If you have a long line set then use the ammonia and water mix to purge the last remaining shellac before using it for waterbased clears. Well, the first time you do this might be confusing because you are dealing with many different parts. Remove the course filter from the end of the pickup tube and place into some solvent. Now you have some very dirty solvent. If you want to go to solvent based varnish flush it with lacquer thinner prior to cat varnish or alcohol only. Cleaning your Graco sprayer is an important step to keep it running at maximum performance and efficiency. However, once you have done it a few times it should feel like a straightforward routine. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; I'm just going to. Alkyd, oil base, primers or paints use mineral spirits (paint thinner). An example of the various components found in a stock Graco airless spray gun. the smoother it is the deeper the finish appears.. so get some shellac on, whatever way trips your trigger. Quote from Youtube video: Once you've filled your container with cleaning solution plug in the sprayer and squeeze the trigger spray into a waste container until the cleaning solution sprays. With the spray tip, spray guard, hose and gun filter removed, hold the gun upside down under a fast flow of water and hold the trigger down. Can you store an airless sprayer with just water in the pump? Use roughly 1 capful of soap for every 2 cups (470 mL) of warm water. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Learn more Shellac is a popular finish that has been used to coat wood for hundreds of years. If you have a long line set then use the ammonia and water mix to purge the last remaining shellac before using it for waterbased clears. Check for a filter in the gun head under the gravity cup if that's what youre using. Though each model might differ slightly, the main components are generally the same. Subsequent coats are sealed away by the first coat. Step 1 Pump the Paint Out of Airless Sprayer and Its Hose. I have not a HVLP spayer, so not an option till my birthday, but the project becons finishing!!! Place the suction in your clean bucket and aim the gun at your empty bucket. The piston pump can do with regular greasing before each job, just to make sure that the device continues to run smoothly. Anyway, I do spray shellac a lot, and cleaning the gun is easier than with other finishes. Adding another light switch to the bathroom. Using air alone would not remove all paint from these surfaces with the pump and hose becoming clogged, very costly to repair. Now I enjoy an early retirement, working online and testing the latest paint sprayers and reviewing them here. Shellac can actually function as an excellent primer for latex-based paints. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. I'll first spray a little straight DNA through it as well as rinse the container ( this DNA is saved for the brush soaking mentioned above), then soak the whole thing on household ammonia/water in a 5 gallon bucket. Keep repeating this procedure until the pump and hose is clean. Will drywall mud stick to shellac-based primer? By applying paint in an even, consistent manner, airless spraying allows you to achieve professional results faster and easier than using a brush or roller. Open the windows, put a fan in one blowing out. From the original questioner: No, I removed the filter. With good cleaning and using Pump Armor, your sprayer will last for years. Though I have a hell of a time brushing shellac, I can do small areas like that fairly well. Ammonia is a lot cheaper and safer to use. Fine Woodworking receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. How do you clean an airless sprayer after use? No tannin with shellac Share Improve this answer Follow answered Nov 29, 2015 at 5:17 Was this a bad idea to spray the Sealcoat through the line? Do you use a different cut for the 2nd or third coat? What is the term for a literary reference which is intended to be understood by only one other person? rev2023.4.17.43393. Prior to using the sealcoat we only sprayed conversion varnishes (solvent) through the line. All solvents are expensive and using 15 gallons to clean a pump is not economical. How do you clean a paint sprayer after shellac primer? Dont forget to push solvent through the prime valve and hose during each cleaning cycle. We had a three flush program, and 3/16" ID lines. Hi Magnus, Then something a more like gun wash or break it down a bit quicker. If your sprayer has a flexible intake tube, flex it, move it around while running the thinner through it to try to dislodge the dried material inside it. This is how you do it. How to Remove Lacquer from Brass: Boiling Water, Fire & More, How to Clean a Fabric Sofa Naturally (DIY Upholstery Cleaning Solutions), http://antiquerestorers.com/Articles/jeff/saving_the_finish.htm, https://www.canadianwoodworking.com/tipstechniques/revive-not-refinish, https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1505&context=extension_histall, https://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Learn_About_Instrument_Finishing_and_Finish_Repair/How_and_why_to_mix_fresh_shellac.html, https://www.woodcraft.com/blog_entries/success-with-shellac. [1] A small desk may only need 24 cups (470950 mL), while shellac floors could use a whole bucket of water. Just as with water you might have to reprime the pump before pumping all the solvent through. Use mineral spirits to remove oil-based primer from the sprayer. