7 Best

Fence Paint Sprayers

of September 2023

A fence paint sprayer is a versatile tool that can be used for various projects involving the application of paint or stain to different types of fences and surfaces. Whether it's a wooden, metal, or vinyl fence, a paint sprayer can help you cover large areas quickly and evenly. It ensures efficient and consistent coating, saving you time and effort compared to using brushes or rollers.

But it’s not just for fences! You can also use it in applying stain or sealant to a wood deck. It offers valuable protection for the wood, besides looking great! You can also use it to paint the exterior of your house. You’ll be able to cover large surfaces such as siding, eaves, and trim quickly and efficiently. With adjustable spray patterns and pressure settings, you can achieve a smooth and professional finish. Or you can use a paint sprayer on wooden or metal garden furniture, arbors, pergolas, or other outdoor structures. It can get to all sorts of hard-to-reach areas that would be a real pain in the neck to do by hand.

And that’s not all: You can even use a fence paint sprayer for applying paint inside your home as well. It’ll be able to handle large walls, ceilings, or other expansive surfaces where speed and efficiency are desired.

We’ll look at some of the best fence paint sprayers. With one of these, you’ll be able to finish a painting job that can cost around $4000 or more, with a lot less effort!

How does a fence paint sprayer work?

A fence paint sprayer, also known as a paint sprayer or airless sprayer, is a device used to apply paint or stain to fences and other surfaces quickly and efficiently. It works on the principle of atomizing the paint into fine droplets and then propelling them onto the surface using high-pressure air or fluid.

Here's a simplified explanation of how a fence paint sprayer typically works:

• Paint Container: The sprayer consists of a paint container or hopper where the paint or stain is stored. The container is usually attached to the main body of the sprayer or connected through a hose.

• Pump System: Inside the sprayer, there is a motor-driven pump system. This pump creates high pressure to force the paint out of the container and through the sprayer's nozzle. The pump may use either air pressure or hydraulic pressure, depending on the type of sprayer.

• Nozzle and Tip: The nozzle and tip of the sprayer play a crucial role in atomizing the paint. The paint passes through a small orifice in the tip, which breaks it up into a fine spray of droplets. The size and shape of the nozzle and tip can be adjusted to control the spray pattern and droplet size.

• Pressure Control: Most paint sprayers offer adjustable pressure settings, allowing you to control the flow rate and the spray pattern. Higher pressure generally results in a finer spray and wider coverage, while lower pressure produces larger droplets and a narrower spray pattern.

• Airless vs. HVLP: There are two common types of paint sprayers used for fences: airless sprayers and HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) sprayers. Airless sprayers use high-pressure pumps to atomize and propel the paint, while HVLP sprayers use a combination of lower pressure and a high volume of air to achieve atomization.

• Application: To use a fence paint sprayer, you typically hold the sprayer at a distance from the fence and move it smoothly back and forth to ensure even coverage. The spray pattern and flow rate can be adjusted according to the specific requirements of the fence and the type of paint or stain being used.

When should I use an airless paint sprayer, and when should I prefer an HVLP paint sprayer?

The choice between an airless paint sprayer and an HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) paint sprayer depends on several factors, including the nature of your project and the desired finish. Airless sprayers are more for large surface areas, while HVLP sprayers are more for high-quality finishes with minimal overspray. Also, airless sprayers are better for outdoor use, while HVLP sprayers will be more appropriate for indoor paint jobs.

There are various types of fence paint sprayers available on the market, designed to efficiently and effectively apply paint or stain to fences. We can distinguish between the way they propel the paint:

• Airless Paint Sprayers: Airless sprayers use a high-pressure pump to atomize the paint and deliver it through a spray gun. They are known for their fast application and ability to handle thick coatings. Airless sprayers can cover large areas quickly and are suitable for both small and large fence painting projects. An example is the Vevor Stand Airless Paint Sprayer. It paints at a maximum pressure of 2900 psi.

Vevor Stand Airless Paint Sprayer

• HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) Sprayers: HVLP sprayers operate at a lower pressure than airless sprayers, resulting in less overspray and a finer finish. They are popular for their ability to provide a controlled and precise application. HVLP sprayers work well for fences with intricate details or when you want a more controlled painting process. An example is the NoCry 1200ml/min Electric Paint Sprayer. It allows for 3 different spray patterns, and can be used for painting your floor, ceiling, or wall as well.

