Staining your fence can give you a beautiful backyard to spend time with family and friends during summer. Staining also protects the fence from chilly winter and wet fall weather.
To stain your fence, you can use brushes and rollers. However, these are not the most efficient tools, so you need a stain sprayer. A sprayer will help stain the fence quickly and offers the most professional results. However, finding the best fence stain sprayer for a fence is not always easy.
In this guide, we’ll discuss best stain sprayer for fence and list our top eight brands you can choose from for your project.
Eight Best Stain Sprayers for Fences
1. Graco TC Pro – Best Airless Sprayer for Fence Stain
2. Chapin 30600 Professional Tri-Poxy Deck Sprayer – Best Pump Sprayer for Fence Stain
3. Wagner Spraytech 0518080 Control Spray Max – Best HVLP Stain Sprayer for Fence
4. Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer – Best Finish
5. HomeRight Super Finish Max – Best Sprayer for Fence Stain for Beginners and Pros
6. Wagner 0580000 Control Pro 150 Paint Sprayer – Durable Stain Sprayer for Fence
7. Fuji 2203G Semi-PRO 2 2203G – Easy-to-Use Stain Sprayer for Fence
8. Neu Master Cordless – Budget-Friendly Sprayer for Fence Stain
How Does a Fence Stain Sprayer Work?
A fence stain sprayer works the same way as a fence paint sprayer. It uses pressure and air to atomize stain into molecules you can spray on your fence.
The stain is usually poured into a cup connected to the sprayer. The stain flows out through the nozzle of the fence stain sprayer, where you may control the flow and the spray patterns depending on your project.
Types of Stain Sprayers for Fence
There are three main types of stain sprayers for fences. The best one depends on your specific job type and level of expertise.
1. Airless Sprayer
This fence stain sprayer uses an electric pump to apply high pressure to the stain reservoir. The stain then comes out through the sprayer’s tip as tiny droplets that adhere to the desired surface, drying to offer a smooth finish.
When using airless sprayers, utmost caution, and attention should be taken. Ensure your skin is away from the spray gun tip because it may inject paint into your skin, releasing toxins into your blood that could be hazardous.
2. Compressed Air Sprayer
This sprayer for fence stain and paint uses compressed air to push the stain out of the gun tip. It is highly recommended for beginners since it is easy to use.
Compressed air sprayers are inexpensive to acquire or rent.
3. HVLP Sprayer
A High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) sprayer uses a constant air volume to spray paint or stain onto the surface of your choice. The sprayer is popular since the low pressure is simpler to control, resulting in less mess and waste.
HVLP sprayers are typically only advised for thinner paints; an airless sprayer is needed for latex-style paints. Industrial HVLP paint sprayers, however, can handle higher-viscosity liquids, but they cost more to buy or rent.
We have also done a review on the best HVLP spray guns for air compressor. We recommend you check it to help you select the best one for your project.
8 Best Fence Stain Sprayers
Graco TC Pro – Best Airless Sprayer for Fence Stain
The Graco TC Pro, powered by a DeWalt 20V lithium battery, will simplify your fence staining more than you ever imagined.
To start with, the cordless design of this sprayer gives you the freedom to move about the workplace. Its ProControl II feature allows you greater control over the spraying speeds.
Additionally, no paint or stain thinning is required when using this sprayer, and you can spray in any direction.
The packaging of this sprayer also includes the following:
- 4 to 32oz. Flexline bags.
- 4 oz. of Graco TC pump armor storage fluid.
- Two VacuValve caps.
- A 514 reversible spray tip.
- Two DEWALT 20-Volts max XR lithium-ion batteries.
- A 60-mesh filter.
- DEWALT 20-Volts max XR lithium Ion charger.
What We Like ????
- No stain thinning required.
- Long-lasting battery.
- Delivers a superior finish.
- Offers greater control over spraying speeds.
- The packaging includes a lot of accessories.
What Could Improve ????
- Expensive to acquire.
- The stain container is small requiring regular filling.
Chapin 30600 Professional Tri-Poxy Steel Deck Sprayer – Best Pump Sprayer for Fence Stain
This fence stain sprayer has a sturdy tri-poxy tank that can hold up to two gallons of stain. The tank also has a four-inch wide funnel opening that allows you to fill and clean it quickly.