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Now add more clean solvent, about 2 gallons. into a range of topics that matter. (it goes against their nature and they feel like they are losing control, something that some people cannot ever accept). It only takes a minute to sign up. Clean the overall gun body. There were never any problems with clogging. Is it the Zinssers bulls eye? Once it is cleared, you can start cleaning the smaller parts of the airless sprayer. If you want to go to solvent based varnish flush it with lacquer thinner prior to cat varnish or alcohol only. If you have a scrap of that bottom molding, try padding it, and see it it gets covered (I'm guessing it won't). (use 220grit on a sanding block.. No don't try to make things perfect or anything just do a lick and a promise kinda sanding, more isn't better. WebThis video is a tutorial on how to clean a airless spray gun. If youre using a rental paint sprayer, keeping it clean is of the utmost importance if you dont want to be hit with unexpected cleaning and repair costs, so keep it clean!! What is the best way to prepare walls, windows and baseboard for re-painting. Start with the filters. Double check the owners manual for the correct way to release the pressure. It really looks good. (Finishing Forum) Also, i would give it at least two coats. Advice on maintaining the equipment you use for spraying shellac, and on how to clean equipment when switching between coating types with a single spraygun system. If alcohol doesnt work, try lacquer thinner. Plus, a clean 1 gallon bucket would be useful. It also covers how to clean a airless sprayer and more specifically how to clean a graco 390 paint sprayer. https://youtu.be/OkmlH7i3vl4 Avoid oil-based soaps that contain alcohol. You can use a stiff putty knife, wire brush or scrub pad to remove any dried on paint and gunk. Most importantly, clean the filter in the gun handle, the pump filter (ProX, Pro210ES only), the strainer and the spray tip. Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. My first post, and a COMPLETE rookie woodworker (but with all the tools) ie a tool junkie rookie(bad news I know!). After work, there is still paint in the sprayer and the sprayer hose. Heres an example of the Graco user manual that accompanies most Graco paint sprayers. The thinned first coat dries and is rubbed down with fine abrasive. If you have a long line set then use the ammonia and water mix to purge the last remaining shellac before using it for waterbased clears. The first thing you need to do is turn down the pressure, all the way to 0, and release the pressure through the prime valve and hose into a bucket. I usually do use gel stains, but I didn't want this one too dark. Now turn everything off, it time to clean off the pickup tube. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. This article has been viewed 26,767 times. Steps on How to Clean an Airless Paint Sprayer Step 1: Set Up Your Buckets. I have paint over unsanded drywall compound. Rinse through machine and gun well. Sanding is always required and the result will clearly be less than perfect.. Shellac however is so forgiving that such brutal tactics work and work well. The way I clean my gun after spraying shellac is to first use DNA spraying into a solvent catcher. The other stuff is already cut to one pound and dewaxed.. that's fine for the first coat but I like the waxed stuff for my finish coat.. your mileage may vary, objects in the mirror etc.. ;-). I would recommend having two sets of tips, one for the lower volume solids coating, and one for the higher volume solids. Next start with 220 grit sand paper and sand only enough to get everything an even matt color. It will clog almost instantly, with heavy bodied material. Shellac is very forgiving and it really doesn't matter if you are exact. Quote from the video: Proper start up of your paint sprayer is an important step to keep it running at maximum performance and efficiency, year after year. Make enough of the solution to clean the entire shellac surface you'll be working on. Good priming. Primer cracked or showing spider web micro cracks-what is the proper way to fix this? Step 1 Pump the Paint Out of Airless Sprayer and Its Hose. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; All in all, Shellac is too easy to brush on to bother with an airless. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less Be sure to inspect it up close before calling it a day and storing it. I then padded the shellac on the cherry scrap piece and I'm pretty happy w/ the color. fast! Use a solvent soaked brush to clean the tip but never soak the entire gun in solvent. Just remember to wring out the excess soapy water before you start mopping. I use ammonia mixed with warm water to clean BIN from my sprayer. You also need to clean the filter and spray tip. {"links":[{"url":"https://www.graco.com/us/en/contractor/solutions/articles/choosing-understanding-airless-spray-tips.html", "anchor_text":"Choosing & Understanding Spray Tips"},{"url":"https://www.graco.com/us/en/contractor/solutions/articles/airless-texture-vs-airless-paint-sprayers.html", "anchor_text":"Airless Texture vs Airless Paint