Why you SHOULDN'T buy this Paint Sprayer: Graco TrueCoat 360 Review

Summary

In this video, Ryan from DIY Painting Tips reviews the Graco TruCoat 360 VSP handheld airless paint sprayer, designed for small DIY projects. He highlights its variable speed control and flexible paint storage as key features. However, he warns that its weight can lead to arm fatigue when painting ceilings or large walls, and it struggles with consistent pressure, resulting in uneven paint flow. Ryan ultimately sees it as suitable for minor touch-ups rather than extensive use, recommending traditional airless sprayers or HVLP systems for more versatility and efficiency in home projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Graco TruCoat 360 VSP is a handheld airless paint sprayer designed for small DIY projects.
• 🎛️ It features variable speed control, allowing users to adjust pressure for a more even spray.
• 🔄 Comes with a number 12 reversible tip, but it does not use Graco's standard tips, limiting versatility.
• 👜 The sprayer uses a flexible paint bag for storage, allowing for spraying at various angles without needing to maintain a specific position.
• 🏋️ Weighing 7.5 pounds, the sprayer can become tiring to use, particularly for overhead projects like ceilings.
• ⚠️ It lacks the ability to hold pressure, leading to bursts of paint and inconsistent flow during use.
• 💧 The one-quart bag necessitates frequent refills for larger projects, making it less efficient than traditional sprayers.
• 🔍 Best suited for touch-up jobs or small areas, such as fences or decks, rather than large painting projects.
• 💰 For around $250, alternatives like the Graco Magnum X5 provide better pressure control and comfort for a broader range of tasks.
• 👷‍♂️ While the TruCoat is a decent option for specific applications, it may not be essential for the average homeowner's toolkit.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the Graco TruCoat 360 VSP handheld airless paint sprayer?

The Graco TruCoat 360 VSP is designed for DIY project painters to handle small painting tasks efficiently.

How does the variable speed control feature work on the TruCoat 360 VSP?

The variable speed control allows users to adjust the pressure of the sprayer, enabling finer control over the paint flow, which is useful for achieving an even spray.

What is a notable feature of the paint storage in the TruCoat 360 VSP?

The TruCoat features a flexible paint bag instead of a traditional cup, allowing for versatile spraying positions without needing to maintain a specific angle.

Why does Ryan not recommend using the TruCoat for ceiling painting?

The TruCoat weighs 7.5 pounds, which can lead to arm fatigue when painting overhead, making it uncomfortable for longer tasks like ceiling painting.

What is a major disadvantage of the TruCoat compared to traditional airless sprayers?

The TruCoat cannot hold pressure, leading to inconsistent paint flow and bursts, which makes it less effective for larger projects.

What type of projects is the TruCoat 360 VSP most suitable for?

The TruCoat is best for small projects and touch-ups, such as painting fences, doors, or doing minor work on furniture.

What alternative does Ryan suggest for homeowners looking for a more versatile sprayer?

Ryan recommends considering the Graco Magnum X5 or an HVLP system like the Wagner Flexio series, as these options are more efficient for a wider range of projects.

What specific complaints do users have regarding the TruCoat's paint capacity?

Many users report needing to refill the TruCoat's one-quart bag multiple times during larger projects, which can be cumbersome.

What does Ryan think about the overall value of the TruCoat 360 VSP?

Ryan believes the TruCoat is a good sprayer but lacks a significant place in a DIYer's toolkit, especially given its limitations compared to other sprayers.

How does the TruCoat's design differ from traditional airless sprayers?

Unlike traditional airless sprayers that use a hose to maintain pressure and deliver a consistent flow, the TruCoat is a handheld model that relies on a piston pump without hose support.