Comparison: Best Graco Contractor Sprayer (Updated | Nov 19th)
If you’re in the market for a reliable paint sprayer that delivers smooth, professional results without breaking the bank, Graco’s Contractor series is definitely on your radar. But with several models boasting powerful performance and pro-grade durability, how do you know which one’s right for your projects? In this honest comparison, we’ll break down the top Graco Contractor sprayers side by side—weighing power, ease of use, and value—so you can choose with confidence and get straight to painting like a pro.
- Best for reliable powershot: Graco Contractor PowerShot Standard 18H300
- Best for ergonomic proconnect: Graco 17Y042 Contractor PC Airless Spray Gun with RAC X 517 SwitchTip
- Best for featherlight trigger: Graco 17Y043 Contractor PC Airless Spray Gun with RAC X LP 517 SwitchTip
- Best for all-in-one kit: Graco Contractor PC Gun & Hose Kit 17Y046
- Best for compact power: Contractor PC Compact Airless Spray Gun with RAC X FFLP 210 SwitchTip
- Best for extended needle life: Graco 288420 Contractor Airless Spray Gun
- Best for dual-seal swivel: Graco 288421 3600-PSI Contractor Gun with RAC 5 517 Tip
- Best for repair essentials: Graco 288488 Contractor & FTx Gun Repair Kit
- Best for diy pro gun: Graco 243012 Airless Spray Gun
- Best for versatile project sprayer: Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer
Product Comparison: Best Graco Contractor Sprayer
Graco Contractor PowerShot Standard 18H300
- GRACO 18H300 – Contractor PowerShot Standard
Graco 17Y042 Contractor PC Airless Spray Gun with RAC X 517 SwitchTip
- Benefits You’ll Appreciate on Every Job
- Finish Jobs Faster with Less Fatigue
- E-Z Fit Trigger Adjustment
- Exclusive No-Tools ProConnect Replacement Cartridge
- Easy one-finger, ambidextrous lock, Comfortable, contoured handle design, EasyGlide Swivel for effortless hose management
Graco 17Y043 Contractor PC Airless Spray Gun with RAC X LP 517 SwitchTip
- Lightest weight gun in its class
- Up to 50% lighter trigger pull force
- E-Z Fit adjustable trigger length
- Complete no-tools gun rebuild in seconds with ProConnect
Graco Contractor PC Gun & Hose Kit 17Y046
- Benefits You’ll Appreciate on Every Job
- Finish Jobs Faster with Less Fatigue
- E-Z Fit Trigger Adjustment & Exclusive No-Tools ProConnect Replacement Cartridge
- Easy one-finger, ambidextrous lock, Comfortable, contoured handle design, EasyGlide Swivel for effortless hose management
- Kit Includes Gun, 50′ x 1/4″ BlueMax II Hose, 4.5′ x 3/16″ BlueMax II Whip Hose, RAC X 517 Tip & Guard
Contractor PC Compact Airless Spray Gun with RAC X FFLP 210 SwitchTip
- 25% Lighter and 25% Smaller than the standard Contractor PC gun
- Up to 50% lighter trigger pull force
- Complete gun rebuild in seconds with ProConnect (Patent Pending)
- Easy one-finger, ambidextrous trigger lock
- Comfortable, contoured compact handle design
Graco 288420 Contractor Airless Spray Gun, 2 Finger Trigger, RAC X 517 SwitchTip
- Totally enclosed patented design eliminates needle’s exposure to fluid, extends needle life by 70%, and ensures consistent needle shut-off
- Fluid pushes on seal to quickly shut off needle and reduce spitting
- Spring is located outside fluid path for better flow
- Helps eliminate pack out and slow needle shut-off
- Repositioned seat is closer to the tip, eliminating 60% of the dead space
Graco 288421 3600-PSI Contractor Gun with RAC 5 517 Tip
- Flex Seal design – fluid pushes on seal to quickly shut-off needle and reduce spitting
- A modular needle cartridge makes this the easiest gun to service on the market
- Smooth, lightweight trigger pull with simple thumb-engaged safety lock
- Easy OutTM gun filter – filters from the inside out to prevent filter from collapsing
- Exclusive dual-seal swivel design reduces sealing friction under pressure, making this the best swivel on the market
Graco 288488 Contractor & FTx Gun Repair Kit
- Proven quality
- Leading technology
- Used to replace the needle and internal packing’s of an airless spray gun
Graco 243012 Airless Spray Gun, SG3
- Full 4-finger trigger with light, smooth pull provides control and comfort
- Thumb engaged safety lock allows you to lock the handle when not spraying for safety
- Maximum operating pressure of 3,600 PSI
- Includes built-in Hose Swivel, RAC IV 515 Spray Tip, 50 mesh gun filter and RAC IV Hand-Tight guard
- For use with Magnum and Graco paint sprayers
- Replaceable in-handle paint filter reduces tip clogging and improves the finish
- Replaceable gun needle keeps maintenance simple
- Ideal for avid DIY homeowners, handymen and professional painters for spraying a variety of coatings including primers, stains, varnishes and latex
Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer, Multicolor
- Metal.Amperage (A) : 9.0. Maximum Flow Rate (GPM) : 0.24.Engine Size (HP) : 0.375. Power Rating (kW) : 0.28.
