Picking the Perfect Paint Sprayer for Your Fence Project

If you're looking to paint or stain a wood fence, using a paint sprayer can make the job much easier and faster compared to brushed. With their powerful motors and adjustable nozzles, paint sprayers allow you to achieve smooth, consistent coverage on vertical surfaces like fences. But with so many models available, how do you choose the right paint sprayer for your fencing project? We've researched the top options to help you find one that fits your needs.

We'll compare the different types of sprayers and features that work well for fence painting. Finally, we'll recommend some of the best paint sprayer options for all budgets and project sizes.

What to Look for in a Paint Sprayer for Fences

Here are some of the most important criteria to consider when picking out a paint sprayer for your fencing project:

Adjustable Spray Tips and Patterns

Being able to adjust and control the spray pattern is crucial for getting full, even coverage on vertical fencing. Look for a sprayer that offers multiple interchangeable tip sizes and shapes so you can customize the spray pattern. Fan spray tips in vertical and horizontal orientations work well for fencing and allow you to adjust the spray's width and texture.

Material Flow Control

You'll want to be able to control the amount of paint or stain being released from the sprayer. Features like variable pressure and flow control knobs allow you to easily adjust the material output. This prevents applying coatings too thickly or thinly for the surface.

Reservoir Size

The size of the paint container (reservoir) on the sprayer will determine how much coating can be held at once before refilling. For staining average-sized backyard fences, a 32 oz cup size is usually sufficient. Bigger projects will benefit from 1-2 quart or gallon-capacity reservoirs so you don't have to stop to refill as often.

Spray Power

Look at the sprayer's psi (pounds per square inch) rating to gauge the power and pressure it can generate. More psi means better atomization of the coating for smooth application on rough and porous wood grain. HVLP sprayers around 2-3 psi are suitable for stains and thinner coatings, while airless sprayers above 2000 psi work well for painting fences.

Types of Paint Sprayers for Fencing

Now let's compare the main kinds of paint sprayers and their pros and cons for fence projects.

Airless Paint Sprayers

Airless sprayers use powerful motors and pumps to push paint through the hose and nozzle at very high pressure. With psi over 2000, they can spray unthinned paints and deliver a smooth finish on uneven and porous surfaces. Models like the Graco Magnum and Wagner Flexio feature adjustable pressure to suit different coatings and projects. The high psi allows them to spray further with less overspray. Their larger paint capacities make them ideal for painting long spans of backyard fencing.

HVLP Sprayers

High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) sprayers work at lower psi between 2-3. They generate a smooth and controlled paint flow using high air volumes. With fine atomization, HVLP sprayers excel at applying thin coats of stain, varnish, lacquer and thin paints. They produce minimal overspray and reduce paint waste. Good HVLP choices for fencing include the Wagner Control Spray and Fuji Semi-Pro 2 which have adjustable fan patterns suitable for vertical surfaces.

Handheld Paint Sprayers

Compact handheld paint sprayers provide flexibility and portability for small to medium fence staining projects. Models like the Wagner Flexio 590 and HomeRight C800766 are lightweight and have 20 foot hoses for maneuvering around the fence perimeter. While they hold less paint than stand models, handhelds make up for it with easy cleanup and storage. Just be prepared to refill the paint cup more frequently.

Key Features That Make Paint Spraying Fences Easier

Here are some additional features to look out for that will help ensure you get great results spray painting your fence.

Easy Material Flow Adjustment

Being able to easily adjust the flow or volume of paint sprayed is key for controlling the coating thickness and texture on different fence materials. Look fortriggers and knobs that let you quickly fine-tune the flow as needed for the section you're spraying.

Spray Gun Ergonomics

Since you'll be holding and maneuvering the spray gun around fence posts and corners, comfort is important. Look for spray guns with cushioned grips, multiple finger holds and lightweight construction to prevent fatigue over longer projects.

Quick Connections

Convenient Camlock connectors for the hoses, tips and filters allow for faster setup, swapping of parts and cleanup. Quick connections save time and frustration versus threading connections by hand.

