Best Fence Stain Sprayer

Best Fence Stain Sprayer Quick Chart 

Picture	Name
	Graco TC Pro Cordless Kit Tons Included Up to 2000 PSI 2 Batteries Included
	Graco Magnum X7 125 Annual gallons 100 foot hose Sprays unthinned stains
	Earlex HV5500 Turbine System Paint Flow Control 13 foot hose
	Graco Project Painter Plus Spray unthinned Easy to Clean 50 Gallons/year Use
	HomeRight SuperFinish MAX Beginner Friendly Multiple Spray Patterns Easy to Clean
	Wagner Control Double Duty Minimal Overspray Budget Friendly Lightweight
	Neu Master Adjustable spray patterns 3 diff Nozzles Cordless
	ITISLL Pump Sprayer Budget Model No compressor needed Multi-purpose

Editor’s Top Picks for Best Stain Sprayer for your Fence 

1. Graco TC Pro
2. Graco Magnum X7
3. Earlex HV5500
4. Graco Project Painter Plus
5. HomeRight Super Finish
6. Wagner Double Duty
7. Neu Master
8. ITISLL 1.5 Gallon Pump Sprayer

Best Stain Sprayer for Your Fence

Premium Cordless Airless Sprayer

#1. Graco TC Pro

Powered by a DeWalt 20V lithium battery, the Graco TC Pro this made our painting easier than we ever thought. Thanks to its unique design, you can spray in any direction – including upside-down.  There is no thinning required for paint or stain.  

Thanks to Graco’s TC Pro Control system, I had full command over the spray pressure—from completely off at 0 PSI all the way up to 2000 PSI. This level of adjustability gave me precise control over how much material was applied, which made a huge difference in reducing overspray and achieving clean, even coverage.

Join our Email List for Tips and Tricks!

First Name

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you’re human:

The ability to fine-tune the spray output made it easy to adapt to different surfaces and project sizes. Whether I needed a lighter mist or a more forceful application, the spray remained consistent and smooth throughout. This flexibility really elevates the final result and makes the TC Pro a standout for DIYers and pros alike.

Inside the box are a bunch of goodies.  Here is what you get.

• Flexline bags of 4 ounces to 32 ounces.
• 4 ounces of Graco pump armor storage fluid.
• A 60-mesh filter.
• 514 reversible spray tip.  (Get Different Tips HERE)
• Two DeWalt lithium-ion batteries and an XR charger.
• 2 VacuValve caps.

According to the manufacturer, users can receive up to 1 gallon of paint spraying on a single battery charge.

We found that to be about 45 minutes of stop-and-start time or 30 minutes of continuous painting.  If you need some advice on Graco Tips, check out their awesome post here.

Be sure to use the flexline bags for stains, however, as the cup stains easily.  Straining your stain is a must. Any changes to the texture of your stain does create a bit of a problem for the TC Pro.

You must also work in an almost continuous fashion to prevent stain from drying within the unit. If you pause for more than 15 minutes, you’ll need to clean the equipment before continuing again.

The TC Pro does weigh 10 pounds when fully loaded, so it may cause fatigue for some painters.

Stain Sprayer for Commercial Use

#2. Graco X7

Expect a quality machine when you purchase Graco’s Magnum X7 Cart Sprayer. The cart provides a ton of mobility for moving around larger scale projects.

When we ran this machine through its paces during testing we loved the fully adjustable paint flow control. Included is a 515 RAC IV 515 Switch Tip, which by itself can handle a ton of different paint mediums. Additionally, this unit can accommodate tips from .009 inch to 0.07 inch that you can buy HERE. You can then spray thinner materials that this high PSI machine may otherwise have issues with due to that 3000 PSI output.

Because of the 3000 PSI output of this machine, we were able to spray unthinned latex directly from our 5 gallon paint bucket with the handy flexible suction tube. 

The X7 comes with a 25 foot hose but can accommodate up to a 100 foot hose, so you can spray plenty of multiple story homes without wondering if your hose can reach.

