Separating these two superficially similar handheld HVLP machines can be challenging — this Wagner FLEXiO 570 vs 590 face-off explains the crucial differences.
Barring the color disparity — the 570 being black and the 590 yellow — first appearances make these units appear indistinguishable. They share the same iSpray nozzle, adjustable turbine power, variable flow control, and a proprietary Lock-N-Go cleaning system.
For the uninitiated, it’s akin to trying to separate two heavyweight boxers with an identical fighting record. Yet, put these metaphorical pugilistic sprayers in the ring — and you’ll discover they aren’t as equally matched as the tale-of-the-tape suggests.
The 570 model is Wagner’s most pocket-friendly unit in its FLEXiO series — a line of products targeting the serious DIYer and promising to be the most powerful sprayers in its home consumer range.
Just one step-up from the 570 is the FLEXiO 590 model — offering greater levels of control and tailorability than its sibling and arriving complete with a plethora of accessories.
And, while the 570 and 590 sprayers continue to be sold by Wagner — they are both being slowly phased out and replaced by the FLEXiO 2000 and FLEXiO 3000 models respectively.
Included Nozzles
The 570 FLEXiO arrives with one nozzle, Wagner’s industry-respected iSpray head. This cap-end is compatible with the most commonly-used coating mediums such as enamels, stains, sealers, and latex-paints — with no requirement for thinning.
And, while included in both the Wagner FLEXiO 570 and 590 sprayer units, it’s worth noting that this is the old incarnation of this nozzle. It’s recently been upgraded by the manufacturer — comprising of fewer parts and delivering less overspray — and is featured on the FLEXiO 3000 model that supersedes the 570 and 590.
Despite this, the original iSpray head remains a versatile tip for the home-DIYer — suitable for walls, ceilings, sidings, and fences. The downside is, it isn’t particularly adept at fine detail work — an application where the 590 machine excels.
X-Boost Turbine
The FLEXiO 570 incorporates Wagner’s proprietary X-Boost feature — allowing you to adjust the turbine power to suit your coating medium. Use the LOW setting for thinner liquids, such as stains and sealers, to prevent overspray and avoid completely drenching your base material. The HIGH setting permits you to evenly spray denser mediums such as chalk and latex-based paints — reducing the likelihood of blockages. While this places the unit above many budget-end sprayers that have just one power level — it’s worth noting that when comparing the FLEXiO 570 vs 590, the 590 model offers a greater number of pressure settings.
Speed of Delivery
Let’s face it — using an electrically powered paint gun is fun — making you a veritable John Wick of the spraying world. That said, unless you’re a complete addict, you don’t want your projects to take longer than necessary — especially when you have to meet the guys for a cold one or watch the ball game. Hence, it’s pleasing to see that the 570 offers rapid coverage — delivering 7.2 gallons per hour. This permits you to cover an area of around 80 square feet (about four standard interior doors) in two to six minutes. Although admittedly, this is slower than the 590 machine.
Paint Cup
The 570 model features a generous 1.5-quart (1419 ml) cup — sufficient to cover an area of 120 square-feet without refilling. Hence, this capacity makes the unit ideal for medium-sized projects such as door and wall painting — eliminating the headaches and time-cost of having to frequently replenish the container.
Storage
Perhaps the most significant downside of the Wagner 570 is the lack of a hanging hook or storage case — something that you would expect from a premium-branded unit. Hence, the onus is on yourself to safely put away your sprayer at the end of the working day — to prevent damage and extend longevity. This is in contrast to the 590 unit that arrives with a hard case.
Who Should Use the Wagner FLEXiO 570?
Straightforward in operation, the FLEXiO 570 would appeal to the novice or infrequent DIYer. Suited to both indoor and outdoor use, and with 120 square feet of coverage without refilling — it’s perfect for medium-to-large scale work such as painting doors, coating walls, staining decking, and weatherproofing decking. However, its iSpray head isn’t suited to fine or detailed work — unlike the 590 model.
Pros of the FLEXiO 570
- 20 percent lighter than airless handhelds.
- Versatile iSpray head.
- Suitable for medium to large projects.
- Fuss-free operation.
- Three spray patterns.
Cons of the FLEXiO 570
- Old-style iSpray head.
- Superseded by the FLEXiO 3000.
- Unsuitable for detail work.
Included Nozzles
X-Boost Turbine
To completely misquote George Orwell — two speeds good, a plethora of speeds freakin’ awesome. The 590 FLEXiO possesses nine power levels, providing the machine with greater delivery tailorability than the 570. This allows you to adjust the turbine grunt more precisely to suit your coating medium. Not only will this give the ultimate in even coverage — but also by reducing overspray, your paint application will hit its target — not drowning your entire living room in paint. Furthermore, it reduces wastage — saving you precious dollars.
Speed of Delivery
According to Aesop in his fable, The Tortoise and the Hare, slow and steady wins the race. Absolute trash. I’m not sure Lewis Hamilton and Usain Bolt would have been so successful if they’d applied that foolhardy mindset. Too much Greek wine, in my opinion. Thankfully, the FLEXiO 590 isn’t a tortoise. Knocking out eight gallons per hour, it’s more rapid than the 570 — allowing you to cover an eight-by-ten foot surface in just one to five minutes.
