Graco Magnum X5 Airless Sprayer Review (Graco LTS 15)
Editor Rating: 4.7/5
Great Product
Graco Magnum X5 Airless Sprayer (Graco LTS 15)
Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson
Last modified:
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Review Summary:
Should you be a homeowner looking to tackle a medium-sized painting project and preferring to save precious dollars by doing it yourself — then the Graco Magnum X5 airless sprayer may be the solution.
To cover large areas, such as sheds, fences, garages, and walls, the Magnum X5 paint sprayer is supplied with a metal SG2 gun. With a sturdy trigger, this ‘pistol’ works with tip sizes up to 0.015-inch.
In combination with a RAC IV 515 tip, it can pump out up to 0.27 gpm (gallons per minute). The suction intake tube, which is flexible, works with one-gallon and five-gallon original containers, so you won’t need to frequently stop and refill.
The spray gun connects to the floor unit through a 25-foot DuraFlex hose. In order to spend less time moving around, a hose of up to 75 feet can be used without diminishing finish quality or stressing the motor.
As part of Graco’s project series — angled at medium-intensity use — there’s a maximum annual recommended usage of 125 gallons. I’d suggest that’s more than sufficient to tackle any project around an average size house.
However, if you want an airless sprayer that can handle light contracting jobs, our advice is to invest a little more money and get a pro-model — such as the Graco Pro X17. That said, the 0.5 horsepower motor at the heart of the Magnum 262800 X5 has an output of up to 3000 PSI, which is more than enough for most home projects.
When it comes to the initial setup, it’s seriously straightforward. A Graco X5 quick start guide is included, plus a full user manual and instructional DVD.
This sprayer is Graco’s midrange machine in its Project Series — being a step above the handled TrueCoat 360VSP and beneath the cart-mounted Magnum X7. You can also find the X5 sold online as the LTS 15 — a marque used exclusively by the home improvement retailer Lowe’s.
Pros:
Cons:
Graco LTS 15 vs X5 — What’s the Difference?
In short — nothing.
It’s one of the strange anomalies in the retail world where identical products receive alternative model names. If you find this sprayer on the Graco website, Amazon, or other online retailers — it’s marketed as the X5.
However, there’s one exception, in that when it’s sold from the home improvement store Lowe’s — it carries the LTS 15 moniker.
That said, there does appear to be some inconsistency in both the X5 and LTS 15 machines — as in, the units may come with either plastic or metal skids. And, without checking with the retailer, it’s impossible to tell which version you’re purchasing.
Features and Benefits of the Graco X5 Paint Sprayer
Let’s take an in-depth look to see if its features satisfy that statement.
Stainless Steel Pump
A crucial aspect of any paint machine is that its parts are made with quality material. Hence, it’s satisfying to see that the pump in this unit has a hardened stainless steel piston, ensuring a good lifespan and reliable performance.
Simplified Priming
Priming is a requirement of all airless sprayers prior to use — ensuring that the complete system is full of your coating medium — without air bubbles or pockets. The Magnum X5 incorporates a proprietary PushPrime feature — eliminating the number of steps required for preparation.
Easy Cleaning
The power flush adapter, supplied with the Graco Magnum X5, attaches to a garden hose to speed-up post-project cleaning. This permits you to rinse the system throughout without dismantling — but bear in mind this only works for flushing water-based mediums.
You’ve already saved time painting with an electric sprayer instead of a brush, so why not save time when washing your tools? A job that once took 30 minutes or more now takes ten minutes at the most.
Painting Medium Versatility
When you’re choosing coatings, you’ll be reassured to know that the Graco X5 paint sprayer can work with a plethora of mediums. It handles anything from stains to acrylics and latex — typically without any thinning.
As an added bonus, this unit comes with a viscosity cup — allowing you to test your chosen coating medium for dilution requirements prior to use. Used in conjunction with an included run-out table — it means you’re not unpleasantly surprised by paint that refuses to stubbornly spray from the machine.
However, you shouldn’t use block fillers, solvent-based lacquers, or materials that have textured particles in the X5.
Adjustable Pressure Control
A substantial dial located beside the intake tube permits you to fine-tune the pressure — up to a maximum output of 3000 PSI.
This enables you to tailor the power delivery to suit the viscosity of your paint — or alternatively, utilize gentle pressure for precise work or crank it up to high for more expansive projects.
Compact Design
For a floor-standing airless sprayer, the Graco Magnum 262800 X5 is surprisingly compact — which may appeal to users with little garage or workshop space.
A two-legged stand elevates the machine from the floor — keeping the crucial hydraulic pump away from dirt, dust, and water ingress that could otherwise damage the unit.