Reverse the RAC IV 515 Switch Tip to solve any clogging issues easily and quickly.

Convenience is king with this model. On top of the cart for mobility, there is a hook on the front of the unit to mount your paint buckets.

This model features the SG2 metal spray gun, a lightweight yet durable tool from Graco that helps reduce wrist strain during extended use. Built into the gun is an inline paint filter, ensuring smoother paint flow and minimizing clogs.

Cleanup is simplified with the included PowerFlush Adapter, which easily attaches to a garden hose for efficient and thorough cleaning. Additionally, a bottle of Pump Armor is provided to protect your X7 pump during storage, keeping it in top condition between jobs.

It’s only limitation is the 125 annual use recommendation.  This is perfect for the hardcore DIYer but if you need more gallons/year, consider stepping up to other more robust Graco Sprayers, the popular X17 or the Graco Magnum ProX19.

#3. Earlex HV5500

The Earlex Spray Station HV5500 delivers consistent results with easy spray pattern adjustments on the fly.

Instead of fiddling with difficult knobs or dials, you simply push to receive the pattern adjustments that your next project requires.

What we really liked about this Earlex Spray Station was the fact that the spray pattern adjustments come with a push and click type of design.

This sprayer features a simple spray pattern adjustment system, allowing you to tackle a wide range of projects using different paint types like latex, oil-based paints, lacquers, and sealers.

With fan widths adjustable from just 1 inch up to 12 inches, you can easily switch between broad coverage for large surfaces or precise spraying for detailed work.

The Earlex is also convenient to store—the spray gun rests securely on top when not in use. Its built-in carry handle makes it easy to transport to any job site. Keep in mind, though, the motor is somewhat noisy; even with hearing protection, prolonged use may cause temporary ear ringing.

As a spray station, it doesn’t require a separate air compressor since it has a built-in turbine that generates its own airflow. This can save you money by eliminating the need for additional equipment.

This powerful sprayer gives contractors the control and performance necessary to finish jobs efficiently. Plus, the included 13-foot hose offers plenty of reach, so you won’t struggle to access your work areas.

However, we found that the hose for this particular unit can be easy to dislodge from the unit especially since it is only 13 feet long. If you have larger areas to cover, consider buying a longer hose.

This sprayer comes with a 2mm nozzle that covers most paint jobs. We didn’t like that the only spray tip you get out of the box is a 2mm tip. To spray certain finishes, you need to invest into several different tips to maximize the use of this machine.  You’ll need a 1.5mm tip/nozzle at least. When purchasing this unit, also purchase additional tips so your covered for all your projects.

The one-quart paint cup gives you the advantage of longer painting sessions without frequent stops to refill. Both the cup and spray gun feature a Teflon coating, which makes cleaning quick and hassle-free.

Designed with portability and built-in storage in mind, this unit is easy to transport and convenient to store when not in use.

If you’re frustrated with the uneven coverage and cleanup struggles that brushes and rollers often cause—especially on decks and other outdoor surfaces—you’ll appreciate the smooth, consistent finish the Earlex HV5500 Spray Station delivers.

This pro spray gun is able to generate up to 42 CFM thanks to its 650 watt power turbine, giving you consistent coverage on your shutters, trim or similar medium-sized projects.

Get yourself the specialized Earlex Spray Gun Cleaning Kit to get your unit super clean after use.

It can be used for interiors or exterior needs and can spray thinned latex, lacquers, varnishes, oils, stains, and even sealants if you have the need to do so.  The Earlex HV5500 is a super versatile unit for all your DIY projects.

#4. Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus

With this Graco airless spray gun, you receive a paint sprayer that is fully adjustable. You stay in control of the flow of the paint as you work to create specific results.

The stainless-steel piston pump provides enough power to spray unthinned paint at a high pressure, ensuring consistent and professional results.

This sprayer performs best with thicker paint types such as latex. Stains and lacquers will require a higher viscosity to spray effectively with this model. It also supports a wide range of spray tips, allowing you to handle various paint mediums with ease.

