Strengths: The dx is easy to setup, and even easier to clean out. You can switch paints and stains in just minutes.
Weakness: No swivel on the hose/gun, but it is an available accessory.
I decided to try this sprayer after having several Wagner sprayers that were more trouble than they were worth. I was not disappointed with the Magnum dx. This is an awesome sprayer. I sprayed 10 gallons of semi-transparent stain on a fence and then applied two different latex exterior paints - almost 10 gallons - on the house. The ease of switching paints, and priming and then cleaning with the dx was just great. While a bit more money, I believe it is well worth it - you won't be disappointed with this airless sprayer.
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TopStrengths: Performance! Quality of Tool! Ease of Operation! Simplistic, Minimal Parts, Replaceable parts, no plastic junk parts, accessory options
Weakness: Hard to move up / down stairs with 5 gallons of paint (but can get around this), Tweaking the pressure when necessary, a lot of checking the manual when first operating (just to be sure).
This is a great machine! I can't be happier with the $350 investment at homedepot!! We got this sprayer to tackle a house that I purchased as an investment. We spent 3 weeks preping the walls / ceilings before ever setting this up. Be sure to tape EVERYTHING that you don't want paint on (floors included) as a fine mist will settle from the air, even with the best ventilation. Also, respirators, latex gloves, long sleeves, goggles, and hood / hat are necessities.
The DX has really gotten the job done. We primed a 1050 sq ft home (blue / red ceiling included) using about 10 gallons of primer. Now we're on to the trim, and finally a top coat on the walls to make the room pop!
Anyway, make sure the pressure is not too high and be sure to KEEP THE CORRECT DISTANCE from the wall (12 inches) AND ANGLE at 90 deg to the surface being painted! This is very important to avoid runs and get a nice even coating. Be careful when doing trim!!!! Use THIN coats, and apply a few.... Seriously! You MUST be CAREFUL on the trim areas or spend hours touching up with a brush!!!
Most important - 12 inches away from wall @ 90 degree angle to surface!
Always overlap by 50% on passes
Don't flex your wrist, keep it straight!
If you follow those rules - you'll have a run free, professional painting project completed in hours! (after the prep, don't skimp there)
ALSO - CLEAN YOUR FLOOR BEFORE SPRAYING!!!! It is a powerful sprayer that will kick the dirt up into the air, only to reland ON your NICE NEWLY PAINTED SURFACES
DONT FORGET TO CLEAN THE TOP OF YOUR SILLS EITHER!
WIPE DOWN ALL SURFACES WITH TSP WATER
ok ok ok, I'm done yelling :D
Have fun!!! (Cause I am)
;-)
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Top
a great time saver
Strengths: small, easily accomodates 1 gallon or 5 gallon buckets, great coverage
Weakness: instructions are a little difficult to understand
I purchased the Graco Magnum dx sprayer. I love this sprayer. The last time I painted the exterior of a house, I took a week off of work and used a brush. It took me the entire week. I dreaded painting, given my past experience and I decided that I wasn't going to suffer like that again. I considered the Wagner Crew sprayer, but decided against it as one had to dump the paint into a hopper. I read one review on the Graco (favorable) and purchased it at HD. I chose to prime the house before paintin as well, which solidified my case to get an easier, faster way to get this done. I spent probably 2 hours taping up my bay window before painting, and it took me 10 minutes to do the painting around it. It took me about 2 1/2 hours to prime the entire house. I was amazed at how well it worked. The following weekend, I put on the topcoat, and it too, took less than 3 hours. You are able to leave the sprayer stored with the hoses stuck in the paint for up to a week before having to clean it, or as in my case, switching to another color. Using latex, I just hooked the suction to a garden hose and flushed the pump, then ran water through the hose and gun. I did purchase the swivel that attaches between the gun and the hose and I'm sure it made it easier to move around. I used 5 gal buckets of paint as well as 1 gal buckets. It fits over either with no special preparations. Do plan on wearing safety goggles or glasses. Do have a couple of waste buckets for priming and setup. Cleaning up is no picnic, but while I was cleaning I was thinking about the 3 hour job versus the 40 job...a no brainer. It comes with a 25 foot hose which was plenty. Be sure to tighten the conections with a couple of wrenches, like the instructions tell you. It came with a video, but my vcr ate the tape badly, so I just put the unit together with my instructions by my side, and did exactly as it said. This sprayer exceeded my expectations. When it is stored, they recommend pumping in a lubricant, which comes with it. I just took it down yesterday for storage back into its box.
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