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Graco Industrial Spray Pumps Buying Guide

Experts in abrasive blasting and industrial coating products, BlastOne offers this buyers guide to introduce to our quality line of Graco spray pumps.

Should you have a special application and need advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service.

Home / Graco Industrial Spray Pump Buying Guide

Conventional Air Sprayers

Name	Style	Most Common Sizes	Available For Rent	Applications	Features	Disadvantages
AIRPRO CONVENTIONAL SPRAY GUN WITH GRAVITY FEED		1.4 mm 1.8 mm	No	Mounting of cup above gun rather than below assists spraying horizontal surfaces.	Even material distribution through the spray pattern for optimum coverage Improved transfer efficiency through reduced air consumption Well balanced and lightweight (410 grams) gun makes it easier to spray at a steady rate all day	Complexity Number of parts
2 LITRE ECONOMY PRESSURE POT		2 litre	No	Pressure feeding of fluid to spray gun	Low cost reduces loss if damaged or lost Allows smaller volumes of coatings to be applied by pressure feed. Ideal for touch-up work	None
PROPAINT ECONOMY PRESSURE POT		10L 20L	No	Economy pressure pot for infrequent use or low budgets Widely used in automotive, oil-based, latex, varnish, paint, primer, wood coating, adhesive, etc.	10 liter capacity Standard and agitated setups Waterborne compatible versions Multiple sizes available	Best for infrequent use
GRACO TRITON CONVENTIONAL SPRAY PUMP	Air Spray	100 psi max fluid pressure – 32 litres per minute	Yes	Air Spray / Conventional Sprayers Zinc primers Pressure Pot replacement Fine finish spraying	100 psi max fluid pressure Fluid recirculation valve 6 litre/minute max flow rate Available as Cart mount (Most Popular), pail mount, stand mount or wall mount Suitable for fitting with agitator Suitable for supplying conventional, HVLP, compliant or electrostatic guns Rapid color changes. Low solvent volumes when changing colors and cleaning	Not suitable for hi-build primers Difficult to service in the field


	AIRPRO CONVENTIONAL SPRAY GUN WITH GRAVITY FEED	2 LITRE ECONOMY PRESSURE POT	PROPAINT ECONOMY PRESSURE POT	GRACO TRITON CONVENTIONAL SPRAY PUMP
	Conventional Air Sprayer	Conventional Air Sprayer	Conventional Air Sprayer	Air Spray
Most Common Sizes	1.4 mm 1.8 mm	2 litre	20-30 psi working pressure – 10L/20L/40L	100 psi max fluid pressure – 32 litres per minute
Available For Rent	No	No	No	Yes
Applications	Mounting of cup above gun rather than below assists spraying horizontal surfaces.	Pressure feeding of fluid to spray gun	Economy pressure pot for infrequent use or low budgets Widely used in automotive, oil-based, latex, varnish, paint, primer, wood coating, adhesive, etc.	Air Spray / Conventional Sprayers Zinc primers Pressure Pot replacement Fine finish spraying
Features	Even material distribution through the spray pattern for optimum coverage Improved transfer efficiency through reduced air consumption Well balanced and lightweight (410 grams) gun makes it easier to spray at a steady rate all day	Low cost reduces loss if damaged or lost Allows smaller volumes of coatings to be applied by pressure feed Ideal for touch-up work	10 liter capacity Standard and agitated setups Waterborne compatible versions Multiple sizes available	100 psi max fluid pressure Fluid recirculation valve 6 litre/minute max flow rate Available as Cart mount (Most Popular), pail mount, stand mount or wall mount Suitable for fitting with agitator Suitable for supplying conventional, HVLP, compliant or electrostatic guns Rapid color changes. Low solvent volumes when changing colors and cleaning
Disadvantages	Complexity Number of parts	None	Best for infrequent use	Not suitable for hi-build primers Difficult to service in the field

