[twiddled]

I have over 400ft of fence to stain varying from 4ft to 8ft and its time to repaint the house so im in the market for a sprayer.

The fence will be stained with a semi-solid stain and the house with a solid stain.

I was looking at the Graco Magnum X5, but heard it clogs easily. Im not experienced with sprayers, but I heard you have to clean this one immediately after using it, so maybe that's why users have complained of it clogging? Just wondering how much more of an investment would I need to make to get one that doesn't clog as easy or if that's necessary since im not a professional.

The fence in question is eastern white cedar and the house is cedar shingles (not sure what type of cedar).

The fence has weathered for 2 years so it should be ready to accept the stain. As far as fence prep, what is required? I had heard of using a brightener? Or will this vary per the brand of stain im using. Havent settled on a brand yet. Would appreciate recommendations.

 

[mark sr]

It's generally a good idea to wash the fence first. Brightener isn't needed if you intend to use a solid stain.


I have very little experience with the diy type airless pumps. It's always a good idea to back roll or back brush the coating after spraying it onto wood - it helps to work the coating into the wood instead of just laying on top.

 

[woodco]

The problem with magnums is that they lack an inline filter. It still has one on the gun though. Just strain the stain, and make sure your gun is clean. YOu may want to go to a pawn shop. People unload magnums there all the time. See if it works, stain your deck, and plan on it being disposable, though it may still work just fine. Or you could bring it back to the pawn shop. Hell, the pawn shops are probably closed though.... There is always craigslist. If you do get one, keep a fire extinguisher by it.. Theres a guy on here who always talks about magnums catching, on fire... I've never heard of it though. All in all, I see nothing wrong with buying a used magnum or even a new one for a fence stain. Tips are reversable clean, so clogging shouldnt be too big of a problem.

 

[cocomonkeynuts]

The problem with magnums is that they lack an inline filter. It still has one on the gun though. Just strain the stain, and make sure your gun is clean. YOu may want to go to a pawn shop. People unload magnums there all the time. See if it works, stain your deck, and plan on it being disposable, though it may still work just fine. Or you could bring it back to the pawn shop. Hell, the pawn shops are probably closed though.... There is always craigslist. If you do get one, keep a fire extinguisher by it.. Theres a guy on here who always talks about magnums catching, on fire... I've never heard of it though. All in all, I see nothing wrong with buying a used magnum or even a new one for a fence stain. Tips are reversable clean, so clogging shouldnt be too big of a problem.

I literally watched the motor ignite in front of a customer as I was showing him how to clean it. Just pumping water through the line. I had to get the fire extinguisher and was really embarrassed.

Seeing how Graco puts together their other inexpensive lines like the merker es doesn't surprise me at all.

I've owned three x17 models they all failed and I take pretty good care of my pumps they are practically spotless out the door when you rent one. 2 were bought new and the third Graco sent new after the packings blew and paint was all over the inner gear housing and motor windings. That one eventually died too.