The sprayer has three poly fan nozzles that let you select between fine, medium, or coarse spray patterns to achieve the desired finish. There is even a poly shut-off with a reinforced long hose for maximum mobility.
This won’t be an issue to carry around when staining your fence because it only weighs 6.4 pounds. Additionally, it features an ergonomic handle that makes pumping and carrying easier.
Use the Chapin 30600 Professional Tri-Poxy Steel Deck Sprayer to apply your preferred transparent spray stains, sealants, and deck cleaners easily.
What We Like ????
- Highly durable two-gallon tri-poxy tank.
- It can be used to spray sealants and deck cleaners in a addition to transparent spray stains.
- Highly portable.
- It has three poly fan nozzles for different stain spray patterns.
What Could Improve ????
- No warranty.
Wagner Spraytech 0518080 Control Spray Max – Best HVLP Sprayer for Fence Stain
This HVLP sprayer uses less time than traditional painting techniques to provide a uniform, smooth finish. Compared to a spray can or brush, its controls let you alter the flow rate depending on the project you’re working on and the material being used.
Its spray patterns range from half an inch to twelve inches wide, giving you the best possible control and accuracy for a fine finish.
Another benefit of this sprayer is that it is stationary, which means that the weight of the entire turbine is transferred to the ground rather than to your hands. This is ideal if you wish to spray for a longer period without experiencing hand pain.
In case you need to move the sprayer, there is a handle attached to its base.
What We Like ????
- Delivers a good quality finish.
- It’s highly durable.
- Comfortable to use since it does not cause hand pain.
- It can easily be moved around.
What Could Improve ????
- It’s costly to purchase.
Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer – Best Finish
This sprayer from Graco is the perfect stain and paint sprayer for fence for DIYers looking for the best alternative to rollers and brushes.
The sprayer is suitable for projects up to five gallons in size, permitting you to handle various projects each year. It features an entirely adjustable pressure control, offering you total control to spray unthinned materials at any pressure.
The sprayer takes paint directly from the paint bucket. Unlike other sprayers with a rigid suction tube, the suction tube of this sprayer is flexible. This ensures that the tube will not get out of the paint bucket allowing air into your paint system, forcing you to stop and bleed the line before you can resume.
The suction hose works with both one and five-gallon paint buckets.
This sprayer can support a paint hose up to 50 feet long to allow you to stain or paint far away objects without affecting the performance.
What We Like ????
- Delivers a high-quality finish.
- It has adjustable pressure settings.
- Good tank capacity.
- Suitable for big projects.
- Long and flexible suction tube
- Long paint hose.
What Could Improve ????
- Relatively heavy; weighs 15 pounds.
HomeRight Super Finish Max – Best Sprayer for Fence Stain for Beginners and Pros
If this is your first time staining a fence, HomeRight Super Finish Max is the best paint sprayer for fence stain. It provides the best DIY experience possible for both beginners and pros.
With a 450-watt turbine motor, this sprayer features adjustable settings to fit any project. The air cap can be adjusted to spray in a vertical, horizontal, or round pattern. The material flow control knob can also increase or reduce the material output.
Its brass spray tips outperform the plastic ones in terms of performance. Use the 2.0 mm (green ) tip for chalk paint and latex paint, the 4.0 mm (red) tip for latex/primer paint, and the 1.5 mm (blue) tip for stains and sealants.
Cleaning this sprayer is also easy. You can use water to wash off water-based stains and paints, while for oil-based stains and paints, any mineral spirit will be enough to clean the dried paints off the sprayer.
The only downside to buying this sprayer is that its kit lacks spare accessories. So, if the nozzles get damaged, you must purchase new ones.
What We Like ????
- Suitable for beginners
- Best for DIY projects
- Highly flexible to use
- Offers different spray patterns
- Easy to clean
Can be used to complete large projects
What Could Improve ????
It does not come with spare accessories
Wagner 0580000 Control Pro 150 Paint Sprayer – Durable Stain Sprayer for Fence
This Control Pro stain and paint sprayer has a high-efficiency airless technology (HEA) pump with a part with rebuildable fluid. This ensures that the sprayer will last for a long time.
