Frequently Asked Questions

All Magnum sprayers can spray water-based and solvent-based paints, stains and primers that can be cleaned with mineral spirits. Materials that cannot be used with Magnum sprayers include solvent-based lacquers (exceptions are the A60, A80 and the A100), texture based materials and elastomeric.

You can spray a wide variety of water-based, oil-based and sometimes also flammable materials, depending on your sprayer. We always advise you to carefully read the information on the material bucket to determine if it can be used with your sprayer.

You can spray a wide variety of water-based, oil-based and sometimes also flammable materials, depending on your sprayer. We always advise you to carefully read the information on the material bucket to determine if it can be used with your sprayer.

With the A20, A30 and A45, you can spray soft (oil-based) solvents. The bucket label should indicate that the material is combustible and can be cleaned up with mineral spirits or paint thinner. With the A60, A80 and A100, you can also spray hot solvents. The bucket label should indicate that this material is flammable.

Most of the façade paints can be sprayed with a 0.0017" as of the A45. We always advise you to carefully read the information on the material bucket to determine if it can be used with your sprayer.

Our TRUEAIRLESS tips with softspray technology reduce the overspray to a minimum.

Have a look at our Spray Tips.

All sprayers include a 515 spray tip that sprays a 25cm (10-inch) spray fan for spraying latex paint on larger surfaces. When spraying stain, we recommend you use a spray tip that restricts the amount of paint coming out of the front, such as a 311 or 413 spray tip. The first number of any spray tip is multiplied by 5 to give you the width of the spray fan in centimeter. A 311 tip will spray a 15cm spray fan and the 413 will spray a 20cm spray fan. The second two numbers indicate the hole size.

Check out our video on Choosing tips or the Spray Tip Selector page

Check the paint manufacturer's recommendation in the "Application" section of the label on the bucket or can of paint.

Check out our video on Choosing tips or the Spray Tip Selector page

The most commonly used tip size will be the 515. For thicker materials go to 517, 519, 521 and for thinner ones go to 413, 311, 309. The two last digits give the tip size in thousands of an inch. The first digit gives you the larger of the spray when you multiply it by 5.
Check out the Spray Tip Selector page

You can check out our spray tip selector page for advice on how to select the appropriate spray tip.
Check out the Spray Tip Selector page

We recommend the A20 for an annual usage of about 150 liters of paint, while we would suggest the A30 for 300 liters of paint per year. The A20 comes with an SG2 gun whereas the A30 comes with an SG3 gun including hose swivel.

You can also compare technical specifications between different models by using the 'Compare' feature on the product overview pages.

The A45 can be used for bigger projects (such as a house) than you would use the A30 for. In addition to that, the A45 supports a larger tip size (0.0017) allowing you to spray heavier coatings such as façade paints.

You can also compare technical specifications between different models by using the 'Compare' feature on the product overview pages.

"The A45 is targeted at home owners with midsized projects while the A60 is suitable for professionals completing larger job sites. The A60 supports a larger tip size (0.0019"") allowing you to spray thicker materials. With the ProXChange pump system on the A60, you will eliminate downtime with fast, on-the-job pump swaps.

You can also compare technical specifications between different models by using the 'Compare' feature on the product overview pages."

The A80 supports a larger tip size (0.0021") allowing you to spray thicker materials including hot solvents. We would recommend this unit for an annual usage of about 3000 liters of paint, while we suggest the A60 for 1500 liters of paint per year.

You can also compare technical specifications between different models by using the 'Compare' feature on the product overview pages.

The A100 is Magnum's top-of-the-range workhorse due to the powerful Endurance pump and the ProConnect pump replacement system. This unit allows you to spray up to 6000 liters per year while we recommend the A80 for 3000 liters per year.

You can also compare technical specifications between different models by using the 'Compare' feature on the product overview pages.

Both sprayers are very similar since they contain the same pump and motor and they are in fact built on the same production line in Minneapolis, USA. The GX21 is a stand version whereas the A80 has a convenient cart so you can easily move your paint and sprayer around the job site. These two units also use a different guard and tip.
You can also compare technical specifications between different models by using the 'Compare' feature on the product overview pages.

We recommend the A45 or a higher model. TIP: use a tip extension to easily spray the ceilings.
Check out all the projects you can do with Magnum by Graco paint sprayers.

The A20 or A30 are the most recommended units to spray an apartment.
Check out all the projects you can do with Magnum by Graco paint sprayers.

We would recommend the A45 if you are a home owner or the range from the A60 to A100 if you work intensively.
Check out all the projects you can do with Magnum by Graco paint sprayers.

In that case we would suggest the A20.
Check out all the projects you can do with Magnum by Graco paint sprayers.

