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Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer Review

Graco Magnum x5Naturally, DIY project enthusiasts are the most likely to fall in love with the Graco X5 Airless Paint Sprayer. They already have the organic excitement that will help them develop a strong technique for painting. This is not to say that beginners should be discouraged from trying the Graco X5. It will just take some time for them to find an approach that works for them. The manufacturer recommends using 125 gallons of paint per year with this sprayer. The beginner should be able to put in a little practice and still have enough mileage to complete a few projects over the course of a year.

About the Graco Magnum X5

Painting or staining walls, doors, ceilings, fences and decks can be a labor-intensive task for homeowners who do not yet own the Graco Airless Paint Sprayer. This convenient home improvement tool is compact and portable, allowing users to lift it easily when trying to cover a wide area. For those who paint three to four times a year, the X5 Paint Sprayer removes the headache of assembling and disassembling equipment for each upgrade session. This Graco Airless Paint Sprayer review will weigh other solid benefits for using this kind of sprayer.

The biggest advantage of choosing this application over conventional air spray is the ability to minimize waste. When you use a traditional air spray, you are using a high-pressure air jet. This places tiny paint particles on the surface of what you are painting and in the air. Overspraying in this way wastes paint. If you were to measure the amount of paint that actually lands on your paint surface, you would find a low percentage.

As you spray, paint is also collecting in the filter. Usually, the more you spray, the more you waste. Even the solvents and paint thinners that some users apply to minimize waste does not solve this problem. Additionally, you will have an added cost in buying extra solvents. Airless systems stop waste by atomizing the paint without using air. This makes them a more cost-effective and sustainable solution, providing more control and creating a superior finish.

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Pros Cons
  • Affordable: You will not find many other comparable airless paint sprayers that offer equal high-quality performance at the same modest price point. As an investment, it offers a magnificent return. With routine care and maintenance, it will last for years.
  • High Performance: The Graco Magnum X5 is a small machine that packs a powerful punch. It can cover stains, enamels and thick plastics with ease. This saves many users the trouble of several coats.
  • Quick Clean-up: Cleaning up after painting can happen practically in minutes. You simply connect the sprayer to a garden hose and turn on the water. This cleans the pump, hose and gun with little effort.
  • Ease of Use: The pressure control knob allows you to choose different operating modes, and a 25-foot flexible hose allows you to reach distant areas without having to shift the machine to follow you. An accompanying stand mount keeps the machine stable, when you need it to be.
  • No Accompanying Mask: You will need to provide your own mask and drop cloth for this machine, as these items are not offered as accessories. Because the machine generates so much paint, it could become a safety issue, if you do not have a mask.
  • Not Ideal for Performing Detail Work: If you need to paint a surface that is not flat, but very detailed, you may find yourself challenged with the Graco Magnum X5. Unless you have had a lot of practice, it requires a special skill. You will need other sprayers to adequately paint details.
  • No High-End Use: If you need to do a very large job, this machine will complicate your task and leave you disappointed. It is not intended for huge applications.

Top Questions About the Graco X5 Sprayer

Can a textured paint be used?
It is not ideal for textured paint. The spray tip and nozzle will likely clog with thick paints. To prevent the need for repairs, stay away from textured or thicker paints.
What type of warranty does this have?
For the Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer, and for all Graco machines, the company will repair or replace any part of the equipment for up to 12 months from the date of sale. Graco has to determine that the part is defective, however, and the warranty applies only when you install, operate and maintain the equipment in accordance with Graco’s written recommendations.
Will this sprayer work with oil-based paints and enamel?

If so do you just clean it regularly with water, or do you need a special product?

According to the instructions, you can use oil-based paints with this machine, but you will need to ground the sprayer and clean it with paint thinner or the equivalent. Most users go with latex and water-based stains. Remember that using oil-based paints may require some research because they are not the same as water-based or latex.

Our Take on This Paint Sprayer

This airless sprayer gets a high nod for being efficient, affordable and easy to use. Some sprayers come with a high learning curve, creating a frustration for users who want to paint without too much fuss. The Graco Magnum X5 removes this as an obstacle. It is best to find a way to watch someone else, see videos or read about techniques before trying to use it yourself. In order to get the paint application to adhere smoothly to the surface and not create a large mess, you must practice. Overall, for those who are not in the professional painting industry or handling large applications for new construction or commercial building sites, this is an ideal way to do your painting yourself.

BasicsFeatures MaintenanceAccessories
What most people do not realize is this is one of the fastest ways to finish a painting job, but you have to be a little patient with the process. For example, you will need three different buckets in order to make your projects move efficiently: one with clear water, another containing the paint and a third for use as a waste bucket. Be sure to let excess water drain into the waste bucket before beginning so that the paint application does not become watery.

You also will need to make sure that your surfaces are extremely clean. This is vital for best results. The manufacturer suggests that you use trisodium phosphate (TSP) to wash walls and let them dry before painting. Clean exteriors by using a cleaning solution in a pressure washer. You can then visibly detect and repair any holes, cracks or uneven areas of the surface before painting.