The sprayer also features a pressure control knob that you can use to adjust the stain flow rate. It uses a 25-foot hose to spray projects efficiently and has a maximum operating pressure of 1500 PSI. It can spray up to 175 gallons annually.
Additionally, a built-in high-efficiency spray tip reduces the possibility of overspray and produces a comparatively even and soft color pattern. This drastically decreases overspray by 55% compared to conventional stain sprayers.
Use this sprayer to paint and stain fences, exterior siding, decks, fences, garage doors, ceiling sheds, and walls. The sprayer can spray thinned or unthinned materials.
What We Liked:
- Highly durable sprayer.
- Delivers a high-quality finish.
- Good tank capacity.
- It features adjustable pressure settings.
- Reduces paint waste.
- It is backed by the best and longest warranty.
- Suitable for large projects
Delivers a high-quality finish
What Could Improve:
- Produce a lot of noise when operating
Fuji 2203G Semi-PRO 2 2203G – Easy-to-Use Stain Sprayer for Fence
Reaching the farthest areas of the fence may be one of the biggest issues you have when staining it. The Fuji 2203G Semi-PRO 2 2203G stain and paint sprayer solves that issue with a 25ft long hose. With this, you can access every part of the fence. The item’s low weight and portability also make this much easier.
This sprayer is also quite powerful. It has a two-stage motor with a power output of 1400 watts housed in a robust turbine casing. As a result, the item is highly durable.
Additionally, with this sprayer, you may adjust the staining pattern using a control knob at the gun’s rear. This is useful if you plan to work on multiple projects since while some projects might not require precisions, others will.
The only downside to using this sprayer is that it does not offer the best quality finish if you use unthinned material.
What We Liked:
- Easy to use due to its long hose and lightweight.
- Powerful motor.
- Allows for different spray patterns.
- Suitable for large projects.
- Simple to clean.
- Highly durable.
What Could Improve:
- Not the best sprayer for spraying thin materials
Neu Master Cordless – Budget-Friendly Sprayer for Fence Stain
If you are looking for an affordable fence stain sprayer that will deliver a high-quality finish, then the Neu Master Cordless is the best option.
This simple-to-use electric sprayer for stains and paint allows you to create a smooth and superior finish with less effort and time than when using a paint roller or brush.
The item features adjustable pressure control that allows you to get different stain outputs suitable for broad surfaces, edges, and corners.
The sprayer also includes a 2.0Ah Neu Master’s lithium battery; hence no electric cables will be needed when spraying stains. It weighs 5.5 pounds, which is less than the other sprayers in its class, and is well-balanced, eliminating hand fatigue.
Since this product is inexpensive, the battery will only last about 15 minutes and will take an hour to recharge fully. Another downside is that the manufacturer only includes one battery in this product’s kit, and you can only use a Neu Master battery on this sprayer.
What We Like ????
- Affordable
- Cordless sprayer for staining fence
- Lightweight hence it will not cause wrist fatigue
- Adjustable pressure control
Delivers a smooth and superior finish
What Could Improve ????
- It only comes with one battery
- Small tank capacity
- Only compatible with Neu Master batteries
- Not suitable for large projects
Small tank capacity
Best Sprayer for Staining Fence Buying Guide
Below are a few factors you must consider before deciding on the best sprayer for fence stain:
1. Speed
One of the reasons many people opt for a sprayer when staining or painting fences rather than a paintbrush or roller is that a sprayer enables you to take on large projects and finish them quickly.
Sprayers with large cups and a hose are the greatest choice if you want to complete a large project in the shortest time possible. This is because they don’t need to be frequently refilled as small, handheld, portable sprayers do.
Also important to note is that most sprayers have their speed indicated on the product description. Always choose a sprayer with the highest speed rating if you want to finish your project quickly.
2. Maneuverability
The best sprayers for ease of maneuverability when staining a fence are intended to be placed on the ground and have long hoses. Due to their design, these sprayers distribute their weight to the ground rather than the on your hands or back, reducing human fatigue. The long spray hoses also allow you to easily move from one end of the fence to the other.
