First Time Using An Airless Sprayer Part I: Assembly, Setup, and First Spray (Graco Magnum X7)

The checklist is available on the "Downloads" page at CliffsGarage.tv
Graco Magnum X7 on Amazon: amzn.to/3dTDseH
Looking for part 2? • First Time Using An Ai...
After semi-failing with using HVLP to paint the walls of the garage, I picked up a Graco Magnum X7 airless sprayer and give it a try. I also go over the pain-in-the-rump procedure for getting the sprayer set up to work.

[@2393034]

Best instructional Video for Graco Magnum X7. Thank you so much sir!

[@albert2araujo]

This is that kind of late 80s Bob Ross I've been looking for! Great review talking about the positive, the negative, use of the machine, clear and easy to follow along while watching. Thank you sir for sharing.

[@faithjones9157]

Hello, I like Bob

[@brodyz8327]

Excellent video. I love your honesty and general good people vibe. I bought an 5x and it was more than capable in repainting my entire house.

[@tbl299]

Thank you sir I just purchased the x5. This video is exactly what I needed🙂

[@marauder2525]

It was fun watching you get excited about this Graco sprayer. I will be using this model to paint my home's exterior when I finish prepping. My Graco also came with about a 2 foot extension for the sprayer which is supposed to make the painting go faster and give you a longer reach in all directions.It could also negate the need for a ladder in some instances. Thanks for the video, and thanks for not eating while demonstrating the sprayer like some others!

[@sking3646]

Love the review & you're honesty about the lack of experience using paint sprayer...appreciate everything, thank you!

[@JeremyS86]

finally a video thats straight to the point and very clear. thank you

[@streetbob2155]

I’ve watched this video multiple times now it always helps me remember how to set up and clean up! Makes it very easy thank you

[@juliehiggins1808]

Thank you for this video and part 2. I watched both of them while setting up and cleaning my graco airless sprayer. I also downloaded your guide and followed it in every detail. As others have stated, your video helped me overcome my fear of tackling this project by myself. This weekend I finished our 2nd garage. So exciting! I do have a suggestion, in your download you may want to add to clean the filter in the sprayer gun. After using the sprayer for two solid days, the filter was definitely filling up and needed a good cleaning. Thank you again!

[@CliffsGarage]

You're very welcome, I'm glad it was helpful. btw, the second-to-the-last step in the cleanup says to clean the strainer in the handle :)

[@hkwok1688]

Just started to learn the process of a new unit, thanks for the video.. I will keep you the updates.

[@M5guitar1]

I just bought one of these and your video and checklist is very timely! Thanks so much because reading that crazy manual literally made my eyes glaze over and put me to sleep (nap time). I bought mine to paint a fence and my house. I tried rolling and talk about exhaustion. This will help me tremendously.

[@CliffsGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@s1914]

I work for Graco, albeit in a different division. There is one common theme across the entire company, and that is that they make superb quality kit 👍

[@louishurr393]

Thank you so much for this video and for the checklist. This was EXACTLY what I needed!! You’re awesome sir!

[@lisagolish4163]

I haven’t used mine in 4 years. Came for a refresher. I hope everything is working out. It was a breeze doing my staining a couple years ago. Fingers crossed it starts back.

[@louishurr393]

This is my go to video every time I use this thing to refresh my memory 😂. Thanks again!

[@Jett1873]

This should have millions of views. Great quality video!

[@jaimemv6091]

He actually explains the set up, thank you

[@williamscottsmith4188]

OMG Cliff the first five min of your video I wish everyone who has someone paint their house, doors, cabinets, deck, etc. painted, should be "Required" to watch because Never were truer words spoken on the time it takes just in the setup and cleaning of an airless sprayer. It takes me at least twenty to thirty min for me to get mine ready to paint and I have been doing it for the better part of thirty years, You ROCK I LMAO and Agree 100%

[@territodude]

Thanks for the video, I think you did a great job explaining and showing how it works. I'm sold on one to paint the interior next time, also they work great for cabinets, have a ton of those to paint as well!

[@gariegalaraga4545]

Finally I found somebody that I can follow and super clean instructions I really appreciate your time 😃👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@xyndey]

Thanks for the checklist. This will be very helpful.