NoCry 1200ml/min Electric Paint Sprayer

Two less common varieties are compressed air sprayers and pump sprayers:

• Compressed Air Sprayers: Compressed air sprayers use an air compressor to deliver paint through the spray gun. They provide a consistent and smooth finish, but they can have more overspray compared to HVLP sprayers. Compressed air sprayers are versatile and can be used for various fence painting projects.

• Pump Sprayers: Pump sprayers, also known as garden sprayers, are manual or powered sprayers that use a pump mechanism to build pressure and spray the paint or stain. They are commonly used for smaller fence painting tasks or touch-ups. Pump sprayers are affordable and easy to use but may not be as efficient for large-scale projects.

We can also distinguish between battery-powered and corded models:

• AC Powered Sprayers: These will work off a wall outlet, such as the HomeRight C800971.A Super Finish Max HVLP Paint Sprayer. It needs a connection to a 110V outlet, and it provides 450 Watts of spraying. It can spray a variety of paints and stains: chalk type paint, milk paint, latex paints, enamels, primers, clear sealer, polyurethane, stain and varnish.

HomeRight C800971.A Super Finish Max HVLP Paint Sprayer

• Battery-Powered Sprayers: Battery-powered sprayers offer the convenience of portability and eliminate the need for cords or hoses. These sprayers typically use a rechargeable battery to power the pump and deliver paint or stain. They are suitable for smaller to medium-sized fence painting jobs and provide ease of maneuverability. An example is the Cacoop Cordless Paint Sprayer Gun.

Cacoop Cordless Paint Sprayer Gun

• Backpack Sprayers: Backpack sprayers are designed to be worn on the back, allowing for mobility and ease of use. They are typically powered by a hand-operated pump or a battery-powered pump. Backpack sprayers are suitable for smaller fence painting tasks and offer convenience when working in tight or hard-to-reach areas.

We went over some customers’ impressions of the fence paint sprayer that they bought:

• Different tips for different types of paint: Paint sprayers will have different tips for different painting materials. For example, the HomeRight Super Finish Max HVLP Paint Sprayer has three brass spray tips: a 4.0 mm tip for primer or latex paint, a 2.0 mm tip for chalk paint, and a 1.5 mm tip for stains and sealers. There are additional tips that you can purchase separately.

• Cleaning tools: One thing that you’ll encounter is that the nozzle may clog at times. But, most fence paint sprayers will come with cleaning tools to unclog the nozzle.

Here are some tips about purchasing a fence paint sprayer:

• Thinning the paint: Some paint sprayers allow you to work without thinning the paint first. Airless paint sprayers, which are commonly used for fence painting, typically do not require thinning of paint. They are designed to handle thicker materials without the need for dilution. On the other hand, HVLP sprayers may require paint thinning since they operate at lower pressure and work more effectively with thinner materials.

• Paint consistency: Whether or not you have to thin the paint will also depend on the consistency of the paint. If the paint is too thick or has a high viscosity, it may not atomize properly in the sprayer and could cause clogs or an uneven spray pattern. Thinning the paint can improve its flow and ensure smoother application.

• Different spray pattern nozzles: Fence paint sprayers are equipped with different spray pattern nozzles to provide versatility and control over the application of paint or stain. These interchangeable nozzles allow you to adjust the width and shape of the spray pattern, catering to various project requirements. You can use a narrow spray patter for precise application, or a wide pattern to cover a large area quickly. There are also spray pattern nozzles that are meant to minimize overspray, which is the fine mist of paint that goes beyond the intended surface. Nozzles with a narrower spray pattern can help confine the spray to the target area, reducing wastage and ensuring a cleaner work environment.

Final Verdict

We went through some of the different types of fence paint sprayers, and the various accessories that come with them. We saw when should a person prefer an airless sprayer, and when is it better to use an HVLP sprayer. You should look at the manufacturer’s instructions, to get the nitty-gritty details for the type of painting that you want to do. But, overall, you’ll see that a fence paint sprayer is a valuable tool for painting projects and regular home maintenance!