For this project, we would recommend the TrueCoat 360 or A20. Check out all the projects you can do with Magnum by Graco paint sprayers.
Check out all the projects you can do with Magnum by Graco paint sprayers.

Graco advises against using any 120V equipment, running on 60Hz, that is intended for the US market. 
In Europe, electrical equipment runs on 220V - 240V (or 110V for some UK industrial applications) and a frequency of 50 Hz. If you try to use electrical equipment intended for the US market, you will need an appropriate transformer. Using this transformer will however slow down your device as it will not provide a conversion from 60 Hz to 50 Hz. 

In addition to that, it can cause your sprayer to overheat which could permanently damage your equipment. 

For above mentioned reasons, Graco will never provide any form of warranty when the equipment is used in a market it is not intended for.

Please note that, for most of the US models, we have an EMEA equivalent model available: 

• Magnum A5 Compact DS >>> TrueCoat 360 DS
• Magnum Project Painter Plus >>> Magnum A20 Plus
• Magnum X5 >>> Magnum A30 ProPlus
• Magnum X7 >>> Magnum A45 ProPlus
• Magnim ProX19 - cart >>> Magnum A60 ProPlus
• Magnum ProX19 - stand >>> Magnum ProS19 ProPlus
• Magnum ProX21 - stand >>> Magnum ProS21 ProPlus
• Magnum ProX21 - cart >>> Magnum A80 ProPlus
• Magnum Pro210ES - cart >>> Magnum A100 ProPlus

Check out our available models

Preparing the paint is key for a qualitative spray pattern. Make sure you stir the paint for at least 5 minutes. Also ensure the paint is free of solid elements. In case you're opening an old paint bucket, we advise to filter the paint first.
Also check out our video on paint preparation in the Education Centre.

Above 25°C the paint isn't reacting in the same way, so it's not recommended to paint (either with a roll or a sprayer).

Below 10°C the paint isn't reacting the same way and we do not recommend spraying.

In the Education Centre under Owner Support on our Magnum by Graco website, you can find videos on operating the unit.

In the Education Centre under Owner Support on our Magnum by Graco website, you can find videos on operating the unit.

Always keep the spray tip at 25 cm of the ceiling when spraying. We recommend using a tip extension to make sure you have sufficient reach. 
Start from the window and don't hesitate to immediately spray the second coat 'wet on wet' (this is possible as there is no friction).

Cleaning an airless sprayer does not take a lot of time and is easy to do. We recommend to do it immediately after you've finished your job. 
We've made short video's on 'how to clean' available in the Education Centre on our Magnum by Graco website that will guide you step by step on how to clean your unit.

No, only the Magnum A100 needs TSL or oil. All other Magnum sprayers only need to be stored with Pump Armor after every use to ensure reliable priming on your next project.
Check out our video on Storage

The most important maintenance with any airless sprayer is to thoroughly clean the sprayer and store the sprayer with Pump Armor between use. Most importantly, clean the filter in the gun handle, the pump filter (A60, A80 and A100 only), the strainer and the spray tip. With good cleaning and using Pump Armor, your sprayer will last for years.
Check out our video on Storage and how to clean

We recommend an extension cord no longer than 30 meter.

There are three possible causes for this to happen. It could be that the inlet ball of the pump is blocked, that the spray tip is clogged, or that the filter(s) are dirty. We kindly advise to watch the videos in the troubleshouting section of the Education Centre under Owner Support. 
Also make sure that you have stirred the paint properly.

You can watch the different videos in the troubleshouting section of the Education Centre under Owner Support.

Increase the pressure to the maximum and if necessary use a smaller tip size.

Turn the tip 180° and press the trigger in a bucket.
You can also watch this video.

Verify that the unit is plugged in and the ON/OFF switch is ON.
Make sure your extension cord is not damaged and the electrical outlet is providing power.
If the pressure control is set at zero pressure, turn the pressure control knob clockwise to increase pressure setting.
Make sure no paint has hardened or water is frozen in the pump.
If this did not resolve your problem, the motor or control might be damaged. Consult a Magnum authorized retailer or service center.

Your gun is not connected tightly to the hose. Use two wrenches to tighten the gun securely to the hose.

Assure that the Spray Tip is properly inserted into the tip guard and that the tip guard assembly is tightened securely to the gun.

