Put The Extension Cords Away, Graco’s 390 PC Cordless Is Here To Stay
Graco is rocking the paint industry by pushing the limits of what a cordless paint sprayer can do. You may recognize the overall look as the Graco 390 PC Cordless paint sprayer gets its inspiration from the corded 390 PC. While there are other cordless paint sprayers on the market, Graco is the first to come out with one on this level.
Graco 390 PC Cordless Paint Sprayer Performance
A single DeWalt FlexVolt 6.0Ah battery powers this airless paint sprayer, however, the kit does include a second 6.0Ah battery and fast charger. Because it operates at 60 volts max (54V nominal), it doesn’t work with DeWalt’s 20V max batteries.
The sprayer’s brushless motor can handle up to 3 gallons on one charge at rates up to 0.47 GPM using tips up to 0.021 inches. You can control the pressure between 0 and 3300 PSI with the simple turn of the pressure control knob. That’s a big deal because it’s producing the same performance as the corded 390 PC.
Plus, with the right settings, you can cover close to 1200 sq/ft with a single battery. Thanks to the fast charger getting each battery back in the game in about 60 minutes, you have a real shot at working continuously all day based on the way professional painters typically use the corded 390 PC.
Of course, since you’re cordless, this means you can set up quickly without dragging extension cords through the jobsite. One of the other great benefits of working with DeWalt for the power source is that replacement batteries are easily accessible across the country.
Graco Cordless 390 PC Design Notes
In general, this is a pretty solid machine, and that should be no surprise. If you’re familiar with the corded 390 PC, you’re basically just swapping the cord for a battery.
Footprint
The footprint of this machine is fairly modest, measuring just 18.5 inches tall and 14×16 inches at the base. It also comes in the Hi-Boy frame if you’d rather have it on wheels.
Durable Build
Graco’s Endurance piston pump promises twice the life compared to the next leading brand’s. Backing up that claim are V-Max Blue packings, a Chromex rod, and a hardened stainless cylinder. The pump design also includes a QuikAccess intake valve that makes cleanup quicker.
Shifting to the drive, Graco uses hardened steel for the gearing in their Advantage Drive. In addition to providing quieter operation, they’re backed by a lifetime warranty.
As we expect, the frame is steel with a thick chrome coating.
Maintainence and Cleaning
The ProConnect pump replacement system lets you quickly swap out pumps in a matter of minutes. You’ll need a couple of tools but it’s great that you don’t have to leave your machine at the repair shop.
The Graco 390 PC Cordless also has an “Easy Out” filter to reduce the potential for clogs at the spray tip. This design is similar to a canister oil filter on a car. To clean, just unscrew the steel cap and pull out the filter, and clean in accordance with what you’re spraying.
As with any sprayer, you need to run water through the system at the end of the day. Keep in mind that you want to have a battery on the charger so there’s enough juice at the end of the day for cleaning.
Stay Grounded
The Graco 390 PC Cordless can spray a variety of materials which makes it incredibly useful for professional painters. One important safety feature of this sprayer is the ground wire, which is a change from corded sprayers that use a 3-pronged plug for grounding.
Be sure to ground out the machine while spraying flammable liquids like Xylene or other thinners to reduce the chance of injury. As the first in its class, it’s worth reading the manual thoroughly before putting this machine to use.
Just One Thing…
The only thing we really wish for this sprayer is a hybrid power system so we could plug it into an outlet as another option. That would be particularly helpful at the end of the day when we’re outside running water through the system or when someone forgets to charge a battery. Of course, DeWalt could solve that for this product and the entire FlexVolt line with a 60V AC adapter, but don’t hold your breath waiting for it.
Graco Cordless 390 PC Cordless Price
Like most tools, there’s a premium for cordless convenience. Expect retail prices to run $2500 for the kit that includes everything you need to get started except for paint:
- Sprayer
- 1/4-Inch x 50-Foot BlueMax II Airless Hose
- 4-Finger Contractor Ftx Spray Gun
- RAC X LP 515 Spray Tip
- 2 x 6.0Ah FlexVolt Batteries
- Fast Charger
Graco offers a lifetime warranty on both the electric motor and drive train and a 30-Day “no-questions-asked” return policy. A 3-year warranty covers material and workmanship and DeWalt also offers a 3-year warranty against defects.
Graco’s “Downtime Eliminator Program” intends to help alleviate stress by offering FREE next business day air freight delivery when your parts distributor is out of stock. Just make sure they place the order by 2 p.m. CT. so they can get you back to work.
The Bottom Line
We walked into this wondering if the battery-powered Graco PC390 Cordless could be more than just a punchlist tool the way many early cordless conversions are. It’s clear to us that this is a full replacement, offering the same performance as its corded counterpart without the hassle of extension cords. While the price may be a sticking point for some, the convenience factor is a big selling point for painters looking to make the most efficient use of their time. Plus, it’s Made in the USA using global components.
Graco 390 PC CordlessSpecifications
- Model: Graco 25T804
- Max PSI: 3300
- Max Tip Size: 0.021-inch
- Max Flow Rate: 0.47 GPM
- Weight: 31 lbs
- List Price: $2500
I have a Flexvolt miter saw with the AC adaptor. The adaptor is the same size and shape as the battery. I bet it would work on the 390 as well.
While Graco makes a great tool, somethings are better left electric. You said it, 2500 dollars gets you started and if your cordless line isn’t Dewalt’s that means you don’t consider Graco.The manufacturers handheld cordless limits them, but 60volts? If your not already invested in Dewalt this becomes a big and expensive step. The novelty with be short lived.
They’re charging quite a premium over the corded version. The price difference would cover most of the cost of a separate battery power station like the Ego Nexus.
A 390 PC + Ego Nexus with two 7.5Ah batteries would offer nearly the same cordless convenience factor while also providing power to other tools/equipment. Not to mention run time on an Ego 7.5 would be WAY longer than with a single 6Ah FV battery included in the Graco kit.
Cordless tools are awesome, but they have to make sense.