When comparing the Wagner FLEXiO 3000 vs 590, on the surface, both models look extremely similar — even down to the exact same yellow and black color scheme. Furthermore, in terms of price point, both of the handheld HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) sprayers are almost level pegging.

However, even though both are designed with DIYers completing interior and exterior tasks in mind, these seemingly identical-looking twins do have a few differences — which could make all the difference to you.

The FLEXiO 590 is the older relative of the 3000. It provides a finer finish 10-times faster when refurbing furniture and walls than the classical brush method.

In contrast, the FLEXiO 3000 debuted in 2017 and offers a few upgrades — more spray settings, larger cup size, and a faster speed.

We need to delve a little deeper to really differentiate between the duo — so let’s get started!

Wagner 3000 VS 590

Coverage


Naturally, the reason you want to invest in a spray gun is to achieve the best finish possible in a swift execution — leaving you with more free time to enjoy your weekend and your completed projects.

The FLEXiO 590 sprays up to 8 gallons per hour and covers a surface area of 80 square feet in one to five minutes — depending on the type of material. Stains, being thinner, tend to coat on faster than more dense mediums, like latex.

Included Nozzles


When you purchase a FLEXiO 590, you receive two fluid nozzles as standard.

An innovative iSpray nozzle assists in providing rapid coverage — as well as administering a finish that’s light in texture. It’s also thanks to this nozzle’s flow rate control, that you can achieve different orientations of spray patterns — narrow, wide, as well as vertical and horizontal.

There are no unnecessary wear parts in this nozzle, making for great longevity. It’s also interchangeable with other sprayers in the FLEXiO range, and with many other units manufactured by Wagner — which is useful if you own other models from the brand.

The detail spray tip is the second nozzle included with this machine. Once again it’s compatible with all other FLEXiO models and many other Wagner sprayers. Differently to the iSpray, this nozzle is for finer detailed work and small surface areas — delivering a narrow round pattern.

Between the two, the 590 can accommodate stains, sealers, urethanes as well as thicker coatings like latex.

I mustn’t forget the Wagner Lock-n-Go technology, which allows for a quick switch of material — it’s almost like having a separate gun. Furthermore, as there are very few parts to disassemble, this function also leads to effortless cleaning.

X-Boost Technology


The X-Boost turbine that powers the FLEXiO 590 proffers an operating pressure of 3 PSI — which as mentioned earlier, makes it powerful enough to spray up to 8 gallons per hour. Almost twice as fast as other spray guns in this category.

Further to this, the power dial (also driven by X-Boost technology) offers nine variable settings when it comes to speed — working by adjusting the level of airpower provided by the turbine. When spraying thinner coatings, you can turn the power right down, and crank it up for use with highly viscous mediums — allowing better control and ideal for reducing overspray.

Paint Cup


The 1.5-quart cup is adequate to cover up to 120 square feet without the need for refilling — meaning you could spray a small shed with one coat in one go.

Storage Case


At the end of the day when your job is complete and all that onerous cleaning is done, the impervious storage case keeps everything in one neat package — to be stored in your garage or workshop. It also makes it easier to transport if your friend round the corner needs to borrow your sprayer.

Who Should Use the Wagner FLEXiO 590?


This unit is ideal for spraying small items like cabinet doors up to mid sized pieces, such as garden sheds and walls. This unit also claims to be 50 percent quieter than competitors — making it the perfect choice for the DIYer who wants to spray early on a Sunday morning and remain on good terms with the neighbors.

N

Pros of Wagner FLEXiO 590


  • Not-so-noisy operation.
  • Sprays unthinned coatings with the iSpray nozzle.
  • Works with smaller finer projects thanks to the detail nozzle.
  • Nine speed settings.
  • Sprays horizontally, vertically with both narrow, wide, and circular patterns.
M

Cons of the FLEXiO 590


  • Power cord may fall short for some larger projects.
  • The FLEXiO 3000 will gradually take its place.

Coverage


Similar to the 590, the FLEXiO 3000 can also cover a surface area of 8 feet by 10 feet if you’re spraying stain in only 1 minute — 5 minutes if spraying with latex.

Consequently, it’s a perfect fit for spraying walls, ceilings, and furniture both indoors and outside.

You also get the horizontal and vertical spray shapes, like the 590. However, the FLEXiO 3000 incorporates a circular pattern too for corner or edge work.

Included Nozzles


The FLEXiO 3000 boasts the iSpray and detail finish nozzle — just like its predecessor. The iSpray is faultless when it comes to applying thicker paints over midsize projects.

Having said that, when we compare the Wagner FLEXiO 590 vs 3000, the iSpray nozzle in the latter has been updated to provide more control and a better-contained pattern.

Also, the updated paint flow dial in this newer model allows convenient setting selection, as the dial is now numbered. Once you’ve chosen your medium, simply refer to the user manual, which includes a ready reckoner to identify the optimum setting for your coating.

Likewise, this unit includes the same detail finish nozzle that features in the 590 — making the FLEXiO 3000 suitable for finer intricate projects. Especially when spraying thinner paints.

Lock-n-Go technology is also included in the 3000, eliciting a possible quick change when switching between detailed to broader-based tasks.

Who Should Use the Wagner FLEXiO 3000?


If you’re looking for a sprayer that can cover a range of jobs — from detailed cabinet work to large walls — this sprayer is a utopian choice.

It saves the need for two separate sprayers thanks to the split gun feature — which is a bonus if you’re a DIYer that wants the pro-looking results usually only achieved with separate sprayers.

This model also handles most of the coatings you need for all your home improvements — from vanishes, stains through to thicker interior latex.

