Wagner Control Pro 190 HEA Paint Sprayer

Editor Rating: 4.0/5

Great Product

Wagner Control Pro 190 HEA Paint Sprayer Review

Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson

Last modified: Dec 11, 2023 @ 7:53 am

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Wagner Control Pro 190 Review Summary:

Engaging the services of a professional painter to redecorate your home is tough on your bank balance. Why not invest in a paint sprayer that offers a high-quality finish and do the job yourself?

The Control Pro 190 features Wagner’s innovative high-efficiency airless technology (HEA) for a fuller spray than standard airless technology all while using less power. HEA technology makes this unit more efficient and means less overspray, saving you money on paint and time prepping or cleaning up.

Everything you need to start your painting project (apart from the paint) comes in the box. You get the spraying unit with integrated storage, a 50-foot hose, an all-metal spray gun, a spray paint tip, and a carry handle.

If you want a different size spray tip for thinner or thicker paints, tips in different sizes such as 0.011, 0.013, and 0.019 inches are available at a small additional cost.

The Wagner brand is renowned for its range of painting solutions that are designed for both professionals and amateurs. Its Control Pro series is considered one of the paint-spraying industry leaders.

Pros:

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Adjustable operating pressure to a maximum of 1600 psi.
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Overspray decreased by up to 55 percent.
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Consistently high-quality finishes.
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Softer spray delivered at 0.40 gallons per minute.
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Long-lasting pump that’s suitable for professional use.
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Ergonomically designed all-metal gun.
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Sureflo pusher valve primes the system.
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Long 50-foot hose
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Two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Cons:

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Not the easiest unit come clean-up time.

Features and Benefits of the Wagner Control Pro 190


There’s plenty to admire about the Wagner Control Pro 190. Here are a few of the stand-out features that caught my eye:

HEA (High-Efficiency Airless) Technology


Developed by Wagner, HEA combines the best of high-pressure low-volume (HVLP) spray guns with the power of airless units. While an HEA paint sprayer has a smaller capacity than an airless gun, it can still deliver cover at around about the same speed.

The innovative technology also enables the Pro 190 to handle paints with different viscosities. Whether you spray latex, stains, water or chalk paints, lacquers, or varnish, you’ll get a solid result.

Overall, an HEA sprayer offers less overspray, is quieter in operation, and is more forgiving in the finish it produces. Plus, because the Control Pro 190 is so user-friendly, it’s a great option for spray painting newbies and professionals alike, whether they’ve used an HEA gun before or not.

Reduces Preparation Time and Clean-Up


As I mentioned earlier, this HEA sprayer produces less overspray. In fact, Wagner reckons its gun has 55 percent less overspray than other paint sprayers available on the market. It’s a lofty claim and while I can’t prove it’s true, I would say that the Control 190 certainly offers a tight finish.

The benefits here are obvious: even coverage and fewer runs in your finished paintwork. You’ll also spend less time prepping the painting area and cleaning it up after you’ve finished.

Powerful and Durable


A powerful 0.70 horsepower pump produces a maximum operating pressure of 1600 psi. The gun is capable of delivering up to 500 gallons of paint per year. The Control Pro 190 is fast as well, allowing you to paint at 0.40 gallons per minute.

According to Wagner, the pump in this sprayer will last three times longer than other brands. An all-metal gun construction means extra durability, so you should get years of use from this paint sprayer.

No Paint Cups Needed


Most paint sprayers have metal or plastic paint cups that you have to replenish during a project. But this isn’t the case with the Wagner Control Pro 190. Instead, it draws paint directly from any container up to five gallons in size.

You can draw paint or any other medium directly from the container it comes in. It’s a huge convenience and time-saving bonus when you’re painting walls, fences, and other large areas.

Long Hose


When you’re working on the outside of a house or painting a ceiling, for example, you need a spray gun that offers the reach you need. With a 50-foot long hose, the Wagner Control Pro 190 enables you to climb your ladder, move down the fence, and just generally get on with the job at hand without interruptions

Adjustable Pressure and Changeable Spray Tips


A simple dial with markings from one to five allows you to adjust the pressure to suit the paint you’re using.

The lower end of the scale is suitable for interior and exterior stains and water-based sealants. Use the mid-to-high range for exterior stains, acrylics, and polyurethanes. Choose the high range for latex mediums and oil-based primers.

As well as adjusting the pressure, make sure you have the right spray tip for the medium you are using. Yes, this will mean extra expense as there is only one 0.015-inch tip included, but it’s well worth the initial outlay.

As a rule of thumb, the thicker the paint the larger spray tip you need. Control Pro tips come in various sizes including 0.011, 0.013, and 0.019 inch models.

What do The Users Say?