[@Benny.13]

Love this guy! Some one that speaks at a nice pace to understand and is super articulate!!!thank u!! Doin my first spray job solo

[@renostubbs8504]

This was an excellent job, I am looking forward to purchasing my first sprayer

[@shawneboyy]

You made me more comfortable with my new purchase today, staining my fence this weekend. Thank you

[@dvjvbv]

I went through a process similar to yours. Years ago, I painted the interior of a house with a Wagner Power Roller. It worked pretty well, but there were some leakage issues. Seems like they could be reduced by putting some petroleum jelly on the seals, but it was a long time ago, so I'm not sure. When some new DIY projects came around, I knew I didn't want to do that again. Starting from no experience, I first purchased a small cheap hand sprayer from harbor freight to stain a fence. That worked great. Far superior to a brush or roller. It worked great, but definitely not for large jobs as the cup holds only 32 oz. After some research I purchased the X7 on sale at Lowes. I'll be painting a house with it next week. The checklist is a great idea. I'll be putting a copy of it in the box to store with the sprayer. Great job!

[@HoodBanksy]

I loved that genuine ‘holy cow! This is, this is wonderful! I like this.’ about 2/3 into the video. 😊

[@yort98]

Thanks Cliff!! You answered dam near every question I was thinking about before I used my X7. I also downloaded the check list which is a huge help. Thanks buddy 👍🏽🙌🏽🍻

[@mskehan19]

I live this video i have an airless too and it is the right job for some but you summed up how much effort they are to use, clean and prepare for store. I feel like i spend more time setting up then cleaning up then painting. Also you are spot on with the handle and line annoyances. But when setup and ready to spray it does a great job. I would add two other negatives to using an airless, overspray and the amount if paint you go through. These are not meant for small jobs by any means!

[@pewtyler]

Thanks for the video. This is video was well done and extremely useful.

[@angelarusso8704]

I’m glad it worked out for you :) I agree, in the beginning while learning to use the machine it seems like too many steps but then it becomes easier. I’m trying to use my father’s but I’m having trouble priming the machine. Thanks for the video!

[@CliffsGarage]

You're very welcome

[@405firechicken]

What a great review for your average DIY guy! Thank you!

[@tnijoo5109]

What a sweet man! This video was lovely. Thank you. ❤️

[@patrickw8302]

I feel more confident going after it now Thanks!

[@brandonkeith67]

This is good info and very descriptive. Thanks for the details!

[@gregsmith7391]

I bought the 4' gun end whip. It is more flexible than the hose and the end has a swivel at the gun. Well worth it.

[@samsharif560]

Best video on airless paint I've seen.❤

[@seanmcgill496]

Great video! I like some of the tips you put out there. One thing about the hose, it has to be rigid because it has to maintain a vacuum which is also why there isn't a swivel to reduce those areas which may loosen and subsequently fail the vacuum which is needed. But I really like many of the techniques you demonstrated with the set up and clean up.

[@63teejer63]

I think you mean pressure not vacuum.

[@arcraider937]

My X7 is sitting in one of the containers out back. Can't wait to use it for the 1st time next week .

[@buddha65281]

The more videos I watch, the more I want one for upcoming projects around my home. I was looking at the X19

[@kensbikestuff]

bloody awesome video. Well done, helped me heaps, thanks ken

[@polakpuckstopper]

Awesome video to help my buying decision. Thanks so much!

[@thomaswallace9814]

Thanks for posting this video, was very helpful

[@CliffsGarage]

You're welcome!

[@wildandfreemakhunter8098]

Extremely helpful! Thank you

[@yatra01]

That is a great solid review . Well done

[@emperorstudy]

Thanks Cliff! Very helpful!

[@travismcgee100]

Another helpful video. Thank you.

[@denrikironside4599]

You can also get a short 'hose whip' that is a more flexible hose that you attach between your main hose and gun grip. Helps with reducing the stiffness of the main hose and wrist fatigue.

[@dave8776]

Thank you. I just got this and it was very obvious how annoying the hose was

[@RageKage1776]

Thank you for that advice! I was wondering what that short whip would be used for now I know!

[@illegal4368]

Thank you Cliff

[@SC-ug5mk]

Thanks soo much you did a great job!! starting interior painting now you put that 3m 5000 respirator on in the future respirator

[@dumdiversaspapalbull1452]

You did a great job

[@RageKage1776]

I just purchased my first airless sprayer. I ended up buying Graco X5. The largest if they recommend for that machine is a .015. I found out that after I purchase the machine and after I purchased 15 gallons of Kilz. I gave it a shot and it seemed to work totally fine.