Follow these steps:

• Make sure the suction tube (the larger, braided tube) and the strainer are completely submerged in the paint.
• Some paints are very thick and require the pump to slow down to prime. Turn the on/off switch ON and then OFF until the pump is about to stops and then turn the sprayer ON and then OFF again. You may need to do this a few times until paint works its way into the pump and out the drain tube (smaller clear tube).
• Remove the suction tube (larger, braided tube). Insert the pointed end of a pencil into the inlet and push up to free the inlet valve ball.
• Remove and clean the outlet valve. (See component identification and troubleshooting in your owner’s manual.)
• Remove and clean the inlet valve. (See component identification and troubleshooting in your owner’s manual.) Be sure not to lose the inlet ball (some models have a spring as well).
• Remove the strainer and connect the Power Flush adapter and a garden hose to the suction tube. Following the directions in your owner’s manual, flush the sprayer with water for one minute. Reinstall the strainer on the suction tube, submerge the suction tube in the paint and prime the sprayer.

Check out our video on Troubleshooting

Make sure the unit is plugged into a working outlet. If it is, turn the sprayer on and then turn the sprayer’s pressure control knob clockwise until the motor starts running.

When the gun trigger is released, the motor and pump will automatically turn off. Once you pull the gun trigger and start spraying, the motor and pump will turn on again. This is normal operation and eliminates constant motor noise and reduces wear for longer life.

If the motor continues to run when the gun trigger is released, it is not primed.

Make sure the Prime/Spray Valve is pointed forward in the Spray position.

The spray tip is likely clogged. Turn the spray tip 180 degrees to the unclog position, aim the spray gun into a bucket and pull the trigger for one second to clear the clog. Turn the spray tip back to the spray position and resume spraying.

Check out our video on Troubleshooting

The best way to reduce tip clogs is to strain your paint of the larger debris.

Check out our video on How to unclog your tip

Make sure the pressure control is turned up to a higher spray pressure. Try moving closer to the surface. If you continue to see lines in your pattern, you may need a larger tip size if you sprayer can support it (the largest tip that the Magnum A20 & A30 can support is the tip that is included). Otherwise, add a small amount of water or solvent, depending upon your material. Be sure to work the water or solvent into the paint that is in your paint hose by reversing the tip and spraying the paint back into the paint bucket until the thinner material is worked into the paint hose. Don’t forget to turn your spray tip back to the spray position.

You most likely have a tip clog. Turn the spray tip 180 degrees to the unclog position, aim the spray gun into a bucket and pull the trigger for one second to clear the clog. Turn the spray tip back to the spray position and resume spraying.

The pump needs to be serviced or replaced.

The spray hose connection is not tight. Use a wrench to tighten the spray hose to the sprayer and to the gun.

All Magnum A5/Truecoat 360 sprayers can spray water-based paints, stains and primers that can be cleaned with mineral spirits. Materials that cannot be used with Magnum A5/Truecoat 360 sprayers include any flammable materials, texture-based materials, and elastomeric.

No, you do not have to squeeze the bag while spraying. Once you squeeze all of the air out of the bag, you close the VacuValve cap to seal out the air. We recommend you squeeze out the air again once you prime the sprayer. After that, there is no need to squeeze the bag while spraying.

Yes, you need to evacuate the air out of the cup and prime after each cup fill.

Yes, the FlexLiner bag is made of a durable, pliable plastic that is easy to rinse out and reuse.

For the TrueCoat 360 range, 2 spray tip kits are available: a spray tip kit for stain and a spray tip kit for paint. Each kit includes 2 tips, one with a wide spray pattern and one with a narrow spray pattern, as well as a colour-matched inlet filter. The narrow spray tip sprays a 3-5 inches (7-13 cm) pattern, whilst the wide spray tip sprays a 12-14 inches (30-36 cm) pattern. No other spray tips or sizes are needed or available.

Magnum A5 sprayers include two spray tips for spraying small or large surfaces. They are both .015 inch orifice size tips. The black spray tip sprays a 30 cm pattern, the gray spray tip sprays a 10 cm pattern.

Make sure the cup lid is tightened securely and VacuValve lid is closed. Make sure the cup assembly is securely attached to the sprayer. Try squeezing all of the air out of the cup and priming.

Remove black o-ring on the pump inlet and clean/lubricate it.

If your sprayer has a dual speed or variable speed control, turn the speed down to low. Try using the smaller, grey tip to reduce the amount of material flowing out of the gun.

You most likely have a tip clog. To clear the clog, twist the handle 180 degrees and pull the trigger into a waste area. Twist the handle back to the spray position.

The best way to reduce tip clogs is to strain your paint of the larger debris.

The thermal overload has tripped. It will reset on its own. Let the sprayer cool down for 20-30 minutes and try it again.

You are moving too fast. Try slowing down your arm movement. If you have a sprayer with speed control, switch to High or increase the speed setting to the highest setting.

Try moving closer to the surface and slower. If you continue to see lines in your pattern, add a small amount of water of solvent, depending upon your material, reprime and spray.

