Paint Spray Gun Maintenance Tips

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Published On: 04.03.2024

  • Blog

Proper maintenance of your paint application equipment is crucial for achieving high-quality paint finishes and ensuring efficient paint application. By regularly cleaning application equipment, painters can prevent clogs, uneven spray patterns, and wasted paint. A routine maintenance program can even lengthen the lifespan of your tools.

As an industrial coatings manufacturer, we’ve had a lot of experience with paint application equipment. Here are some tips from our Technical Service Team that will help you keep your paint spray equipment running at optimal performance.

Recommended Supplies:
• PPE
• Cleaning solvent and/or water (recommended brand: Simple Green, used at full strength)
• Soft bristle brush (Nylon bristle/wooden handle)
• Lubricant (DeVilbiss SSL10 is an option)
• Small flashlight

General Spray Gun Inspection and Cleaning Instructions:
1. Inspect the spray gun to make sure all parts are accounted for, and nothing is missing prior to disassembly. Use the parts listing for your specific spray gun if you do not feel comfortable with accounted parts.
2. Brush the spray gun with a soft nylon bristle brush and cleaning solvent or water to remove any heavy accumulation of paint materials near the tip area and spray gun body.
DO NOT SUBMURGE THE SPRAY GUN BODY INTO SOLVENT OR WATER AS IT CAN BREAK DOWN PACKINGS AND SEALS IN THE SPRAY GUN BODY.
3. Disassemble the spray gun, keeping track of and organizing all parts for ease of reassembly. Remove the air cap, nozzle, and tip from the spray gun and inspect. Make sure to trigger the spray gun slightly during the removal of the tip and nozzle so you do not damage the touch points of the nozzle and needle.
4. Soak the spray gun tip, nozzle, needle, and air cap in a cleaning solution such as Simple Green Solution for water-based products and an approved solvent-based cleaner for solvent-based paints to help loosen the paint debris. Repeat as necessary to ensure all debris is removed.
DO NOT PLACE ANY ALUMINUM PARTS OF THE SPRAY GUN IN THE SIMPLE GREEN SOLUTION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.
5. A nylon bristle brush with a wooden handle can be used to help remove any stubborn paint accumulation on the parts.
6. Inspect the orifices on the air cap and clean out any debris to make sure the spray pattern is not affected when reassembled. The above-mentioned small bristle brush can be used during this and any other step during this process to get into hard-to-reach areas with paint debris.
7. Use a small flashlight to inspect the nozzle and the tip for damage or debris. Make sure you can see light through all orifices.
8. A quick burst of air from an air source can be used to blow out any leftover debris from the orifices. Make sure to secure the spray gun parts when using air to clear any debris.
9. Inspect the spray gun body at the trigger point and clean any paint debris built up at the pivot point of the trigger and surrounding area.
10. After you have cleaned all spray gun parts, reassemble the spray gun using an approved spray gun lubricant (e.g., DeVelbiss SSL10) for all pivot points and threaded areas for better action and disassembly of your spray gun the next time.
11. After reassembly, test the fluid flow and spray pattern and adjust for best spray pattern results.

Safety Reminders:
• Wear all the PPE equipment required to perform this gun cleaning procedure. Safety glasses, safety shields, chemical resistant gloves, respirator, and a paint suit are highly recommended.
• Disconnect the spray gun from the system when possible.
• If the spray gun can’t be removed from the system, make sure the valve to the air source is closed prior to maintenance or cleaning.
• Release any built-up air in the spray system.
• Disconnect electrical cords if using an electric airless spray system.
• Read any safety labels, user instructions and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) related to any cleaning solvents you plan to use.
• After cleaning solvent is used, dispose of all contaminated cleaning solvent correctly to keep the environment safe.

Your program does not need to be time-consuming or costly. However, if your budget allows, ask your paint shop manager to investigate the purchase of an ultrasonic cleaner to deep clean spray gun parts. We have found in most cases that an ultrasonic cleaner is a great tool to help with daily/weekly maintenance programs.

Investing in proper spray gun equipment maintenance will save you time and money in the long run. From reducing the need for retouching and reapplication, to expanding the lifespan of your equipment, the benefits are clear.

If you have questions about how to keep your paint application equipment in top shape, please reach out to one of our experienced Technical Service Representatives, who will be happy to help. You can reach us at 800.773.7801 or info@shebpaint.com.

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