Airless Spray Pumps

Name	Style	Most Common Sizes	Available For Rent	Applications	Features	Disadvantages
Graco King Extreme Spray Pumps	Airless	6,000 psi – spray 12.9 litres/minute 7,250 psi – spray 11 litres/minute	Yes	Spraying Coatings with over 30 minute pot life Spraying with Multiple guns Spraying with multiple hoses Highly portable Contractors Choice	Pneumatic Air Driven motor De-icing functionality XL Motor with more power Uses Xtreme and MaxLife Lowers Easy, speedy maintenance Easy-maneuver cart	Can spray topcoats, but consider using Merkur or Warrior if an automotive like finish is required
GRACO® CONTRACTOR KING® AIR POWERED AIRLESS SPRAYER	Airless	4500, 6000 & 7250 Psi (6000 psi unit shown) 45:1, 65:1 & 70:1 ratios	Yes	Spraying Coatings with over 30 minutes pot life Spraying with multiple guns Spraying with multiple lengths of hoses	Latest generation of King sprayer Better anti-freeze capabilities Faster Smoother changeover	Can spray topcoats but consider using Merkur or Triton if an automotive like finish is required.
GRACO XTREME XL AIRLESS SPRAY PAINTING MACHINE	Airless	4500, 6000 & 7250 Psi (7250 psi unit shown) 45:1, 65:1 & 70:1 ratios	No	Spraying Coatings with over 30 minutes pot life Spraying with multiple guns Spraying with multiple lengths of hoses	Latest generation of King sprayer Better anti-freeze capabilities Faster Smoother changeover	Can spray topcoats but consider using Merkur or Warrior if an automotive like finish is required.
Graco Merkur Fine Finish	Airless or Air Assisted	4,800 psi – spray 4.5 litres /minute 7,250 psi – spray 3 litres /minute	Yes	Fine Finish industrial top coats Spraying Coatings with over 30 minute pot life Spraying with multiple guns Spraying with multiple hoses Highly portable Solvent flush pump for 2K system	Low pulsation output Better finish with consistent pattern and film Can be fitted with an air-assisted airless gun for improved finish quality	Suitable for light primers and finishing coats only. Not suitable for hi-build primers
Graco XP Plural Component Spray Pumps	Airless	Up to 7250 psi and 15.1 litres per minute depending upon model	Yes	Plural Component coatings with 3+ minute pot life Multiple Spray operators Paint Booth or On jobsite applicable Can be used with remote mix manifold	Uses Xtreme Lowers Pneumatic Air Driven motor De-icing functionality Reduces waste and material cost because material is mixed as it is required not in a batch Quicker clean-up with reduced solvent volumes. Flushing only required in the static mix tube, hose and gun. Digitally controlled proportioning eliminates human error caused off-ratio waste and rework	The fact that it has advanced controls means it requires greater proficiency to operate than non-2k equipment
Graco XM Plural Component Sprayer	Airless	Up to 6300 psi and 11.4 litres per minute depending upon model	Yes	Plural Component coatings with 3+ minute pot life Multiple Spray operators Paint Booth or on jobsite applicable Used with remote mix manifold	Works with feed pumps from drums Uses Xtreme Lowers Pneumatic Air Driven motor De-icing functionality Has separate solvent flush pumps to speed cleanup Has heated tanks and line heaters Reduces waste and material cost because material is mixed as it is required not in a batch Quicker clean-up with reduced solvent volumes. Flushing only required in the static mix tube, hose and gun. Digitally controlled proportioning eliminates human error caused off-ratio waste and rework Maximum combination of pleasure and flow	The fact that it has advanced controls means it requires greater proficiency to operate than non-2k equipment


