Written by Chad Robinson, Service & Hire Manager at SprayPlant
When it comes to professional spraying, not all spray guns are created equal. Graco offers a variety of spray guns tailored to different applications: from lightweight, ergonomic tools to hard-waring workhorses built for heavy-duty coatings. In this post, we compare the Graco PC Gun, Contractor Gun, and Tech Spray Gun to help you choose the right tool for the job.
1. Graco’s latest spray gun, the PC Gun: Built for Speed, Comfort, and Consistency
The Graco PC Gun, featuring the ProConnect™ Cartridge system, is all about fast maintenance, lightweight design, and fatigue reduction. It’s ideal for painters who need to spray all day with consistent results and minimal interruptions.
Key Advantages:
- Tool-free cartridge changes: Swap out the needle, seals, and springs in seconds with a single click-in cartridge, no tools or loose parts.
- Consistent rebuilds: Each cartridge ensures perfect alignment and performance every time.
- Lighter trigger pull: Reduces strain during extended use.
- Adjustable trigger: Supports 2, 3, or 4-finger configurations.
- Ergonomic design: About 25% lighter than the Contractor Gun.
- Quick tip reversal to clear blockages on the go. With RAC X tips, you can twist (reverse) the tip 180 degrees, pull the trigger briefly to blow out the blockage, then twist it back to normal spraying position, all without disassembling anything. This allows you to clear clogs quickly, mid-job, without stopping to clean the tip manually.
Best For: General-purpose painting, especially for users who prioritize comfort, speed, and simplified maintenance.
2. Graco Contractor Gun: Reliable, Versatile, and Field-Proven
The Contractor Gun is a proven, sturdy option for a wide variety of coatings. While it doesn’t have the PC Gun’s quick-swap cartridge system, it's still highly reliable and well-loved by many professionals for everyday use.
Key Features:
- Durable build: Solid and long-lasting with fewer plastic components than the PC Gun.
- Trusted performance: A mainstay in the Graco lineup.
- RAC X™ Tip Guard compatibility: For a clean, even spray.
Where It Falls Short:
- Requires more time and tools to service.
- Heavier than the PC Gun.
- Fixed trigger size—not adjustable.
Best For: Painters who want a dependable, affordable option for a range of paint types, and are comfortable with occasional manual servicing.
3. Graco Tech Spray Gun: Heavy-Duty Power for Viscous Coatings
The Tech Spray Gun is purpose-built for high-viscosity materials like plaster, intumescent coatings, and fire retardants. It’s engineered for heavy industrial use where durability and flow control are key.
Key Strengths:
- High material compatibility: Designed to handle thicker coatings with ease.
- Superior materials: Built with more wear-resistant internal components than the Contractor or PC Gun.
- More rugged: Longer lifespan under harsh jobsite conditions.
- Smaller inlet and outlet: Optimised for precise flow with heavy coatings.
Where It Differs:
- Heavier and more industrial in feel.
- Less ergonomic for long-duration spraying of lightweight materials.
- Not designed for day-to-day architectural paint use.
Best For: Contractors working with fireproofing, intumescent, plaster, or other highly viscous materials where gun durability is critical.
Servicing Requirements Based on Use and Material
|
Spray Gun |
Servicing Frequency |
Factors That Increase Wear |
Ease of Servicing |
|
PC Gun |
Moderate use: Replace cartridge every few weeksHeavy use: Weekly |
Daily spraying of latex, primers, or fine finishes |
Very easy — drop-in cartridge swap in seconds |
|
Contractor Gun |
Moderate use: Clean and grease weeklyHeavy use: Full rebuild monthly |
High-solids coatings, poor cleaning habits |
Moderate — requires tools and individual part replacements |
|
Tech Spray Gun |
Light use: Monthly checkHeavy-duty: Inspect weekly, replace seals as needed |
Spraying plaster, intumescent, or textured coatings |
Moderate to advanced — built for durability but harder to access internal parts |
Servicing Tip: Regardless of gun type, daily cleaning and lubrication (especially o-rings and filters) is essential to extend the lifespan and avoid costly downtime. Graco recommends using Fusion grease and checking filters regularly, especially when spraying thicker or quick-drying coatings. We recommend servicing for Contractor and Tech Spray Guns every6-12 months, depending on usage and materials sprayed. For any servicing requirements, get in touch.
Final Thoughts: Which Gun Should You Choose?
- PC Gun: Great for decorators and painters who want speed, ergonomic comfort, and minimal servicing downtime.
- Contractor Gun: Solid, general-purpose tool for painters comfortable with manual maintenance.
- Tech Spray Gun: Best choice for industrial contractors spraying thick materials where reliability and ruggedness are critical.
If you need more advice, please get in touch with our sales team.
Chad Robinson is the Service & Hire Manager at SprayPlant, with deep expertise in spray gun systems, maintenance, and equipment rental. He works closely with customers to ensure they get the best performance from their kit—whether buying or hiring.