Troubleshooting

Every Problem Has a Cause. The Trick Is Knowing Where to Look.

Every finisher has experienced it.

The spray pattern suddenly changes.

The finish doesn't look right.

The equipment isn't performing the way it did yesterday.

When something goes wrong, the first reaction is often to blame the equipment, the coating, or the operator.

The truth is, most finishing problems have a logical cause—and a logical solution.

These guides are designed to help you find both.

Don't Guess. Diagnose.

Experienced technicians rarely solve problems by guessing.

They ask questions.

They eliminate possibilities.

They follow the evidence until the real cause becomes clear.

That's the approach you'll find throughout this section of the Academy.

Fixing the symptom may get you through today's job.

What You'll Find Here

Whether you're dealing with equipment issues or finish defects, these guides help you identify the problem, understand why it happened, and determine the best solution.

Spray Equipment Problems

• Low pressure
• Loss of prime
• Pump won't cycle
• Motor problems
• Fluid leaks
• Air leaks

Spray Pattern Problems

• Tails in the spray pattern
• Uneven atomization
• Heavy edges
• Poor coverage
• Spitting and sputtering

Finish Defects

• Runs and sags
• Orange peel
• Dry spray
• Pinholes
• Fisheyes
• Poor adhesion

Application Challenges

• Environmental conditions
• Material viscosity
• Surface preparation
• Equipment setup

Start with the Basics

Many problems that seem complicated have surprisingly simple causes.

Before replacing parts or making adjustments, ask yourself:

• Has anything changed since the equipment was working properly?
• Is the coating mixed correctly?
• Is the spray tip clean and in good condition?
• Are the filters clean?
• Is the pressure set correctly?
• Have all connections been checked?

Sometimes the simplest answer really is the correct one.

Where to Begin

If you're troubleshooting a problem, we recommend starting with these Academy Guides:

• How to Diagnose Spray Pattern Problems
• Common Airless Sprayer Problems and Solutions
• Understanding Finish Defects
• Systematic Equipment Troubleshooting
• When to Repair—and When to Replace Parts

Where to Go Next

• Maintenance & Repair — Prevent many common problems before they happen.
• Equipment Guides — Better understand how your equipment operates.
• Application Guides — Improve your spraying techniques and reduce defects.
• Technical Papers — Explore the science behind coatings, equipment, and finishing performance.

Remember...

The goal isn't just to fix today's problem.

It's to understand why it happened so you can keep it from happening again.

Every problem teaches something.

The best finishers never stop learning from them.