An Overview of Airless Paint Spraying
Why You Should Choose an Airless Paint Sprayer?
An airless paint sprayer is ideal for big projects. Here are some reasons you might want to invest in a paint sprayer.- Less wasted overspray – an airless paint sprayer’s main benefit is the reduction of paint waste overspray. Conventional sprayers use high-pressure air to push paint, causing excess particles to get into the air, so only a fraction of that paint ends on the surface you’re painting.
- Bigger coverage area – Airless sprayers use a pump-and-hose system, which propels more paint with less overspray. This makes these sprayers ideal for large projects and walls.
- Smooth, even coating – For spraying paint evenly, airless sprayers are the king because the sprayer atomizes paint into small droplets, released evenly per area.
- Speed – You’ll also complete your projects faster when you use an airless paint sprayer. The sprayer quickly covers a large surface with even coats of paint even if the surface is textured or uneven. While the sprayer does the job quickly, don’t forget to observe OSHA safety guidelines for paint spraying.
- Portability – Airless sprayers are light and easy to carry around. You can have one in your car, and when using the sprayer, you can carry it up and downstairs with ease.
Downsides of Airless Paint Sprayers
While you enjoy a lot of benefits from an airless paint sprayer, there are few disadvantages you should also consider when buying one:- Cleaning the sprayer takes a lot of time;
- Might need a compressor, which creates an added cost;
- More expensive than rollers or brushes;
- Retouching is only possible with a sprayer.
What is the Magnum X5?
The Magnum X5 is an airless paint sprayer from Graco designed to offer a cost-effective solution for DIY homeowners and handymen. It features a compact design with adjustable pressure control and simplified priming, making it easy to use. You can choose this sprayer or go for the advanced alternative highlighted in this comparison of Graco X5 and X7.
- CONTROL PAINT FLOW: Fully adjustable pressure to give you ultimate control of paint flow for any project size
- SPRAY PAINT UNTHINNED: Stainless Steel Piston Pump allows you to spray paint unthinned at high pressure
- SPRAY DIRECTLY FROM PAINT BUCKET: Flexible suction tube allows you to spray directly from a 1 or 5 gallon paint bucket
- SPRAY MORE PROJECTS EACH YEAR: Annual use recommendation is up to 125 gallons per year
- FAST AND EASY CLEAN-UP: Power Flush Adapter connects to a garden hose for fast and easy cleaning
Graco X5 Review: Benefits and Downsides
Pros:
- Fully adjustable pressure;
- Long hose – up to 75 feet;
- Cheaper than the Graco X7;
- Perfect piston pump that ensures high pressure.
Cons:
- Clogging is a recurrent problem.
What is Magnum X7?
The Magnum X7 is an airless paint sprayer by Graco designed for large projects as well as DIY home projects.
- CONTROL PAINT FLOW: Fully adjustable pressure to give you ultimate control of paint flow for any project size; RAC IV SwitchTip allows you to reverse the tip when clogged to keep you spraying
- SPRAY PAINT UNTHINNED: Stainless Steel Piston Pump allows you to spray paint unthinned at high pressure
- SPRAY DIRECTLY FROM PAINT BUCKET: Flexible suction tube allows you to spray directly from a 1 or 5 gallon paint bucket
- SPRAY MORE PROJECTS EACH YEAR: Annual use recommendation is up to 125 gallons per year
- FAST AND EASY CLEAN-UP: PowerFlush Adapter connects to a garden hose for fast and easy cleaning
Graco X7 Review: Benefits and Downsides
Pros:
- Long hose – up to 100 feet reach;
- Clog-resistant tip;
- Easy to clean;
- Easy to move;
- Adjustable pressure settings.
Cons:
- Requires frequent cleaning to prevent clogs;
- Beginners could experience overspray.
Graco X5 vs X7 Reviews: Highlighting Key Features and Differences
To help you pick the most suitable sprayer, here is a comparison of Graco X5 vs. X7 that highlights key features on the X5 and X7.
| Specs | Graco Magnum X5 | Graco Magnum X7 |
| Flow Rate | 0.27 GPM | 0.31 GPM |
| Working Pressure | 3000 PSI | 3000 PSI |
| Weight | 13.3 lbs | 23.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 12.4 x 14.5 x 17.9 in | 15.3 x 19.3 x 37 in |
| Max Tip Size | 0.015 inches Thou | 0.017 inches Thou |
| Max Hose Length | 75 ft | 100 ft |
| Rated Power | 2500 watts | 2500 watts |
Painting Performance: Graco Paint Sprayer X5 vs. X7
Considering painting performance, the Magnum X5 sprays 0.27 gallons per minute than the Magnum X7, which does 0.31 gallons per minute. This means if you want to spray a large area, the Magnum X7 is a better choice.
Precision
If you consider precision, the X5 offers finer results because of the smaller nozzle. The large spray tip on the Magnum X7 is ideal for large surfaces but is prone to uneven spread and overspray, especially when using oil-based paint. While the sprayer will do a clean job, you still need to observe workplace chemical safety.
Horse Power
Horsepower tells how powerful the machine is. The Magnum X7 offers 5/8 horsepower compared to the X5, which puts out only ½ horsepower.
Hose Length
A big hose length adds comfort when painting. The Magnum X5 offers a 75-feet hose, while the Magnum X7 includes a 100 feet hose.
Size and Portability
The Magnum X7 is the larger sized sprayer measuring 19 x 15 x 37 inches versus the X5, which measures 19 x 14.5 x 12.75 inches. Despite the large size, the X7 includes a wheeled cart design, which makes it portable. The X5 features a simple stand, but the sprayer is light and smaller in dimensions. The portability of these two comes in handy if you do SMART spraying and run a business that helps people restore damaged paint.
Size of the tip
The Magnum X7 offers a bigger tip, which lowers the chances of clogging. The X7 comes with a 0.017-inch tip, while the Magnum X5 offers a 0.015-inch tip.
User-Friendliness
Both the Magnum X5 and X7 are user-friendly. The sprayers feature a self-priming functionality, which means you don’t need a paint thinner. They also come with a reversible tip that prevents clogging.
Cleaning
To keep the sprayers in perfect condition, it’s advisable to learn how to clean a paint sprayer. Both units offer an easy to clean setup.
Accessories
The only key accessory included is the hose. Both offer a 25-foot hose, but you can also get a 100-feet hose for the Graco X7 or a 75-feet hose if you choose the Graco X5.
Brands You May Also Like
Other brands you may consider as alternatives to the Graco X5 and X7 include Wagner, REXBETI, and Titan Tool.
Verdict and Recommendations
If you’re looking to pick between the Graco X5 and X7, there are few characteristics from this Graco sprayer comparison you could use to decide. The Graco Magnum X5 is lightweight, more affordable, and easy to control. If you’re handling a small project that requires precision, the Magnum X5 will come in handy. For projects that required you to move around, you can also use the X5, and if you’re painting interiors, you don’t need the extra 25-feet hose.
The magnum X7 is ideal for high-volume painting. Its 100-feet hose offers more versatility for outdoor projects. It’s best suited for painting large surfaces and is portable, thanks to the wheeled cart design.
