A Professional's Guide to Cleaning Paint Sprayers

Knowing how to clean a paint sprayer is fundamental knowledge for anyone who works with these tools – it is as essential as learning how to use a paint sprayer effectively.

It helps if you know exactly what to do. Our step-by-step guide explains the best way to clean a paint sprayer that will make the task straightforward, ensuring your paint sprayer stays in top condition for many years. There are different types of paint guns. This guide focuses on how to clean an airless paint sprayer, but the same process is applicable to LVLP (Low Volume Low Pressure) and HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) paint sprayers.

Cleaning a paint sprayer is a messy but essential job. I can tell you from personal experience that not taking the time to clean the gun after using it leaves you with a clogged tip, a stuck needle, and any effort at painting looks like streaks of muddy gravel. It's not worth it – you end up losing half the day taking the gun apart and scrubbing out dried paint.

Detailed Guide to Cleaning Paint Sprayers

You’ll need a waste bucket and a bucket filled with water or thinner, depending on whether you used a water-based or oil-based paint.

1. Turn off and depressurize the sprayer

Turn off the tool and set the pressure to the lowest setting. There will still be pressure in the hose. To release it, hold the spray gun over a waste bucket and squeeze the trigger for a second or two to release the pressure. Next, lock the trigger and open the prime or pressure-relief valve to completely depressurize the system.

2. Remove and Empty the Paint Container

Detach the paint cup or disconnect the siphon tube from the paint bucket. Pour any remaining paint back into its original container and wipe away residue with a clean rag. Dip the rag in water or paint thinner according to the type of paint you used..

If the rag is not effective, try using a soft brush to clean out the cup properly. Work carefully so as not to scratch the inside of the cup.

3. Flush the System with Cleaning Fluid

I use water for water-based paints and mineral spirits for oil-based paints. To flush the system, I place the intake hose (or suction line) into a bucket of cleaning solution and the return (drain) hose into a waste bucket. Then it's simply a case of running the sprayer to draw the paint sprayer cleaning solvent through the system. This pushes the old paint out.

Hold the spray gun over a waste bucket to catch the dirty liquid.

Keep running the sprayer until the fluid runs clear – there must be no hint of color remaining. When all the paint is out, put the intake hose into clean water or thinner and turn the sprayer on again, allowing the cleaning fluid to circulate through the tube to clean it. Run the sprayer again until the cleaning liquid comes out clean.

4. Disassemble the sprayer

Clean the sprayer components separately.

The Spray Tip, Tip Housing, and Guard

Remove the spray tip, tip housing and guard and dip them in a cleaning liquid. I use hot, soapy water and a soft brush. Spray clean water through the tip to clean the hole. Flush the spray guard under running water.

The Hoses and tubes

Don't forget the hoses and tubes. You rinsed them out on the inside, but they also need a wipe on the outside. Use a brush to remove dried paint and wipe wet paint off with a rag.

The Nozzle

Cleaning the nozzle is a big part of how to unclog a paint sprayer. Its function is to atomize paint into a fine spray. With so much paint moving through it, a nozzle gets heavily clogged. The best is to soak it in cleaning liquid for a while and then clean it. I use a range of handy bits and pieces, such as old toothbrushes, pipe cleaners, and sewing pins.

To confirm that it's completely clean, hold the nozzle up to the light to see if you can see through it – if you see a tiny pin-prick of light, it's clean.

The Air Cap

Another critical component is the air cap. It features tiny holes that quickly get clogged. I use a thin wire or needle to clean the holes. A small, soft brush can also be handy.

The Filters

Study your manufacturer's manual to locate all the filters – tools such as airless painters have up to three filters, such as a suction filter located at the end of the suction hose; a manifold filter, and gun pencil filters, mostly inside the handle of an airless spray gun. Filters are also located in the gun pump housing.

Remove the filters and soak them in water or paint sprayer cleaning solution. Use a brush with gentle but sturdy bristles to remove dirt and other particles.

Note: Never immerse any paint gun, whether a cordless paint sprayer or an airless brushless paint sprayer, in any solvent – only the nozzle, needle, air cap, and filters can be soaked in solvent.

