A time comes when you want to buy something and only want to consider products from a specific brand.
As a DIY or commercial painter, you might want to buy your next air sprayer only from Wagner Spraytech, the giant Minneapolis-based maker of paint handling devices.
This article explores some of the best paint sprayers you can buy from Wagner for your upcoming spray painting projects.
Be sure to read to the end to learn more about the company and why you are on the right path in your decision to make your next sprayer a Wagner product.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Wagner Paint Sprayers
- OUR TOP PICK: Wagner Spraytech 0518080
- RUNNER-UP: Wagner FLEXiO 890
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Wagner Spraytech 0518050
Comparison of the Best Wagner Paint Sprayers
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Who Is Wagner?
Wagner is a Minneapolis-based maker of paint handling devices such as sprayers for DIYers, home improvement enthusiasts, commercial painters, and industrial consumers.
Wagner is the most common name for the company, shortened from Wagner Spraytech Corp. The company has evolved over the years since its inception to become widely known simply as Wagner.
Where Are Wagner Paint Sprayers Made?
Wagner Spraytech is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the German conglomerate Wagner Holding, Inc. Wagner paint sprayers are made in Germany at the company’s biggest technology centers.
Wagner also has other technology centers worldwide in countries such as the United States, Switzerland, Japan, Italy, and China. In the US, the company has its production plant in Minneapolis.
Who Makes Wagner Paint Sprayers?
Wagner paint sprayers are made by Wagner Holding, Inc, headquartered in Markdorf, southern Germany.
Who Owns Wagner?
The German conglomerate, Wagner Holding, Inc, is the owner of the Wagner Spraytech Corp. subsidiary.
How Long Has Wagner Been Around?
Wagner has been around for 68 years now since it made its first electrical paint-spraying device for homeowners and skilled contractors in 1953.
The company had been started earlier in 1947 under the name Wagner Vertriebsges as a machine repairer and trader in woodworking tools and electric motors.
Wagner Spraytech Corporation was founded in 1970, before being sold in 1972 to J. Wagner GmbH of Germany.
In 2013, Wagner acquired Earlex Limited, another paint handling tools maker. The company also acquired HomeRight in 2018.
Wagner also acquired another paint sprayer company, Titan Tools, making the Titan brand of paint handling devices.
What Makes Wagner Products Stand Out from the Competition?
Wagner Spraytech makes great paint sprayers in different series, namely FLEXiO, HEA, Control, MotoCoat, and Craft. HEA sprayers are the latest addition and have also become popular worldwide.
Wagner paint sprayers use unique and patented nozzles for both general and finer finishes – iSpray Nozzle and Detail Finish Nozzle.
The iSpray Nozzle is used for general spray painting projects, while the Detail Finish Nozzle is used for projects that require a finer finish.
Wagner Spraytech offers excellent customer care service with various contact options such as call support, emails, and fax.
The company’s customer service runs six days a week from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Wagner offers varying warranties for its five paint sprayer product lines. The Control Pro series sprayers comprise Control Pro 130, 150, 170, 170 Cart, and 190 have two-year warranties.
Paint sprayers in FLEXio, MotoCoat, PaintReady, and Control series come with a one-year warranty against factory defects.
Wagner also makes other products such as heat guns, steamers, powered and ordinary rollers that have warranty periods of two to five years.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
- Number of Speed Settings: Whether the unit offers adjustable speeds and the number of settings it features.
- Capacity: The amount of paint the sprayer can contain at a time. Measured in CCs, gallons, quarts, milliliters, or cups.
- Spray Patterns: The pattern of spray the unit puts out. Includes horizontal, vertical, and circular.
- Tip Sizes: Tip sizes included with the sprayer. May also have additional tips sold separately.
- Hose or Cord Length: The length of the sprayer hose or cord.
- Dimensions: The length, width, height of the sprayer.
- Weight: The actual weight of the sprayer.
Review of the Best Wagner Paint Sprayers
After the detailed background information about Wagner Spraytech, here are our top picks for Wagner paint sprayers you should consider choosing from for your upcoming spray painting projects.
Best Overall
Wagner Spraytech 0518080
Specifications
Number of Speed Settings: Variable
Capacity: 1.5 qt and 1-qt professional grade metal cup
Spray Patterns: Horizontal, vertical, and round
Tip Size(s): 1.8mm
Hose Length: 20 ft
Dimensions: 18.5 x 12 x 12″
Weight: 9.8 lbs
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Review
Wagner Spraytech 0518080 sprayer offers desirable features at a budget-level price. The sprayer allows three ways to adjust it to suit different types of surfaces and projects.
