How to Maintain a Spray Gun

Spray guns are commonly used for outdoor painting, painting inside paint booths and for auto body paint. Spray guns can last much longer when they are properly maintained. Irregular spray patterns, clogged nozzles and dirty lines are all problems that can be avoided with the proper care and maintenance of your gun. Rather than spending extra money each time a spray gun stops performing like it should, maintain your spray gun properly from the start.

Mineral oil
Lacquer thinner
Cleaning kit

Instructions

- 1
  Apply mineral oil to the air valve directly behind the trigger of the gun after each project. Apply the oil around the valve and the pin coming from the center of it. Pump the trigger a couple of times to allow the oil to move throughout the valve parts.
- 2
  Apply oil to the packing, which is the pin that is held by the packing nut just in front of the trigger and directly behind the nozzle. Do this after each project. Pump the trigger to spread the oil.
- 3
  Clean the gun after each project, or at the end of each day of use. To do this, pour lacquer thinner into the paint drum or cup and spray it through the gun just like you would paint or stain. The thinner will act as a cleaning solvent to remove minor buildup of paint.
- 4
  Disassemble and thoroughly clean your gun if you see signs of decreased performance or inconsistent spray patterns. To do this, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to disassemble your gun. Use a cleaning kit from your manufacturer to clean the lines and sealing parts. Reassemble the gun once it is clean.

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