My Mystery Man (M-M-M) picked me up a Wagner Optimus Power Painter 5.4 because it was time to graduate to an “actual” paint sprayer.
I’ve used my Wagner on several occasions, and I’m able to achieve a somewhat smooth finish while up-cycling furniture. However, with all the spitting and spewing going on, it doesn’t provide the professional finish I was hoping for.
I had such a frustrating time today, it prompted me to write this review.
Now I’ll be the first to admit, I’m NOT great when it comes to reading and following instructions. I like to figure things out on my own via trial and error. I know… you don’t have to say it… this isn’t the smartest or most efficient way to learn something new, but stay with me here. In the case of my new Wagner Optimus Power Painter, I DID read the instruction booklet from cover to cover several times. (So for those of you who know me only too well, 😉 it’s not because I didn’t read the manual.)
Here’s the trouble I’m running into.
1. Once I assemble the Wagner and fill the canister with paint, it feels bulky and a little weighty. While spraying, I use 2 hands…. (and yes, I admit my hands are small). One hand holds the handle/trigger, while my other hand is under the reservoir to help with the weight and ensure smooth manoeuvring. Not the most comfortable.
2. I keep having to stop and fill the canister with more paint. Once the paint reservoir gets just below half, the paint starts spitting, leaking and blotching.
3. The instructions say you can spray without watering down your paint. I’ve tried leaving the paint “as is” AND watering it down. It doesn’t make any difference. Either way it still spits, leaks and makes a mess.
4. I can’t do any angled spraying without it sputtering and spitting. The Wagner needs to be held straight up and down for the best finish. (Wagner has come out with a new EZ Tilt suction tube which is flexible. The EZ Tilt claims to have remedied this problem and they say it can even spray overhead.)
5. It drips and leaks from I don’t know where??? The sprayer ends up so “painty” I’m not sure where all the leaks are coming from.
6. It has a lot of over spray. I’m shocked how much paint I’ve wasted.
My experience with this particular Wagner is disappointing and I may try returning it to Home Depot for a store credit. Home Depot is usually really good with returns within a 30 day time frame.
Have you tried using any of the Wagner Power Sprayers? If so, I’d love to hear how it worked for you! If you’re thinking of purchasing this Wagner, you can read more reviews here.
Have any questions about my experience? Leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help!
Now I’m heading back downstairs to clean up that mess….
Denise
Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
I have paint sprayer also, I read the directions every time I used it to make sure I was putting it together right. Every time I used it it would and sputter. I thought it was something I was doing wrong. I’m so glad to find out other people had that problem too. I love spray painting my furniture, now I’m going to look it those spray painter y’all recommended. Thank you
Sorry to hear this Rebecca. I know how frustrating it is and I don’t think it’s always user error (like some manufacturers say). The electric paint guns have come a long way since I posted this several years ago tho. If you try one of the ones I listed here, I’d LOVE to hear how it works out for you!
The sputter and splatter paint everywhere if the tip is not completely thawed enough. It needs to be thoroughly clean between painting and it needs to be put on very tightly before you add any paint. That should solve any of the sputtering problems.
Thank for share! I too had so much trouble with spitting and leaking all over the place when i use a Wagner spray painting gun, product name is wagner 0520000 Power Tex Texture Sprayer.
There are other handheld sprayers out there that will do a better job. But they cost more money. It may be worth it to you. http://www.graco.com/ca/en/products/contractor/truecoat.html
They have a lot of information on their website. But you may need to go to a paint store to purchase if you decide that you want one. I would recommend reading up on this model. They also have a battery operated handheld which works great. However they are designed to deliver a lot of paint very quickly, this can take some getting used to. There are so many different types of paint sprayers out there, it boggles the mind.
Thanks for the info Carolyn. I’ve heard good reviews on the graco. I’m using a Husky HVLP Paint Gun which is fabulous.http://goo.gl/DN1l8 Now that I’ve used a spray gun with a compressor, there’s no going back for me!
I borrowed a Wagner spray painting gun from a friend to paint my fence. I too had so much trouble with spitting and leaking all over the place, The spayer was covered in so much paint, I have spent the past couple of hours cleaning the unit, I almost feel like i’ll need to purchase a new one to give to my friend, cos there is paint all over the thing.
Did it look worse than mine…lol? Thanks for leaving the comment Christina. Good to know it’s not just me!
I have never ventured from my foam roller and brush!! So your review was quite helpful!
It took me forever to venture from my roller/brush so I totally get it Erin!