With a recommended usage limit of 50 gallons per year, this sprayer is ideal for serious DIY enthusiasts who want reliable performance without overkill.

One standout feature is the flexible paint supply hose, which allows you to draw paint directly from both 1-gallon and 5-gallon cans or buckets.

Unlike many other sprayers that use rigid hoses—which can detach during use—this flexible hose prevents air from entering the system, reducing interruptions and avoiding the need to bleed the line. This helps maintain a smooth, professional finish throughout your project.

Hook yourself up with a 20 inch extension rod so you can reach everything you need to paint without too much effort.

When storing (and after cleaning), put some Graco Pump Armor into your sprayer to protect the pump parts.  You’ll thank me later.

Weighing 15 pounds, you can also take this unit just about anywhere and achieve professional results. Included is a 24 foot Duraflex hose, but this unit can accommodate up to a 50 foot hose.

We also appreciated the easy-to-access adjustable pressure controls that are on this Graco paint spray gun

Everything you need is placed on a dial that is easy to turn, even while working, and the symbols for each setting are placed in such a way that you can easily see them so you don’t have to guess at what you’re doing.

#5. HomeRight Super Finish Max

Take your crafts to the next level with this HVLP paint sprayer from HomeRight.

Make sure that you give the Super Finish Max a closer look. It offers the same functionality as the top models in the industry, but for a fraction of the price.

It even requires less thinning that high-level models. If you want to start staining right away, this model will accommodate you. The lower levels of pressure with this HVLP model mean that you have less overspray to worry about.

Right out of the box, the HomeRight Super Finish Max has multiple spray settings that help you conquer more projects.  You can also buy more spray tips making it even more versatile.   

The Super Max comes with a 450 watt turbine motor. When paired with an interchangeable tip, most paint mediums can be sprayed. Three brass spray tips are included: 1.5, 2.0, and 4mm.

You can tackle your entire staining to-do list with this strong and lightweight sprayer.   

Always pay attention to the connectors that you use on your HomeRight HVLP Sprayer.  Some models offer users a connector that is smaller in diameter than the air hose that connects to the unit.

Because this is a restriction to the flow of the paint or other substance, pressure can build up at the connection and cause issues.

There are some elements of an HVLP design with this HomeRight model, but there are also some siphon feed elements included as well.

This feature helps maintain consistent spray pressure while you’re painting, staining, or varnishing, ensuring a smooth and professional finish every time.

We also appreciate the thoughtful ergonomic design enhancements, which make handling the sprayer more comfortable during extended use.

Included with this model is a versatile air-blowing nozzle. When used without paint, it delivers a focused stream of air perfect for cleaning delicate electronics, hard-to-reach spots under furniture, and other tight areas prone to dust buildup.

Weighing in at just 3 pounds, this sprayer offers excellent control without causing hand fatigue, helping you complete projects faster. While some craft sprayers may be lighter, they often come at the cost of reduced performance—especially on furniture and larger woodworking tasks where this model excels.

It’s super easy to find parts for this very popular paint sprayer.  New paint containers and tips can be found online.  Need a spray shelter?  HomeRight makes that too!

Combine that with the brass nozzle for added durability and you can have confidence in the results you’re producing.

The 40 ounce cup is bigger than most other models (which have 32 ounce paint cups), and you should be able to cover about 90-100 square feet of paint area with one cup.

If you add the HomeRight Rapid Cleaning Tool to your arsenal, clean up is even easier.

#6. Wagner Double Duty

The Wagner Control Spray Double Duty Paint Sprayer can accurately spray sealants, stains, and other light body materials in addition to paint when it’s at the right viscosity.  

Spraying stain and varnish seems to be what this sprayer from Wagner does super well.

It can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects.   The first thing you’ll notice about this HVLP paint sprayer is that it is fairly quiet.  Actually, the Wagner Double Duty Paint Sprayer is super quiet for what it does.

This Wagner Sprayer has three spray patterns to dial in your results: you have horizontal, vertical, and round spray options.

