Using a paint sprayer to stain fences is the fastest and most professional way to handle the job.
There is a wide range of sprayers available on the market, so it’s difficult to find the best fence stain sprayer around if you don’t know what to look for.
With our comprehensive guide, it’s much easier to find the best fence paint sprayer available to you.
Quick Guide - Our Top Picks
4 Best Fence Stain Sprayers For Superior Painting
To help you make the best fence stain sprayer, we’ve put together the best fence stain sprayers on the market.
1. Chapin 30600 Professional Tri-Poxy Steel Deck Sprayer
- Durable 2-Gallon Tri-Poxy tank with a 4-inch...
- Compatible with deck cleaners, sealers and...
- 3 poly fan nozzles for fine, medium and...
- Poly shut-off with reinforced hose
This durable tri-poxy tank holds two gallons of material and features a four-inch wide funnel opening. This larger mouth helps you to fill and clean the canister easier. With this fence stain sprayer, it’s easy to apply your favorite transparent spray stain, sealers and deck cleaners.
It also features three poly fan nozzles. Choose from fine, medium or coarse different spray patterns to get the finish you desire. There’s even a poly shut-off with a reinforced long hose for maximum versatility.
Considering this weighs just 6.4 pounds, it won’t become a burden to carry around with you as your fence spraying paint. Plus, it has an ergonomic handle which makes carrying and pumping simple.
The downside to this fence stain sprayer is that we can’t seem to find any warranty information on it. That leads us to believe that there’s no coverage if something should go wrong. It’s also important to note that some people felt it didn’t supply the finish they had hoped for.
Pros
Cons
2. Graco Magnum 262800 X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayers
- Just right for DIY Homeowners and Remodelers...
- Ideal for projects up to 10 gallons in size,...
- Fully adjustable pressure control to give you...
- Flexible Suction Tube allows you to spray...
The Graco Magnum x5 is an airless sprayer so a large fence staining or other bigger outdoor surface staining is recommended with this type of spray paint device.
The fully adjustable pressure allow you maximum control over the flow of stain. Because of the stainless steel piston pump, you shouldn’t need spraying thin materials either. It’s possible to spray paint directly from a 1 or 5-gallon container if that suits you better.
With an annual use recommendation of up to 125 gallons per year, you could use this for other household diy projects as well. With the maximum spray tip size of 0.015, there are many jobs that can be accomplished with this machine.
When you’re ready to clean up, the easy to use PowerFlush Adapter connects to your garden hose to make the task simple. In addition, you can attach up to 75 feet of air hose with this unit in order to reach further during your diy projects.
This trusted fence paint sprayer uses a ½-horsepower motor and produces a spray of up to 0.27-gallons per minute. The Graco brand is a leader in airless sprayers, which shows when you read the reviews.
Finally, with the RAC IV SwitchTip, you have the option to reverse your small spray tip in case of a clog. This keeps you painting or staining projects without interruption.
Pros
Cons
3. Graco Ultra Max Cordless Airless Handheld Sprayer 17M367
- Triax Triple Piston Pump
- DEWALT 20V MAX Lithium Ion Battery System
- ProConnect
- SmartControl
Because Graco is the leader in airless sprayers, it makes sense to look at a higher-end option from their line. This cordless variety does cost a good amount of money, but when you don't have access to power, it’s invaluable.
The Triax Triple Piston Pump is durable and offers superior performance. This lightweight sprayer also features carbide and stainless steel components. You can expect 500 to 2,000 PSI with this sprayer.
It also supports tips sizes between .0.08 – 0.16. Battery power is provided by the DeWalt XR Lithium Ion system, so you know it’s reliable.
On one battery charge, you can spray up to a gallon, but with your purchase, you get two batteries. The SmartControl Spray system allows you to complete your job with a professional finish every time. You can even spray hot solvents if you need to.
Imagine all the places you can spray when you aren’t held back by power cords and paint hose.
Pros
Cons
4. Wagner 0518080 Control Spray Max HVLP Paint Sprayer
- HVLP PAINT SPRAYER: The Control Spray Max...
- USE WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF MATERIALS:...
- ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS: Customize your paint...
- GREAT DESIGN: The stationary base is...
HVLP sprayer is the best for smaller portions of fence or decks. Wagner has been seen as the leader in creating high volume low pressure - HVLP sprayers and this highly reviewed model have very affordable price.
