Graco 16Y385 TrueCoat 360 Review

Graco 16Y385

Editor Rating: 4.0/5

Outstanding

Graco 16Y385 TrueCoat 360 Paint Sprayer

Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson

Last modified: Aug 5, 2023 @ 1:45 pm

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Review Summary: TrueCoat 360

Watching a professional at work with a paint gun is an art — one that you too can now master with the Graco 16Y385 TrueCoat 360 paint sprayer. Weighing just 4 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight, and the VacuValve technology allows you to spray in any direction — even when it’s upside down. This is handy for any hard to reach places, nooks and crannies.

Whatever your project, whether it’s doors, interior walls, trims, fences, garage doors, or outdoor or indoor furniture, you can complete the job with a single coat. A stainless-steel piston pump backed by 1500 psi delivers unthinned paints under high-pressure.

The tip boasts a Reverse-a-Clean system which delivers precision paint spraying and prevents clogging. It also has on board storage in the handle which allows you to switch between the two 0.15-inch tips effortlessly. Furthermore, the nozzles provide you with the option of a four or 12-inch pattern coverage — which is great for both narrow and wide surfaces. Two 32 ounce recyclable and reusable FlexLiner paint bags are also included in the package.

Graco was founded in the USA in the mid-1920s producing solutions for administering lubricants. Their first airless paint sprayer was manufactured in the 1950s and the company has gone from strength to strength, becoming a respected name in the industry. They still manufacture their products in America and offer many solutions for both professionals and the home DIY enthusiast.

Graco TrueCoat 360 Pros:

N
1500 psi maximum pressure.
N
360 degrees spraying.
N
Flow rate of 0.20 gallons per minute.
N
FlexLiner paint bags — reusable and recyclable.
N
Adjustable paint flow.
N
0.015-inch spraying tip.
N
Variable spray width — 4 and 12-inch.
N
Lightweight.
N
Handheld design.

Cons:

N
Doesn’t take paint directly from the can.
N
Longer power cord would be an improvement.

Features and Benefits of the Graco 360 TrueCoat


The Graco 360 paint sprayer promises to deliver professional results for the DIY enthusiasts or home painters. But, does it match up to expectations? Let’s take a look.

Airless Spraying Technology


Airless spray painting technology offers a simplified way of applying paint and reduces the time it would take with a roller and brush by around half. It can deliver flawless finishes on woodwork, cabinets, furniture, doors and more.

The paint is pumped under high pressure through a hose and comes out of a tip in the spray gun which has a very small hole. This tip breaks the paint up into a fine spray that dispenses in a fan-shape. It’s a unit suitable for lacquer, stain, varnish, and paints including latex. It lends itself well to large areas of drywall, or long fences.

On the downside, you might get more paint wastage as some inevitably ends up in the air — so make sure you prep the area adequately beforehand.

High Power Pressure


The maximum pressure the Graco true coat 360 delivers is 1500 psi, giving you coverage of 0.20 gpm (gallons per minute) with a recommended usage of 25 gallons per year. That’s a decent level of painting power for all those jobs you want to complete.

Being realistic, this isn’t a paint sprayer for a professional, but for the home hobbyist or DIY enthusiast, it’s more than capable of rising to the challenge.

FlexLiner Paint Container


A patented FlexLiner system is used to hold the paint, stain or lacquer that you want to spray. It’s a 32-ounce capacity flexible bag which you fill and then attach to the TrueCoat 360 airless paint sprayer. Once you squeeze all the air out of the bag the unit can be used at any angle, even upside down.

When you have finished spraying, you can turn the bag inside out and use it again, or recycle it. Replacement bags in a pack of three can be purchased if you need more than the two supplied.

Narrow or Wide Spraying Field


The Graco 360 paint sprayer comes complete with two different 0.015-inch spray tips. One has a spraying field of 4 inches and the other 12 inches. You have the facility to store the tip not in use in a dedicated port on the base of the handle — cutting down on downtime and making changeover hassle-free.

The tips, once fitted, are also reversible — so, if it clogs you can turn it around to blast the blockage clear, then rotate it back to continue spraying.

Lightweight, Ergonomic Design


At just four pounds, this unit is reasonably lightweight so you will be able to spray for longer without your arm flagging. The handle is also designed to be easy to hold, with the controls for spraying at your fingertips.

Suitable for Different Paint Mediums


Whether you want to use thinner liquids, such as stain, lacquer, or varnish, or a thicker paint with latex, the Graco 360 sprayer delivers. You receive a fine spray every time without the need of adding thinners to the paint.

What Users Say About The Graco 360


In my opinion, the Graco TrueCoat 360 reviews are an excellent starting point when you’re deciding whether to invest in this paint sprayer. Let’s get an overall picture of what the real users really think.