	Graco King Extreme Spray Pumps	Graco® Contractor King® Air Powered Airless Sprayer	Graco Xtreme XL Airless Spray-Painting Machine	Graco Merkur Fine Finish	Graco XP Plural Component Spray Pumps	Graco XM Plural Component Sprayer
	Airless	Airless	Airless	Airless or Air Assisted	Airless	Airless
Most Common Sizes	6,000 psi – spray 12.9 litres/minute 7,250 psi – spray 11 litres/minute	4500, 6000 & 7250 Psi (6000 psi unit shown) 45:1, 65:1 & 70:1 ratios	4500, 6000 & 7250 Psi (7250 psi unit shown) 45:1, 65:1 & 70:1 ratios	4,800 psi – spray 4.5 litres /minute 7,250 psi – spray 3 litres /minute	Up to 7250 psi and 15.1 litres per minute depending upon model	Up to 6300 psi and 11.4 litres per minute depending upon model
Available For Rent	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Applications	Spraying Coatings with over 30 minute pot life Spraying with Multiple guns Spraying with multiple hoses Highly portable Contractors Choice	Spraying Coatings with over 30 minutes pot life Spraying with multiple guns Spraying with multiple lengths of hoses	Spraying Coatings with over 30 minutes pot life Spraying with multiple guns Spraying with multiple lengths of hoses	Fine Finish industrial top coats Spraying Coatings with over 30 minute pot life Spraying with multiple guns Spraying with multiple hoses Highly portable Solvent flush pump for 2K system	Plural Component coatings with 3+ minute pot life Multiple Spray operators Paint Booth or On jobsite applicable Can be used with remote mix manifold	Plural Component coatings with 3+ minute pot life Multiple Spray operators Paint Booth or on jobsite applicable Used with remote mix manifold
Features	Pneumatic Air Driven motor De-icing functionality XL Motor with more power Uses Xtreme and MaxLife Lowers Easy, speedy maintenance Easy-maneuver cart	Latest generation of King sprayer Better anti-freeze capabilities Faster Smoother changeover	Latest generation of King sprayer Better anti-freeze capabilities Faster Smoother changeover	Low pulsation output Better finish with consistent pattern and film Can be fitted with an air-assisted airless gun for improved finish quality	Uses Xtreme Lowers Pneumatic Air Driven motor De-icing functionality Reduces waste and material cost because material is mixed as it is required not in a batch Quicker clean-up with reduced solvent volumes. Flushing only required in the static mix tube, hose and gun. Digitally controlled proportioning eliminates human error caused off-ratio waste and rework	Works with feed pumps from drums Uses Xtreme Lowers Pneumatic Air Driven motor De-icing functionality Has separate solvent flush pumps to speed cleanup Has heated tanks and line heaters Reduces waste and material cost because material is mixed as it is required not in a batch Quicker clean-up with reduced solvent volumes. Flushing only required in the static mix tube, hose and gun. Digitally controlled proportioning eliminates human error caused off-ratio waste and rework Maximum combination of pleasure and flow
Disadvantages	Can spray topcoats, but consider using Merkur or Triton if an automotive like finish is required	Can spray topcoats but consider using Merkur or Triton if an automotive like finish is required.	Can spray topcoats but consider using Merkur or Warrior if an automotive like finish is required.	Suitable for light primers and finishing coats only. Not suitable for hi-build primers	The fact that it has advanced controls means it requires greater proficiency to operate than non-2k equipment	The fact that it has advanced controls means it requires greater proficiency to operate than non-2k equipment

Passive Fire Protections (PFP) Sprayers

	Name	Style	Price	Most Common Sizes	Available For Rent	Applications	Features	Disadvantages
	GRACO XTREME PFP SINGLE-COMPONENT SPRAYER			70:1	No	Pipe racking Structural steel Storage tanks Onshore and offshore oil rigs Living quarters	NXT® Air Motor Compact, cart-mounted Easy to clean with quick knock-down, double-ball pump 6,500 psi working pressure Pail ram plate with high down force and air-assisted removal Large outlet check improves pattern control Handles mastic materials of two parts which are mixed then ram-fed	Not for high-production projects
	GRACO XM PFP PLURAL COMPONENT SPRAYER			60:1	No	Pipe racking Structural steel Storage tanks Onshore and offshore oil rigs Living quarters	Intuitive users controls Level sensors automatically refill tanks when material reaches certain level Proven Graco Check-Mate® Feed System Heat control Heated pressure pots Viscon® HF Heater Heated hose set Hot water flush kit	Not ideal for small projects or touch-ups


