Graco is one of the best known paint sprayer brands offering a wide variety, from the best airless paint sprayers, handheld devices, and the HVLP paint sprayer.
But how do you decide which one is best for you and is it one that professional painters might use?
A few key characteristics you should decide on are the performance rating i.e. how many gallons per minute can flow through, the most likely annual use, and the amount of pressure you need for speed and accuracy.
What is the type of spraying you do most, staining fences or maybe painting exterior walls, is it just for household use or commercial? Can it spray latex paints? The list goes on.
Only once you find the perfect balance of all of these, will you have the best paint sprayer for the job. Here are our top 3 picks from each type of paint sprayer at a glance:
- Spray in 360 Degrees
- Multi-Purpose Usage
- Easy to Clean & Store
- 2 Spray Tips Provided
- Spray Unthinned Paint
- Handy Cart System
- Plug & Play Design
- For Interiors/Exteriors
- 2017 Tools Award Winner
- 5 Stage Turbine Unit
- 2qt Suction Cup
- Turbo Control System
When you think about the type of projects you are taking on also think about what kind of materials you work with. With so many paint sprayer reviews to be found online, it can be a minefield.
Now you can just go through our Graco sprayer comparison reviews, ordered by purpose so that you can easily find the most suitable version for your project whether it is a DIY or a professional job.
Let us begin our Graco paint sprayer comparison…
Best DIY / Homeowner Airless Paint Sprayers
The Graco airless paint sprayers are best for DIY projects covering larger surface areas like painting a bedroom or redoing the protective coat on a patio. Scroll down to the Graco tools guide below for more info.
1. Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter
BEST INTRODUCTORY MODEL
The Magnum 257025 Project is a great choice for eager DIYers looking for an airless sprayer as well as those new to paint sprayers. This design is user-friendly and easy to use as well as being easy to maintain. It stores away nicely and is not overly complicated in practice.
The stainless steel piston pump gives high pressure and enables you to spray unthinned paints, with the fully adjustable pressure control you can easily control the flow of paint.
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This spray system features the true airless spray tip with soft-spray technology that helps avoid overspray and gives you greater control over your spray flow and if your tip clogs this also features the RAC IV switch tip that allows you to reverse the tip and keep this paint airless sprayer spraying.
This Graco airless paint sprayer is one of the smaller models meaning that you can carry it in one hand and get to those hard to reach places, and it will support up to 50 ft., but comes with an adequate 25ft, of paint hose length this flexible suction tube will let you spray directly from a bucket with 1 or 5 gallons of paint. When not in use this paint sprayer can be stored with all the different parts safely stowed away thanks to the integrated pail hook.
It is ideal for the projects around the home and for smaller surfaces with a performance rating for a paint flow of 0.24 gallons per minute coming out at a pressure of 2800 PSI.
For anyone who has experience in cleaning paint sprayers another feature that cannot be missed is the power flush adapter that just connects to your garden hose for an extremely easy and fast clean.
Main Features You Need to Know
- RAC IV switch tip for quick tip reversal whenever there is a clog
- Stainless steel piston pump for unthinned material that you can draw straight out of the can
- PowerFlush Adapter lets you connect to a regular garden for easier and faster cleanup
- Pressure and performance stays stable at long distances, works equally well with a hose up to 50 feet long
2. Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer (262800)
MOST POPULAR FOR OCCASIONAL HOME PROJECTS
If you’ve read our Graco X5 review, you’ll already know it is one of Graco’s most popular models for homeowners because it lets you work through the annual maintenance projects much faster without needing professional skills.
With the hardened stainless steel piston pump that gives a high pressure for spraying unthinned paint and a flexible tube to let you spray directly from a container of 1 or 5 gallons of paint.
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This gives you the speed to finish your projects quickly and efficiently while supporting a maximum hose length of up to 75 feet which should be enough for painting most rooms or even an outdoor job like giving the fence a new coat, but it is supplied with a hose length of 25 feet.
With the TrueAirless spray tip with SoftSpray technology that helps avoid overspray and gives you greater control over your paint flow and from reading the customer reviews, you will see it is probably one of the best handheld airless paint sprayers available.
This is one level up from the project paint airless sprayer and can handle a workload of up to 125 gallons per year. The paint material comes through the 0.015 spray tip at 3000 PSI and can clear 0.27 gallons per minute. This airless paint sprayer is not just for the DIYer you will find that a lot of professional painters will also choose it at their favorite
Again it is easy to use, offers a constant paint flow for even finishing, and again features the power flush adapter for you to connect the garden hose to for fast cleaning.
