Photo: Graco
What We Like
- Fully adjustable pressure settings
- Sprays directly from a paint bucket
- Easy to clean
- Easy to unclog
- Powerful enough to spray unthinned paints
What We Don’t Like
- Produces overspray
Bottom Line
The Graco Magnum X5 has fully adjustable pressure settings that give you maximum paint flow control. This makes it ideal for spraying indoor/outdoor projects of any size.
Introduction
Airless paint sprayers are known to be extremely powerful because they operate at very high pressure levels. Such pressure is only ideal for applying coats on wide surfaces because there will be overspray.
To give you more control over the spraying process, Graco’s Magnum X5 is equipped with adjustable pressure settings via knob control. Let’s dive into the review below to learn more about this and other features present in the X5.
Graco Magnum 262800 X5 Review
Photo: Graco
Performance & Coverage: Ideal for Indoor & Outdoor Projects
With a 0.5 HP stainless steel piston pump, Graco’s Magnum 262800 can produce up to 0.27 gallons of paint per minute at the maximum pressure of 3000 PSI. This pressure is fully adjustable via a knob that is right next to the output valve.
This gives you more control over the painting process because lowering the pressure reduces the paint flow, which allows you to apply coatings on smaller, narrower surfaces with reduced overspray.
On the other hand, raising the pressure gives you faster coverage, which is ideal for wide surfaces such as walls.
These adjustments make the unit suitable for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor projects that might require fast coverage or detailed spraying. The Spruce claims that this is the go-to model for professionals and DIYers when working on medium-to-large projects.
Additionally, the X5 can support up to a 75-ft hose, which gives you extra reach when painting wide surfaces such as fences. The pump can remain in one spot as you move around with the spray gun.
However, only a 25-ft hose is included in the set. This means you need to add on the Graco 247340 50-ft hose to utilize the sprayer’s full potential, especially if you want to work on large scale projects.
This hose comes with a 1/4 x 1/4-inch connector that you can use to connect to the 25-ft piece, or you can use it on its own.
On the other end of the pump is a flexible suction hose, which allows you to spray directly from a 1- or 5-gallon paint bucket. The piston pump is powerful enough to spray thick paints and therefore, no thinning is required.
Setup: Quite Easy
The main task in the assembly process of this sprayer is to connect the spray gun to the pump. Begin the process by fastening one end of the hose to the pump’s outlet through the output valve. Use a wrench to fasten it tightly.
Next, connect the other end of the hose to the spray gun and for this step, you need two wrenches (one to hold and the other to tighten).
Engage the trigger lock on the gun then turn the pressure control to the lowest setting (counter-clockwise). The sprayer is now ready to use. These steps are laid out in the user manual for clearer guidance.
Operation: Continuous Spraying
The Magnum X5 comes with an SG2 metal spray gun that is fitted with a RAC IV 515 spray tip, which is reversible by front-to-back switching. This comes in very handy if clogging occurs because you won’t have to dismantle the gun. Simply reverse the tip and continue.
That said, this tip has a 0.015-inch orifice diameter and this is the largest size that the X5 can support. This size is ideal for spraying medium thick materials such as paints, primers, stains, chalk paint, and enamel, just to name a few.
If you are applying thin paints, it is recommended to use a tip with a smaller nozzle such as the Graco 221511 (RAC IV 511), which has a 0.011-inch orifice diameter. This one is reversible and both produce a 10-12-inch spray fan that gives wide coverage on every pass.
However, before use, the pump needs to be primed and there is a built-in push prime button that ensures reliable starts every time.
While in use, the system remains pressurized, and it is important to depressurize it before servicing or cleaning. This will help to prevent injuries such as skin injection and accidental spraying.
This pressure relief process should begin by turning off the motor then engaging the trigger lock on the gun. Next, turn the pressure knob to the lowest setting then put the drain tube in a waste container
Turn the spray valve into the prime position to relieve the pressure then point the gun to a pail, disengage the trigger lock and press the trigger. This whole procedure is explained in detail in the user manual for better guidance.
Portability: Relatively Lightweight
Coming in at 13 lbs., this unit is relatively lightweight. It is quite compact because it measures 17.9 x 14.5 x 12.4 inches and combined, these features make it easy to transport. Furthermore, it has a built-in handle for easier carrying.
That said, the pump is mounted on a stand-frame, which keeps it raised from the ground and in the correct position for easy use and connection to the hose.
This stand has a cup that conveniently holds the end of the suction pipe when not in use. However, it does not have a built-in storage hanger for the 25-ft hose.
Cleanup: Very Easy
Cleaning the Magnum X5 is very easy because it has a power flush adapter on the suction tube, which makes it possible to hook it up to a garden hose. This allows you to easily flush water through the system, leaving it clean in as little as 20 seconds.
However, this only applies to water-based materials. For oil-based paints, you should flush the pipelines using mineral spirit or oil-based flushing solvents. Either way, remember to collect the flushed fluid in a waste pail for proper disposal.
The gun needs some cleaning after use. Start by cleaning the gun’s filter using water or mineral spirit, depending on the type of material that was sprayed. Next, dismantle the tip and tip guard and clean using the same fluids, depending on the sprayed material.
Finish off by wiping the gun’s exterior using a soft cloth soaked in water or flushing fluid.
If you plan to store the sprayer long term (for more than two days), you need to flush the included pump armor storage fluid through the system for about 5-10 seconds. This will help to protect the pump from freezing and corrosion.
All these cleaning and maintenance instructions laid out in the user manual for proper guidance.
Price: Worth the Price
Though this model is not among the most expensive in Graco’s lineup, it is still costly because it costs more than $300. However, it does have the features that match this price.
That said, this X5 falls under Graco’s Project Series and within it, there are two more models. These are the Graco 17D889 TrueCoat 360 VSP and Magnum 262805 X7.
The former is more affordable but is a small handheld model that has variable pressure control in the range of 500-1500 PSI. It also holds a small 42-oz flex liner cup and has a smaller recommended usage capacity of 25 gallons per year.
On the other hand, the Magnum X7 is much larger and more powerful because it is run by a 5/8 HP pump. It supports a longer hose (100-ft as compared to 75-ft for the X5) and is mounted on a cart for easy transportation. However, it is more expensive and weighs more (23 lbs.).
Verdict
A pressure-adjustable airless paint sprayer that is ideal for indoor and outdoor projects of any size.
With its full pressure adjustment settings, the Graco Magnum X5 gives you full control over the spraying process. On top of that, it can support a 75-ft hose, which gives you enough allowance to work on indoor or outdoor projects of any size.
Specs
- Product Name: Graco Magnum 262800 X5
- Product Brand: Graco
- Amperage: 9 Amps
- Pump: 1/2 HP
- Flow Rate: 0.27 GPM
- Maximum Pressure: 3000 PSI
- Maximum Tip Size: 0.015 inches
- Hose: 1/4-inch x 25 ft. DuraFlex
- Maximum Hose Length Capacity: 75 ft.
- Recommended Annual Usage: 125 gallons
- Inlet Paint Strainer: 35 mesh stainless steel screen
- Product Dimensions: 17.9 x 14.5 x 12.4 inches
- Weight: 13 lbs.
- Warranty: 1-year limited (against manufacturer defects)
Key Features
- Adjustable pressure control settings.
- Hardened stainless steel piston pump; capable of spraying unthinned paint.
- Flexible suction tube.
- Power flush adapter.
- Includes a 25-ft hose but can support up to 75 ft.
- Reversible 515 RAC IV switch tip.
- Push prime for quick and reliable starts.
- Compact and lightweight.
- SoftSpray technology for reducing overspray.