Paint Cup
As with the 570 unit, the 590 FLEXiO arrives with a generous 1.5-quart cup — ideal for larger applications. However, as I’m frequently making clear to my wife, size isn’t everything. This machine also boasts a smaller (yet satisfying) 0.63-quart (600 ml) container. Not included with the 570 machine, this cup is suited to smaller projects — where you don’t require such a large paint capacity. Furthermore, its compact size permits you to access more confined areas — such as the interior of cupboards or cabinets.
Storage
Wagner’s high-end units should provide years of enjoyable spraying — but only if you look after them. Sure they’re impressively durable — but they’re not indestructible. Dirt and detritus ingress into the crucial turbine, can inhibit operation efficiency, and damage to the nozzle head will reduce the quality of the final coat finish. Therefore it’s pleasing to see that the 590, unlike the FLEXiO 570, includes a hard carry case to protect your sprayer.
Who Should Use the Wagner FLEXiO 590?
With both an iSpray head and a Detail Finish nozzle, the Wagner 590 is suited to the all-around DIY painting enthusiast. As suited to small and fine detail work as it is addressing large expanses of area — it’s the consummate home sprayer — negating the requirement for multiple machines. Admittedly, it may suit the more experienced user as opposed to the beginner-friendly 570 model. Yet, with a comprehensive manual and intuitive controls — it wouldn’t take long for novices to be competent with the unit.
Pros of the FLEXiO 590
- Rapid coverage.
- Complete with a storage case and two cups.
- Latex paints will not require thinning.
- Two nozzles.
- Suited to large and small projects.
Cons of the FLEXiO 590
- Premium price for a premium product.
- Loud operation.
- An older model — being replaced by the FLEXiO 3000.
Wagner 570 vs 590 FLEXiO Comparison Table
FLEXiO 570 | FLEXiO 590 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Storage Case | X | ✓ |
| Width Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| DIY | ✓ | ✓ |
| Small Project | X | ✓ |
| Large Project | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lock-N-Go | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nozzles | iSpray | iSpray Detail FInish |
| Delivery Rate | 7.2 gallons per hour | 8 gallons per hour |
| Turbine Speeds | 2 | 9 |
| Number of Patterns | 3 | 3 |
| Speed Vs. Brush | x8 | x10 |
Conclusion
Sharing a multitude of features such as flow adjustment, width control, and an iSpray head — it would be sensible to assume that this was an even and fair fight.
That’s not the case.
In this Wagner 570 vs 590 face-off — I believe the 590 model delivers a combination of punches that leaves the 570 flat on the canvas.
The FLEXiO 590 machine has all the medium to large project capabilities of its opponent — but boasts more tailorability, practicality, and versatility than the 570. It provides a greater choice of turbine speeds, more rapid paint delivery, and arrives with a storage case — not included with its counterpart.
Furthermore, unlike the 570 FLEXiO, it features an interchangeable Detail Finish nozzle and concomitant small cup — offering precise control for fine finish work that its adversary cannot match.
That said, don’t dismiss the 570 unit as a journeyman machine. Its straightforward operation, relatively affordable price point, and industry-respected iSpray head may make it appealing to the novice or casual user.
However, there can be only one winner in this Wagner FLEXiO 570 vs 590 contest
— hence, with its remarkable adaptability, I recommend checking out the Wagner 590.
FAQs
Q: What is the Difference Between Wagner FLEXiO 570 and 590?
The FLEXiO 590 offers nine turbine speeds as opposed to just two from the 570 model. Furthermore, the 590 comes complete with a Detail Finish nozzle, 0.63-quart cup, and a storage case — not included with the 570 machine.Q: What Is Better FLEXiO 590 and FLEXiO 570?
Compared to the 570 FLEXiO, the 590 model provides a greater choice of turbine speeds, more rapid delivery, and, with its included Detail Finish nozzle, is more suited to small and precise project work.Q: Do I Need to Thin Paint for the FLEXiO 590?
No. The proprietary iSpray nozzle is compatible with dense paints such as latex without predilution. That said, handheld models such as the FLEXiO 2000 incorporate an improved version of this cap-end — delivering less overspray than its previous incarnation.
Q: Can I Spray a Car WIth the FLEXiO 570?
No. The FLEXiO 570 is designed for home-improvement paint spraying, not automotive applications. If car renovation and restoration is your bag, I suggest checking out the Wagner Motocoat instead.
Q: Do I Need a Compressor for the Wagner 590 FLEXiO?
No. Both the 590 and 570 models are powered by an internal turbine. If you’re interested in pneumatic spraying, check out my picks of the best compressor compatible units.
Q: Are the 570 and 590 FLEXiO Sprayers Airless?
No. Both the FLEXiO 590 and 570 utilize a turbine, which atomizes the paint into pressurized air. Should you be searching for an airless handheld, I’d suggest checking out the Graco 360