Also, it is advisable to buy cordless sprayers since dragging an electrical cable and an air hose connected to a compressor is tiring when spraying stain on something as large as a fence.
3. Adjustable angles
When making your choice, it is advisable to go for a sprayer with adjustable working angles. This is because sprayers with adjustable angles allow you to spray stain from any angle and reach even the tightest spaces.
A quality sprayer guarantees that the painting quality will remain consistent even when you adjust the angles.
4. Paint Control
This is an important factor to consider if you intend to work on a range of projects. This is because while some projects may not require precision, others might.
Some sprayers have a stain control knob that allows you to alter the spray pressure based on your needs. You can adjust the stain flow according to the type of project you are working on.
5. Cleaning
Always select sprayers that are easy to clean. Some stain sprayers for fences include cleaning kits that can help you clean all the stains out of the sprayer.
Others allow you to connect them to a garden hose or a sink so that you can flush the stain out.
6. Spray Tip
Stains are considered a thin material compared to paint. For this reason, when buying a sprayer for fence stain, you should always choose one with a small spray tip than you would if you were selecting a sprayer for paint.
7. Fan Widths
The best sprayer for fence stain should have a wide spray width. This is because fence staining involves covering a large surface area, and a wide fan width covers more with each pass of the sprayer. This allows you to complete the job quickly.
Consider buying sprayers whose fans are 10 to 12 inches wide so you can complete your staining job quickly.
Narrow fans are not entirely bad, either. This is because they allow you to stain the hard-to-stain areas of the fence, such as corners. They also reduce paint waste and offer superior results.
How to Stain Your Fence Correctly Using a Stain Sprayer
Required Materials
Fence staining requires a lot of materials, unlike painting a wall. This is especially true if the fence had been stained before.
Below are some of the materials you will require to stain your fence correctly using a sprayer:
- Vinyl or latex. gloves
- Face mask or respirator
- Stain stripper
- Natural bristle brush
- Soft bristle brush
- Pressure washer
- Vacuum
- Fence stain
- Fence stain
- Paint sprayer
- Drop cloth
Stain stripper
Steps
Step 1: Examine the Fence
It’s vital to examine the fence before starting the staining process. Search for any broken wood pieces, nails, staples, or screws. All of this must be corrected or eliminated to achieve a smooth finish.
Additionally, now is a great time to acquire all of your supplies. Purchase the stain and decide what type of sprayer you’ll use for your job.
Step2: Prep the wood
You have several options when it comes to prepping the wood.
If your fence is old, it is advisable to pressure wash it. The major drawback is that you must wait for the fence to completely dry before staining it. This can take up to one week. Older fences could also be wire-brushed to help restore the lovely wood color.
Use a stain stripper to remove the old stain if the fence has been stained before.
If the fence is brand-new, all you require is a simple sanding. The wood will be smoother as a result. Additionally, it removes the wax coats. These wax coats are applied by some companies on end cuts to stamp their logos.
After sanding, blow off all the dust using a vacuum or wipe the wood clean with a damp cloth.
Step 3: Staining Your Fence
You can now begin staining the fence with a sprayer after it has dried.
Typically, the package with your purchase will include instructions for utilizing the fence stain sprayer. Just keep in mind to aim for an even spray by moving your hand steadily to provide a pleasant finish.
Additionally, if you use a pump sprayer to apply the stain, you should refine the coat using a brush, paying special attention to the Crevices and corners.
Step 4: Wait for the Fence to Dry
After spraying your fence, you need to allow it to dry. The drying period will depend on the type and brand of stain you used. So check the product description to know how long your stain will take to dry.
Additionally, the drying process may also be affected by humidity. If the humidity levels are high, the stain will take longer to dry.
It would be best not to touch the stained fence before it dried.
Step 5: Maintain the Fence
Your fence now has a new, lovely coating, and you may enjoy it. But to keep it looking that way, you must regularly care for it by cleaning it. You should also inspect the fence for any damage and fix it as soon as you find it.
