Graco GX21 vs GXFF: Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to airless spray machines, Graco is a name that’s trusted across the industry for reliability, ease of use, and high-performance results. Graco has a wide range of machines for all types of jobs and levels of experience, which you can find out more about on our Graco Collections page. Two of the most popular entry-level models are the Graco GX21 and Graco GXFF. They are similar machines, so how do you decide which Graco spray machine is right to buy or hire for your business, or next project?

Whether you're a professional decorator, a contractor, or running a commercial spray-painting  company, choosing the right spray machine for the job can make all the difference in finish quality, productivity, and cost-efficiency. Let’s break it down.

Overview of the GX21 and GXFF

Key differences & what they mean for your spray projects:

1. Tip Size and Material Compatibility

• GX21: Supports a larger 0.021 tip, making it ideal for high-viscosity materials like emulsions, masonry paints, and primers. This makes it perfect for general interior and exterior painting projects.
• GXFF: Comes with a smaller 0.015 tip, specially designed for fine finish materials such as lacquers, varnishes, stains, and other thin coatings. The Fine Finish tip gives a softer spray pattern and superior atomization, which is key for high-end decorative work.

Tip: If your projects involve cabinets, doors, furniture, or any job where finish quality is paramount—GXFF is your go-to.

Tip: For large walls, ceilings, or commercial projects with broader surfaces—GX21 handles it better and faster.

2. Spray Tips and Pattern Control

• The GX21 comes with a RAC X 517 tip, which delivers a 10-inch fan with excellent coverage. It’s built for productivity and ease of cleaning, ideal for high-volume work.
• The GXFF is supplied with a RAC X Fine Finish 210 tip, producing a tighter fan (approx. 4 inches), perfect for precise control in detail work.

Tip: This difference is essential: wider tips = faster coverage, narrower tips = better detail.

3. Hose Length and Flexibility

• The GX21 offers a longer 15m hose, great for maneuvering around larger rooms and jobsites without having to move the base unit constantly.
• The GXFF, being more of a compact workstation tool, comes with a 7.5m hose—more than enough for small, controlled environments like workshops or kitchens.

Tip: Both Graco GX spray machines are lightweight units and can be maneuvered easily but GXFF is the more compact unit for working in smaller spaces in fine details jobs.

Who Should Choose What?

Choose the GX21 If You:

• Work on interior/exterior walls regularly
• Apply thick coatings like emulsion, masonry paint, and primer
• Need faster coverage and less downtime
• Want a rugged, reliable unit for day-to-day decorating work 

Tip: Ideal for: Painters & decorators, building contractors, new build interiors, refurbishments

Choose the GXFF If You:

• Specialize in fine finish applications
• Work with lacquers, varnishes, or enamel-based coatings
• Need greater precision and high-end finish quality
• Operate in controlled environments or small-scale high-detail projects

Tip: Ideal for: Kitchen resprayers, furniture finishers, high-end decorative projects, fine finish contractors

In conclusion: Performance vs Precision 

Both machines are built by Graco, the market leaders in the manufacture of paint and plaster spray equipment but they’re optimized for different goals. The GX21 gives you power and speed, while the GXFF delivers finesse and finish quality.

Need help deciding? At Spray Plant UK, we don’t just sell and hire spray machines, we help you find the perfect fit for your business or specific project. Whether you’re scaling up your operations or fine-tuning your finish, we’ve got you covered.

Get in touch with our expert team for tailored advice.