Cut Fence Painting Time in Half with the Best Electric Paint Sprayers

Tired of spending full weekends bent over painting fences with a brush? There's a better way. Electric paint sprayers can transform fence painting from a back-breaking chore into a fast, efficient project. Keep reading to discover how to use electric sprayers to achieve professional results in half the time.

You'll learn the key features to look for when choosing an electric fence sprayer. We've researched and reviewed both corded and cordless electric models to recommend the top performers. Plus, we'll share pro tips to dial-in your sprayer settings and prep for flawless, fast fence painting.

Electric vs Airless Sprayers for Fencing

When it comes to powered paint spraying equipment, you have two main options: electric sprayers and airless sprayers. What's the difference, and which is better for fence painting? Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons:

Electric Paint Sprayers

Electric sprayers use an electric motor to siphon and atomize paint, pushing it through the spray nozzle via piston power. They tend to be more affordable, smaller, and easier to control than airless models.

Pros:

• Less expensive - great for small DIY jobs
• Compact and lightweight
• Easier to get an even coat and avoid drips

Cons:

• Lower pressure than airless - require more refilling
• Not as powerful for big commercial jobs

Airless Paint Sprayers

Airless sprayers use an electric, gas, or compressed air motor to push paint through a nozzle at extremely high pressure. They deliver more power for continuous spraying over large areas.

Pros:

• Very high pressure for fast, continuous spraying
• Great for covering huge areas efficiently
• Minimal refilling as paint tank lasts longer

Cons:

• More expensive than electric sprayers
• Overkill for most small DIY fence jobs
• Harder to control - higher risk of drips and uneven coat

For most homeowners tackling small to medium-sized fence painting projects, an electric sprayer is the best choice. Airless models excel for continuous large-scale commercial use, but their sheer power is often overkill for fences. Electric sprayers strike the ideal balance of affordability, convenience and control.

Features to Look for in Electric Fence Sprayers

When shopping for an electric fence sprayer, keep an eye out for these key features:

Adjustable Spray Patterns

Look for a sprayer with settings for both horizontal and vertical spray patterns. Being able to switch from a round spray to a flat, vertical spray allows you to easily coat fence boards from top to bottom.

Suitable Tip Sizes

The spray tip affects the width of the paint stream and the amount of pressure. For thin paints and stains, a tip with a smaller orifice allows enough pressure. For thicker paints, a wider tip opening prevents clogging.

Large Paint Reservoir

Since you'll be moving quickly along the fence, pick a sprayer with at least a 1-quart capacity reservoir to avoid constantly stopping to refill. Larger tanks are even better for big jobs.

Adequate Pressure and Flow

Look at the sprayer's PSI rating and max GPM to ensure it can generate enough power and paint flow to deliver full coverage on surfaces like fences. Generally a 0.5 GPM flow rate or higher works well.

Cordless or Corded

Cordless electric sprayers allow you to move around freely without a cord limitation. However, corded models offer unlimited runtime. Just decide if the mobility is worth the tradeoff of periodically recharging batteries.

Reviews of the Best Electric Spray Painters for Fences

Based on key criteria like power, patterns, price and portability, here are our top electric sprayer recommendations for DIY fence painting.

Best Cordless: Wagner Spraytech Control Pro 150

This Wagner cordless sprayer delivers impressive power and efficient battery life from a compact handheld design. Adjustable patterns and flow give you control for flawless fence coverage.

Specs:

• 150 PSI max pressure
• Up to 10 hours runtime per 20V battery
• Up to 0.6 GPM flow rate
• Vertical, horizontal, round patterns

Pros:

• Lightweight and maneuverable
• Battery lasts longer than other cordless models
• Easy to switch between spray patterns

Cons:

• Small 1-quart capacity
• Lower PSI than some corded models

Best Corded: Graco Magnum 262800 X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer

This corded Graco sprayer has incredible power and a flexible hose for spray painting fences with speed and ease.

Specs:

• Up to 3000 PSI
• Up to 0.24 GPM flow rate
• Fully adjustable pressure
• Flexible suction tube

Pros:

• Very high pressure for fast painting
• Hose allows spraying from any angle
• Easy to change between horizontal and vertical

Cons:

• On the pricier side
• Can be heavy and awkward for small spaces

Other reliable corded electric fence sprayers to consider are the HomeRight C800971, Fuji 2203G, and Titan ControlMax 1700 PRO.

Paint Sprayer Settings for Fences

To maximize the efficiency and finish of your electric fence sprayer, optimize these key settings:

Pattern - Vertical for boards

Switch to a vertical spray fan pattern. This allows you to spray up and down each fence board or picket uniformly.

Pressure - Match paint viscosity

Adjust the pressure knob to match your paint. Lighter paints and stains need less PSI. Heavy paint or primer may require more pressure to avoid sputtering.

Speed - Control pace

Work at a smooth, steady pace moving the sprayer. Too fast can lead to an uneven coat, while too slow increases drips. Moderate speed maintains control.

Distance & Angle - Perpendicular, 6-12 inches

Hold the spray nozzle perpendicular to the fence about 6 to 12 inches away as you spray. This prevents paint drifting and ensures even coverage.

Paint Prep Tips for Spraying Fences

Proper prep is key to maximizing the results from your electric fence sprayer. Follow these tips:

Prep Fence Surface

Clean the fence of any dirt, mildew or loose paint. Sand and scrape off any splinters or rough areas. Prime if needed.

Thin Paint If Required

Check the paint can directions. For thick paints, adding approved thinner improves sprayability and prevents clogs.

Strain Paint

Pour paint through a paint strainer or filter into the sprayer reservoir to catch any lumps or debris.

Practice First

Test your spray technique on cardboard before tackling the real fence. This helps avoid rookie mistakes.

Mask and Cover Areas

Use plastic sheets or masking tape to protect any nearby objects from accidental overspray.

Equipped with an electric paint sprayer and some handy pro tips, you can achieve flawless, efficient results painting fences. Electric sprayers cut painting time in half while providing complete, even coverage from the optimal spray pattern and pressure settings. Quality corded models like the Graco Magnum provide continuous high pressure, while cordless options like the Wagner Control Pro 150 offer untethered convenience. Proper prep and spray techniques will also ensure the finish looks professionally done.

Tackle your next fencing painting project with confidence using an electric sprayer. In a few hours, you can give your fence a fresh new look without the backaches of brush painting. Ditch the brushes and rollers for good - electric sprayers are the new go-to for faster, better-looking DIY fence paint jobs.