Airless paint sprayers like the Graco TC Pro and TC Pro Plus make painting large areas fast and efficient. These powerful tools allow you to spray directly from the paint container for continuous painting. But with two great models to choose from, how do you know which is the right one for your projects?
This comprehensive guide compares the key features of the Graco TC Pro and TC Pro Plus to help you decide. We’ll look at spray performance, build quality, ease of use, and other factors to determine the best choice for DIYers and professionals.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Graco TC Pro | Graco TC Pro Plus |
| Max Tip Size | 0.025” | 0.025” |
| Max GPM | 0.47 | 0.47 |
| Max PSI | 3000 | 3000 |
| Spray Gun | Contractor Gun | Contractor Gun |
| Hose Length | 75 ft | 75 ft |
| Weight | 30 lbs | 37 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Overview of the Graco TC Pro
The Graco TC Pro is a rugged, powerful airless sprayer suitable for DIYers and professional use. Key features include:
- Durable metal frame and fully shielded motor for long life
- MaxFlo 2 piston pump delivers 0.47 GPM for smooth spraying
- Supports tip sizes up to 0.025” for use with heavier paints
- 75 ft Duraflex hose for extended reach
- Ergonomic Contractor Gun with 515 reversible tip
- Onboard hose and gun storage for portability
- 3000 PSI delivers enough pressure for fast coverage
- 1 year warranty provides peace of mind
The TC Pro is an excellent mid-range model suitable for most painting jobs. It delivers professional-style results with easy setup and use.
Overview of the Graco TC Pro Plus
The TC Pro Plus is a step up with added features for frequent spraying jobs. Upgrades include:
- ProConnect pump with lifetime warranty for durability
- Quiet motor operation at 69 dB for indoor use
- Onboard storage for tips and accessories
- Tall metal stand with funnel tray for stability
- Optimal pressure control for smooth finish
- 1 year warranty plus lifetime pump warranty
With its quieter operation and upgraded pump, the TC Pro Plus is ideal for dedicated DIYers and professional painters. It has the power and features needed for daily spraying.
Also Read: Is Graco ProX17 Better Than ProX19 Paint Sprayers?
Key Differences Between the Graco TC Pro and TC Pro Plus
While the TC Pro and TC Pro Plus share many features, there are some important differences to consider:
- The Pumps
Graco TC Pro: The Graco TC Pro features a MaxFlo 2 piston pump, capable of delivering a maximum of 0.47 GPM (gallons per minute).
This pump type is efficient, ensuring a steady flow of paint for a range of projects. It is well-suited for occasional users or DIY enthusiasts who require reliable performance for smaller tasks.
Graco TC Pro Plus: On the other hand, the TC Pro Plus houses a more advanced ProConnect pump. This pump shares the same delivery capacity but boasts a lifetime warranty and is engineered for enhanced durability.
The ProConnect pump is designed to withstand the rigors of constant use, making it an optimal choice for professionals who depend on their equipment daily.
- Noise Level
Working in a peaceful environment is essential, and the noise level of equipment can significantly impact user comfort.
The TC Pro operates at a noise level of 71 dB, which is average for an airless sprayer. This noise level is acceptable for outdoor use or in spaces where noise is not a significant concern.
In contrast, the TC Pro Plus is designed with a quieter motor, rated at just 69 dB. This reduction in noise level is especially beneficial for indoor applications and environments where minimizing disruption is crucial.
Regular users and professionals working in residential areas will find this feature particularly advantageous.
- Weight and Stability
The weight of a paint sprayer can influence its portability and stability. Weighing in at 30 pounds, the TC Pro is relatively lightweight for an airless sprayer.
This lighter weight makes it easier to transport and maneuver, which is beneficial for users with varied project locations.
However, the TC Pro Plus tips the scales at 37 pounds, owing to its taller metal stand and additional onboard storage.
While slightly heavier, the added weight contributes to enhanced stability, particularly when spraying taller objects or working on uneven surfaces.
- Stand Design
A well-designed stand can improve the user experience significantly. The TC Pro features a basic stand, designed to keep the unit upright and stable during operation.
This stand is suitable for users who need simplicity and efficiency.
The TC Pro Plus upgrades to a taller and more robust metal stand, equipped with an integrated paint funnel and tray.
This feature allows users to conveniently hold a paint bucket, facilitating easier pouring and straining of paint. The larger footprint of the stand also improves the overall stability of the unit, making it a favorable choice for professionals and users tackling larger projects.
- Storage Features
Organization and storage are key considerations for users, especially for those managing multiple projects.
Both the TC Pro and TC Pro Plus come with onboard hose and gun storage, enhancing portability and convenience. This feature is essential for users who value ease of transport and accessibility.