Main Features You Need to Know
- Fully adjustable pressure control for the perfect airless finish
- The flexible suction tube is can be placed directly into 1 or 5 gallons of paint and spray without needing a thinner
- Reverse-A-Clean for continuous working whenever there is a clog
- PowerFlush connects directly to a garden hose for faster cleanup
3. Graco Magnum ProX19 Airless Paint Sprayer with Cart
BEST FOR LARGE DIY JOBS
If you are tackling bigger home improvement painting spray projects such as the entire outside of your house, large patio, or several rooms, then this is the best choice for you. The ProX19 is a cart that lets you gently tug it along as you move, removing the need for you to return to it every few feet but can support a hose length of up to 150 feet.
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This model has all the benefits that you are used to with the Magnum series including the reversible tip, PowerFlush, InstaClean pump filter, and flexible suction tube for spraying unthinned material straight from the 5 gallon bucket, plus a few extras specifically for bigger projects. The average annual usage for this machine is 500 gallons per year and speed up any large projects that you may have.
Although this airless paint sprayer is good for home improvement projects it is aimed more to the professionals or extremely keen DIYers that want the best airless paint sprayer and will get the full use and benefits that it has to offer from it.
Main Features You Need to Know
- InstaClean Pump Filter removes debris leading to fewer clogs in the spray tip
- Supports hose up to 150 feet long making it ideal for multi-story jobs
- ProXchange Pump Replacement System lets you replace the pump at any time without any tools drastically reduces downtime
- Cart design makes it easy to move around for larger jobs
Best Semi-Pro / Pro Airless Paint Sprayers
These Graco airless paint sprayer reviews are more suitable for semi-heavy to heavy-duty use because they are durable but still portable. Scroll down to the paint sprayer guide for more info.
1. Graco Magnum X7 Airless Sprayer Review (262805)
BEST FOR OCCASIONAL HANDYMEN
As a semi-professional, you take on many different kinds of jobs so you need a tool that is suitable for all. Get yourself through these tasks faster with the X7 which is versatile and will have you complete the work in half the time.
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This Graco airless paint sprayer is very portable thanks to the wheels and u-shaped handlebar that lets you shift both the machine and tin with you, without the weight being an issue. Don’t worry about covering a lot of surface and distance because the max 100-foot hose lets you reach the second floor with ease.
We’ve reviewed the Graco X7 here, and have also recently published a detailed comparison of the Graco X5 vs X7 as people often get stuck between the two.
Main Features You Need to Know
- Suitable for water-based and heavier oil-based paints
- Works equally well with a hose up to 100 feet long making it ideal for second story surfaces
- All the characteristic advantages of the Magnum line
- Fits a can of 1 or 5 gallons so you can pull the entire setup along thanks to the cart-like design
2. Graco 390 ProConnect Airless Sprayer
BEST ENTRY LEVEL FOR PROFESSIONALS
Professional handymen that are not used to working with paint sprayers will find that the Graco 390 ProConnect is a good introduction for practicing the new skill set. This single tool is enough to cover an entire home thanks to its versatility, accuracy, and efficiency.
This model is designed for durability and consistent performance which shines through in its capability to handle up to 50 gallons per year without diminishing quality.
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Overall, this is a powerful tool to have in your arsenal while still being portable and lightweight enough so you can breeze through the tasks. Read our full Graco 390 review here.
Main Features You Need to Know
- Maximum hose length of 300 feet with maximum 3300 PSI at 0.47 gallons per minute
- Large maximum tip size of 0.21 suitable for all kinds of coatings
- Cart design is easy to maneuver
3. Graco Pro210ES ProConnect Airless
BEST FOR HEAVY DUTY USE
Busy professional contractors will appreciate the Pro210ES for how it is able to deliver consistent performance, even with heavy-duty use, every single week. This tool can power through a whopping 1500 gallons per year which allow for spraying an entire house.
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Other aspects professionals will appreciate is how easy it is to replace the pump and unclog the large tip which limits the downtime and so allows for more efficient work. It is also designed for durability with its steel frame, SG3 metal paint spray gun, QuickAccess inlet valve and DuraDC motor.