[@sixtyinsix]

Great video. Just has my gf watch this so she could visualize the time saving vs using a roller is well woth the cost of this sprayer. Thank you!

[@jacquelinereese220]

So real review and hilarious!!!

[@skingk2632]

The hose has to be stiff to avoid kinking which would restrict the flow of paint.

[@swdw973]

it's also stiff because of the pressure it has to handle.

[@drjohnson98]

Thank you for this very useful video. I just bought the x7 for several large exterior and interior paint jobs. Your video was the first I watched and probably the last I will need. I especially appreciate the checklist you provided which I have downloaded from your site. Lastly, does anyone know if it is possible to upgrade hoses on paint sprayers, power washers, etc. and sources for good hoses? The consumer ones always come with those hard to handle stiff ones; I guess because a good hose might push the unit beyond the desired price point. But those bad hoses really detract from the use of a lot of otherwise excellent machines. Thanks again!

[@MrGwdvideo]

Hello - thanks for the video - I am looking at these now. Your step by step process was very helpful. would love a copy of you checklist so I don't have to create one :)

[@sainttt100]

Thanks for your honesty

[@CliffsGarage]

You're very welcome!

[@NumbLock]

Great video! Thanks

[@apontepaintingllc2982]

Thank you so much for this video this helped me out alot

[@jakehennessy7]

Thats pretty handy, I'm sure they will come out with a better hose and gun eventually. But great video, look forwards to more of your content (first time I've seen your channel)

[@kojac40]

Please show your checklist . it seems very helpful

[@matd8958]

They would be awesome to get a hold of your checklist cliff. Thanks

[@CliffsGarage]

The checklist is now available on CliffsGarage.tv

[@jaimemv6091]

Because of you, am pleasing customers left and right because i can actually use the damn machine haha will subscribe

[@chrisnash2154]

You did a fantastic job explaining the setup. I have had the same model for over a year and have painted several rooms. Here’s my setup, load and cleanup... *******Flush Pump Armor******* --Off Pressure Contol fully CCW (low) Prime valve up (to prime) Drain tube in waste pail Suction tube in water Press Prime button twice to loosen ball --On Turn pressure control CW until pump starts Run till clear --Off *******Prime with Paint******* Remove tip from gun Suction Tube in paint --On Look for paint in drain tube --Off __Point gun in waste pail and shoot __Keep shooting __Prime valve down --On __Look for steady stream of paint then release Set safety switch on gun Attach drain tube to suction tube. HAND TIGHTEN spray tip *******Clean Sprayer******* --Off Prime valve up (to prime) Suction and drain tube in waste pail Remove tip from gun Attach power flush to garden hose Remove and clean tubes and inlet screen Connect power flush and hose to suction tube Run garden hose to clear suction and prime tube __Squeeze and hold gun trigger in paint pail __Prime valve down to spray --On __Spray until you see diluted paint __Keep squeezing __Move gun to waste pail __Run till clear __Turn control knob all the way down __Release trigger Turn off unit Prime valve up to prime detach garden hose clean tip, guard and gun filter *******Reload with Pump Armor******* Drain tube in waste pail Suction tube in pump armor Prime valve up to prime Control knob up until motor runs to draw up pump armor --On Run till pump armor comes out to drain tube Turn control knob all the way down --Off Prime valve down to spray to minimize leaking Bag end of suction and prime tube to avoid drips So YES! Pain In Da Butt, but man, it works! I suspect a swivel head and softer hose is out there, but I bet it ain’t cheap. You may want to invest in some nozzle extensions to cover a larger area.

[@Llaveocculto]

🔥🔥🔥great explanation!

[@CliffsGarage]

Thank you!

[@rufusjett2022]

The whip is awesome 3' or 4" it gives you excellent flexibility, I have never turned the tip, I just twist my wrist 90 degrees and keep spraying, I hope this helps, saves time, clean up with water then if you are not going to use the machine for a while, run diesel through it

[@orbiebibbee977]

Good tips

[@johnhuggins5021]

Thx Cliff for the info. Maybe you can post your checklists somewhere so us infrequent painters can "steal" your idea? LOL Thanks.

[@jamesfalvo6109]

Just purchased the Graco x7. Thank you for the tutorial, your video will save me lots of time. Painting a high end home here in northern Michigan this week. I’ll leave another comment later in the week with my results. Thank you again for your time and effort!

[@johnr7717]

How's it going with the sprayer.? I'm thinking of painting my fence white.

