What Do You Run Through A Paint Sprayer To Clean It?

Paint sprayers are a popular choice for those who want to achieve a professional-looking finish on their painting projects. Whether you’re painting a room, furniture, or an exterior surface, a paint sprayer is a convenient tool that can save you a lot of time and effort. However, like any other tool, it needs to be maintained properly to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. One of the essential maintenance tasks is cleaning the paint sprayer after every use. But what do you run through a paint sprayer to clean it effectively?

Water

Water is the most common cleaning agent used to clean paint sprayers after use. It’s readily available, inexpensive, and does an excellent job of removing water-based paints, stains, and finishes. To clean a paint sprayer with water, follow these steps:

Read the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the proper cleaning method for your specific paint sprayer.

Fill a container with warm water and attach it to the paint sprayer using the suction tube.
Run the sprayer until the water runs clear, which means that all the paint has been flushed out of the system.
Remove the container and fill it with clean water.

Run the sprayer again to flush out any remaining paint residue.
Disconnect the sprayer from the power source and disassemble it for a more thorough cleaning.
Clean the individual parts with a soft-bristled brush and warm soapy water.

Rinse the parts with clean water and let them air dry before reassembling the sprayer.

Solvent

If you’re using oil-based paints, stains, or finishes, water won’t be enough to clean your paint sprayer effectively. In that case, you’ll need to use a solvent that can dissolve the oil-based substances. Mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, and denatured alcohol are some of the solvents commonly used for cleaning paint sprayers. To clean a paint sprayer with solvent, follow these steps:

Read the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the proper cleaning method for your specific paint sprayer.

Fill a container with the appropriate solvent and attach it to the paint sprayer using the suction tube.
Run the sprayer until the solvent runs clear, which means that all the paint has been flushed out of the system.
Remove the container and fill it with clean solvent.

Run the sprayer again to flush out any remaining paint residue.
Disconnect the sprayer from the power source and disassemble it for a more thorough cleaning.
Clean the individual parts with a soft-bristled brush and the appropriate solvent.

Rinse the parts with clean water or solvent (depending on the manufacturer’s instructions) and let them air dry before reassembling the sprayer.

Cleaning Solution

If you want a more convenient and effective cleaning solution than water or solvent, you can use a paint sprayer cleaning solution. These solutions are specially formulated to dissolve both water-based and oil-based paint, stains, and finishes without damaging the sprayer’s components. To clean a paint sprayer with a cleaning solution, follow these steps:

Read the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the proper cleaning method for your specific paint sprayer.

Pour the cleaning solution into a container and attach it to the paint sprayer using the suction tube.
Run the sprayer until the cleaning solution runs clear, which means that all the paint has been flushed out of the system.
Remove the container and fill it with clean water.

Run the sprayer again to flush out any remaining cleaning solution and paint residue.
Disconnect the sprayer from the power source and disassemble it for a more thorough cleaning.
Clean the individual parts with a soft-bristled brush and the cleaning solution.

Rinse the parts with clean water and let them air dry before reassembling the sprayer.

Conclusion

Cleaning a paint sprayer after use is crucial to ensure its optimal performance and longevity. Whether you’re using water, solvent, or a cleaning solution, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific paint sprayer. By doing so, you’ll not only maintain your paint sprayer’s functionality but also achieve a professional-looking finish on your painting projects every time.

More to explore: Do You Always Have To Back Roll After Spraying?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – What Do You Run Through A Paint Sprayer To Clean It?

1. What should I do before cleaning my paint sprayer?

Before cleaning your paint sprayer, you should make sure that you have emptied any remaining paint from the sprayer. You can do this by spraying the remaining paint onto a piece of cardboard or a waste container.

2. Can I use water to clean my paint sprayer?

Yes, you can use water to clean your paint sprayer. However, it is recommended to use a cleaning solution that is specifically designed for cleaning paint sprayers. This will help to ensure that your sprayer is thoroughly cleaned and that there is no residual paint left behind.

3. What type of cleaning solution should I use to clean my paint sprayer?

There are a variety of cleaning solutions available for cleaning paint sprayers. Some common options include mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, and denatured alcohol. It is important to choose a solution that is appropriate for the type of paint that you have been using with your sprayer.

4. How often should I clean my paint sprayer?

It is recommended to clean your paint sprayer after each use to prevent any residual paint from drying and clogging the sprayer. However, if you are using your sprayer frequently, you may want to clean it more often to ensure that it continues to work properly.

More to explore: Do I Need To Thin Water Based Paint For Spraying?