In terms of technique, you will need to make sure the spray gun is always about 12 inches away from whatever you are painting. Start with a long and continuous motion just before pulling the trigger and keep the sprayer moving until you release the trigger. You should also try to make sure the paint lines you are creating are overlapping by about 50 percent.

Here are the key features that make the Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer stand out:

  • The pressure is fully adjustable and gives users the maximum paint flow control for any size project.
  • The machine’s stainless steel piston pump makes it possible to use thicker paints and disburse them at high pressures. These paints do not include textured paints, however.
  • The easy cleaning that this sprayer affords is possible because of a PowerFlush adapter that users can connect to a water hose.
  • There are no worries for needing to reach paint surfaces that are far away. The Magnum X5 allows you to move up to 75 feet with its paint hose. This removes the need to continuously move the three buckets you will be using for each application.
  • You will not experience a delay in seeing paint hit the surface because the machine has a PushPrime button that makes it happen almost immediately.
  • No worries about pouring paint from a five-gallon bucket into a smaller vessel in order to use the paint in the sprayer. The flexible suction tube enables you to use the gallon bucket as a source.
  • A remarkable RAC IV SwitchTip ensures your spraying will not be disrupted if there is a clog. You simply flip the switch and reverse the tip. Clogging is minimized with the Magnum X5’s SG2 metal spray gun that has filters in the gun handle to block debris.
  • You can choose a maximum tip size of .15 inch.
In addition to the regular cleaning required immediately after each use, it is important to schedule an annual check with a Graco repair center. You should be regularly:

  • Checking the Throat seal liquid, or TSL, which stops paint from drying on the displacement rod.
  • Confirming the tightness of the wet cup.
  • Inspecting all the hoses and filters.
  • Ensuring the gun trigger is still safe.
  • Winterizing by keeping priming fluid in the system and sealing it and wrapping the intake tube in a plastic bag and securing it with string.
One of the most important accessories for this airless sprayer is the right spray tip. Graco offers a Tip Selector tool so that you can choose the right tip for the job. Other accessories include pressure roller kits, tip extensions, pump armor and more.

Who can use this sprayer?

Naturally, DIY project enthusiasts are the most likely to fall in love with the Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer. They already have the organic excitement that will help them develop a strong technique for painting. This is not to say that beginners should be discouraged from trying the Graco Magnum X5. It will just take some time for them to find an approach that works for them. The manufacturer recommends using 125 gallons of paint per year with this sprayer. The beginner should be able to put in a little practice and still have enough mileage to complete a few projects over the course of a year.

This model is also ideal for those who maintain rental properties and entry-level professionals. It saves owners and technicians a lot when it comes to repair costs. This machine is not best suited for large jobs needed on construction sites. This will put a severe strain on the motor and shorten the product life.

What We Did Not Like About This Sprayer

No matter how hard manufacturers try to create painting products that are safe, they will rarely be able to create sprayers and similar machines that fully protect the respiratory health of users. It is disappointing that masks and other protective covering does not come with this machine as an accessory. This dims the otherwise brilliant design of the Graco Magnum X5. Maybe future upgrades will address this important environmental and safety issue.

FAQs

Does it require a lot of maintenance?
No. Just perform regular cleaning and check to make sure parts are working.
Is it hard to use the Graco X5 paint sprayer?
No, it is not hard to use. The variable air pressure control make it easier for users to paint walls.
Can I paint my entire house with this sprayer?
You can paint your entire house, as long as it does not exceed 125 gallons of paint, which is the maximum recommended for a year.
Is this sprayer noisy?
The noise on this sprayer is comparatively minimal, though you will hear the motor each time you pull the trigger. It is not ideal if you have a sleeping baby, but it will not disturb the neighbors or people in other rooms in the house.
Can you spray thick or thin?
Please choose thin paint for this machine.
Is this sprayer easy to clean?
It is very easy to clean. Simply connect it to a garden hose and turn on the water source
Can I use latex in this sprayer?
Yes, you can use latex without too much fuss in this sprayer.

What Users Say About this Sprayer

Many users suggest the Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer is the definitive upgrade for those who have historically preferred brushes and rollers. It simplifies the labor of any project. Even those who have had minor difficulties with assembly or operations have given highly favorable reports on the customer service experience they received interacting with agents answering the toll-free number. Weekend warriors and DIY experts alike have reported consistent paint output and high satisfaction with the outcomes of their projects. Most unfavorable feedback has highlighted the fact that the machine requires cleaning after each use and is not ideal for a first-time user. These users preferred a more instantaneous project solution.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer gives you a lot of mileage for the investment. It is well-made and durable while maintaining its light weight for easy use. An illustrated owner’s manual provides easy-to-follow instructions for those who have questions about how to operate the machine. There is even a DVD to help you improve techniques and troubleshoot any issues. Although the setup time is a little longer than it is for traditional roller painting or using brushes, the outcome with the Magnum X5 is usually much quicker and smoother than conventional applications. The affordable price point with free shipping is an incentive for the budget conscious buyer, but the big payoff is high quality with minimal effort.