You can turn the air cap to spray vertical, horizontal, and round patterns. You can also regulate the flow rate using the pressure control dial and flow rate adjuster for minimal overspray and perfect finishes.
The sprayer comes with a 20-foot hose, making reach and maneuverability easy, regardless of the size of the surface you’re painting.
Bottom Line
The Wagner Spraytech 0518080 sprayer is one of the popular models in the Wagner Control series. It is a handy tool for small and medium-sized projects like painting cabinets, furniture, and decks.
The sprayer has three adjustment options for the spray patterns, flow rate, and pressure for optimal control.
Other notable features include using AC or DC power, a stationary base that keeps most of the weight grounded, a metallic professional-grade paint cup, and an on/off switch.
Pros
20-foot hose for easy reach and maneuverability
Stationary base keeps most of the weight grounded for less hand fatigue
Customizable paint flow with pressure control dial and flow rate adjuster
Has a powerful 2-stage turbine for spraying thinned materials like poly and stains
Corded electric model allows long time use once connected to AC/DC power outlet
Cons
Might burn out the motor if used for a long time with water-based paints
Runner-up
Wagner FLEXiO 890
Specifications
Number of Speed Settings: Variable
Capacity: 1.5 qt
Spray Patterns: Horizontal and vertical
Tip Size(s): 1.8mm and 2.5mm
Hose Length: 11.5 ft
Dimensions: 19.25 x 13.25 x 11.5″
Weight: 1 lb
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Review
Wagner FLEXiO 890 paint sprayer offers more painting flexibility because the 11.5-ft paint hose makes maneuverability easy. The hose helps you work on larger surfaces fast and easily.
The sprayer has a stationary base that ensures the bulk of its weight remains grounded, with only 1.5 pounds on the gun. The lightweight gun is easy to use with less hand fatigue for long durations.
The sprayer allows adjustment options to suit various painting projects. You can switch between vertical, round, and horizontal spray patterns.
The power dial on the gun’s handle allows changing the air pressure while the material flow control increases or decreases the amount of paint passing through.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a Wagner Spraytech paint sprayer that offers high-level adjustability, FLEXiO 890 is the sprayer for you.
With three adjustment options, you’ll make the sprayer work well for various types and sizes of projects. Besides changing the flow rate and spray patterns, you can also alter the air pressure.
Pros
11.5-foot hose for plenty of working area
Has a handy switch on the handle for turning the sprayer on and off
Super lightweight gun for less hand fatigue during prolonged painting projects
Uses Detail Finish Nozzle for finer finishes and iSpray Nozzle for larger projects
Cons
Stationary base can be a nuisance when you have to move it around
Best for the Money
Wagner Spraytech 0518050
Specifications
Number of Speed Settings: Variable
Capacity: 1.5 qt
Spray Patterns: Horizontal, vertical and round
Tip Size(s): 1.8mm
Cord Length: 6 ft
Dimensions: 11.00 x 6.50 x 11.20
Weight: 4.2 lbs
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Review
Wagner Spraytech 0518050 sprayer is yet another simple handheld model for handling small and medium-sized projects.
The sprayer uses a two-stage air turbine powerful enough to spray thin materials like varnishes, lacquers, urethanes, sealers, and stains.
Like other related handheld sprayers from Wagner, the sprayer comes with two paint cups. The 1-quart cup is ideal for smaller projects, while the larger 1.5-quart cup suits larger projects.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a budget-friendly paint sprayer with all the desired qualities of a good sprayer, Wagner Spraytech 0518050 is a good bet.
The sprayer is easy to use and ensures you get excellent painting results for small and medium surfaces without fatiguing your hands out.
Pros
Variable flow trigger for controlling material flow
Has 1-quart and 1.5-quart to suit various project sizes
Fairly lightweight handheld sprayer for less hand fatigue
Nozzle adjustable to three spray patterns for horizontal, round, and vertical designs
Corded electric model for longer painting durations when connected to a power outlet
Cons
Only usable as long as it is connected to a mains power outlet
Best Wagner Paint Sprayer for Cabinets
Wagner Spraytech FLEXiO 590
Specifications
Number of Speed Settings: 10
Capacity: 1.5 qt
Spray Patterns: Horizontal and vertical
Tip Size(s): 1.8mm and 2.5mm
Dimensions: 15.9 x 6.7 x 13.9″
Weight: 2.11 lbs
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Review
Wagner Spraytech FLEXiO 590 is a lightweight sprayer suitable for Prolonged spraying durations. The lightweight nature of the handheld sprayer reduces hand fatigue when you spray for a long time.
