Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer Review

Graco 257025

Editor Rating: 4.7/5

Great Product

Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer

Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson

Last modified: Dec 1, 2023 @ 4:53 pm

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Graco Magnum Review Summary:

If you’re planning on tackling larger home-improvement projects such as staining decking or weather-proofing garden fencing — the Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus paint sprayer could pique your interest.

Primarily focused on the keen DIY user — including those with little-to-no experience in electric sprayers — this powerful machine shoots out a strapping 2800 PSI from its stainless steel piston pump.

With a 0.24 gpm (gallons per minute) flow rate — the Graco 257025 should allow swift completion of mammoth jobs. But, should the output level be too intense for your base material — a quick turn of the substantial flow knob can bring the power down for a perfect finish.

Utilizing a suction hose that draws directly from an original paint container — there’s no need to fill — saving you both time and mess. Furthermore, being stand-mounted, the crucial pump components are protected from debris and water ingress — and also allows for crouch-free operation.

On many projects, its 25-foot hose will allow you to work comfortably without having to move the base unit. However, where transportation is necessary, the sprayer features a robust handle incorporated into the upper casing.

And, when your work for the day is complete — you can store the mains cord, gun, and spray tip into stand-molded compartments — although unfortunately, there’s nowhere to stash the hose.

The Graco 257025 Project Painter Plus is the only floor-standing pump machine in Graco’s airless DIY series — being a step above the handheld 360 DS model.

Pros:

N
Suitable for large projects.
N
Floor-standing pump.
N
Lightweight gun.
N
25-foot hose.
N
0.38 horsepower output.
N
Ideal for the airless spraying newbie.
N
Easy-to-clean.
N
Suction hose negates filling requirements.
N
Can utilize unthinned paints.

Cons:

N
Nowhere to store the hose.
N
50 gallons per year recommended usage will be too low for intense or pro users.
N
Significant overspray on high power setting.

Features and Benefits of the Graco Project Painter Plus Sprayer 257025


The manufacturer indicates that this sprayer is effortless to use — delivering rapid job completion even for the airless newbie.

Time to pull the Graco Magnum 257025 apart (not literally) and see what this machine has to offer the keen home-improver.

SG2 Spray Gun


Since the Graco 257025 separates the pump from the SG2 gun, unlike in handheld models, this dramatically reduces the weight in your hands — a welcome benefit if you’re attacking large and time-heavy jobs.

Furthermore, the substantial trigger of the SG2 allows for four-finger operation — hence distributing the load and not placing stress on one or two digits — as is common with the handheld units. Additionally, Graco’s novel design of this gun promises 30-percent less trigger-pull than its competitors — easing the stress on your fingers, wrist, and forearm muscles.

The business end of the machine features a 515 tip — which, in combination with the 0.38 horsepower pump — should permit you to spray a vast spectrum of unthinned coating mediums — including latex paints.

And, to protect this vital nozzle-end, the SG2 has an integrated spray tip guard to protect against bumps, knocks, and drops.

Adjustable Pressure Control


Pressure, in our daily lives, is a two-headed beast.

In some circumstances, a little stress is beneficial — allowing us to courageously meet challenges and rise above what we previously thought ourselves possible. However, in some situations, the pressure can become too much — overwhelming us and wearing us down.

In this way, paint sprayers can be an allegory for life — high pressure can be a blessing or a curse (I’ll let you make up your own analogies for lengthy hoses and suction pumps).

Therefore, it’s pleasing to see that the Graco Project Painter Plus incorporates a power control feature. This allows you to whack up the pressure to deal with viscous paints or achieve speedy coverage — or bring it down a little for more precise work or to prevent over-spraying of thinner mediums. And, being operated by a substantial knob — you can effortlessly switch settings even with gloved or perspiring hands.

Power Flush Adaptor


Thoroughly cleaning your equipment post-project ensures that your next job will be residue-free and also elongates the lifespan of your unit.

But it’s a darn hassle.

So, I welcome the inclusion of a power flush adaptor with the Graco 257025. This permits you to attach a standard garden hose to the sprayer, turn the machine on, then propel clean water through the unit for a thorough rinse. In many circumstances, this eliminates the requirement for a complete sprayer deconstruction at the end of your working day.

However, bear in mind that this cleaning method is only suitable for flushing water-based paints — not oil or solvents.

Flexible Suction Tube


Often, trying to fill a spraying-material container with paint is as challenging as stuffing a rabid badger into a lunchbox.

Thankfully, the Graco 257025 requires no loading of coating medium. Instead, it draws its paint or stains directly from an original one or five-gallon can via a powerful suction line.

Storage Compartments


If like me, you’ve been in the DIY game for a while — you’ll have lost a plethora of drill chucks, driver heads, and heat gun nozzles. What’s more, unless all your power tools are cordless, your workshop or garage is a health and safety nightmare of dangling or floor-trailing power cords.

Happily, the compact stand of the Graco Magnum incorporates storage compartments to securely keep the mains lead, spray gun, and nozzle tips — preventing loss and reducing the risk of tripping.

The only downside is that there’s nowhere to locate the 25-foot hose — although, being highly flexible, it doesn’t take much effort to coil this lengthy beast and hang on a wall hook.

What Users Say About The Graco 257025


Listen up.

