Chad's Tips: How to Clean Your Paint Sprayer

A Guide to Properly Clean Your Paint Sprayer: Tips and Techniques  

Whether you're a professional contractor painting commercial or residential buildings, revamping furniture, kitchen units, doors and windows, or engaging in DIY projects you will need to clean your spray machine, gun and accessories. Neglecting proper cleaning can lead to clogs, malfunctions, and even permanent damage to your equipment. With the right techniques and a little know-how, cleaning your spray machine needn’t be a painful experience so we have put together this guide, to walk you through the steps to ensure your paint sprayer stays in top condition for your next project.  

Step 1: Preparation 

Before you begin cleaning your paint sprayer, ensure you have all the necessary materials on hand: 

- Protective gloves and eyewear 

- Respirator mask (especially if you've been using solvent-based paints) 

- Cleaning solvent (appropriate for the type of paint you used) 

- Clean water 

- Rags or towels 

- Cleaning brushes 

- Wrench or appropriate tools for disassembly (if required) 

Step 2: Safety First 

Always prioritize safety when handling cleaning solvents and chemicals. Wear protective gear to prevent any contact with your skin or eyes and ensure proper ventilation wherever you are cleaning the machine to avoid inhaling fumes.  

Step 3: Graco recommended pressure relief procedure: 

Before cleaning your sprayer, always perform the pressure relief procedure: 

  • Engage the gun trigger lock. 
  • Turn the on/off switch to off. 
  • Turn the pressure control to the OFF POSITION. 
  • Reverse the spray tip and disengage the gun trigger lock. 
  • Hold a metal part of the gun firmly to a grounded metal pail and trigger the gun to release the pressure. 
  • Engage the gun trigger lock. 
  • Turn prime valve to the prime or drain position. 

Step 4: Flush the System 

  • Start by flushing out any remaining paint from the paint sprayer.  
  • Remove the spray tip 
  • Disconnect the sprayer from the power source and remove the paint container. 
  • Replace your material with your cleaning solution 
  • Dispense any leftover paint into a suitable container for disposal or storage. Then, fill the paint container with an appropriate cleaning solvent recommended for the type of paint you used.  
  • Attach the container back to the sprayer and run the solvent through the system by spraying it into a waste container until the liquid runs clear. 
  • Run cleaning solution through your recirculation hose/dump hose until clear of paint and you have clean solution coming through. 
  • Then run cleaning solution throughout the main fluid hose/paint hose & gun until clear of paint and you have clean cleaning solution is coming through. 

Step 5: Disassemble and Clean Components 

Depending on the type of paint sprayer you have, you may need to disassemble certain components for thorough cleaning. Refer to your sprayer's manual for guidance on which parts are removable. Common components to clean and replace include: 

  • Nozzle: Remove the nozzle according to the manufacturer's instructions and soak it in cleaning solvent to dissolve any dried paint. Use a cleaning brush to remove any stubborn residues, then rinse it with clean water and allow it to dry completely before reassembling.  

         (tip – you can store your tips in cleaning solution until your next job to avoid            material drying over the hole of the tip) 

  • Hoses and Tubes: Flush out hoses and tubes with cleaning solvent to remove any paint residues. Use a cleaning brush to scrub the interiors if necessary. 
  • Pump and Gun: Wipe down the pump and gun housing with a rag dampened with cleaning solvent to remove any paint splatters or residues. And check your gun filter if you are currently using one. 
  • Filters: Check machine and gun filters in your paint sprayer and clean or replace them as needed. Clogged filters can affect the performance of your sprayer. 

Step 6: Reassemble and Test 

Once all the components are clean and dry, reassemble your paint sprayer following the manufacturer's instructions. Perform a pressure test spray with clean water to ensure everything is functioning properly and there are no remaining traces of paint or solvent.  

Step 7: Proper Storage 

After cleaning, add Pump Armor to you machine and store your paint sprayer in a clean, dry environment away from extreme temperatures. Proper storage helps prolong the life of your equipment and ensures it's ready for use when you need it next.  

Conclusion: 

Regular maintenance and cleaning of your paint or plaster sprayer are essential for preserving its performance and longevity. By following these simple steps and incorporating proper cleaning practices into your painting routine, you can keep your sprayer in top condition, ensuring flawless results for your future projects. 

In the meantime, if you would like to book your machine in for a service and maintenance, get in touch with the team.

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