When it comes to choosing a paint sprayer for home use or small commercial projects, two of the most popular models on the market are the Graco X7 and Graco X17.
Both of these airless paint sprayers are made by trusted brand Graco and offer convenient features for handling a variety of painting jobs. But how do you know which one is the better choice for your needs?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the key specs and performance of the Graco X7 and X17 to help you decide which paint sprayer is the right fit. We’ll look at power, weight, hose length, spray speed, and other important factors. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of each model and which Graco sprayer is best for your painting projects.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Graco X7 | Graco X17 |
| Motor Power | 0.31 horsepower | 0.5 horsepower |
| Max Pressure | 3000 PSI | 3300 PSI |
| Max Tip Size | 0.017 inch | 0.019 inch |
| Max Spray Rate | 0.27 GPM | 0.33 GPM |
| Max Hose Length | 150 feet | 300 feet |
| Weight | 23 lbs | 43 lbs |
| Paint Cup Capacity | 700 ml | 800 ml |
| Price | $$ | $$$ |
| Best For | Smaller painting projects, thin materials, DIYers/homeowners | Larger painting projects, thick coatings, professionals |
Overview Of The Graco X7 And X17
The Graco X7 and X17 are both electric airless paint sprayers designed for either home DIY use or professional painting jobs. Here is an overview of each model:
- Graco X7: The lightweight and compact X7 sprayer isGraco’s entry-level airless sprayer. It has a 0.31 horsepower motor and can handle most small to mid-size indoor and outdoor painting projects.
- Graco X17: A step up from the X7, the X17 offers added power with a 0.5 horsepower motor. It’s ideal for larger painting jobs or thicker materials like latex or acrylics.
Now let’s take a deeper dive into how these two Graco models compare across the most important performance factors
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Comparison Between Graco X7 And X17
Power And Performance
One of the biggest differences between the X7 and X17 is motor power. The X7 has a 0.31 horsepower motor, while the X17 boasts a stronger 0.5 horsepower motor.
This added power gives the X17 improved spraying capacity to handle thicker coatings, longer painting sessions, and larger projects. It can spray up to 0.33 gallons per minute, while the X7 maxes out at 0.27 GPM.
The X17 also provides a maximum hose length of 300 feet, compared to the X7’s limit of 150 feet. This extended reach makes the X17 better for two-story homes or painting larger exterior areas without moving the unit as frequently.
For small to medium painting tasks on thinner materials like stains and sealers though, the X7 offers sufficient power and performance—at a more wallet-friendly price point.
Weight And Portability
When it comes to portability, the Graco X7 definitely has the upper hand over the larger X17 unit.
Weighing just 23 pounds, the X7 is extremely lightweight and easy to move around a job site or load in and out of a vehicle. Its compact size also makes storage simple.
The X17 weighs nearly double at 43 pounds, limiting its portability compared to the X7. And at 22” long, it takes up more space for transport and storage.
If you’ll be painting in tight spaces or moving between multiple painting sites, the X7’s lighter, smaller body gives it better mobility. But for dedicated projects in a single location, the X17’s extra weight isn’t as much of an issue.
Ease Of Use
Both the X7 and X17 are designed for intuitive operation, even for first-time users. They have similar user-friendly features like:
- PushPrime technology for quick and easy priming
- Compatibility with water and oil-based paints and stains
- Adjustable pressure control to fine-tune spray
- Flexible suction tube for spraying directly from paint buckets
The X17 does have a slightly larger material cup size at 800 ml versus 700 ml on the X7. This gives you less frequent refilling.
Overall though, both sprayers offer hassle-free set up and spraying for DIYers. For professionals who will use a sprayer daily, the X17 may offer better long-term durability.
Cleanup And Maintenance
Keeping your paint sprayer in tip-top shape is key to ensuring a smooth finish and preventing clogs or leaks. In terms of cleanup and maintenance:
- Both sprayers feature QuickClean valves for fast paint and hose cleaning.
- The X17 includes a Pump Armor fluid to keep the internal parts lubricated for longer life.
- Filters on both sprayers should be cleaned periodically to keep spray consistent.
The X17’s added power does require a bit more care to keep the pump and sprayer running properly for years of use. But both models make cleaning and upkeep pretty straightforward for users.
Cost Comparison
There’s approximately a $150 price difference between the Graco X7 and X17 paint sprayers. The X7 costs around $299, while the X17 retails for about $449.
The X7 is the budget-friendly choice suitable for small DIY projects. For larger painting tasks or frequent use, the X17 offers professional-grade power and performance that can justify the higher price.
Keep in mind you may also need to buy accessories like hoses, spray guns, or tip extensions separately for either model. This can add $50-100+ to the total depending on your setup.
Also Read: Is Graco ProX17 Better Than ProX19 Paint Sprayers?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For most home DIYers, the Graco Magnum X7 is the best overall Graco sprayer. It balances power, performance, and price for smaller indoor and outdoor painting tasks.
Yes, the X7 can spray both latex and oil-based paints, stains, and sealers. Its 0.31 horsepower motor and max pressure of 3000 PSI allow it to handle thinner oil-based materials.
The X7 comes equipped with a 515 RAC X spray tip that provides a 10-12 inch spray fan. The reversible tip allows wide horizontal or vertical spray patterns.
Using a Magnum X7 involves five key steps:
Prepare the paint by thinning and straining if needed.
Prime the sprayer.
Adjust pressure and spray pattern.
Paint with smooth strokes at 6-12 inches from surface.
Clean sprayer after use.
Refer to the X7 manual for full setup and operation instructions. Following the proper techniques will allow you to achieve a smooth professional-like finish.
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The Verdict
So when considering the key specs and performance of the Graco X7 and X17, which sprayer reigns supreme?
For homeowners or DIYers on a budget, the Graco X7 is the best overall choice. It offers ample power for basic indoor and outdoor painting tasks at an affordable price point. The lightweight design also excels for portability and ease of use.
Contractors or pros handling bigger painting jobs will benefit from the Graco X17. It tackles thicker materials and larger projects without straining the motor. The X17 also offers better long-term durability for frequent use.
But the X17’s higher price tag may put it out of reach of casual users just looking for solid performance on weekend painting projects.
Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs. If you’re painting a few rooms or small house exterior, the X7 gets the job done. For whole house painting or major commercial projects, the X17’s power and performance justify the extra cost.