The Worst Thing You Can Do to the Spray Gun You Rely On
Don't Soak It. Protect It.
You depend on your spray gun to deliver consistent performance, so it deserves to be treated like the precision tool it is.
One of the most common and costly mistakes at the end of a shift is completely submerging the spray gun in solvent or unnecessarily taking the entire gun apart for routine cleaning.
It may seem like a thorough cleaning method, but it can create problems you didn't have before.
Dirty solvent can contain coating residue, pigment, and other contaminants. When the entire gun is submerged, those contaminants may find their way into internal air passages and other areas that normally stay clean.
The result can be restricted airflow, poor spray performance, premature wear, and unnecessary troubleshooting.
Repeated complete disassembly can create its own problems too, including damaged threads, misplaced parts, incorrect reassembly, and unnecessary wear.
Clean What Needs Cleaning
Routine spray gun cleaning does not always require complete disassembly.
Always follow the spray gun manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedure. Depending on the equipment and coating, routine cleaning may include:
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Remove the air cap and clean it carefully using the appropriate clean solvent or cleaning solution.
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Wipe the exterior of the spray gun with a soft cloth or suitable brush.
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Flush the fluid passages according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Keep dirty cleaning solution out of the gun's air passages.
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Disassemble only the components required for proper cleaning or scheduled service.
The goal is not to clean less.
The goal is to clean correctly.
Protect the Air Cap
The air cap plays a major role in shaping the spray pattern and controlling atomization.
Its precision openings need to stay clean and undamaged.
Use cleaning tools that will not enlarge, distort, or damage the air passages. A blocked air cap can cause spray-pattern problems, but a damaged air cap can create problems that no amount of pressure adjustment will correct.
Pro Tip: Use a Gun Glove
One of the easiest ways to reduce cleanup is to protect the spray gun before overspray begins building up on it.
A gun glove or spray gun cover can help protect the body of the spray gun from overspray and dirt while leaving the necessary working areas exposed.
Keeping coating buildup off the gun can reduce cleanup time, reduce solvent use, and help keep controls and exterior components cleaner during production.
Gun gloves are available through AirSprayTech for professionals who want an easier way to protect their spray equipment during use.
Being Green Can Pay Off
Reducing unnecessary solvent use can save money while also reducing waste.
A cleaner gun, fewer unnecessary repairs, less cleaning solvent, and faster end-of-shift routines can all contribute to a more efficient finishing operation.
The Bottom Line
A professional spray gun is a precision tool.
Don't treat it like something that belongs at the bottom of a solvent bucket.
Clean what needs cleaning, protect the precision components, follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions, and take the gun apart only when the job actually requires it.
Take care of your spray gun, and it will have a much better chance of taking care of your finish.
Straight Talk on Pricing
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Providing Direction, Improving Performance!
Azimuth Spray Systems, LLC
Phone 817.490.1777
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