The horizontal and round spray patterns were easy to get used to.  The vertical spray pattern took a little time to master.  We recommend practicing your technique if you need to paint vertically with this equipment. 

You’re going to love that it’s lightweight. It also produces a fine spray that doesn’t give you a whole lot of atmospheric pollution while you’re working. 

With the ability to paint up to 4.9 fluid ounces per minute, you’ll find that this two-stage indoor paint sprayer design has a lot of power for your next project.

You’re given two material cups for your project, the largest being 1.5 quarts, for your biggest jobs. If you’re looking for a solid entry-level unit, give this model a closer look for sure.

We do love how fast you can change between materials with the design of this Wagner model.

The variable trigger in particular makes finishing work consistent, but still personalized, and that gives this stain sprayer a unique advantage. 

Best Budget Fence Stain Sprayer

#7. Neu Master Cordless

This brilliant little sprayer offers a 30 ounce detachable container, a durable plastic housing, and enough pressure to spray even properly thinned latex. Neu Master claims you can paint 54 sq feet with a full paint cup: we found it to be a bit less, depending on your spraying skills.

This budget-friendly sprayer surprisingly includes features usually found in more expensive models, making it a great value for beginners and DIY enthusiasts. It can handle a wide range of finishes, from stains and latex to polyurethane and more.

Powered by a 2.0Ah battery, this sprayer is compatible with Neu Master’s lithium battery lineup. Weighing just 5.5 pounds, it’s well-balanced and significantly lighter than many competitors, helping reduce wrist fatigue during extended use.

Some users have noted that the sprayer tends to leak if held at angles other than horizontal unless all components are tightly secured. If you need to spray upside down or at awkward positions, this might not be the ideal choice.

As a cost-effective option, the battery life is around 15 minutes per charge, with a full recharge taking about an hour. It only comes with a single battery, and the unit only supports Neu Master batteries, which may limit flexibility.

To ensure smooth operation and prevent clogs, we strongly recommend straining your paint before use, especially with budget models like this one.

The Neu Master Kit includes:

• 1 * Cordless Piant Sprayer with 900ML container
• 1 * 20V Max 2.0Ah Lithium Battery
• 1 * Fast Charger
• 3 * Size Nozzles (2.0/2.5/3.0 mm)
• 1 * Viscosity Cup
• 1 * Cleaning Brush
• 1 * Cleaning Needle
• 1 * User Manual

You can adjust the spray patterns from vertical to horizontal to circular to achieve the perfect spray pattern for your project. There is also a material control knob to easily dial in the correct settings for your chosen spray pattern.

If you’re shopping on a tight budget, this is the best cheap paint sprayer you’ll be able to buy.   When you need a good paint sprayer to finish a project, give this one a closer look.

Best Fence Stain Pump Sprayer

#8. ITSILL 1.5 Gallon Pump Sprayer

While not as fast as a fence paint sprayer, the ITSILL Pump Sprayer is definitely better than using brushes or rollers to stain your fence.

We appreciate versatile tools that can tackle multiple DIY projects, and this pump sprayer fits the bill perfectly. Beyond staining, it’s great for applying pesticides and herbicides in your garden—just be sure to clean it thoroughly between uses to avoid cross-contamination.

With a 1.5-gallon capacity, this sprayer holds a generous amount, but keep in mind that when full, it weighs nearly 16 pounds. Carrying that for extended periods can cause fatigue, especially over large areas.

The sprayer comes with a variety of nozzles—including stream, cone, wide flat fan, narrow flat fan, and a foaming nozzle—giving you flexibility to cover everything from large panels to delicate lattice work efficiently, minimizing overspray and waste.

You can choose from 1, 1.5, or 2-gallon sizes, and optional longer wands (up to 30 inches) are available to help reduce back strain and make your job easier.

Overall, this pump sprayer delivers solid performance and versatility for a wide range of DIY applications.

Join our Email List for more Tips and Info!