Important Tips You Should Know When Using Fence Stain Sprayers
The following tips are important if you want to spray stain on your fence successfully:
Taking safety precautions even if you are outside is important. Always wear a respirator or a face mask befor starting to spray stain. This will prevent the stain fumes from entering your lungs and causing respiratory issues. Additionally, rubber or vinyl gloves should be worn to protect your skin from the stain strippers and stains.
When using extension cords, ensure they are grounded. This prevents electrical shorts, fire risks, and the buildup of static electricity.
When using a ladder, be sure the feet are solid and won’t dig into the surface. You can prevent the sinking of the ladder and possibly falling off by placing a plywood piece underneath it.
Ensure you are always hydrated and at ease, and take frequent breaks when staining a fence. When undertaking outdoor projects, dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion can happen without warning symptoms.
Consider investing in a spray gun explicitly made for applying fence stains when looking for the best options for staining fences. While standard spray guns and HVLP paint sprayers can also be used, more air cap adjustments may be necessary to produce the required spray pattern.
Selecting a stain sprayer with a sizable paint cup is advised to lessen the need for frequent refilling and increase the effectiveness of the activity.
Choosing a stain sprayer with a customizable spray pattern might assist you in getting the coverage you want on your fence.
Whether you choose a fence paint sprayer or fence stain sprayer, it is important to consider the flow rate of the sprayer pattern. Some high-pressure sprayers may have a high paint flow rate, quickly covering large areas but with more paint. In contrast, other sprayers, such as those with lower air pressure, may have a lower stain flow rate, leading to better control and less stain waste.
Make sure to test the stain flow and spray pattern on a small section of the fence first to ensure it offers the required results, regardless of the sprayer you choose.
Best Stain Sprayer for Fence: FAQs
What is the best tool for staining a fence?
The best tool for staining a fence is a sprayer. This is because a sprayer allows you to complete the job faster and offers superior results compared to rollers and brushes.
Is it better to stain a fence with a brush or sprayer?
It is advised to use a sprayer while staining wood fences. Using a brush and roller for this project requires much time and labor. You can quickly stain the entire fence in a single weekend by renting a stain sprayer from the paint store.
Can you use a Fence paint sprayer to stain?
Yes. You do not need to buy a sprayer intended for only stain spraying to stain your fence. Fence paint sprayers can also be used to complete the job.
How many coats of stain do you need for fence?
Most of the time, solid-color stains are considered equivalent to regular paint. For this reason, only one coat is required to protect the fence. On the other hand, semi-transparent penetrating stains need two coats; the second coat should be applied around an hour after the first application.
How long does a fence need to dry after staining?
The humidity levels will determine how quickly a stain will dry out after being applied to the fence. If the humidity levels are less than 30 percent, the stain will take roughly 12 hours to dry. If the humidity levels are at 60 percent or more, the stain will take 24 to 36 hours to dry.
Does fence need to be dry before staining?
It’s important to let your fence dry completely before staining it. If you try to stain a wet fence, the stain won’t penetrate the wood entirely, and you will end up with a disappointing finish. This might even require you to restain the fence again.
What is the best fence sprayer for staining fence?
The best fence sprayers for staining fences are airless sprayers. This is because they allow you to complete the staining job ten times faster than rollers and brushes.
Can I leave stain in my sprayer overnight?
Yes. You can leave the stain in your sprayer overnight if you plan on applying it the following day. However, if you just completed the staining job, it is advisable to drain the remaining stain out of the paint sprayer and clean the sprayer in preparation for storage.
Do I need to brush stain after spraying?
Many stain manufacturers advise spraying their stains first, then brushing them in. This guarantees the stain is applied in the correct quantity and that it sticks to and penetrates the wood for maximum longevity.
Can you sand and stain the same day?
It is possible to sand and stain on the same day. After sanding, vacuum the dust and start staining.
Final Take
Buying the best sprayer for staining a fence allows you to complete the staining job faster and get a high-quality finish. This guide discusses the eight best stain sprayers for fences. It also offers tips on selecting the best sprayer for staining fences.
We hope this information will help you acquire the best fence stain sprayer for your fence staining project.
If it is your first time staining a fence with a sprayer, the steps on how to stain a fence with a sprayer discussed in this guide will be helpful.