Long Hoses

Longer hoses in the 20-25 foot range provide extended reach so you can move around freely when spray painting fences. You won't have to constantly reposition the sprayer to access different sections.

Suction Tube for Direct Paint Access

Some sprayers feature a pickup tube that can be inserted directly into 1 or 5-gallon paint cans to draw paint. This allows for uninterrupted spraying without having to repeatedly refill a reservoir.

Preparing Your Fence Before Painting

Proper prep work is crucial before starting any spray paint job. Here are some tips to get your fence ready for a new coat of paint or stain:

Clean the Surface

Use a pressure washer and/or stiff scrub brush with cleaning solutions to remove all dirt, mildew and loose debris from the fence. This allows the paint to properly adhere.

Sand and Scrape

Lightly sand to smooth any cracked or peeling areas of old paint on the fence. Use a paint scraper to remove any loose flakes.

Spot Prime Bare Wood

For new fences or previously unpainted areas, apply primer to seal the bare wood. This enhances paint adhesion and prevents tannin bleed.

Repair Damage

Fix any damaged boards, warped planks or missing slats. Replace rusty nails and secure any loose joinery. Proper repairs will extend the life of the new paint job.

Techniques for Spray Painting Fences

These tips will help you get smooth, consistent coverage when spray painting fences:

Maintain Consistent Distance & Speed

Hold the spray gun 12-18 inches from the fence surface and move at a steady pace during each pass. Don't wave the gun erratically or move too quickly.

Use Horizontal & Vertical Passes

Make successive passes down the fence boards using horizontal strokes. Then make vertical passes across the boards to cover all edges and crevices.

Apply Thin, Even Coats

Applying several thin, light coats allows each layer to fully dry between applications. This prevents drips, runs and uneven absorption of paint.

Multi-directional Spraying

Make additional passes from different angles - top to bottom, right to left, etc. This ensures you fill any thin patches and achieve full coverage.

Let Dry Between Coats

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for dry time between coats. This prevents the fresh paint from being damaged.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Paint Sprayer

Proper care of your paint sprayer will keep it working like new for many projects:

Clean After Each Use

Thoroughly rinse out the sprayer reservoir, hoses, nozzle tip and filters with warm soapy water after each use. This prevents dried paint from clogging up the system.

Check for Wear

Inspect sprayer parts like O-rings, seals and nozzle tips for damage after cleaning. Replace worn parts to maintain spray performance.

Prevent Clogs

Always strain paints before filling the reservoir to catch debris that could clog the sprayer. Use paint filters when refilling.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Use lightweight oil on gaskets, seals and packing around the pump piston to prevent binding and enhance part life.

Reviews of the Best Paint Sprayers for Fencing Projects

Ready to pick out the ideal paint sprayer for your next fence makeover? Here are our top recommendations in each category:

Best Overall: Graco Magnum X5

With adjustable pressure up to 3000 PSI, this rugged airless sprayer powers through fence paint jobs. The flexible suction tube draws directly from paint buckets. Fully adjustable tips provide vertical, horizontal or round patterns.

Best Handheld: Wagner Flexio 590

Perfect for small to medium fence spans, this handheld HVLP sprayer is lightweight and portable. The 20 foot hose provides great maneuverability in the yard. It sprays unthinned paints, stains and sealers.

Best HVLP: Fuji 2203G Semi-PRO 2

The versatile Fuji Semi-Pro 2 handles fences, decks, interior walls and more. The non-bleed spray nozzle allows quick pattern changes between horizontal, vertical and circular. Great for applying stains.

Best for Large Fences: Graco Ultra Max II 490

This workhorse airless sprayer tackles big fence painting jobs with its .47 gallon capacity and 150 foot hose. The fully adjustable pressure up to 3000 PSI delivers a smooth, professional spray finish.

For under $100, this HVLP sprayer delivers quality results. The two-stage turbine provides fine finish atomization for stains and thinner paints. Multiple air caps offer vertical, horizontal and round patterns.

We hope this guide has helped narrow down the choices to find your ideal fence paint sprayer. With the right model, you can achieve fast, flawless results on your next staining or painting project. Remember to always wear protective equipment and thoroughly prepare the fence surface. Happy spraying!