Main Features You Need to Know
- Pump with exclusive V-Max packings ensures durability
- Performance rating of 0.47 gallons per minute with a maximum tip size of 0.21mm suitable for light to thicker materials
- Package includes tutorial DVD and start-up guide for clear introduction
- Easily replaceable pump without any loose parts to minimize downtime
Best Graco Handheld Paint Sprayers
The smallest sprayer types are handhelds. These are a good choice for smaller surfaces like when using a paint sprayer for furniture or a creative project.
Scroll down to the guide below to learn why you should buy a handheld Graco paint gun
1. Graco TrueCoat 360 Handheld
BEST FOR MULTIPLE COLORS
For the creative type that loves pairing different color patterns a handheld paint sprayer like the TrueCoat 360 can offer more streamlined results. This type has a FlexLiner bag system which lets you quickly swap out the coating, unlike the longer cleanup of a conventional airless paint sprayer.
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This Graco paint sprayer is a versatile tool designed for a long lifespan so it is a small investment that you won’t regret. It works well with many different kinds of paint, from varnish to latex to regular interior paint and lets you work quickly and accurately.
Main Features You Need to Know
- VacuValve Technology lets you spray at any angle, perfect for furniture and small crevices
- High-pressure piston pump suitable for a variety of unthinned materials
- The reversible tip allows for quick continuance whenever a clog comes up
- Includes QuickStart guide for a detailed introduction on how to work with a handheld paint sprayer
2. Graco Ultra Cordless Airless Handheld Sprayer
MOST PORTABLE
This model is great for the occasional handyman taking odd jobs or the avid DIYer that is more comfortable with a handheld airless paint sprayer. This version works great for small indoor wall painting and outdoor projects and tasks that need a lot of precision because of the uneven surfaces.
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This Graco Truecoat Ultra (the cordless version of the Graco Truecoat Pro II) includes 4 Flexliner bags for a quick coating swap, a durable Triax piston pump, the characteristic reversible tip and the pro-connect pump replacement system for a longer lifespan and limited downtime.
As with all of our Graco paint sprayer reviews, don’t let the size fool you, this is still suitable for professional use that requires a quick startup with minimal cleaning up.
Main Features You Need to Know
- Battery-powered with a Dewalt XR lithium-ion batteries
- Adjustable pressure from 500 – 2000 PSI with tip sizes between 0.08 – 0.16
- Fully reparable ensuring long lifespan and durability
- Triaz triple piston pump with ProConnect system for quick replacement on the job’
Best Graco HVLP Paint Sprayers
An HVLP paint sprayer delivers the most precision and is good for detail work because it functions at low pressure which reduces the potential for overspray. Find out more benefits of an HVLP sprayer in the Graco guide below.
1. Graco HVLP ProContractor Series FinishPro 9.5
BEST FOR SPECIALITY JOBS ON UNEVEN SURFACES
The model name of this FinishPro 9.5 paint sprayer suggests what it does best, deliver smooth finished on the most detailed work like varnishing furniture, stairs, cabinets, or trim on the walls. Any shape or tiny crevice can be reached with an HVLP spray gun since you can hold the device at any angle without having to worry about the pressure and direction.
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This latest version offers greater control over the spray pattern, airflow, and fluid flow thanks to the patented spray gun design, the TurboControl turbine, fully adjustable spray tip, and improvement filter system. On top of that, it is user-friendly, portable, and easily stored away thanks to its compact design.
Main Features You Need to Know
- LED display for monitoring during work
- TurboForce Technology turbine for greater pressure, less heat and longer lifespan and automatic shutoff when not in use
- Automotive-grade filtration system drastically reduces the buildup of debris which prevents clogs and results in a smoother finish
- EDGE II Plus spray gun and flexliner bags for more efficient performance at a consistently high-quality level
Best Graco Paint Sprayers Buying Guide
About the Graco Brand
The company started as a small scale production in Minnesota over 90 years ago and has grown to an international business active in over 100 countries.
Graco calls itself a ‘worldwide leader in fluid handling’ which refers to all the different power tools that they produce for working with liquids like paint, lubricants, adhesives, lacquers, and sealing agents.
Graco paint sprayers are designed to be user-friendly, durable, and efficient. They achieve this through an easy to clean design with fewer maintenance requirements, replaceable parts for a longer lifespan and technological advancements that improve the performance of each device.
The models released on the market vary from small DIY spray painters for a handy homeowner to useful gear for the keen DIYers, to full-fledged commercial-grade paint sprayers that get any big job done.
