Best Fence Paint Sprayers Recommended

Painting a fence by hand with a brush can be tedious and time-consuming. For large fence painting projects, using a paint sprayer can save hours of work and provide more uniform coverage. With the right preparation and technique, paint sprayers allow you to efficiently coat fences while minimizing messy overspray.

We'll compare popular paint sprayer types, provide product recommendations, outline best practices for setup and application, and offer helpful troubleshooting advice. Read on to learn why paint sprayers are the preferred DIY method for staining wooden privacy fences, protecting metal fences from rust, and refreshing old fences with new color.

Types of Paint Sprayers for Fencing

When deciding on equipment for a fence painting project, one of the first considerations is what type of paint sprayer to use. The main categories of sprayers suitable for fence staining tasks include:

Airless Paint Sprayers

Airless sprayers use hydraulic pressure to push paint through a small nozzle opening at high speed. This creates a fine spray pattern that covers wide areas quickly. Airless sprayers require less thinning of the paint and offer great efficiency for covering large fences.

HVLP Paint Sprayers

High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) spray systems rely on a high volume of air flowing over the paint tip to atomize the liquid. HVLP sprayers give you greater control over the direction and flow of paint . This makes them ideal for precision work and jobs requiring minimal overspray.

Handheld Paint Sprayers

If you only need to touch up small sections or add a quick coat to decorative fence features, a handheld sprayer may suffice. Many feature adjustable nozzle patterns and flow rates to adapt to different paint viscosities and surfaces.

Electric Paint Sprayers

Electric sprayers provide a convenient cordless option for small to mid-size fence staining tasks. Models with rechargeable batteries allow the freedom to move around the fence line without dragging hoses or cords.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Paint Sprayer for Fences

With a wide variety of fence paint sprayers available, it helps to evaluate the specific needs of your project when deciding which type to use:

Fence Material and Condition

Consider factors like fence size, layout, materials (wood, metal, vinyl, etc.) and current condition. Will surface prep like power washing or scraping be required first? Understanding the fence properties will inform what sprayer features you need.

Type of Paint/Stain

Determine whether you'll be using thick latex house paint, thin transparent stain, or something else. The sprayer must support the paint's viscosity and solids content to avoid clogging issues.

Size of Fence

For longer fence runs, a sprayer with a large paint tank capacity will minimize downtime for refills. Maneuverability around gates and corners is also important.

Ease of Use

Consider your skill level--features like adjustable pressure, interchangeable tips, and lightweight equipment make the learning curve easier for first-time users.

Overspray Control

Airless sprayers require tarps and careful spraying technique to control overspray. HVLP and handheld options offer more precision for stain jobs requiring minimal mess.

Reviews of the Best Paint Sprayers for Fencing

With an idea of the capabilities required for your particular fence paint job, here are some top-rated sprayer models to consider:

Graco Magnum 262800 X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer

This lightweight and portable Graco airless sprayer handles unthinned latex, acrylics, and stains effortlessly. The flexible suction tube allows spraying direct from 1- or 5-gallon paint buckets. Fully adjustable pressure gives you ultimate control over the spray fan size.

Fuji 2203G Semi-PRO 2 HVLP Spray System

The Fuji Semi-PRO 2 is designed for the DIYer wanting pro-style results. The Non-Bleed spray gun prevents paint buildup while the pattern control knob goes from circular to wide fan shapes. It sprays Latex, Lacquers, Enamels, Varnishes, Urethanes and Stains.

Wagner Spraytech Control Spray Max HVLP Paint Sprayer

This powerful HVLP sprayer tackles everything from lacquers to urethanes and unthinned paints with its two-stage turbosystem. The variable trigger and flow control lets you dial in the optimal spray rate. The professional grade metal cup resists spills and fatigue.

HomeRight C800766 Super Finish Max Extra Paint Sprayer

As a compact electric sprayer with adjustable settings, the HomeRight Finish Max suits small jobs like fences, decks, and exterior siding. It includes multiple tips plus a cleaning attachment. An ergonomic grip makes this sprayer comfortable for extended spraying sessions.

Using a Paint Sprayer on Fences

Prep work and following best practices when spraying will ensure your fence turns out streak-free. Here are some key tips for applying paint or stain with a sprayer:

Preparing the Fence Surface

• Wash the fence with a pressure washer and let dry fully
• Sand rough areas and scrape off loose paint
• Tape off any areas like house siding to prevent overspray
• Cover plants and the ground below with tarps

Setting Up the Paint Sprayer

• Select the right spray tip/pattern for your project
• Adjust the pressure suitable for the paint consistency
• Check for hose leaks and tighten connections as needed
• Practice spraying on cardboard to test settings

Applying Paint/Stain in Thin Coats

• Keep the spray nozzle perpendicular to the fence, about 8 inches away
• Move your arm, not just your wrist, keeping speed consistent
• Overlap spray paths slightly to ensure even coverage
• Let paint dry thoroughly between coatings

Cleaning Up Overspray

• Carefully peel away tarps with dried spatters before reusing
• Use mineral spirits on oil-based overspray, or an ammonia/water solution for latex
• Avoid abrasives--scrape gently to limit damage to surfaces

Cleaning the Sprayer After Use

• Flush all paint residue out per manufacturer instructions
• Disassemble parts like hoses, tips, and filters and clean thoroughly
• Wipe the system down and lubricate o-rings as needed
• Store with a protective coating of lightweight oil to avoid corrosion

Paint Sprayer Tips and Recommendations

Equipped with the right supplies and some helpful advice, you can tackle fence painting efficiently. Here are some additional paint sprayer recommendations:

Tarps and painters plastic provide reusable protection layers. In windy conditions weigh them down with blocks or stakes.