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A paintbrush and roller are perfect for smaller jobs that require a little more detail. For anything bigger or even painting jobs that are required regularly, a paint sprayer is faster, easier, and can achieve perfect results.
We have two paint sprayers from the Graco Magnum line, the Graco Project Painter Plus, and the Graco X5. We will compare all of their specifications from ease of use to ease of clean up. You will be able to find a side-by-side chart as well as some pros and cons before our final verdict on best buy.
There are a number of similarities between the Graco Project Painter Plus vs X5 and we will start with these.
Graco Project Painter Plus vs Graco X5 – Similarities
Quick Glance
The comparison chart below shows all the features of the Graco Project Painter Plus and the Graco X5.
Graco Project Painter Plus |
Graco X5 |
|
| Image |  |
 |
| Size | 12 x 13.5 x 13.5 inches | 14.5 x 12.75 x 19 inches |
| Weight | 16lbs | 19lbs |
| Pump | Stainless steel piston pump | Stainless steel piston pump |
| Spray Gun | SG2 spray gun | SG2 spray gun with TrueAirless Spray |
| Suction Tube | Flexible, spray directly from 1 or 5 gal containers | Flexible, spray directly from 1 or 5 gal containers |
| Power | 3/8 HP | ½ HP |
| PushPrime | Not stated | Yes |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 2800 PSI | 3000 PSI |
| Compatible Tip Size | 0.009, 0.011, 0.013 and 0.015 inches | Maximum tip size- 0.015 inches |
| Reversible Spray Tip | Yes | Yes |
| Gallons Per Minute (GPM) | 0.24 | 0.27 |
| Hose Length | 50ft | 75ft |
| Power Flush | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Compartment | Yes | Not stated |
| What’s Included | 25ft DuraFlex hose, 515 Reverse-A-Clean spray tip, pump armor storage fluid, quick start-up guide | 25ft DuraFlex hose, 515 Reverse-A-Clean spray tip, pump armor storage fluid, quick start-up guide |
| Warranty | 1 year limited | 1 year limited |
| Price |
The Pump
The Graco Project Painter Plus and the Graco X5 use a stainless-steel piston pump. These pumps allow you to use paint that hasn’t been thinned and at high pressure.
The Suction Tubes
There are flexible suction tubes with the Graco Project Painter Plus and the Graco X5. You can put the tubes straight into a 1-gallon or 5-gallon paint container and spray directly from there.
Reversible Spray Tip
In the case that either the Graco Project Painter Plus or the Graco X5 get clogged, they have a RAC IV Switch Tip so you can reverse the tip to unclog the hose and continue spraying.
Power Flush
The Power Flush adapter allows you to attach your garden hose to the Graco Project Painter Plus and the Graco X5. When you want to clean the paint sprayer, attach the garden hose and flush them out.
What’s Included
In the box of the Graco Project Painter Plus and the Graco X5, you will find a 25-foot Duraflex hose, a 515 Reverse-A-Clean Tip spray tip, pump armor storage fluid and a quick start-up guide. The paint sprayers both come with a 1-year limited warranty.
We will now take a look at what makes the Graco Project Painter Plus and the Graco X5 different.
Differences Between Graco Project Painter Plus and Graco X5
Appearance
Both are blue with solid black legs for stability. The size is slightly different.
Graco Project Painter Plus
The paint sprayer is 12 x 13.5 x 13.5 inches and is lightweight at 16 pounds.
Graco X5
It is the slightly larger paint sprayer measuring 14.5 x 12.75 x 19 inches. It also weighs a little more at 19 pounds.
The Winner Is- The Graco Project Painter
Read next – Graco LTS 15 vs Graco X5: Which Airless Paint Sprayers are Better?
The Spray Gun
The spray guns are similar, but one has superior technology.
Graco Project Painter Plus
This comes with an SG2 spray gun.
Graco X5
The spray gun is also SG2, but it has TrueAirless SoftSpray technology. You can use spray paint at any pressure with a wide range of coatings and achieve exceptional results.
The Winner Is- The Graco X5
Power and Pressure
The spray painters have a dial knob that allows you to simply change the amount of pressure you require.
Graco Project Painter Plus
With a 3/8 HP motor, you can get a maximum operating pressure of 2800 PSI.
Graco X5
The motor is a little more powerful at ½ HP, with a maximum of 3000 PSI. There is a PushPrime button for a fast, reliable start-up.
The Winner Is- The Graco X5
Read next – Graco X5 vs Graco X7: Which Airless Paint Sprayers are Better?
Tip Sizes
We are missing a little product information regarding the compatibility of tip sizes.
Graco Project Painter Plus
It is compatible with 0.009. 0.011-, 0.013- and 0.015-inch tips.
Graco X5
The maximum tip size you can use is also 0.015 inches.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Read next – Graco LTS 17 vs X7: Which Airless Paint Sprayers are Better?
Gallons Per Minute
For the optimal coat spray and to prevent problems with the tips, it is recommended that you run a paint sprayer at about 70% of the maximum capacity.
Graco Project Painter Plus
The paint sprayer is rated at 0.24 gallons per minute (GPM).
Graco X5
There is a fraction of a difference at 0.27 GMP.
The Winner Is- The Graco X5
Hose Length
Although they both come with a 25-foot hose, they can be used with other hose lengths.
Graco Project Painter Plus
It is compatible with hoses up to 50ft long.
Graco X5
In this case, you can use a hose up to 75ft long.
The Winner Is- The Graco X5
Pros and Cons
Before our final verdict, we have some pros and cons of the Graco Magnum paint sprayers.
Graco Project Painter Plus
Pros:
- You can set the nozzle to paint vertically or horizontally
- Incredibly detailed instructions
- Very durable pump
Cons:
- There is a little too much overspray
Graco X5
Pros:
- Great results, even for beginners
- Amazing time saver for painting houses
- It’s easy to clean
Cons:
- A few issues with quality control
The Final Verdict
The Graco Project Painter Plus and the Graco X5 come with extensive instructions that should be followed for the best results. We heard some people complain of leaks, but this is resolved when you tighten all of the parts before use. In terms of an overall winner, it is the Graco X5. Although it is more expensive, the slightly higher price tag is worth it. It’s more powerful, has a great PSI and GMP but most importantly, the results are better.