Citizen Kane (1941) isn’t considered the greatest movie ever made because it was shot on Eastman Super XX film stock, or because it runs at 24 frames per minute.

Similarly, I’ve given you all the hp, gsm, flow-rate, and PSI of the Graco 257025 — but all you want to know is how this machine performs in real-life DIY scenarios.

Hence, to discover whether this sprayer is the Rosebud of airless machines — I delved into the genuine opinions of owners of the unit.

Happily, the feedback from these guys was reassuringly positive. These satisfied users commended the Graco 257025’s stress-free operation, welcomed the smooth and brisk coverage, and praised its power flush feature. Furthermore, these owners applauded its fatigue-free spray gun and it’s relatively quiet operation.

True, it wasn’t without criticism.

Some DIYers considered the lack of nozzle tip choice a downer — although a variety of sizes can be purchased directly from Graco. Additionally, a few guys mentioned that on the high-pressure setting it can lead to overspray, especially on thinner mediums.

However, the overall feeling was that the Graco was an affordable airless machine for the home-improver or spraying newbie.

Alternatives to Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer


Not exactly what you’re looking for? Don’t worry.

If the Graco 257025 isn’t pushing your paint-spraying buttons — I’ve sought out some equally impressive alternatives that may more closely cater to your DIY needs.

Graco 17G180 Magnum ProX19


Graco ProX19
Should you consider the beginner-angled Graco 257025 too basic for your experience and heavy-duty requirements — it’s time to get serious. The 17G180 takes spraying to tradesperson levels.

Part of Graco’s professional line of airless sprayers — the ProX19 17G180 is a significantly more powerful unit — delivering 3000 PSI and 0.38 gpm as opposed to the 2800 PSI and 0.24 gpm of the Graco 257025.

  • Harder on the pocket than the 257025 model.
  • 500 gallons per year capacity as opposed to the 50 gallons of the Graco 257025.
  • Mighty 50-foot hose compared to the Graco Project Painter’s 25-foot.

Graco‌ ‌TrueCoat‌ ‌360 DS


Graco TrueCoat 360 DS

If you’re impressed by the premium-branding of Graco, welcome the straightforward airless operation of the Magnum 257025, but just wish it was a little more compact — this unit may appeal.

The TrueCoat 360DS is a handheld machine that incorporates the pump into the gun casing. While this does increase the amount of effort required to wield the machine — it’s more easily transportable and better-suited to smaller projects.

  • More affordable than the Magnum 257025.
  • Lower power — 1500 PSI as opposed to the 2800 PSI of the Graco 257025.
  • Utilizes FlexLiner bags instead of the Gracos 257025’s suction hose.

Himalaya Airless Sprayer


Should you have your heart set on a floor-standing airless machine — but find the premium price of the Graco Magnum 257025 a barrier — check out this budget alternative.

The Himalaya, like the Graco, is targeted at the DIYer — and similarly includes a 25-foot hose, suction line, and variable pressure control — but at a more affordable price-point.

  • 3000 PSI as opposed to the 2800 PSI of the Graco 257025.
  • No carrying handle, unlike the 257025.
  • Relatively unknown manufacture compared to the renowned Graco.

Conclusion


For low-frequency users or DIYers taking their toddler steps in airless spraying — the Graco Model 257025 is suitably robust and straightforward.

Adjustable pressure control combined with a 515 tip allows for a wide gamut of coating mediums — typically without thinning. A flexible suction hose enables fill-free usage, and base-mounted storage compartments keep the numerous spraying components safe from loss.

Its 2800 PSI output united with the impressive SG2 spray gun makes the machine appropriate for medium to large-sized jobs. However, bear in mind that the recommended annual usage of 50 gallons will be too restrictive for intense users.

Yet, if you’re venturing into airless painting for the first time or looking to upgrade from a handheld unit — it’s worth checking out the Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus paint sprayer.

Graco Magnum FAQs

How Much Does the Graco Magnum 257025 Cost?

The Magnum 257025 is a durable airless spraying machine that’s unchallenging to use yet still delivers a solid 2800 PSI. To check out the current cost of the Graco 257025.

Is the Graco 257025 Magnum Electric or Airless?
Both. The machine is powered by a 110-volt electric supply — which in turn runs the hydraulic pump to expel paint or stain from the gun. This machine does not require a compressor.
What Are the Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus Uses?
The Graco 257025 is perfectly suited to spraying:

  • Cabinets.
  • Tables.
  • Decking.
  • Border fencing.
  • Walls.
  • Outhouses.
  • Sheds.
  • Furniture.
  • Doors.
  • Window sills.

Remember, while the unit will happily tackle larger-scale projects — the recommended throughput per year is just 50 gallons.

Where Can I Find the Graco Magnum 257025 Manual?

For rapid access to the Graco 257025 manual.

Can I Use a 23 or 25 Tip With the Graco 257025?
No. The largest tip that the Project Painter Plus 257025 can support is a 0.015-inch.
Can I Buy a Replacement Gun for the Graco Magnum 257025?
Yes. Should you lose or damage the SG2 gun included with the Magnum Project Painter Plus, you can purchase a replacement from the official Graco Website. Its part number is #243011.
Where Is the Graco Power Painter Plus Made?
The manufacturer guarantees that the Graco Power Painter 257025 is a home-grown machine — made in Minnesota, USA.

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