Spray guns are indispensable painting tools when it is necessary to create uniform coverage or expedite a painting job. However, ignoring proper maintenance will drastically shorten a spray gun’s lifespan. Part of this maintenance is regular and thorough cleaning. Clean your spray gun after every use.
Instructions
1. Wear gloves, safety glasses and work in a ventilated environment for cleaning with solvents.
2. Turn off the air supply and fluid delivery valves.
3. Pull the trigger to let out remaining pressure and material.
4. Remove the bottle and bottle wing-nut adapter and rinse them with the required cleaner. If you were using a water-based substance in the gun, clean with soapy water. Clean with denatured alcohol if you were using an oil-based substance or lacquer thinner if you used lacquer. Use the same cleaner for the entire cleaning process.
5. Fill the bottle with cleaner and reattach it to the system. Turn the system back on and spray cleaner through the gun for about a minute, aiming the spray into a waste container. Do not spray water-based or oil-based discharge onto the ground or into the sink, as this is an environmental hazard.
6. Turn off the system again.
7. Unscrew and remove the air cap from the nozzle. Use a wooden toothpick to remove any gunk from the air cap holes. Do not use a metal cleaning implement, as this can cause permanent damage to the cap.
8. Unscrew and remove the nozzle. Use a wrench if it is too tight to undo by hand. Use either a crescent wrench that is the size specified for use on your gun in your user's manual or an adjustable wrench.
9. Unscrew and remove the fluid adjuster knob.
10. Remove the fluid needle, which is attached to the gun’s trigger.
11. Soak these small parts in a cup of the cleaner. If using denatured alcohol or lacquer thinner, do not let the parts soak for more than two minutes.
12. Disconnect the fluid delivery hose. Pour cleaner through a funnel into the hose to flush out the hose. Use a bottle brush to scrub the inside of the hose.
13. Clean the exterior of the gun with a towel soaked with the cleaner. Scrub any hard to remove build-up with a scrub brush. Wipe out the interior rims of all places where attachments were removed.
14. Pat-dry all parts with dry towels and reassemble the gun for storage.
15. Dispose of the waste properly. If cleaning with soap and water, add cat litter, mulch or shredded paper to absorb the dirty water; let it dry, then throw it in the regular garbage. For solvents, check your local codes regarding hazardous waste disposal. Do not empty waste in the garbage, down the sink or on the ground. Options may include taking waste to a local recycling center, waste disposal center or mechanics shop for disposal, or using an evaporation pan. You can also place leftover solvent in a sealed container for reuse.