X-Boost Technology


The X-Boost turbine in the FLEXiO 3000 has been upgraded slightly — raising the operating pressure from three to five PSI — making it even better at spraying thicker coatings.

Just like the FLEXiO 590, the 3000 also possesses the X-Boost power dial, but this time with 12 different power settings — permitting even greater control and less overspray when applying unthinned mediums.

Storage Case


It’s all about image right? As for storage, the FLEXiO 3000 looks great when it’s all compactly stored in your garage in a robust carry case. You’ll be the envy of the neighborhood, and your sprayer will be kept safe and dust-free too — ultimately giving your sprayer a longer life.

Paint Cup


In the same manner, the FLEXiO 3000 has a 1.5-quart paint cup. This generously sized container vastly reduces the need for refills when spraying — ultimately helping you get the job done faster.

N

Pros of the FLEXiO 590


  • Three spray patterns available.
  • Decent sized 1.5-quart cup.
  • iSpray and detail nozzles covering a range of projects.
  • 12 variable speed settings.
  • Lock-n-Go system.
M

Cons of the FLEXiO 3000


  • Can be noisy in comparison to competitors.
  • A slight step up in price.

Wagner FLEXiO 590 vs. Wagner FLEXiO 3000 Comparison Table


FLEXiO 590
FLEXiO 3000
CordlessXX
Storage Case
Operating Pressure3 PSI5 PSI
Nozzles Included22
DIY
Handheld
Project SizeSmall to midsize interior and exterior projects.Small to midsize interior and exterior projects.
Spraying MediumsStains, sealers, water-based lacquers, polyurethane, oil enamels, latex, and primers.Stains, sealers, water-based lacquers, polyurethane, oil enamels, latex, and primers.
Adjustable Spray Settings912

Conclusion


To put this Wagner FLEXiO 3000 vs 590 review to bed, let’s take a final look at these two units.

Both models are ideal for home improvers who have a variety of small to medium indoor and outdoor projects lined up. Furthermore, they can also complete fine finishing thanks to the detail nozzle.

And, Wagner’s Lock-n-Go technology makes for a no-mess paint and nozzle change in both spray guns.

For me, the supernova in this battle has to be the FLEXiO 3000. With a higher operating pressure and upgraded power dial numbering, that makes for simple adjustments when changing mediums — while still keeping the tried and tested technology from the 590 — it’s a no-brainer.

That said, the FLEXiO 590 is still a unit worthy of praise. In comparison, the slightly less costly 590 is lighter, which is a definite perk when completing a whole day of spraying. It’s also capable of working with unthinned coatings.

So there we have it, after a thorough breakdown of each sprayer, I suggest you check out the FLEXiO 3000 — a clear champ in the Wagner FLEXiO 3000 vs 590 tussle.

Flexio 3000 vs Flexio 590 FAQs

Q: What Is the Difference Between Wagner FLEXiO 590 and 3000?

Apart from a slight increase in PSI, the key difference between these two paint sprayers is the upgraded design of the iSpray nozzle front end. The improved design provides better paint control and a more contained and uniform pattern.

Q: Which is Best, the Wagner Flexio 3000 vs Flexio 590?

These two spray guns are almost identical, with the FLEXiO 3000 being an upgrade of the 590. The FLEXiO 3000 does boast a higher operating pressure of 5 PSI as opposed to the 590’s 3 PSI — resulting in the 3000 weighing more but providing faster coverage.

As the FLEXiO 590 is an older model, it’s currently a little lighter on the wallet. But the price difference isn’t that significant considering the enhanced features in the FLEXiO 3000.

Q: Do I Need To Thin Paint for Wagner FLEXiO 590 and 3000 Sprayers?

Even when you pit these two sprayers against each other in a Wagner FLEXiO 590 vs Wagner FLEXiO 3000 battle, one of the similarities is that they both handle unthinned mediums.

Utilizing the iSpray fluid nozzle (included with both units), you have the opportunity to spray thicker coatings such as latex on midsize areas — without thinning. However, with more intricate work and using the detail finish nozzle, some thinning may be required.

Q: Are the Wagner FLEXiO 590 and 3000 HVLP Sprayers?

If you compare the Wagner FLEXiO 590 vs FLEXiO 3000, you’ll see that both are HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) paint sprayers. They atomize paints at a lower air pressure in comparison to other sprayers — consequently resulting in less overspray.

Q: Is an Airless or HVLP FLEXiO 3000 Sprayer Better?

An HVLP sprayer typically produces more uniform smaller particles than airless equivalents — making for less overspray on small to midsize projects.

However, if the majority of your tasks are high volume, then an airless sprayer like the Graco Ultra Airless 17M359 could be better suited, as the gallons per hour capacity is significantly higher.

Q: Can You Spray a Car With a FLEXiO 3000 or 590 Sprayer?

On the grounds of the FLEXiO 3000 and 590 both being HVLP sprayers, in theory, you could use them for car spraying — they both have commendable transfer efficiency.

That said, to get the best results possible, a sprayer specifically designed for automotive spraying would be a better investment — such as the Wagner Motocoat.

Q: What Is the Price of the Wagner FLEXiO 3000 Spray Gun?

The FLEXiO 3000 is a great paint sprayer for home improvers, covering small to midsize projects both indoors and outside. Click on Wagner FLEXIO 3000 to check out the current cost.

Q: How Much Does the Wagner FLEXiO 590 Spray Gun Cost?

The FLEXiO 590 is the precursor to the FLEXiO 3000, but is not an inferior sprayer by any means. This gun includes the iSpray nozzle for larger jobs and thicker mediums and a detail finish nozzle for smaller and more complex needs. To find out the most up to date price of the FLEXIO 590  click here.