The sprayer uses iSpray and Detail Finish Nozzles to ensure you get great finishes for both large and small projects.
The iSpray Nozzle is ideal for large projects, while small surfaces require the Detail Finish Nozzle.
Besides changing the nozzles, you can adjust the flow rate through ten dial settings for more painting control and precision.
Bottom Line
With up to ten speed settings for regulating the flow rate, Wagner FLEXiO 590 becomes a handy device for your projects because of the high level of precision and flow rate control.
You’ll also enjoy using the two nozzles interchangeably to suit both small and large projects with the right quality finish.
Pros
Adjustable painting speed
Variable speed turbine to easily spray unthinned material
Has a width selector for switching between narrow and wide spray patterns
Uses iSpray and Detail Finish Nozzles for large and small projects, respectively
Lightweight handheld sprayer that won’t fatigue your hands during long painting durations
Cons
Short power cord makes reaching some surfaces challenging
Best Wagner Airless and Electric Paint Sprayer
Wagner Control Pro 130
Specifications
Capacity: 1.5 gal
Spray Patterns: 10-12″ width
Tip Size(s): 0.015″
Hose Length: 25 ft
Dimensions: 8 x 7 x 11″
Weight: 11 lbs
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Review
The large paint tank is a great win for the Wagner Control Pro 130. The tank holds up to 1.5 gallons of painting material and eliminates the need for frequent messy refills.
The tank has a spill-resistant lid that ensures you don’t mess up your working area and the sprayer. The lid also ensures you don’t contaminate your material.
Bottom Line
The Wagner Control Pro 130 is a handy paint sprayer for painting large projects and surfaces such as decks, fences, walls, and floors.
The sprayer is easy to use because of the high paint capacity and the long paint hose. With these two features, you can spray faster and easily without wasting time doing messy refills.
Pros
Uses gravity feed system for easy cleaning and priming
Has a large paint tank that holds up to 1.5 gallons of material
Comprises three compact parts hence easy usage and storage
Includes a spill-resistant lid to ensure projects remain mess-free
Integrated 25-foot hose that makes it easier to work on larger surfaces
Cons
Can be annoyingly heavy when the large tank is full
Types of Paint Sprayers from Wagner
Wagner makes different types of paint sprayers for its DIY, industrial, and commercial-grade consumers. We discuss these types below.
Airless Sprayers
Wagner started making high-pressure airless paint sprayers in 1960 and had become the biggest of airless models in Europe by the late 1960s.
The company recently introduced the High-Efficiency Airless (HEA) series with models like HEA Power painter 90 Extra, Control Pro 350M, ProSpray 3.20, and Control Pro 250M.
Wagner’s airless models are ideal for larger painting projects or surfaces, especially where time is limited, and you want the job done faster.
HVLP Sprayers
Wagner also makes some high volume, low pressure (HVLP) sprayers that eject paint at high volumes of paint at low pressure.
Wagner’s HVLP sprayers are ideal for small and moderately sized surfaces or painting projects. HVLP models spray slower than airless models and are suitable when time is not a worry.
XVLP Sprayers
Wagner’s XVLP sprayers have most of the features of HVLP sprayers.
The XVLP sprayers are perfect for small surfaces like doors because they have small paint cups that carry enough paint for only about seven sq. meters. As such, you would have to refill often.
How Do Wagner Paint Sprayers Compare?
The paint handling tools industry is awash with different paint sprayer makers. Here’s how Wagner paint sprayers compare with other major makers like Graco and HomeRight.
Graco vs Wagner Paint Sprayers
Like Wagner, Graco also makes a wide range of paint sprayers. Some of Graco’s main products include Graco Magnum X5, Graco 395, Graco 360DS, and Graco GX19.
Graco offers one-year warranties for its sprayers, although some models may have longer warranties.
Graco is well-known for its series of Magnum airless paint sprayers that spray 6-8 sq. meters per minute for the smaller models and 8-18 sq. meters per minute for the advanced models.