You can recognize a Graco sprayer by the reverse-a-clean spray tip, the metal pistons, and focus on reducing downtime with clever design.
Which Type of Sprayer Is Suitable for You?
As mentioned, there are many types of spraying, so how do you decide which one is most appropriate for the task at hand?
Read through this quick overview of each type of paint sprayer to get a good idea of the best match for your type of use.
Once more, here are our top 3 favorites in each category:
- Spray in 360 Degrees
- Multi-Purpose Usage
- Easy to Clean & Store
- 2 Spray Tips Provided
- Spray Unthinned Paint
- Handy Cart System
- Plug & Play Design
- For Interiors/Exteriors
- 2017 Tools Award Winner
- 5 Stage Turbine Unit
- 2qt Suction Cup
- Turbo Control System
Airless Paint Sprayer for DIY Projects with Large Surfaces Areas
An airless sprayer uses high pressure to release a broad spray pattern similar to the shape of a fan giving speed to the project. The machine sucks up the liquid material through a hose which is then pumped through a tiny spray tip at a maximum pressure of 3000 PSI.
The result is a smoother finish without the need for using a thinner because of the amount of pressure used to push the paint through the tip that breaks up the particles into tiny fragments and avoids larger particles.
At the same time, the resulting spray lets you cover a larger surface area with speed so in less time.
This type of tool is great for when you want to work more efficiently on a task like painting a room or reworking the patio or garden fence.
Airless paint sprayers are normally best for DIY projects because the airless designs tend to be less expensive and relatively simple to practice with.
Heavy Duty for Professional Results on Large Surface Areas
How much use an airless paint sprayer can handle varies per model so pay close attention to the recommended annual use and performance rating when you are looking for a more professional tool.
Professional handymen and contractors will want a paint sprayer that works at 3000 PSI, can use larger tip sizes (up to around 0.025 though), a performance rating of 0.4 gallons per minute or more and a recommended annual use of at least 1000 gallons.
Larger tip sizes mean you can spray thicker materials and greater pressure means larger spray patterns so you do need better control if you still want a clean finish.
This is why the heavy-duty best airless paint sprayers are best left for professionals who have a steady hand and know how to adjust the settings for each specific paint job.
Another factor to consider is portability. Look for a cart design so you can move both the paint can and sprayer along with you and also make sure it has a long hose to reach second stories or high ceilings.
Handheld Devices for Furniture and Odd Jobs
Handheld devices are much smaller and draw the material out of an attached low volume canister instead of the paint can.
If you read the customer reviews for these you will see that this design offers three things; greater portability, lower cleanup and maintenance requirements, more flexibility with angles, and fewer replacement parts for you to need.
Where steadiness is most important with larger models, a handheld version lets you move the device more so that you can reach into crevices or cover uneven surfaces like furniture. This is also a more affordable option for the occasional airless paint sp ray job.
HVLP for Detailed Jobs
One step above the handheld sprayer comes an HVLP which stands for High Volume Low Pressure. This type is best for very detailed finishing like cabinets, stairs, and furniture where the speed of coverage is less important than the detailed work, which is why the more creative professional like a carpenter enjoys working with an HVLP spray gun.
This design gives you ultimate freedom in angles while unlike the airless paint sprays, the lower pressure makes sure that there is less overspray even if you work at a slower pace.
However, it does require a turbine to control the pressure so it tends to be a heavier model which some customer reviews comment on.
Frequently Asked Questions:
We get asked the same questions over and over again so here are some of the most common questions and answers to help you 🙂
How to prime a Graco paint sprayer?
Every sprayer is different when it comes to priming. Airless primes in a different way to HVLP and vis versa. You should have got some ‘Quick start guide’ manuals (you can find them online as well) with your sprayer with detailed instructions.
Alternatively, we’ve got a generic guide to priming airless paint sprayers here.
How to clean a Graco paint sprayer?
There’s no one way to clean a Graco sprayer. An airless has a completely different cleaning process to a Graco handheld. Look for the quickstart guide (you can find them online as well) in your packaging and you should find detailed instructions on how to clean your Graco correctly.
What is the best Graco paint sprayer?
The Graco handheld paint sprayers are the best Graco paint sprayers for most homeowners. They are versatile enough that you can spray a wall with latex paint, but also fine enough finish more detailed work such as painting cabinets or furniture.
