Graco 390 Airless Paint Sprayer Review
Editor Rating: 4.9/5
Great Product
Graco 390 Airless Paint Sprayer
Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson
Last modified:
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Graco 390 Review Summary:
Let’s have a look if this sprayer is really all that and more.
Powered by a 5/8 horsepower motor and capable of 0.47 gallons per minute, it is by no means the most powerful spray gun on the market. However, it is very capable of spraying latex, stain, and acrylic fast enough for you to spray residential and mid-size commercial projects swiftly.
The two frame configurations available mean that the Graco 390 airless sprayer is easily transported. Either use the standard set up as it only weighs 30 pounds and is easy to carry, or the High Boy set up gives you the added advantage of being able to wheel the unit around your job site.
A 50-foot hose offers additional maneuverability and may also help you cover those hard to reach places like ceilings and high garden fences.
Packed with well-researched technology, the Graco 390’s paint sprayer parts include the ProConnect in-field replacement system, the durable V-Max Blue packings, and the Advantage Drive that keeps noise levels down.
I’m also a huge fan of the EasyOut filter for the pump (more on this later).
Graco started as a family-owned business in Minneapolis over a century ago. It was initially founded by a parking lot attendant who was inspired to create a better automotive lubricant. Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength to and is now an electric spraying industry leader.
Graco 390 Pros:
Cons:
Features and Benefits of the Graco 390 Paint Sprayer
Let’s take this window of opportunity to explore why this unit is so unique.
Adjustable Pressure Setting
Adjustable pressure settings make this sprayer popular with pros and DIYers alike. It’s also frequently mentioned in Nova 390 paint sprayer reviews. Changing the pressure allows you to make changhes to both the spray pattern and the atomization, that is, how much air is mixed with the paint.
Take some time to get to grips with the settings from the start and before too long, you’ll start achieving the top-notch finishes you’re after.
Flexible Uptake Hose
A flexible uptake hose with a swivel feature gives you the option of keeping paint in a separate one or five-gallon container instead of a paint cup. This handy feature reduces the number of times you need to refill the unit and keeps you working.
Endurance Pump
Advertised as the most reliable pump on the market, Graco claims its Endurance Pump will last twice as long as competitors’ units.
The heavy-duty stainless steel cylinder included in the Nova 390 PC works together with the Chromex rod and V-Max packings to pressurize the coating and move it through the machine smoothly. The end result is a perfectly atomized spray that gives you a smooth finish.
Easy Out Pump Filter
If you’re fed up with spillage when cleaning your unit, the vertical design of Graco’s Easy Out filter is an absolute godsend. As the name suggests, it’s easy to take out and minimizes mess. Additionally, the design prevents collapse as it filters from the inside out.
It’s not just about easy removal though, the Nova 390 airless sprayer’s filter is designed to allow better penetration of cleaning fluids, thus reducing the amount of product needed.
Advantage Drive Gears
The gears in this spray gun are relatively quietly and made from hardened steel designed to withstand the impact of high pressures. Graco’s 390 features a high-ratio gearbox that’s more efficient in terms of energy use and for this reason, more cost-effective.
Graco 390 vs 395
This wouldn’t be a true review of the Graco 390 electric airless paint sprayer if I didn’t discuss the Graco 395 in comparison. Let’s start by seeing what they both have in common.
Both are from the lower end of their ranges and are available at a reasonable price point. Additionally, both are rated highly by professionals for residential and mid-sized commercial projects, and by DIYers for home improvement projects.
This duo feature the same popular Graco features including the ProConnect attachment, Endurance Pump, and Advantage Drive.
While both the 390 and 395 have a maximum operating pressure of 3300 psi, there is a difference in the units’ capabilities over time. The 390 can handle a maximum of 0.47 gallons per month compared the the 395’s 0.54 gallons.
The 390’s 5/8 horsepower motor isn’t quite up to the same standard as the 395’s ⅞ motor. This difference affects the price of each model, and for some buyers, the less powerful but more affordable model is the better choice.
In terms of tips — a crucial factor even if the differential is miniscule — the Nova 390 electric airless sprayer supports up to 0.021 inch tips and the 395 supports a fluid nozzle of up to 0.023 inches.
Portability is a important thing to consider if you’re choosing between the 390 and the 395. The Graco 395 weighs in at around 42 pounds if you include the stand. Whereas the Nova paint sprayer 390 is 30 pounds, which makes it a little easier to move around.
In my opinion, the Graco 390 wins the value battle and I think it’s the better choice for home users. Professionals who need more power and performance will prefer the 395.
What Users Say About The Graco 390
I think the Graco 390 is an excellent all-round sprayer that does exactly what it says on the box. Let’s see if other pros and DIYers agree.
One buyer noted that if you ordered the Graco 395 and received the 390 instead, you wouldn’t be disappointed as the Graco 390 performs similarily. Other reviewers mentioned that this spray gun also produces extremely pro finishes with fine results.
As Graco is a popular brand, reviewers were pleased that it’s easy to find Nova 390 paint sprayer parts when needed.
Most Graco 390 reviews show that this gun is a definite crowd-pleaser, but there was one complaint that appeared a few times. Some buyers mention that its gallons-per-week capacity was too low, if you’re going to spray a lot, consider a unit designed for frequent use instead.
Alternatives to Graco 390 Airless Paint Sprayer
Despite the Nova 390 paint sprayer’s brilliant reviews, it might not be the unit for you. Maybe you need a smaller or larger model, for example. If so, here are a few top alternati8ves to the Graco 390:
Designed for use with enamel, latex, stain, and lacquers, the 440 is versatile and tough. That hardiness does result in greater weight, though, something to consider if you want a lightweight model.
The gun’s AutoOiler feature makes life a little easier when it comes to lubricating your unit, a simple push of a button and the mechanisms are protected.
- Operating pressure of 3300 psi like the Graco 390.
- Heavier model than the 390.
- Handy automatic lubricating function keeps the unit in good shape.
A 1/2 horsepower motor makes the X5 less powerful than the Graco 390 Nova. As a result, it can spray 0.24 gallons per minute under a maximum operating pressure of 2800 psi.
The stainless steel piston pump is reliable, hardworking and perfectly suited to DIY tasks.
- Lighter than the Graco 390 at only 13 pounds.
- Less power than the Graco 390.
- Not suitable for commercial projects.
- Powerful 1.55 horsepower motor means better pro-level credentials.
- Capable of higher paint volumes than the 390.
- Covers both residential and light commercial applications.
Conclusion
Contractors may also find plenty to love about the 390, it’s a workhorse designed to last.