	GRACO XTREME PFP SINGLE-COMPONENT SPRAYER	GRACO XM PFP PLURAL COMPONENT SPRAYER
Most Common Sizes	70:1	60:1
Available For Rent	No	No
Applications	Pipe racking Structural steel Storage tanks Onshore and offshore oil rigs Living quarters	Pipe racking Structural steel Storage tanks Onshore and offshore oil rigs Living quarters
Features	NXT® Air Motor Compact, cart-mounted Easy to clean with quick knock-down, double-ball pump 6,500 psi working pressure Pail ram plate with high down force and air-assisted removal Large outlet check improves pattern control Handles mastic materials of two parts which are mixed then ram-fed	Intuitive users controls Level sensors automatically refill tanks when material reaches certain level Proven Graco Check-Mate® Feed System Heat control Heated pressure pots Viscon® HF Heater Heated hose set Hot water flush kit
Disadvantages	Not for high-production projects	Not ideal for small projects or touch-ups

Electric Spray Pumps

	Name	Style	Most Common Sizes	Available For Rent	Applications	Features	Disadvantages
	RESERVED FOR: KING E
	Graco UltraMax	Airless	3300 psi @ 4.5 litres/minute	Yes	Domestic and commercial painting Spraying Coatings with over 30 minute pot life	Quick knockdown ‘Endurance Pump’ Digital display with volume sprayed tracking Built-in filter Available as Air-Driven, Petrol or Electric Can support up to 3 guns	Maximum operating pressure of 3300 psi is too low to correctly atomize many industrial coatings


	Graco King E60	Graco UltraMax
	Electric Spray Pumps / Airless	Airless
Most Common Sizes	6000 psi, 41.4 MPa	3300 psi @ 4.5 litres/ minute
Available For Rent	No	Yes
Applications	Spraying of protective coatings where compressed air is not available or viable	Domestic and commercial painting Spraying Coatings with over 30 minute pot life
Features	Less pulsation to always obtain a good pattern regardless of which tip you use. Atex approved – Allows use on locations where generating a spark is of concern Runs on widely available 240V/15A or 110V/25A power Elimination of air motor avoids icing problems	Quick knockdown ‘Endurance Pump’ Digital display with volume sprayed tracking Built-in filter Available as Air-Driven, Petrol or Electric Can support up to 3 guns
Disadvantages	None	Maximum operating pressure of 3300 psi is too low to correctly atomize many industrial coatings

Spray Pump Videos

New Graco Airless Sprayer : Largest pump available

Mixing High Viscosity Coatings

Flushing and cleaning a Graco Xtreme airless sprayer

Warrior Pump – Commercial Painting Equipment

How to spray high solids coatings easier

Airless Spray Pump Introduction

Non-Slip Granular Coatings: When, How, & How Much

Tips For Spraying High Solid Coatings

Storing airless spray pump with wetted lines

Important considerations when selecting an industrial spray pump

Choosing the right spray pump for your application is very important. There are a lot of considerations, but number one is, will it spray the coating you are trying to apply. Before you go through these questions, get yourself an up to date datasheet of the coating that you are needing to apply. Remember it is possible to rent a spray pump if you have a one off job, so find a sprayer that will fit 90-95% of your requirements.

What pressure does the coating require for correct atomization? this will be available from the data sheet supplied by your coating supplier.
What application rate do you require? This will be dependent on how many square feet/meters you want to apply in a shift
What pot-life does your coating have (i.e. how long between mixing and not being able to be applied)? Products with less than 30 minutes pot-life will require a 2K system.
Does your coating require agitation? If spraying zinc primers, check with your coatings supplier if it needs agitation.
Does your coating require heating? Some very thick coatings may require heating to make them viscous enough to flow through a spray pump.

