that has multiple different parts will be more difficult.