- Made in USA
- Perfect for DIYers looking for a fast and easy alternative to brushes and rollers to quickly complete a number of household projects
- Ideal for projects up to 5 gallons in size, allowing you to tackle a range of projects every year
- Fully adjustable pressure control to give you ultimate control to spray paints or stains unthinned at any pressure
- Flexible Suction Tube allows you to spray directly from a 1 or 5-gallon paint bucket
- Supports up to 50 ft of paint hose to reach peaks or second stories without diminishing performance
- Stable, low profile with integrated pail hook so everything can be carried together
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What are the key factors to consider when choosing a Graco contractor spray gun?
Look at the gun’s weight, trigger pull force, and tip compatibility, as these affect fatigue and finish quality. Also evaluate the ease of cartridge replacement and whether the gun includes a hose kit for a complete setup. Finally, compare the pressure rating and flow rate to match the sprayer you plan to use.
How does the Graco Contractor PowerShot Standard 18H300 differ from the Contractor PC guns?
The PowerShot Standard 18H300 is a full‑size gun designed for high‑volume projects, while the PC series (e.g., 17Y042, 17Y043) are lighter, ergonomically tuned models for reduced fatigue. The PC guns feature the exclusive No‑Tools ProConnect cartridge system, whereas the PowerShot uses a more traditional cartridge. Additionally, the PC guns often include adjustable trigger length and ambidextrous lock mechanisms.
Is the lighter weight of the 17Y043 worth the potential trade‑off in durability?
The 17Y043 is up to 50% lighter than comparable guns, which can significantly reduce arm strain on long jobs, and it still maintains Graco’s robust construction. Its lighter trigger pull also improves control for fine finishes. While lighter materials may feel less massive, the gun’s internal components are engineered for the same durability as heavier models.
What advantages does the Contractor PC Gun & Hose Kit (17Y046) provide over buying the gun alone?
The kit bundles the gun with a 50‑foot BlueMax II hose, a 4.5‑foot whip hose, and the RAC X 517 tip, delivering a ready‑to‑use solution that saves time and money. The included hose is designed for high‑pressure airless spraying, reducing pressure loss and improving atomization. Purchasing the kit also ensures tip compatibility and simplifies inventory management for contractors.
How important is the ProConnect cartridge system when comparing these spray guns?
ProConnect allows for tool‑free cartridge changes, which speeds up maintenance and minimizes downtime on the job site. This feature is standard on the PC series and the Compact gun, offering a clear advantage over models that require wrenches or disassembly. Faster cartridge swaps also reduce the risk of contamination and keep the gun performing at peak efficiency.
Which gun offers the best value for a contractor who needs both performance and comfort?
The Graco 17Y042 Contractor PC Airless Spray Gun balances a comfortable, contoured handle with the ProConnect system and an ambidextrous lock, providing high performance without excess weight. Its price point is competitive, especially when paired with the optional hose kit, making it a solid all‑round choice for most contractors. For those prioritizing ultra‑lightweight operation, the 17Y043 or Compact gun are alternatives, though they may cost slightly more.
What should I know about the 288420 and 288421 guns regarding needle life and maintenance?
Both models feature Graco’s enclosed needle design, which shields the needle from paint exposure and extends its life by up to 70%. The 288421 adds a modular needle cartridge and dual‑seal swivel, simplifying service and reducing friction under pressure. These design elements make the guns ideal for high‑volume, high‑pressure applications where reliability is critical.
Can the Contractor PC Compact Airless Spray Gun be used for both small and large projects?
Yes, the Compact gun’s 25% smaller size and lighter weight make it excellent for detail work and tight spaces, while its 50% reduced trigger pull still provides enough power for larger surfaces. Its ProConnect cartridge system ensures quick tip changes, allowing you to adapt to different paint viscosities on the fly. However, for very high‑volume jobs, a full‑size gun like the PowerShot may deliver faster coverage.