On the whole, many are satisfied with the user-friendliness, professional-look finish, and quick clean up associated with this versatile unit.

The weight and ergonomic design make it a suitable choice for ladies, or gents with smaller hands. The quick unclog feature is also highly praised, saving time and energy on the occasions this might happen.

Furthermore, the included instructions are easy to follow, and DIYers rate the fact you can use it straight out of the box in no time at all.

However, just as with many other paint sprayers, not everyone’s experience is entirely satisfactory.

Investing in additional FlexLiners before starting any project is advisable. It’s also a unit that does appear to love overspray, plus the Graco 360 doesn’t draw paint directly from the can. Hence, for those bigger projects, you may find yourself stopping to refill the Flexliner more often than you would like.

Alternatives to The Graco 360  


If the Titan ControlMax 1700 Paint Sprayer doesn’t float your boat, there are alternatives on the market you might prefer.

Wagner Spraytech FLEXiO 590


Wagner Flexio 590

In a similar price bracket for the amateur painter, we find the Wagner Flexio 590. It again uses a variety of painting mediums without the need for thinning — but this time, straight from the tin. It comes complete with two spray nozzles suitable for large or small projects, from crafts and furniture to an entire garden fence or interior wall.

What this unit offers that the Graco doesn’t is 10 different speed settings from a patented X-Boost power dial and turbine system. It allows you to alter the spray to deliver just the right amount of paint for your project. It also offers horizontal, vertical and circular spray patterns.

  • Adjustable paint delivery, whereas the Graco only has one setting.
  • Also includes two nozzles — iSpray for vast areas and Detail Finish nozzle for fine finishing.
  • Similar price point to the Graco.

Rexbeti Ultimate 750


Rexbeti Ultimate
If you want a handheld-style paint sprayer, but you’re on a limited budget, then the Rexbeti Ultimate 750 could fit the bill. It works on a different system — HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure), yet still delivers 500 watts of power and 0.20 gallons per minute.

One stand-out feature of this unit is a lengthy 6.6-foot lead — that makes moving around a simpler affair. This unit comprises three spray nozzles, a 34-ounce paint tank, cleaning tools, and offers a trio of spray patterns.

  • Much longer power cord in contrast to the Graco.
  • Compared to 16Y385 it includes a greater nozzle variety.
  • Lower price bracket than the Truecoat 360.

Titan 1900

Moving the other way, into a higher price range we find the Titan ControlMax 1900. It’s a high efficiency airless (HEA) paint sprayer with 0.70 horsepower, 1600 psi pressure, and delivers 0.40 gallons of paint per minute — double that of the Graco. This translates to a more powerful unit with a faster spraying time and a professional finish for dedicated DIYers and pros.

  • More powerful pressure and pump than the Graco 360.
  • Spray width of 14-16 inches.
  • Portable cart design with a 50-foot hose.

Conclusion


The Graco 16Y385 TrueCoat 360 paint sprayer is a solid mid-price range airless paint sprayer. It has enough grunt to deliver a consistent paint flow for a smooth professional finish. It doesn’t purport to be a tool for everyday professional use but is suitable for a DIYer or hobbyist.

As an amateur painter with a small or medium project to complete, this unit will save you time. With its user-friendly features like it’s Reverse-A-Clean system, FlexLiner paint bags and choice of spraying tip — the Graco 16Y385 Truecoat 360 is capable of getting the job done with minimal effort on your part.

Graco TrueCoat 360 FAQs

What Kind of Paint Do I Use in an Airless Paint Sprayer?
The Graco 360 airless is suitable for sealants, varnish, stains and paints up to the thickness of latex-based paint. You can use these paint mediums straight from the tin into the FlexLiner without the need to thin them down.
Is the Graco 16Y385 TrueCoat 360 Hard to Use?
This unit is straightforward to use — straight out of the box. It comes complete with easy to follow instructions, is ergonomically designed and lightweight.
How Do You Use a Graco 360?

We mentioned above how easy this unit is to set up and use by following the enclosed instructions. If you want to see for yourself what it entails you can watch this video from the manufacturer.

How Easy Is The Truecoat 360 Airless Paint Sprayer From Graco To Maintain?

Once you finish your painting project, this unit is uncomplicated to clean and maintain. The FlexLiner can be washed and reused or replaced and the paint gun itself can be flushed through. Once clean you can help preserve it until you use it next by using Graco’s Pump Armor.

Can You Spray Automotive Paint With An Airless Sprayer?
Yes, you could, but it might not deliver the result you want. You would need to thin the paint down and might need numerous coats. If you plan on spray painting a car you might be better off buying a tool designed for this job like the Wagner Spraytech 0529031 Black MotoCoat Complete Car & Truck Paint Sprayer.

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