A fence sprayer should match the stain, the amount of fence and the time you want to spend refilling and cleaning it. A compact cordless sprayer and a bucket-fed airless machine solve different problems. Neither is a universal match for every coating.
The two Graco models below offer those distinct approaches. Check the stain label, safety data sheet and sprayer instructions before buying. A clear or penetrating stain can require a different tip and application method from a heavier solid-color coating.
Two Sprayers for Staining a Fence
Graco Ultra 17M363 Cordless Handheld Sprayer
- DEWALT 20V MAX battery-powered airless sprayer
- Kit includes two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger
- 32-ounce FlexLiner cup system
- Adjustable pressure; for compatible nonflammable coatings
Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus
- Corded electric airless paint sprayer
- Draws directly from a 1- or 5-gallon container
- Adjustable pressure and SG2 spray gun
- 25-foot hose included; supports up to 50 feet
1. Graco Ultra 17M363: Cordless Handheld Spraying
Graco Ultra 17M363 Cordless Handheld Sprayer
- DEWALT 20V MAX battery-powered airless sprayer
- Kit includes two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger
- 32-ounce FlexLiner cup system
- Adjustable pressure; for compatible nonflammable coatings
The Ultra 17M363 is a handheld airless sprayer using the DEWALT 20V MAX battery system. The kit includes two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger, but only one pack is installed in the sprayer at a time. The second pack is a spare, not a second simultaneous power source.
Its 32-ounce FlexLiner cup system and adjustable pressure suit smaller sections and jobs where moving a hose would be inconvenient. Graco specifies a Triax piston pump and a maximum tip size of 0.016 inch. Select the tip for the actual stain and the machine’s operating limits.
The manufacturer advertises up to one gallon per battery charge under suitable conditions. Plan for refills and battery changes rather than treating that figure as a guaranteed job size. A filled handheld cup also adds weight at the wrist.
Strengths: Cordless movement and a compact setup for smaller areas. Limitations: Repeated cup refills and handheld weight can make a long fence less convenient than a bucket-fed setup.
Related: Sprayer attachments for lawn-care applications
2. Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus: Bucket-Fed Spraying
Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus
- Corded electric airless paint sprayer
- Draws directly from a 1- or 5-gallon container
- Adjustable pressure and SG2 spray gun
- 25-foot hose included; supports up to 50 feet
The Project Painter Plus is a corded electric airless sprayer. Its flexible suction tube draws material directly from a 1- or 5-gallon container, avoiding the repeated small-cup refills of a handheld unit.
Graco supplies an SG2 gun and a 25-foot hose; the machine supports a maximum hose length of 50 feet. That hose provides working reach while the pump stays near the paint container. It is not a claim that the electrical power cord is 50 feet long.
Adjustable pressure helps you find a usable spray pattern with the appropriate tip. The rated maximum pressure is 2,800 psi, with a maximum 0.015-inch tip. A high pressure rating is not a reason to spray from farther away: follow the instructed distance and technique to control overspray and finish quality.
The PowerFlush adapter connects to a garden hose for water-based cleanup. Follow the material-specific cleaning procedure for other compatible coatings. The supplied tip is not automatically the best size for every fence stain.
Strengths: Bucket feed and hose reach can suit longer fence sections. Limitations: Requires an outlet, hose management and thorough cleanup; material and tip compatibility still matter.
Related: Garden hose storage ideas
Match the Stain Before You Spray
These Graco sprayers are intended for compatible water-based and oil-based nonflammable architectural coatings. The Ultra is not the UltraMAX solvent-capable model. Do not assume that any oil-based stain or solvent can be sprayed simply because it is sold for outdoor use.
Read the Ultra 17M363 operating manual and the instructions supplied with your chosen machine. Follow the coating manufacturer’s preparation, thinning and back-brushing requirements. Test the pattern on scrap material before starting on the fence.
Airless spray can penetrate skin. Keep the tip away from people, retain the tip guard and follow the pressure-relief procedure before cleaning or servicing. Use the protective equipment and ventilation specified for the coating, and protect nearby plants, vehicles and neighboring property from overspray.
What About a Manual Pump Sprayer?
A manual deck sprayer can be useful when its manufacturer explicitly permits the stain or sealer you intend to use. It is a different tool from an airless paint sprayer and should not be assumed to handle thick coatings. Match the tank seals, nozzle and material label rather than treating every garden sprayer as a fence-staining tool.
Choose for the Amount of Fence
For occasional small sections and cordless movement, compare the Ultra handheld setup. For a longer run where refilling a small cup would interrupt the work, compare the Project Painter Plus and its bucket feed. Include masking, cleaning and coating compatibility in the decision, not just spraying speed.
For other outdoor jobs, our home and garden equipment guides cover different tools. Lawn-care chemical equipment serves a different purpose from a wood-finishing sprayer; choose each tool for its intended application.
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