With the variable air pressure control, you have complete power over the finish you receive. There are also three spray patterns to choose from for a professional look.
The unit comes with a 20-foot hose, which isn’t as long as some people like, but you could plug into an extension cord. There are also two cups that come with this sprayer.
You receive a smaller professional-grade metal cup for your household projects and a larger 1-1/2 quart plastic paint cup for your large projects.
With this versatile sprayer, it’s possible to use interior latex, sealers and transparent stains. That’s because it features a powerful two-stage turbine system. This unit even comes with two air filters that prevent dust from ruining the finish.
Pros
Cons
Comparing Paint Sprayers For Staining A Fence
Image | Model | Sprayer Type | Flow Rate | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Chapin 30600 Professional | Hand Pump | 0.4 - 0.5 gal/min | ||
Graco Magnum 262800 X5 | Airess | 0.27 | ||
Graco Ultra Max Cordless 17M367 | Airless | Variable | ||
Wagner 0518080 Control Spray Max | HVLP | Variable |
How to find the right Sprayer when Staining Your Fence
Types of Sprayers Used on Fences
Paint Sprayers (HVLP vs Airless)
There are two types of best paint sprayers for fence stain, HVLP and airless.
You can opt for an airless sprayer which sprays the material out a spray gun without the use of compressed air. They are the fastest variety of paint sprayers, but also tend to have the most overspray.
For exterior projects it's best to use an airless paint sprayer. That’s because the speed of the pump gets the job done fast. They also come in a variety of styles.
You can use a handheld version for portability. There are also some with a cart or stand, which is helpful if they are heavy.
An HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) paint sprayer uses air to push the material out. This creates a mist-like pattern. While these are slower than the airless variety, they do offer a finer, more detailed finish with less overspray.
Most people don’t use HVLP sprayer with thick materials. They are designed for smaller, detail-oriented projects around the house.
Pump Sprayer
It’s possible to use a pump garden sprayers to apply stain on a fence. When fence staining with a pump sprayer, the process might go faster, but you may also need to back-brush as well.
A fence pump sprayer doesn’t get the wood stain deep into the pores, but the agitation of the brush helps you achieve that finish.
Speed
It takes twice as long, if not longer, to stain your fence with a brush or roller. With a quality sprayer, staining a fence takes only a fraction of time. On top of that, the setup and cleanup doesn’t take much longer either.
Quality Finish
Most professionals know that using a paint spray gun for fence stain results in a high-quality finish. There are less roller or brush marks in the paint because everything is applied stain evenly. On top of that, it’s less likely that you’ll experience uneven paint thickness if you spray in a continuous motion.
Manoeuvrability
With the best paint sprayer for a garden fence, you’ll be able to move around as you need to. This allows you to reach one end of the fence to the other with ease. You don’t have to drag your stain container and materials with you through the entire process.
Adjustable Spray Angles
A high-quality fence sprayer allows you to apply the materials from varying angles. This helps you to achieve a fine finish in the corners, cracks and smaller crevices with ease. The consistency and quality of spray won’t change when you angle the best pump sprayer for staining a fence.
Beginners Guide To Correctly Staining a Fence
Do you wonder how to paint a fence with a sprayer? We’ve got you covered.
Whether you choose to use these tips for staining to a fence with an airless sprayer or staining a fence with a pump, the results will be the same – beautiful!
Tools & Supplies for Staining a Fence
Unlike painting a wall, stain a fence requires a lot more materials. Especially if there is a stain already on the fence that you want to remove.
The tool comes with a hardened stainless steel piston pump that allows you to adjust the air pressure and alter the paint flow.
Graco magnum X5 includes a flexible suction tube that allows applying the spray straight from 1 or 5-gallon paint containers.
Below is a list of the items you will most likely need to get the job done.
Check the Wood
Before you begin, it’s crucial that you scrutinize the wood carefully. You need to look for nails, staples, screws or broken pieces. All of this must be removed or fixed so you get a smooth finish.
This is always a good time to gather all your supplies as well. Determine what type of sprayer you’re going to use for your project and purchase the stain.
Clean up the Wood
Now you want to clean the wood on your fence. There are plenty of deck cleaners that are ideal for fences as well.
By taking the extra time to clean the surface, you ensure a quality finish from spraying. Before you apply any cleaning agent, make sure you protect yourself. Wear gloves or goggles if needed.
If the dirt is stubborn, use a mop or soft bristle brush to scrub it off. Be sure you rinse it completely and then let it dry all the way before moving on.