The company also makes HVLP models like HV3000 Comfort and HV4000 Luxe.
Graco paint sprayers are ideal for DIYers, contractors, and industrial consumers for spraying small, medium, and large projects or surfaces like trims, walls, doors, fences, automobiles, and more.
Like Graco, Wagner also offers different warranty durations for its paint sprayers. Some models have a one-year warranty, while others have warranties of two years.
Both brands produce high-quality paint sprayers you can rely on for all surface types and project sizes.
HomeRight Paint Sprayer vs Wagner
Wagner acquired HomeRight in 2018. Both brands have a wide range of airless and HVLP paint sprayers.
HomeRight has more handheld units, while Wagner mostly produces large models. Some Wagner models comprise three major parts: the gun, paint hose, and a stationary base.
Most Wagner paint sprayers are more suited for large projects, while most HomeRight models are suited for small and medium-sized projects and surfaces.
HomeRight also makes sprayers in different series, such as Super Finish Max and Finish Max.
Some popular HomeRight models include HomeRight C800971 and HomeRight C800879.
Why Should I Choose a Wagner Paint Sprayer?
Wagner’s paint sprayers are suitable for trade-level painters, DIYers, and industrial consumers. The following reasons make Wagner sprayers a great fit for you.
Unique Designs
Wagner makes sprayers with unique designs that comprise three main parts – the paint hose, stationary base, and spray gun.
Wagner units with stationary bases and long paint hoses are a good option for painting medium to large surfaces since the base keeps the bulk of the sprayer’s weight grounded.
Fair Warranties
Wagner paint sprayers come with one- or two-year warranties against factory defects. You can always return a faulty product if you don’t get it altered by a non-Wagner repairer.
Unique Features
Some unique features in Wagner paint sprayers include:
- Stationary bases housing the motor
- iSpray Nozzles for general finishes
- Detail Finish Nozzles for finer finishes
- Lightweight spray guns with small paint containers
- Adjustability settings such as flow rate control, pressure control, and varying spray patterns
- Fairly long paint hoses
- Storage cases for some model
- Powerful motors, some with up to 9 different settings
- Paint tanks in some models
Who Shouldn’t Choose Wagner Paint Sprayer?
If you are a professional painter with large repeat projects, Wagner’s handheld HVLP models won’t be a good fit for you. You would do much better with airless units that paint faster at high pressure.
As a DIY enthusiast, you should not buy Wagner’s airless sprayers, especially if you only do a few projects once in a long time. You would do much better with HVLP models for small and medium-sized projects.
Conclusion
There are many Wagner paint sprayer models for you to choose from, and the choice boils down to your preferences and the nature and size of the project at hand.
If you have large repeat projects, airless models will serve you better. Users with small and moderately sized projects should buy simple handheld sprayers or HVLP models.
People Also Ask
Wagner Spraytech is a great company with a rich history from humble beginnings to a celebrated worldwide paint handling tools maker. Here are some common questions about the brand.
Wagner paint sprayers first gained massive popularity in the 1960s when the company maiden its first models of airless sprayers.
The company has been making unique sprayers for contractors and DIYers with unique designs and features like powerful motors and adjustability options for spray patterns and pressure.
Wagner offers one or two-year warranties for its paint sprayers.
If you are using an airless Wagner sprayer, you do not have to thin the paint. You only need to thin the paint if you use the less powerful models like handhelds and HVLPs that paint at lower pressure.
You can paint your car with a Wagner paint sprayer. Painting cars requires finding paint sprayers that can produce fine finishes, and Wagner units with Detail Finish Nozzles will do a good job at this.
Wagner has paint sprayers in budget level and mid-range models. You should expect to spend between $65 and $300 for a good model.
You can use a primer with your Wagner paint sprayer. For example, you can improve adhesion in untreated plastics or wood by spraying them with a protective primer.
You should always clean your sprayer immediately after spraying a primer. It’s also advisable to use water-based materials and study the material details sheet before priming.
If you are spraying water-based materials, you can thin them using clean water. It’s also good to add water to the sprayer to clean it thoroughly after spraying water-based materials.
You can use your Wagner sprayer to spray polyurethane, but it’s advisable to stick to only one sprayer for this.
You can have other sprayers for other materials and the polyurethane-dedicated Wagner paint spray to ensure flawless applications.
