Wagner FLEXiO 590 review: My first time using a paint sprayer (and why I loved it!)
If you’ve followed my DIY adventures for a while, you’ll know I usually stick to trusty paint rollers and brushes for my home projects. But after tackling what felt like miles of tired old fencing in the garden last summer, I promised myself that next time, I’d find a better option, as I really wanted to find the best budget paint sprayer.
Ad info: The lovely team at Decorating Centre Online (DCO) supplied the materials for this project in exchange for a reel over on my Instagram. This won’t affect my review and if there are any negatives, I’ll be sure to share them as I pride myself on my honest product reviews and sharing my personal experience. DCO have also given me a 10% discount code to share with followers, so if you fancy 10% off their whole site, except Wagner, Mirka & tester pots, then enter code CLAIRED10 at checkout.
Enter the Wagner FLEXiO 590 Universal Sprayer, and let me tell you, this was my very first time using a paint sprayer, so I was a mix of excited and slightly intimidated. Spoiler alert: it turned out to be a game changer.
First impressions: unboxing & setup
Straight out of the box, the Wagner FLEXiO felt surprisingly lightweight and compact — a big plus if, like me, you’re dragging tools around the garden. It came with two nozzles: the iSpray (for large areas like fences) and a finer one for more detailed work on future interior DIY projects.
As a complete newbie to paint sprayer guns, I really appreciated the clear instructions and instructional video included. Within 15 minutes, I had it assembled, loaded up with fence paint, and ready to roll (or should I say spray!).
My first project: Garden fence refresh
The fences were long overdue for a facelift. I’d usually spend the best part of a weekend coating them with a brush or roller — but this time? I completed the entire garden boundary in a fraction of the time.
Using the Wagner 590 Flexio, I covered an enormous area (six full fence panels) with ease. The adjustable pressure settings meant I could tweak the paint flow depending on the wind and how thirsty the timber was.
This electric paint spray gun handled unthinned paint really well, I tried watering it down too for comparison, but actually found it was a bit thin and ran out too quickly when I did. I know that it depends on the paint you’re using and thicker paints will need watering so definitely check the manufacturer’s guidelines. I was pleased as I didn’t need to mess around diluting or prepping with extra equipment, which made the whole process so much simpler.
How to use the Wagner590 Flexio paint sprayer on fences.
You will need
Click the image below to shop any of the items.
- Wagner Flexio 590 Sprayer (with iSpray nozzle for fences)
- Exterior paint or stain (suitable for fences)
- Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
- Painter’s tape
- Safety gear (mask, goggles, gloves)
- Stir stick & paint strainer (optional but recommended)
- Extension cord (if needed)
How to paint fences with the Wagner 590 Flexio
1. Prepare the Fence
- Clean thoroughly: Remove dirt, mould, or loose paint using a power washer or stiff brush.
- Repair damage: Replace broken boards or hammer in protruding nails.
- Sand if needed: For smooth surfaces or peeling paint, lightly sand to create a uniform base. I didn’t do this as we have rough sawn fences.
- Let the fence fully dry before painting.
2. Prep the Work Area
- Lay drop cloths or plastic to protect grass, concrete, and nearby plants. We are in the middle of a full garden revamp and I’m going to be digging up the area immediately in front of the fence so wasn’t too worried this time, but for another area would definitely not skip this step!
- Use painter’s tape to mask areas you don’t want painted (e.g., hinges, posts, etc.). Again, I didn’t have any of these.
- Set up a wind barrier if it’s breezy. (I’d also add a note to say to stand up wind of the sprayer rather then downwind when you use it to prevent getting a coating yourself if it’s breezy).
3. Prepare the Paint & Sprayer
- Stir the paint and check there aren’t any lumps.
- Thin if needed: The Flexio 590 can handle unthinned paint, but for smoother results, thinning slightly may help (especially for stain). Check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Assemble the sprayer: Use the iSpray front end (included with the Flexio 590) for fences.
- Adjust the material flow dial and air pressure (start at low as shown on the guide and adjust based on coverage).