If you choose to use a pressure washer for cleaning process, make sure you read our list of the best electric power washers.
Stain Your Fence
Once your wood is prepped and dry, you are ready to stain. This is a simple process that anyone can do.
Either apply your stain with a brush, roller or sprayer. Of course, we recommend using a sprayer because it will take less time to complete and provides a quality finish.
If you decide to spray, make sure you use a continuous movement to apply an even finish. If you’re using a pump sprayer, you may need to utilize a brush to even things out slightly or to get into tighter corners.
Wait for Drying
Once you’ve stained the fence, you must allow it to rest. Don’t touch it or do anything further with it until you’ve let the stain to dry for a full 24 hours. Sometimes this process takes 48 hours, so use your discretion before touching.
Sometimes high humidity causes the fence to stay wet longer than normal. You can alleviate this by applying the stain at a time when the humidity is low.
Maintain the Fence
All that’s left to do is enjoy your fence. Kick back, relax and marvel at all your amazing work. To keep it looking nice, you’ll want to clean the fence at least once per year. If you are looking for a company to help maintain or repair your fence, Skilled Fencing is our preferred provider.
Safety Tips When Using Sprayers for Staining Fences
Even though you will be outside, you still have safety precautions to watch out for. Paint fumes can still get into your lungs and cause health issues, so you should still wear a respirator or face mask.
You will also want to use latex or vinyl gloves to protect your hands from the stain and strippers.
When you are using a paint sprayer, you will need to be cautious of static electricity build-up, fire hazards, and electrical shorts. It will be assumed that you are using an extension cord, which should be grounded and inspected before use.
If you are working on a ladder, you should ensure the feet are sturdy and won’t sink into the ground. Placing a piece of plywood under the ladder will help you from sinking in and potentially falling off the ladder.
Always make sure you are hydrated, comfortable, and take regular breaks. Heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration can occur without any onset symptoms when working on outdoor projects
When searching for the best options for staining fences, consider purchasing a spray gun specifically designed for fence stain sprayers work, such as the fence stain sprayer or the best stain sprayer.
While HVLP paint sprayers and general spray guns can also work, they may require more adjustments to air cap to achieve the desired spray pattern.
It is recommended to choose a Scuddles paint sprayer with a large paint cup to reduce the need for frequent refilling, making the task more efficient.
Additionally, selecting a best sprayer with an adjustable spray pattern can help you achieve the desired coverage on your fence. Ultimately, finding the right electric spray gun with the right spray pattern will help you achieve a smooth and even finish on your fence.
Whether you opt for a fence stain sprayer or fence paint sprayers or a fuji spray gun, it's important to also consider the atomize paint flow of the sprayer pattern.
Some high pressure sprayers may have a high paint flow rate, covering large areas quickly with more paint, while others than high pressure sprayers like less air pressure sprayers may have a lower paint flow rate, achieving greater precision and control while spray thinner materials with less paint waste. This enables you to deposit unthinned paint.
Regardless of the best sprayer with built in air compressor and high efficiency airless technology you choose, make sure to test the paint flow and spray pattern on a small, inconspicuous area of the fence first to ensure that it produces the desired results.
With the right equipment, latex paint flow, and spray pattern, staining your fence can be a simple and satisfying task.
Staining A Fence FAQs
How long does stain last on a fence?
Stain duration on a fence varies by brand and application. Guarantees can range from 2-5 years.
How long should I wait to stain a fence after pressure washing?
Wait at least 48 hours after pressure washing before staining the fence. In dry, hot, and sunny weather, you may start staining in 24 hours.
Do I have to sand the fence before staining?
Yes, sanding the fence before staining is necessary. It removes loose or chipped paint and smooths the surface for painted fences, and roughs the surface for pre-stained fences to help the new stain adhere better.
How many layers of stain should I apply on a fence?
One coat of stain is usually enough for most types of stains used on fences, but if you are using a semi-transparent stain, it's recommended to apply two coats for better results.
Can I stain an already stained wood?
Not if the previous application has a topcoat. You will need to use stain stripper to remove the previous layer of stain before you can wash, sand, and apply the new stain.
Conclusion
Spraying stains on your fence makes a tedious task seem less daunting.
Purchase the best paint sprayer or pump sprayer for fence stain sprayer and you’ll have the job done in no time. Then, you can have more fun in your backyard while admiring the fruit of your labor.