Why use an Airless Sprayer vs Conventional AirSpray

The prime reason to use an airless is to apply coatings that are difficult to apply using conventional air spray equipment (either a pressure pot of a cup gun). The other deciding factor is the volume of coating to be applied. Typically the change from air spray to airless spray is because heavy industrial coatings need to be applied. These often require pressures higher than that which an air spray system is capable of correctly atomizing. Industrial coatings are usually required to be applied in volumes also in excess of that which an air spray system is capable of.

When to use a Plural Component Airless Pump

Plural component spraying adds another dimension to spray pump usage. Having ascertained that a spray pump is required for spraying success, the next decision is whether to use 1k or 2k equipment. 1k (single component) requires coatings that have a 30 minute plus pot life (time between mixing and setting). Anything less than this will require a 2k system. Another advantage of 2K systems is the reduction of human error when mixing (provided the correct ratio is entered into the control). A third advantage is the reduction in material waste. As a 2k system instantaneously mixes on demand, there is no wasted batch at the end of the shift. Waste material is only what is in the hose, mix tube and gun already mixed.

Common issues with spray pumps

One type of coating that difficult to spray with an airless spray pump is zinc primers. By nature these coatings are a powder in suspension in a solvent. This presents two problems 1. the powder tends to fall out of suspension from the solvent 2. the pressures provided by an airless spray pump means that the powder tends to “pack in” , separating out from the solvent in the pump lines and gun. To counter this zinc primers require constant mechanical agitation (available in the form of an add-on air powered additional component) and are best applied with a low pressure pump such as the Warrior.
The main-trade off when choosing the high volume of an airless pump rather than a lower volume air system spray is the loss of finish quality. The ultimate finish quality (e.g. mirror like automotive) will always be provided by a conventional air spray system. However, there a couple of options to help improve finish quality when using an airless spray pump 1. a finishing tip for the airless gun this has an additional orifice at the back of the tip to help break the atomization of the coating into smaller particles 2. an air assisted airless gun has a small feed of air to the tip holder, again breaking the atomization up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum pressure that spray pumps can spray at?

Commonly, pumps are available that spray at up to 7500 psi.
What is the maximum flow rate available in a spray pump?

Spray pumps are available at up to 15 liters minute flow rate. At 15 liters per minute a spray pump will most likely will not be able to spray at 7500 psi. At the upper limits of a spray pump’s performance, there will always be some trade off between pressure and flow, i.e. you can have 7500 psi or 15 liters per minute but not both.
How short a pot-life can a spray pump work with?
The XM and XP pumps featured in this comparison will cope with materials with a 3 to 30 minute pot-life. Other systems are available that will apply coatings that have a pot life of seconds.
What options are there for feeding a spray pump?

The most commonly used feed component for a spray pump is a suction pick-up tube. Some heavy industrial coatings are difficult to feed into a suction pump and cause cavitation (sucking in air with the material feed and creating air bubbles in the material in the pump, This interferes with the smooth operation of the pump). To overcome this a gravity feed hopper can be installed on a spray pump. This is mounted on the pump and forces the material into the feed. For plural component systems where the material may be delivered to site in 44 gal. drums or IBC, the containers can be fitted separate pumps to pump out of the supply container and in to the spray pump.
How easy are spray pumps to service?
It varies. For most single leg (for premixed or single component coatings) pumps common maintenance tasks on the pump lower can be performed in the field by someone with reasonable mechanical aptitude. Service and repair of spray pump motors, both electric and pneumatic, is best performed in a workshop. For plural component spray pumps, their additional complexity necessitates the need for trained service personnel. This doesn’t mean that they can’t be serviced in the field. A certain amount of repairs and maintenance can still be done in the field by suitably trained service personnel.
How easy are spray pumps to operate?
As with servicing them, the single leg pumps are easier to easier to operate than plural component units. Single leg spray pump operation can be taught in-house by a contractor or self taught by using the operation guides and manuals. Plural component systems will usually require specialist training from the equipment supplier.

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