First Name

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you’re human:

Best Fence Stain Sprayer: Buyer’s Guide 

Building a fence is a big investment, so protecting it to ensure long-lasting durability is essential. One of the best ways to preserve your fence and keep it looking great is by applying a high-quality stain that shields it from weather and wear.

To get the job done efficiently and evenly, using the right fence stain sprayer is key. With the right tool, you can apply stain quickly and achieve a professional finish that helps safeguard your fence for years to come.

What are Sprayers for Staining Fences?

Fence stain sprayers are specialized paint sprayers designed to handle thinner liquids like stains and sealants. Unlike regular paint sprayers made for thicker paints, these sprayers deliver an even coat of stain that penetrates the wood and protects it from moisture, UV rays, and other damaging elements.

How do Fence Stain Sprayers Work?

Fence stain sprayers operate by using air pressure to atomize the stain into fine particles. This mist sprays out of the nozzle and evenly coats your fence surface.

Most sprayers feature an adjustable cup or reservoir that holds the stain, and controls that allow you to fine-tune the spray pattern, pressure, and flow rate to best suit your project.

Fence Spraying and Safety Gear  

Spraying your fence with a stain sprayer is just like spraying paint. 

You will need to get your safety on first.  A respirator mask made for painting that fits well, is ergonomic, and allows you to move around are a must.  

We recommend this mask from 3M because it’s multipurpose and fits most folks easily.  Second, you need safety goggles to protect your eyes from any overspray and/or blow back of your stain as you’re spraying. 

Last, make sure you’re wearing coveralls or your work DIY clothes so you don’t a) ruin your good clothes and b) get any stain on your skin. 

Can You Apply Stain with a Sprayer? 

The best way to apply fence stain is with a sprayer.  Brushes and rollers are a waste of time here. But why use a paint sprayer to stain your fence? 

A spray gun will spray that stain in all the nooks and crannies of your finished fence using small and large fan widths and multiple spray patterns.  A sprayer uses compressed air to apply stain to your fence.   

The stain is shot out of your spray gun at higher pressure than using a brush or roller.  This means the stain really gets into the grain of your wood.  Stain sprayers also apply your stain evenly and quickly so you can get on with your day. 

Can You Use Paint in a Stain Sprayer? 

Yes and No.  Some sprayers really shine when spraying stains and lag when laying down paint.  Can you use stain in a sprayer?  Some sprayers are specially made for staining projects.  Others can spray everything from stains, varnishes, lacquers, and latex.  

You really should get a sprayer that does both, so you can use it for multiple staining and painting projects and work within your budget. 

What kind of sprayer do you use for stain? 

There are a bunch of types of sprayers on the market.  Some are better to use for spraying stain than others.  Let’s explore why you should choose one over the other and our recommended type of fence stain sprayer. 

What are the Different Types of Sprayers for Fences?

HVLP Paint Sprayers: Our Recommended Type of Fence Stain Sprayer

HVLP stands for “High Volume Low Pressure.”

 This spray paint gun uses a high volume of air to break up the paint for spraying.  The end result is a “paint mist” which reduces your overspray, but makes it difficult to cover large surfaces rapidly.  HVLP paint sprayers are good at keeping overspray to a minimum.

 You will need an air compressor with an HVLP unless you buy a turbine system.

Gravity Feed Paint Sprayers: Our 2nd Recommended Type of Fence Stain Sprayer 

Gravity Feed Spray Guns are called that because the cup in on the top of the spray gun feeding the paint into the gun.

They require less air pressure meaning they have less overspray so you save money on paint.   They come as HVLP or LVLP.

The low pressure also allows you to have more control over the spray and delivers a soft finish.  Make sure your gun can spray at weird angles and upside down before purchasing.

Using Airless Sprayers for Fence Stain

Airless Paint Sprayers Not Recommended for Beginners

Great for More Experienced Sprayers

Airless paint sprayers are powerful tools that spray stain at high pressure, making them ideal for large fence projects. However, they’re not the best choice for beginners.