Investing in a new tool for your DIY arsenal means expense, so you understandably want the paint sprayer that best suits your projects.

Checking out reviews is always a good way to get a feel for a tool, and it’s no exception when it comes to paint guns.

Let’s have a look at what owners of the Control Pro 190 say.

With clear instructions included, many find this unit easy to both set up and use. Owners also note the consistent spray pattern which reduces the time it takes to spray large areas.

If you’re new to paint spraying, reviewers mention that it’s a good idea to practice on a dummy project before you start spraying the real thing. Much like any other new skill, really.

The hose length and convenience of drawing paint directly from the bucket are appreciated by Pro 190 owners, who also praise the high-quality finish and speed.

It’s not all sunshine though, and there are a few niggles.

Clean up time after finishing painting was a common gripe among reviewers. Some note that despite the detailed steps to follow, it can take half an hour or more to get all the paint out before storing the unit.

Another downside owners mentioned was overspray. Yes, it’s reduced, but it’s not eliminated entirely. If you are working indoors, make sure you mask off areas you don’t want to paint and use drop cloths.

You don’t have to take my word for it when it comes to reviews, though. Check out what Control Pro owners think below:

Alternatives to Wagner Control Pro 190 HEA Paint Sprayer


The Wagner Control Pro 190 might not float everyone’s boat, if that’s the case for you, here are some other leading options.

Higher up the price range, we find the Titan 1900 Pro. It’s another powerful HEA paint sprayer that’s similar to the Wagner 190 but it has a trolley cart. When moving around, this saves effort and helps reduce fatigue.

It also has a 50-foot hose which can be extended up to 100 feet with an additional purchase. The 0.70 horsepower motor, spray rate of 0.40 gallons per minute, and the maximum 1600 psi output are the same as the Pro 190’s specs.

  • Trolley for easy relocations and less fatigue.
  • The 50-foot hose can be extended to 100 feet.
  • Higher price point than the Control Pro 190.
Graco 16Y385
Graco’s 16Y385 TrueCoat 360 sprayer incorporates a FlexLiner paint cup for easy clean-ups. A handheld unit, it’s more affordable than the Wagner Control Pro, but still delivers a professional finish on indoor and outdoor projects.

360-degree spraying means the TrueCoat works even when it’s upside down. Lightweight with an ergonomic handle, it’s a good option for extended use.

  • More affordable than the Control Pro 190.
  • Works with all different paint mediums.
  • Not suited to professional or trade-level use.
The Titan XT250 is an Airless sprayer that mounts on a rugged stand and features an ergonomic carry handle. A 0.5 horsepower motor delivering up to 2500 psi powers this machine.

As with Wagner’s Pro 190, stains, paint, and varnishes are pumped directly from their containers so there are no pesky refills. The XT250’s hose is considerably shorter though at 25-feet. This unit offers good durability thanks to its metal build. An included 0.015-inch spray tip delivers a fine spray.

  • Lower price point than the Wagner 190.
  • Airless as opposed to HEA.
  • Shorter hose length at 25-feet.

Conclusion


The Wagner Control Pro 190 makes painting large projects nearly effortless and certainly more fun.

Easy to set up straight out of the box, this sprayer is also simple to use, even if you’re new to spray guns. The long hose and ability to draw paint direct from the container make working on higher areas and ceilings a breeze.

HEA technology is backed up by enough power for a consistent and quality finish on varied surfaces. Just note that you might need to invest in some extra spray tips to make the unit more versatile.

With a capacity of up to 500 gallons a year, compatibility with most mediums, and a spray rate of 0.40 gallons per minute it’s suitable for both professional painters and home DIYers alike.

The FAQ

Q: How Do I Use My Wagner Control Pro 190?

Your Wagner Control Pro 190 arrives with detailed instructions in the box. If you’re more of a visual learner, Wagner’s step-by-step video details how to set up this unit.

Q: Which Uses More Paint — Spraying, Brushing, or Rolling?

While it’s more time consuming, using a good old fashioned brush and roller can be more economical in the long run. When you spray paint it’s atomized and some of it drifts away in the air, or lands where you don’t want it. You will also have residue in the hose and machine that is washed down the drain during the cleaning process. On average, it’s estimated that spraying uses up to three times as much paint. So you need to decide whether time or money is the major factor. If it’s money, opt for traditional methods, if it’s time, then spray away with impunity.

Q: How Often Should I Clean My Paint Sprayer?

Your Wagner Control Pro paint sprayer will need to be cleaned immediately after every use to keep it in tip-top condition. Dried paint clogs the system and the gun either won’t work, or will produce a shoddy finish. Yes, it’s time-consuming, but a necessary part of the painting process.

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