Debris is caught in the sprayer. Try reversing the spray tip 180 degrees to see is paint can be sprayed. If it can, turn the spray tip back to the spray position to spray. Turn the sprayer upside down with the cup and strainer removed. Pour hot water into the inlet of the sprayer if you sprayed water based materials on last project, or mineral spirits if you sprayed oil-based materials on the last project. Let sit for 5 minutes and then remove the spray tip and spray the material out the front of the sprayer (make sure your Prime/Spray Valve is at Spray). If these steps do not resolve the problem, contact Graco Technical Support.

The most common reason for your sprayer to not work on next use is that the front guard has been removed from the sprayer during cleaning. Removing the guard will cause damage or missing parts when it is reassembled. Please call Graco Technical Support for help replacing the part.

Turn it upside down, if it sprays then there is still air in the cup. Purge the air through the VacuValve cap.

Check the spray tip to insure it is properly installed and pushed all the way into the housing.

• 515 tip is included with each sprayer.
• A sprayer can support all smaller tips up to its maximum tip rating.
• 515 is sized to spray paint. A smaller tip is recommended for stain.

Check out our video on Choosing tips or the Spray Tip Selector page

• The first digit is half of the fan width, the "5" in "515" equals a 25 cm (10-inch) spray fan width (5 x 5 = 25).
• The last two digits are the size of the tip opening in thousandths of an inch, the "15" in "515" means the tip hole size is .015 inch.

Check out our video on Choosing tips or the Spray Tip Selector page

• Use smaller tip size when applying thinner materials such as stains and enamels.
• Use larger sizes for thicker materials such as exterior, latex and oil based paints.
• The larger the size of the tip hole, the faster the material leaves the gun. A 313 tip sprays faster than a 411 tip.

Check out our video on Choosing tips or the Spray Tip Selector page

Choosing the right spray tip is essential for ensuring a quality finish — no matter which coating material is being sprayed. However, spray tips will wear with normal use. It’s important to replace a tip when it gets worn to ensure a precise spray pattern, maximum productivity and quality finish. When a tip wears, the orifice size increases and the fan width decreases. This causes more paint to hit a smaller area, which wastes paint and slows productivity. Tip life varies by coating, so if a tip is worn, replace it.

Once the fan pattern starts to get smaller, the spray tip should be replaced. The same amount of material is coming out but not covering as large of an area on your wall. You will need more paint to finish the project with a worn spray tip.

Based on the material you're spraying, follow this general replacement guideline:

• Latex - Replace after 70-180 liters
• Oils & Stains - Replace after 160-270 liters

For assistance finding the best spray tip for your project, contact a retailer.

Extend tip life by spraying at the lowest pressure that breaks up the coating into a complete spray pattern (atomize). Do not increase the pump pressure; it only wastes paint and causes unnecessary pump component wear.

Graco repair parts can be purchased through one of the retailers. Graco does not sell direct. Our authorized retailers repair, conduct maintenance or sell parts for your sprayer. There are in-store and online options available.

We have a service center in France, Germany, Spain and Portugal. In case you need immediate assistance, our customer or technical service is reachable py phone or e-mail.

It is best to spray at the lowest pressure that provides a good spray pattern in order to reduce overspray. Start at low spray and spray on a piece of cardboard. If you see lines on the top or bottom of the spray pattern, increase the spray pressure until the lines go away.

Two year on manufacturer's defects.

This warranty does not cover, and Graco shall not be liable for, general wear and tear, or any malfunction, damage or wear caused by faulty installation, misapplication, abrasion, corrosion, inadequate or improper maintenance, negligence, accident, tampering, or substitution of non-Graco component parts. Nor shall Graco be liable for malfunction, damage or wear caused by the incompatibility of Graco equipment with structures, accessories, equipment or materials not supplied by Graco, or the improper design, manufacture, installation, operation or maintenance of structures, accessories, equipment or materials not supplied by Graco. 

For all warranty information, go to the Warranty page.

You will be able to find our products at the following retailers: LEROY MERLIN (France, Spain, Portugal), HORNBACH (Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, The Netherlands, Luxembourg), BAUHAUS (Spain), PLAN-IT (Belgium), BRICO (Belgium) and AMAZON Germany. Make sure to check the How to Buy section for the most recent list of retailers.

All reatail pricing is set by our retailers: LEROY MERLIN (France, Spain, Portugal), HORNBACH (Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, The Netherlands, Luxembourg), BAUHAUS (Spain), PLAN-IT (Belgium), BRICO (Belgium) and AMAZON Germany.

Thanks to the wide variety of materials you can spray, this equipment turns out to be very versatile. You will be able to use your paint sprayer every year. Renting it forces you to complete your project(s) in a limited number of days.

Both brands belong to the company GRACO and come from the same production lines in Minneapolis, USA. GRACO is only for professional contractors whereas Magnum by Graco targets homeowners and professionals visiting the DIY retail stores.