Paint spray guns are heaven-sent for every contractor or DIY paint projects. Like what most HVLP spray gun review will tell you, once used correctly, it can efficiently and easily deliver that even coat that only professional painters are skilled with. However, nothing is perfect for first-timers or even for pros, and mistakes can happen. While you may try fixing paint mistakes can be tricky. This is why we’ve put up a list of common paint sprayer mistakes that you can learn and avoid.
1. Over Spraying
This might be the biggest mistake that every paint sprayer is trying to avoid. Contrary to spraying a thin coat which you can always spray over, applying too much paint means there’s no going back. Too much can result in droplets and paint running down the surface as it dries. If you want that perfect even coat on your wall, the most effective fix is to sand it out, adjust and test the sprayer first before applying that new coat again. To know more check this resource.
2. Holding The Spray Gun Too Close To The Surface
Chances are if you do this, you’ll see running paint and uneven work when the paint dries.
3. Spraying In Circular Motion Or Uneven Pattern
If you do this, you’ll notice that the paint is thick in the middle and thin in the outer circle. What’s the correct technique to avoid this? Apply the spray paint in straight motion, up and down, or left to right.
4. Tilting The Spray Gun Far Down Or Up
Imagine holding a manual sprayer. Hold it too far down or up and you’ll get inconsistent atomization, which can result to paint splatter. The best technique is to hold the nozzle straight and perpendicular to the wall.
5. Not Having Enough Air Pressure
If you notice that the paint job looks like an orange peel as it dries, it might be because of not having enough pressure. The pump should have enough pressure depending on the size of your project. Test first and adjust the pressure gradually.
6. Pressure Is Too High
When you notice there’s too much paint mist or fog before you, then the pressure may be too high. That’s excessive release and waste of paint. To avoid this, practice with water first, hold the gun and gradually increase the pressure. When it comes to the real deal, paint can be thicker but at least you won’t spray too much at first try. You can then adjust the pressure depending on your paint’s viscosity.
7. Not Priming The Hose Before Starting The Project
If there’s air bubble in the hose, chances are, it will splatter the paint once the pressure kicks in. Unless you want that effect on your wall, prime your hose prior to starting the project. Learn how to clean the hose and remove any dry paint or air bubbles by using a blowgun through it.
8. Not Cleaning The Equipment Before And After
Most paint sprayer problems are caused by this. When we used rollers and brushes, we need to clean them before starting another project. This goes the same with your spray paint gun, you need to clean it before and after each project. Get to know your equipment by reading the manual and watching tutorial videos by pros.
Paint can dry out inside and out, clogging the hose, nozzle, filter and other parts. Use only the recommended solvent in cleaning the parts. Even though spray guns can be easy to maintain, regular cleaning will prevent malfunction.
9. Choosing The Wrong Filter
The filter is your first hand of defense against small debris flying onto the wall. It sifts contaminants and large particles that may be inside the paint container. We don’t want that bump of dry paint ruining a perfectly even coat! Choose the right mesh size as recommended by your dealer. Too small and it might clog the paint and cause malfunction on your equipment.
10. The Nozzle Is Too Large Or Too Small
Having a large nozzle hole may cause the paint to splatter and apply excessive paint on the surface. On the other hand, using a too small nozzle may cause the spray gun to clog easily.
11. Storing The Paint Containers On Cold Surfaces
Remember that oil-based paint will get thicker as the temperature drops. This means that you’ll have to adjust the pressure to push the viscous liquid out. To avoid this problem, store the containers off the ground.
12. Not Cleaning The Container And Surface Of Contaminants Or Incompatible Substances
Although the sprayer can deliver the coat evenly, when there are incompatible substances on the surface or inside the paint container, this can result to fish eyes (small craters). To avoid this, clean the wall or surface, and the paint container of any oil, grease and any other substances.
13. Using A Sharp Object Or Wire Brush Is A Big Mistake
A big NO-NO, do not ever use these to clean your spray gun as it might damage the air or fluid passage parts.
Remember to always clean and test first, adjust whenever necessary and test again to get that perfect finish.