An airless paint sprayer is a useful invention that allows the user to spray complex surfaces such as wrought iron fences or shutters, or even to paint an entire house in one day. However, airless sprayers can also be balky machines to use -- clogging up, leaking and spitting paint. Following some tricks to using one can prevent most on-the-job problems.
Conditioning the Paint
Prevent tiny particles of dried paint or dirt from clogging the spray tip or filters by straining it before use. New paint from a freshly-opened can may still contain dried paint particles and tiny pieces of grit; unnoticeable if you're rolling or brushing but capable of clogging the spray tip and prematurely wearing down inner components. Most paint stores sell mesh paint strainers; an old pair of nylons works well, too. Strain the paint from the original container into a clean bucket.
Read the paint label instructions. Some paint should be thinned with water or solvent for spraying; usually with about one pint per gallon of paint. However, other paints should not be thinned and are formulated to be applied undiluted with an airless sprayer.
Keep It Clean
Many sprayer problems can be prevented by straining the paint and cleaning the machine meticulously after every use. When you're done painting, remove the spray tip and run clean water through the sprayer until it comes out perfectly clear. Follow this with some mineral spirits -- storing a sprayer with mineral spirits in the machine keeps it lubricated and rust-free.
When painting outside or in a dusty environment, drape a sheet of clean plastic over the paint sprayer and bucket to keep contaminants from dropping in the paint.
Use the Correct Tip
Spray tips are designed to very tight tolerances, and you'll need different apertures for thin stain or thicker paint. Using an incorrect or worn tip will produce runs, drips and an uneven spray pattern. Additionally, the spray width varies -- choose a tip with a 4- to 8-inch spray fan for intricate surfaces such as shutters or cabinets, and use a wider spray width for ceilings, your home's exterior and other large areas.
Spraying Technique
Successful spraying depends on good "gun control" and having the right pressure setting. Experiment with the pressure -- usually adjusted by a knob on top of the sprayer -- until you have an even spray fan and can comfortably spray with the gun between 12 and 18 inches from the surface.
Keep your wrist stiff and the gun perpendicular to the surface as you work. Apply the paint in smooth, even strokes, with each stroke overlapping the previous one by about one third. If you've never used an airless paint sprayer before, practice on some scrap lumber or drywall to get a feel for it.
Safety
The paint comes out of the spray tip with a lot of force, capable of injecting paint deep into skin and tissues. If this happens, it's a medical emergency. Never point the spray gun at any part of your body, or at anyone else. Spray guns have thumb-operated trigger locks. Treat the spray gun as if were a real gun and engage the lock whenever you're not actually painting.
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