Because airless sprayers operate at much higher pressures than other sprayer types, they can produce more overspray and paint mist in the air. This means you might end up using up to 1.5 times more stain compared to gravity feed or HVLP sprayers, which increases your overall paint costs.

That said, airless sprayers are excellent for quickly covering large areas, so experienced users often prefer them for big jobs where speed is essential.

Siphon Feed: Not Recommended for Staining Fences

Siphon feed sprayers pull stain from a canister through a tube, instead of feeding it directly to the nozzle via a cup. This design can allow air to enter the paint lines, increasing the risk of splattering and uneven application — definitely something you want to avoid when staining your fence.

For this reason, siphon feed sprayers aren’t recommended for fence staining projects. 

LVLP Paint Sprayers: Not Recommended for Staining Fences

LVLP stands for Low Volume, Low Pressure. These sprayers operate at very low pressures (around 10 PSI or less), which produces a softer spray and minimizes overspray, helping you save on paint.

LVLP sprayers are beginner-friendly and great for fine detail work, but their low pressure means they might struggle to lay down stain evenly on rough outdoor surfaces like fences. As a result, they’re not the best choice for large fence staining projects.

Best Temperature for Staining a Fence

For optimal results, stain your fence when the temperature is above 50°F and humidity is low. Warmer, drier conditions help the stain dry faster and penetrate the wood better.

If your fence is made from new, untreated wood, expect the stain to absorb and dry more quickly compared to older wood, which may require additional coats for full coverage.

What to Look for when Staining Your Fence

Features to Look for in a Stain Sprayer for Your Fence

Fan Widths

You’re going to want to have a fence stain sprayer that is capable of spraying wide fan widths. Why? Because when spraying your fence, you’re going to be covering a large area. A wide fan width will cover more with each pass of your stain sprayer, so you’ll complete your job faster. Think 10 to 12″ wide for fastest coverage.

A fence sprayer that also delivers results with a narrow fan width can help you get into tight spaces and around fence designs that are not just your typical wood plank. Think spindles, lattice work etc. Narrow fan width will reduce paint waste (overspray) and get your better results.

Different Spray Patterns

Cleaning 

Save yourself some time and grab a stain sprayer that’s known for being easy to clean.  Some paint sprayers come with the ability to attach them to your sink or garden hose and flush them out. 

Choosing a stain sprayer that’s easy to clean will save you a lot of time and hassle. Some models come equipped with attachments that let you flush them directly from your sink or garden hose, simplifying the cleanup process.

Others include specialized cleaning kits designed to thoroughly remove all stain residue from the sprayer components, ensuring your equipment stays in top condition for future use.. 

Cordless and Airless Sprayers 

Dragging around power cords and compressor hoses while spraying large fences can quickly become frustrating.

For convenience and mobility, cordless sprayers are a great option. Their portability allows you to move freely around your project, making the job easier.

Keep in mind, however, that cordless models tend to be heavier due to the batteries, which can cause wrist and arm fatigue. Taking breaks will be necessary to avoid discomfort.

On the other hand, airless sprayers apply stain at high pressure, which speeds up large jobs. However, spraying thin materials like stain at high pressure creates more overspray and requires some experience to handle properly. Beginners should approach airless sprayers with caution.

Spray Tip/Nozzle  

Because fence stains are thinner than traditional paints, you’ll want to use a smaller spray tip designed specifically for thinner materials.

The best fence stain sprayers offer multiple tip sizes or include a specialized tip optimized for staining. A smaller spray tip atomizes the stain efficiently, ensuring a smooth, even coat on your fence surface.

Fits in Your Hand: Ergonomics 

Staining a fence is a time-consuming task, requiring you to hold the sprayer for extended periods.

Choose a sprayer that feels comfortable and fits well in your hand to reduce hand and wrist fatigue. This allows you to work longer without needing frequent breaks and helps maintain consistent application quality.

Lightweight: Ergonomics (again) 

For the same reasons you want a sprayer to fit in your hand, your fence stain sprayer should be lightweight.  This stops fatigue, which forces you to take breaks, slowing down your work.  Fatigue can also badly impact your results. 