[@jamesfalvo6109]

@@johnr7717 thank you for reminding me. I accomplished more in 5 hours with that sprayer than I ever could in 3 full days with brush and roller! Ridiculously easy. I’m 57, still pretty darn physically able and work circles around most. After a lifetime of rolling and brushing, I literally felt like I was cheating, lol Like dang, a days work is supposed to be harder than this

[@way2g619]

Good video thanks

[@bigbob9702]

Agree with you about the handle.

[@LBGhost]

Cliff you should do a clean up video for the Greco sprayer . I really like your video you didn’t drag it on the set up. Thanks big help on my second try at it. alot to remember.

[@CliffsGarage]

Part 2 goes into detail on the cleanup/storage procedure. There should be a link at the end of the video. Also, there should be a pop-up playlist link at the 8-second mark that will contain both parts plus (eventually) the follow-on part(s) concerning the performance and convenience mods I've made to the sprayer.

[@1smokeyj350]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@SLRTom]

Very good video. Thanks for making it I'm such detail

[@CliffsGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@claytonroudebush7287]

Thank you buddy

[@normankeoghan5298]

Pick yourself up a spray gun that has a half trigger . You only use two fingers on the trigger ,it is far more comfortable to use over long periods. The gun extension is great as you do not have to be to close to the wall, expressly on a ladder . This also keeps the hose away from your work. Hope this helps.

[@trpshooter9945]

Thanks for your video! The Idaho painter sells a flexible whip for the gun hose end, it should help with the management of the gun. Nice work!

[@CliffsGarage]

Yes, I picked up a Graco whip hose that has the swiveling connector that should be on the main hose to start with :( I'm gonna cover several upgrades and improvements I've put on the sprayer that greatly improve it's performace.

[@MrODOG519]

@@CliffsGarage have you made a video showing your upgrades to the sprayer?

[@nowbusiness7987]

Amazing 👏 I going to buy my x7 now

[@jrh900]

Hi Cliff I just bought the x7 I used to paint the the markings in the road for years with a grace line lazer they are awesome machines as long as you clean them out properly and strain the paint I never had a problem Ever and if I did it was always human error not the machine. A little tip I used was with water based paint I always poured in a small amount of water on top of the paint it would float on top of the paint and prevent any drying of the paint in the bucket so as you draw down the paint you don’t get any clogs with the paint drying on top in the bucket and being suctioned into the gun

[@CliffsGarage]

Great idea!

[@michaelc.ateoate979]

Spray oil primer it's always the best choice for raw wood it stabilizes the wood and you will get no bleed through they say to not sprayoil products through that machine but I've been doing that with mine for years matter fact I use my Magnum sprayer for oil only and I use my 395 for latex. Just use a good thinner to clean it out when you're done.

[@DA40driver]

Cliff- Grab a long bungee to hold the plastic and cloth around the perimeter of the bucket and either the clamps, small bungee or tape up the hoses. Good job, Enjoy your new sprayer

[@CliffsGarage]

Excellent idea! I'll give that try.

[@rickmonster636]

Thanks Cliff . I’m am currently in the same situation you were . Lots of HVLP tries and finally purchased the X7 unit. The checklist was great and the easy to follow along video. How’s the sprayer holding up another owning it awhile now .

[@fredwalsh1946]

Hello Cliff, I just purchased the Graco x7 also, this is my first airless paint sprayer. You are an excellent presenter. I am a new Subscriber. Can you share your set up and breakdown steps, that you created, on the two sheets of paper? I would really appreciate your organized directions. Thank you.

[@shelchicago8997]

Thank you for showing us how to use it. I just bought one today.

[@CliffsGarage]

Hope you like it! Other that the tediousness of the setup/shutdown, I'm loving mine!

[@Mike_Genisys]

It loos like a pain to setup, but painting with it looks sooo much easier.

[@robw9435]

Any old fool can make a video. But only a rock star compiles a checklist and publishes it on his web site. Way to go, Cliff!

[@TheWhitde]

Thankyou

[@larrytowne25]

Great video. Experienced some of the same things that made me love (generally good results) and hate (kept clogging up - I did end up filtering my paint). One of my main issues was trying to follow the directions in the manual. There are multiple steps and often either don't tell you everything or refer back to a different section. Would love to get your lists so I can simplify the process.