Additionally, the TC Pro Plus goes a step further by incorporating dedicated storage holders for spray tips and other accessories.
This added storage solution enables users to keep all necessary tools and accessories neatly organized on the machine, reducing the chances of misplacing items and increasing overall efficiency.
- Warranty Considerations
Warranty coverage can provide peace of mind for users, ensuring that they are protected against potential defects. Both the TC Pro and TC Pro Plus include a 1-year warranty covering defects, offering a basic level of protection for users.
The TC Pro Plus, however, stands out by also offering a lifetime warranty on its ProConnect pump. Given the critical role of the pump in the operation of the sprayer, this additional warranty offers enhanced long-term protection, particularly valuable for professional users who rely heavily on their equipment.
Also Read: Comparison Between the Graco Ultra and TC Pro
- Price Comparison
When considering the investment in a paint sprayer, price is inevitably a significant factor. The TC Pro Plus, as the higher-tier model, is priced approximately $150 USD more than the standard TC Pro.
For professionals and dedicated hobbyists who will utilize the upgraded features, this added cost may represent a worthwhile investment.
The additional features and enhancements of the TC Pro Plus, such as the more durable pump, quieter operation, added storage, and extended warranty, contribute to the overall value of the unit.
Users who prioritize these aspects and envision frequent or heavy-duty use of the sprayer will find the TC Pro Plus to offer a balanced combination of performance and convenience.
Also Watch This Review Video:
Pros and Cons of the Graco TC Pro
Pros:
- Excellent for DIYers with its easy setup and use
- Durable metal frame stands up to rugged use
- MaxFlo 2 pump delivers high pressure and fast coverage
- Can spray unthinned paints thanks to 0.025” tip
- 75 ft hose allows spraying tall buildings from the ground
- Low 30 lb weight makes it portable
- Onboard hose and gun storage simplifies transport
- Reversible tip provides versatile spraying options
Cons:
- Not as suitable for constant professional use as TC Pro Plus
- Louder motor at 71 dB may be problematic for indoor use
- Basic stand lacks integrated paint bucket holder
- No dedicated holders for spray tips and accessories
- Shorter 1 year warranty only
Pros and Cons of the Graco TC Pro Plus
Pros:
- Upgraded ProConnect pump covered by lifetime warranty
- Quiet 69 dB motor allows indoor spraying
- Tall metal stand provides stability and integrated holders
- Onboard storage keeps tips and accessories organized
- Optimal pressure control for smoother spray finish
- Better suited for professional use with frequent spraying
Cons:
- Higher price tag around $150 more than standard TC Pro
- Heavier at 37 lbs making transport less convenient
- Some features like quiet motor unnecessary for DIYers
Also Read: Is Graco 210ES Better Than 390?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, the TC Pro and Ultra are different models. The Ultra is lighter duty and has a 0.015″ max tip rather than the 0.025″ tip on the TC Pro. The TC Pro provides greater spraying power.
Key differences between airless sprayer models include: Max pressure – Higher PSI allows thicker coatings. Most are 1500-3000 PSI. Max GPM – More gallons per minute means faster coverage. Ranges from 0.25 to 1 GPM typically. Max tip size – Larger tip holds more paint for continuous spraying. Home models often 0.015″-0.021″, pros 0.023″-0.033″. Weight – Lighter is more portable, but heavier provides stability. 20-40 lbs is common. Stand – Better stability and integrated paint holder for pro sprayers. Warranty – Home models often 1-2 years, pro more like 5 year pumps.
Graco color codes tips based on fan spray size: Blue tips have smaller fan sizes around 8″-10″ for detail work. Narrow spray good for fencing. Green tips have wider 12″-14″ fans for broader coverage on siding, roofs, etc. Wider spray gets jobs done faster.
Common pump types include: Piston pump – Durable design with metal housing, ideal for DIY and residential. Diaphragm pump – Lighter plastic design for portability. Not as robust for daily pro use. ProConnect pump – Heavy duty cam-driven piston perfect for constant professional work. Brushless pump – Highly advanced, maintenance-free design for long life and efficiency. Costs more.
Final Thoughts
For most DIYers and residential projects, the Graco TC Pro provides an excellent combination of power, build quality, and ease of use. The durable MaxFlo pump offers ample spraying power without the added costs of upgrades tailored for pro use.
Professionals who need a rugged sprayer for daily work will benefit more from the TC Pro Plus. The quieter motor, lifetime warranty, and added storage make it a worthwhile step up. But casual users may not require these upgrades.
Ultimately, choose the TC Pro for typical home jobs, and the TC Pro Plus for frequent professional work. Both deliver outstanding Graco performance, but the Plus is optimized for intensive daily use over the long term.