Furthermore, a molded handle located on the top of the pump casing allows for straightforward-portability.
SG2 Spray Gun & Reversible Tip
Included with Graco’s Project and DIY models is the SG2 gun, which has a reversible RAC IV 515 spray tip. This combination is ideal for medium coatings and creates a pattern width of 10 to 12 inches.
If you get a clog — an intermittent issue with all sprayers — you just turn the tip around via an integrated lever and then blow the blockage out. Finally, for a smooth finish, there’s a filter integrated into the handle system, which catches larger particles that would otherwise ruin your final coat.
What do The Users Say?
Enough of my thoughts on this machine — time to examine what guys using the Magnum X5 (or the LTS15 sprayer, it’s the same) on a regular basis think about the unit.
Reassuringly, the feedback is positive.
In online reviews, owners of the Graco X5 praise its comfortable and accurate SG2 spray gun, are impressed by its compact design yet powerful 3000 PSI output, and welcome the flush-through easy-clean feature.
Although, not everyone was impressed.
The most common criticism was that while pleasingly lightweight for a ground-standing unit — this lack of heft allowed the sprayer to ‘walk’ when cranked up to high pressure. Additionally, users mentioned that the suction hose struggled to draw the last two inches or so of paint from original containers.
However, everyone agreed that the Magnum X5 delivered a speedy and satisfying finish on the majority of base material surfaces.
If you want to do a little of your own research, then take a look at what owners of this machine had to say.
Alternatives to Graco Magnum X5 Airless Sprayer Review (Graco LTS 15)
Despite the positive Graco Magnum X5 reviews, it’s possible that this unit isn’t perfectly suited to your home-spraying requirements.
Hence, if you’re a little nonplussed about this machine, I’ve sourced some alternative options that may fit your demands more accurately.
The ProX19 is a tradesperson-grade sprayer — knocking out the same 3000 PSI as the X5, but with a substantial larger horsepower output (0.88 hp as opposed to the 0.5 hp of the X5) and with a mighty 500 gallons per annum capacity in comparison to the 125 gallons of the X5.
- Tougher on the bank balance than the Graco X5.
- Eye-watering 50-foot hose compared to the Magnum X5’s 25-foot.
- Cart mounted as opposed to the floor stand of the X5.
The TrueCoat 360DS incorporates the hydraulic pump and paint container into the gun body — admittedly raising the weight, but also negating the need for a ground-unit or suction hose — making it more compact and portable.
- More pocket-friendly than the Magnum X5.
- Lower power output — 1500 PSI as opposed to the 3000 PSI of the Graco X5.
- Requires filling of FlexLiner bags — in contrast with the fill-free X5.
Like the X5, the HomeRight Pro 2800 incorporates a 25-foot hose, an identical 0.5 horsepower output and draws paint directly from one or five-gallon original containers. Although not such a respected brand as Graco — since 2018, HomeRight has been owned by the spraying behemoth Wagner SprayTech.
- Identical 515 spray tip to the Magnum X5.
- Slightly lower PSI — 2800 compared to the 3000 of the Graco X5.
- At 15 pounds, it’s two pounds heavier than the Magnum X5 sprayer.
Conclusion
Compact, powerful, and lightweight — the Graco X5 is a high-end airless sprayer for the keen home-improver.
Its industry-recognized SG2 spray gun delivers a smooth and consistent finish across a wide-spectrum of spraying mediums. And, with a mighty output of 3000 PSI, larger projects should be completed in a time-friendly manner.
Furthermore, a hardened stainless steel pump offers longevity and durability, while a PowerFlush adaptor permits straightforward and hassle-free rinsing at the end of your working day.
Sure, its 125 gallons per annum recommended usage makes it unsuitable for the pro-user — and its tendency to ‘walk’ when set on high pressure could become an annoyance.
Yet, if you want one of the most portable floor-standing units around — I suggest checking out the Graco Magnum X5 Airless Sprayer.
Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer FAQs
Can I Use Textured Paint With the Graco X5 Paint Sprayer?
Are the Instructions for the Graco X5 Paint Sprayer Easy to Follow?
Will the Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer Work for Small Areas/Projects?
Where Can I Find the Magnum X5 User Manual?
The X5 manual is available from the official Graco website. You can access this document by clicking here.
Graco Magnum X5 vs LTS 15 What Is Better?
How Much Does the Graco X5 Cost?
The Magnum X5 is a portable and lightweight floor-standing airless sprayer. You can check out its current price by clicking here.
What Are the Uses for the Graco X5 Magnum Airless Sprayer?
- Decking.
- Sidings.
- Border fences.
- Small houses.
- Walls.
- Doors.
- Window frames.
What’s the Difference Between the Graco LTS 15 vs X5?
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