Speed

Make sure your sprayer can keep up with your pace of staining. You want a sprayer to be time efficient when staining your fence.

Angles

You want a sprayer that can spray at all angles, even upside down. This way you can get into those hard to reach places, like between fence slats.

Capacity

Make sure the paint cup on your sprayer is large enough so you don’t have to keep starting and stopping to refill. This cause delays in your project and may compromise your finish.

What is a Fence Stain Pump Sprayer? 

Pump sprayers are more labor intensive but also cheaper than a regular fence stain sprayer.  They have less moving parts, so maintenance, cleaning, labor and chances of things breaking down are reduced. 

You will have to stop a ton to pump air into the pump sprayer, which can be a huge time waster if you’ve got a large fence to cover.   

Also, because the pump sprayer pressure drops while you spray, the coverage is not as even or consistent like when you use a fence stain sprayer. 

Pump sprayers can be used not only to spray stain but for applying fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides in your garden.   

You can buy pump sprayers that are hand held, on a cart or even as a backpack.  Depending on the size or tank capacity you get, they can weigh quite a bit compared to a fence stain sprayer.  Some pump sprayers weigh over 16 lbs!  

Compare that to a stain sprayer that usually weighs around 3-5lbs and you can see that you might want to choose a paint sprayer for stain over the manual pump version. 

Can You Use a Pump Sprayer to Stain a Fence? 

You can use a pump sprayer to stain a fence, but there are pros and cons to consider.  As we mentioned above, a pump sprayer is much more time consuming, heavier, and more human power is needed to paint the same length of fence. 

This is one of those situations where you sacrifice time (and results) to save money.  Why you would use a pump sprayer instead of a power paint sprayer for stain comes down to your budget, time, and personal choice. 

Pros	Cons
Cheap	Heavy
No Compressor Needed	Slow Spraying
Multi-Purpose	Labor Intensive
User Friendly	Spray isn't Uniform

Not All Stains are Created Equal

As we said before, there are a ton of stains available.  Each stain is designed to do a specific job.  You can pick up stains that protect your fence from UV, seal against rain/weather/snow, and some just stain your fence a certain color.  Make sure what you’re buying is mildew resistant. 

You can also buy stains in transparent, semi-transparent, semi solid and solid.  

Each stain that we’ve mentioned above has its benefits and drawbacks.  Whatever stain you choose, make sure its quality.  If not, you’ll be restaining your fence every year instead of every 2-3.

2 top brands we recommend for fence stains are Olympic and Ready Seal.  

UV Protective Stains 

Like the title says, if you live in an area that gets a ton of sun, you should stain your fence with a stain that has a UV protectant built in.  The benefits of using a UV stain are that, just like your skin, it protects the wood from sun damage.    

Sun damage from UV can lead to premature aging of your wood, cracking and peeling. Did you know that stain with more pigment protects your wood even more from UV damage? 

Make sure to grab some stain that you don’t have to keep reapplying like this stain from XYZ that lasts 2 years before you have to restain. 

Weather Seal Stains 

Weather seal stains protect your fence from rain, cold, snow, ice etc.  They protect the wood by sealing it from the elements.  When staining a fence, your main concern is keeping it in good shape and well maintained.  

Protecting it from water damage is HUGE.  If you don’t seal it with stain, your fence will turn gray in about 2 years and start to need serious repairs in year 3. 

Regular Old Fence Stain 

This is the stuff that just stains your fence your favorite color.  It won’t offer any of the benefits of weather seal or UV Protective stains, but it will make your fence last longer than if you didn’t use it.  

It preserves the wood much better than if you left it unstained, bringing out the color and grain of the wood. 

Transparent 

If you want to show the natural texture and color of your grain, you would use transparent stain.  This provides minimal protection against UV. 

Semi-Transparent 

Semi adds a splash of color to your fence while hiding some of the imperfections.  Wood grain will still come through, but not as much as with transparent stains.  Better with protection against UV than transparent stains. 