[@rmendoza6725]

just put a wire mesh on the suction of graco x7 before dipping it to the paint can to avoid clogging

[@CliffsGarage]

I've had no clogging problems so far, thankfully. I've seen some other people suggest using nylon stocking material wrapped around the intake filter, but I'd be concerned about getting sufficient flow and somehow overworking the pump. I don't have any proof that's a problem, but just a concern that comes to mind.

[@peme01]

Hey- could you publish that list please? I own the same sprayer and am using it again this weekend for the first time in 5 years...I could use it!

[@narco73]

He's linked to it under part 2 of this video. Thanks Cliff!

[@marcusevans4818]

@@narco73 0

[@lonthrall5613]

"...and as much as I didn't want to spend the money..." Me neither! Great info, thank you!

[@shawnsavage9015]

Nice informative video. Would this painter work for painting a car?

[@Thewhiterabbit395]

I love my X9. The cart style can be a bit annoying but quick to set up and get to work.

[@covid-19rt]

Hi good morning happy New year, can you use it to paint big project?

[@brianhearden459]

Its a good talk Cliff thanks... Technology has improved everything from bicycles to power tools to everything... except airless sprayers you could have been describing a very good, but not fantastic airless sprayer with the same exact words in 1980. The guns feel terrible in your hand... they are quirky as hell and a pain in the ass to clean but they paint like such a dream that it makes it all worth it... especially in intricate areas like complicated eve's. Its true that an airless hose is way more rigid and difficult than a compressor hose but if you have ever had a paint hose blow out wile working the machine; you will know why that has to be avoided at all costs... first you just might not notice it right away and sometimes it just lays there shooting out paint but other times they can flop around and make a bloody mess! In addition to the pressure and mess if you have a break ,just the weight of the paint in the hose is consideration.. but again... as much as I love my Graco Magnum x7.. they dont seem to have progressed that much in the past 40 years...

[@ferst5937]

Hi, regarding the stifness or the extra costs for a hose whip. The stiffness is only when new and to solve this, run hot water through the hose and it will be so much better. ;)

[@karmapantsphotography9294]

Do you have that checklist as a downloadable file? Great video

[@tiktatttoe]

It's not made to paint one item for minute. You have to prime the machine and fill hose with paint. But once you do that to start the day, it's ready to go all day. Clea up is necessary to clear the lines so pint doesn't dry inside.

[@101yota]

Just bought the X7 if you are painting the exterior of a house with the siding going left to right should you paint with the sprayer from side to side or up and down?

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

I bought this sprayer to spray my daughter's new business location. She has lot of walls and doing it the old fashioned way will take weeks. First impressions, Fast sprayer, I can finish a 20 foot by 8 foot wall in 15 minutes flat. Switching colors, not hard but you have to either drain the hose of the remaining original color OR spray the paint left in the hose on a wall before you get to see the new color. First method will save you a bit of paint but again it takes time. I must say this is NOT for your home interior use unless you have an empty room. The over-spray will get everywhere. COVER EVERYTHING. For Setup, as you said, after few gallons you get the hang of it without any issues. Cleanup, well let's just say it's messy, very messy. It's not hard when you figure it out well. I highly, very highly, advice you break down the spray gun all the way down to the components, remove the filter, remove the sprayer nozzle, remove everything and wash them well. I use a stiff brush to scrub layers of paint off them. I also advice you disconnect the hose from both ends and blow air through it to clear the cleaning water. After finishing ALL you painting and before long term storage, remove the drain hose and suction hose and clean them well. Downside, the hose is very stiff, tends to make it hard to manipulate the gun, buy the swivel adapter. There is a pail hook on the sprayer, useless. 1 gallon bucket wouldn’t work because the suction tube too long and the 5 gallon bucket too tall. Moving the sprayer and the paint bucket from place to place, like 20 feet to the next section to paint, is tedious, you really need a second person to hold the bucket. Final words, Get it and use it. It’s fast, efficient, and fun to use. Buy the swivel adapter, Buy the spray head extension, and if you can get a small flatbed from Harbor Freight, $30, put the whole contraption on it and roll it around while painting. Enjoy.

[@Toris8888]

Hello Cliff, Are you able to attach the checklist in the description?

[@davidlampe4153]

Maybe net time get yourself a wand or extend tip so you don’t have to climb a ladder and then fight the hose. I’m not a painter but was fortunate enough to learn from a paint store owner.

Saludos. Thanks for the checklist. I made some improvements, but it is still your list. How can I share it back with you?