4. Test Spray Pattern
- Use a piece of cardboard or scrap wood to test:
- Adjust the nozzle for vertical (up-and-down slats) or horizontal (flat boards).
- Set the spray width and material flow to get even coverage with minimal overspray or dripping.
5. Spray the Fence
- Hold the sprayer 6–12 inches from the surface.
- Move your arm in smooth, steady strokes, keeping it parallel to the fence.
- Overlap each pass by 30–50% to avoid stripes.
- Keep a consistent speed and distance to prevent pooling or streaking.
- Spray in sections, working top to bottom or left to right. There is a good guide that comes in the box with the sprayer to help.
6. Watch for Drips or Missed Spots
- Immediately use a brush to touch up drips or runs.
- Let the first coat dry (follow paint manufacturer’s drying time) before deciding if a second coat is needed.
7. Clean the Sprayer
- Disassemble and clean thoroughly with warm, soapy water (or mineral spirits for oil-based paint).
- Use the included brush to clean all small parts.
- Dry fully before storage.
Tips for Success with a paint sprayer
- Avoid spraying on windy days to reduce overspray.
- Work in shaded areas or early/late in the day to prevent paint from drying too fast.
- Use a mask and goggles—even outdoors, atomized paint can be hazardous.
- Test first on a small area to dial in your settings.
Results: Smooth, Consistent Coverage
The smooth finish blew me away — no streaks, no brush marks (obviously), just a clean, even coat across the boards, extra impressive when you consider how naff they looked to start with! The FLEXiO 590 handled my paint beautifully and gave that professional finish I’ve always admired on other people’s fences!
I did a second coat the next day, and even that took under an hour. For context: I would normally block out a whole weekend for this kind of outdoor space refresh.
Ease of Use & Cleaning
One of my biggest worries as a first-time user was the clean-up, but I was pleasantly surprised. Everything comes apart easily, and a quick rinse under the tap with warm water had the components ready for storage in no time. The easy cleanup factor makes it ideal for DIY enthusiasts like me who don’t want the fun ruined by a lengthy post-project faff.
How It Compares: Should You Upgrade?
I’ve seen other much more expensive models mentioned in paint sprayer comparison threads online & by professional painters, but they also come with a much steeper price point.
If you’re not tackling commercial work and just want a reliable tool for home use, the Wagner FLEXiO is a great choice. It offers a lot of flexibility for various projects, from garden fences to kitchen cabinets, without the high cost of airless sprayers like the Wagner Control Pro or the SF21 Pro.
Ideal For These Kinds of Projects:
✔️ Fences, sheds, and decking
✔️ Interior walls and rooms
✔️ Small projects like plant pots or tables
✔️ Detailed work with the fine nozzle
✔️ Large-scale projects like wardrobes or even murals
The adjustable settings, ability to handle thick paints, and quick switch between different spray patterns makes this a really excellent choice and I’m completely converted.
Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend It?
If you’re considering a paint sprayer gun for your next project, especially as a beginner, I can wholeheartedly say this is a top choice. The Wagner FLEXiO 590 is user-friendly, powerful, and versatile — and it gave me professional results with zero experience. Much better results than painting alone and great value.
It’s now firmly part of my DIY toolkit, and I’m already planning smaller projects (hello, upcycled plant stand) and maybe even painting my DIY slat fences before autumn arrives.
If you’re on the fence (pun absolutely intended), this might just be the best paint sprayer to get started with. Affordable, reliable, and fun to use and gives you the flexibility to use for indoors too. I had one follower contact me because they had a Wagner fence sprayer and wanted to upgrade it to use for emulsion too and unfortunately you can’t retrospectively upgrade as you need the stronger components that the fence sprayer alone doesn’t have, so if you think there’s a chance you might want to complete some interior projects then it’s worth getting this model to future proof your DIYs.
If you’d like to see a video of the paint sprayer in action, watch my reel (below) and I’m working on a more detailed guide which I’ll share over on my YouTube.
Don’t forget to check out the other articles in my product reviews series