5. Flush the Sprayer and Drain Excess Fluid

With the spray tip, spray guard, hose, and gun filter removed, hold the gun upside down and flush it with flushing fluid. Lift the intake hose above the waste bucket and run the sprayer for about 15–30 seconds to force out any leftover fluid. Turn off the power.

Note: If you used water as your flushing fluid, flush again with mineral spirits to protect the inside of the system against corrosion, rust and freezing.

6. Reassemble and Wipe Down the Spray Gun

Wipe all components with a clean, dry cloth and reassemble the paint sprayer. Wipe the spray gun with a damp cloth.

Tip: If you are using a professional-grade airless sprayer, refer to the manufacturer’s manual for the recommended cleaning instructions and prime valve settings for your specific model to be sure how to clean your paint sprayer after using it.

Maintenance Tips

Now you know how to clean a paint sprayer after use. It is the first and most important spray gun maintenance step, but it's not the only one. Here are more tips to ensure your spray painter has a long working life.

Always Spray at the Lowest Effective Pressure

One is tempted to use high pressure to speed up the work, but it's not a good idea. Apart from causing overspray and wasting paint, spraying at high pressure wears out the pump and tips prematurely. Start at low pressure and gradually increase it until the spray pattern is clean with no heavy edges to reduce stress on the system.

Inspect for Damage

After each job, check the spray gun for signs of damage – check the hoses for cracks and leaks, check that all the connections fasten properly and replace any damaged parts. Also check O-rings and seals for wear and tear. I always have some extra O-rings and seals in my workshop so I can replace them as needed.

Lubricate After Every Use

As with any other tool, regular lubrication is key. Apply a light lubricant to all moving parts of the spray gun to keep it working smoothly. Consult the manufacturer's manual to confirm the appropriate lubricant for your model.

Clean Filters Regularly

Paint sprayer filters clog easily and when this happens the paint cannot flow properly, leading to inconsistent spray patterns and poor results. Clogged filters also strain the pump unnecessarily.. Rinse and clean filters regularly, and replace them if they are damaged or blocked.

Calibrate Regularly

Over time, spray patterns, pressures, and fan widths gradually change and need to be readjusted to the original settings. To calibrate your spray gun, check and reset spray pressure, tip sizes, and gun pattern from time to time to ensure consistent results.

Use Appropriate Cleaning Solvents

Always use a cleaning solvent that is compatible with the type of paint or coating you're using. Using the wrong solvent can damage the internal components of your spray gun. Water-based paints only require warm water or mild detergent, and oil-based paints need the correct thinner.

Store Properly

After lubricating and cleaning the spray painter, store it in a cool, dry, and clean place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. For storing overnight or for a short time, run a small amount of pump storage fluid or manufacturer-recommended antifreeze (for water-based paints) through the system to prevent rust and keep the seals flexible.

Store hoses and electrical cords loosely coiled.

Tip: Consult your airless paint sprayer manual for detailed storage recommendations.

FAQs

What happens when a paint sprayer isn't cleaned after every use?

The nozzle will clog up, restricting paint flow and damage internal parts, leading to costly downtime and repairs.

How often should a paint sprayer be cleaned?

Preferably after every use. If you use your paint sprayer every day, a daily flush will do if supported by a weekly deep cleaning.

When can you use a garden hose to clean an airless sprayer?

You can use a garden hose to clean your airless sprayer if it has a PowerFlush adapter or faucet connection. However, if you decide to go this route, follow the manufacturer’s pressure and flushing guidelines so you don't damage any seals.

How long does it take to clean a paint sprayer?

Airless paint sprayer cleaning is easy. Most models take 10 – 15 minutes to clean. Some models take as little as 5 – 7 minutes.

Can I leave paint in my sprayer overnight if I plan to continue painting the following day?

No, that's a bad idea. Never leave paint in a sprayer overnight because it can dry out, causing the pump, hose, and nozzle to clog up.

Conclusion

Cleaning a paint sprayer regularly is more than routine maintenance—it’s essential to keeping the tool functioning reliably on every job. Flushing the system, cleaning the tip and filters, and storing the tool properly is the best way to clean a paint sprayer.

Besides, following these guidelines on how to clean a paint sprayer will ensure that your tool never gets clogged and maintains its superior performance.

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