Semi-Solid 

While a bit of the texture and grain of the wood comes through with semi solid, you are definitely getting more coverage here than with the transparent stains above. 

Semi solid is more paint like, which means a film is applied to your wood instead of soaking into the wood.  You could have cracking, peeling and lifting sooner than is you used a transparent of semi-transparent stain. 

Solid Stain 

Best for hiding imperfections of older wood. Downside is that solid stains are like paint: they will peel and chip off as the wood expands and contracts with heat, cold and moisture because it’s a film that sits on top of the wood.  

How much Stain is Needed for a Fence

The amount of stain required depends entirely on the size of your fence—its height and length. To estimate how much stain you’ll need, start by measuring the total square footage of your fence.

Next, check the coverage information on the stain can you plan to purchase. Most manufacturers provide approximate square footage coverage per can. This will help you calculate how many cans to buy.

Keep in mind, some fence stain sprayers, especially powerful airless models, produce overspray. This means you may want to purchase an extra can or two to account for paint loss and ensure you don’t run out mid-project.

How do You get the Best Results from Fence Stain? 

Choosing the right application method is key to a beautiful, long-lasting finish. Whether you’re using a brush, roller, pump sprayer, or fence stain sprayer, it’s important to follow the stain manufacturer’s recommendations.

Many stains are specially formulated for specific application methods. For example, stain designed for spraying differs from stain made for brushing or rolling. Sprayers apply stain under pressure and atomize it into fine particles, so the formulation needs to support this for an even coat.

Before you start, read the label carefully to ensure you’re using the best tool for the stain you selected. Using the wrong method can lead to poor adhesion, uneven coverage, or peeling.

Get Creative with Your Fence Stain 

Gone are the days when fence stains were limited to just a few dull browns or tans. Today, you can find a wide range of colors—from warm beiges and soft greys to rich reds and deep browns.

This variety lets you personalize your fence to complement your home’s exterior, your outdoor living spaces, or simply your favorite color palette. With the right shade, your fence can become a stylish feature of your yard, adding curb appeal and character.

Quick Facts: Prepping Your Fence Before Staining 

Maintaining your fence throughout the year makes it easier to stain or paint it when the time comes. 

Make sure to keep up on repairs to the wood, fixing cracks or broken piece when they happen. Make sure to pick a time when the weather will be clear, with high temperatures and lower humidity.  These are the ideal conditions in which to stain your fence.

For older fences that are already stained, you will need to take off the old stain or paint by using a pressure washer and some good old elbow grease to scrub that fence with a wire brush.  

Cut your grass or clean up around your fence to remove all foreign objects that could get in your way of staining your fence properly. 

Clean your fence with a power/pressure washer and make sure to remove all mold/mildew. Don’t go too hard here and use a lower PSI on your washer to prevent damaging your wood.  

Wait a few days for it to dry.  If you’re using water based stain, your fence doesn’t have to be completely dry, although that’s ideal for best results. 

What is the Best Sprayer for Staining a Fence: Our Recommendation 

We recommend the Graco Project Paint Plus or the HomeRight Super Finish Max as our top 2 choices for staining a fence.  That’s because they are easy to clean, fit within most peoples budgets, and deliver results.

What to Budget for a Stain Sprayer

Stain sprayers range anywhere from $60 to over $500.  If you go for a lower priced model, you will be sacrificing the number of adjustments, fan widths and quality of parts.   

Fence stain pump sprayers are the budget choice here priced from $13 to $50.  More elbow grease is required and it will take you longer to paint your fence if you go this route. 

How to Video for Staining a Fence

Check out this great video on how to stain your own fence with a fence stain sprayer.

Conclusion 

The best fence stain sprayer will deliver beautifully finished results on everything from old fences to brand new builds.  You can customize your stains for all seasons and colors and really enjoy your backyard space.

Join our Email List for Tips and Tricks!

First Name

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you’re human:

FAQs