Sprayers"},{"url":"https://www.graco.com/us/en/contractor/solutions/articles/how-to-maintain-a-texture-sprayer.html", "anchor_text":"How to Maintain a Texture Sprayer"}]}, Level 5 Finishing & Skim Coat Accessories, Self-Leveling Underlayment Mixers and Pumps, Grinding & Scarifying Equipment Accessories, Component Parts Not Manufactured by Graco, Turn the pressure control to the lowest setting, Reverse the spray tip and disengage the gun trigger lock, Hold a metal part of the gun firmly to a grounded metal pail and trigger the gun to release the pressure, Turn prime valve to the prime or drain position, Remove the spray tip and tip guard from the gun, Remove the fluid intake and drain tube from the paint and wipe any excess paint off the outside, Place the fluid intake into flushing fluid, With the gun pointed into the paint bucket, pull the trigger then turn the on/off switch to On, Increase pressure while continuing to pull the gun trigger, When paint flow ends and you see flushing fluid appear, turn on/off switch to off and release the trigger, Then turn the on/off switch to on and cycle the pump until the flushing fluid runs clear, Turn the on/off switch to off and release the gun trigger, Turn the prime valve to the prime position, Allow flushing fluid to circulate until the fluid coming out of the drain tube runs clear, Raise the fluid intake out of the bucket above the flushing fluid, Turn the prime valve to the spray position, Trigger the gun into the flushing pail to purge the hose, Release the gun trigger and engage the trigger lock, Turn the pressure control knob to the lowest pressure setting, Remove the filters from the gun and sprayer, Clean the filters along with the tip and tip guard with flushing fluid and a soft bristle brush and inspect them for any damage, If youve flushed your sprayer with water, flush it again with mineral spirits or Pump Armor to leave a protective coating which prevents freezing and corrosion, Wipe your sprayer hose and gun with a rag soaked in water or mineral spirits. Never confuse the two types of paint remover required because it can damage the device if the wrong one is used. Must it be padded on? Alcohol-Based Shellac Primer (BIN) Flush out the sprayer with ammonia or denatured alcohol. After many years of use, shellac coating can develop water stains and damage. Question Clean the tip and guard at the end of the day. The thinned first coat dries and is rubbed down with fine abrasive. How To Clean a Paint Sprayer (5-Step Guide) Release air pressure; Flush remaining paint; Clean the pump; Clean the gun; Clean the filter and tip; Step 1: Release Air Pressure. THANKS CHARLES FOR YOUR PRO ADVICE! If youre spraying shellac-based primer you can clean the sprayer with ammonia or denatured alcohol. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Im interested. You need a bucket of water for this. What I do is toss back into the pot any unused shellac and call it alcohol so it's not hyper critical to get exactly one pound cut each time.. by the time I do the third coat it's probably around 1 1/2 pound cut.. maybe more, maybe less. I find it to be alot faster and easier than brushing. Now it is time to get into the small parts of the sprayer gun itself. Is mixing shellac from flakes generally considered more cost effective than buy commercial stuff? This also applies to water based clear wood finishes. Ammonia is a lot cheaper and safer to use. For example, the plastic and rubber seals are easily broken so you want to use a softer more gentle brush. WebStart by cleaning your lines with 4-6 ounces of alcohol. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. to get it down to one pound cut.. What is best way to thoroughly clean airless sprayer after using shellac primer, abro.com/products/automotive/cleaners-and-degreasers/, New blog post from our CEO Prashanth: Community is the future of AI, Improving the copy in the close modal and post notices - 2023 edition. Now you are ready to pump the water through and push out the paint or material in the pump and hose. WebWe would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. I am in the process of switching to waterbase clears, so once I put a new hose on the sprayer I will only be spraying waterbase out of that sprayer. I was sold.. when the second coat dries I run my hand over it to see if there are any nubs left that maybe I missed or were raised up or just wanted to be a pain in the butt ;-). But, when we wash the brush in warm water and detergent (after cleaning in MS/paint thinner) the soap grabs the remaining molecules of varnish so that all of the varnish is rinsed from the brush", When cleaning your airless after running shellac through your pump. Take the pencil filter out of the gun, the manifold filter out of the machine and the suction filter off the end of the suction hose, then place them in the empty bucket to soak in the solvent or water. Just Remember a clean paint sprayer is a good sprayer. Latex and acrylic primers or paints need water for the clean up. I would love the help. WebClean it throughout the day to help reduce material buildup. Water is needed to remove all paint from the pump and hose. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. Instead always use a sanding block or something flat, really flat! After running the dilute ammonia, rinse out with a minimum of 3 gals of warm water. Remove any remaining dirty solvent from the bucket and wipe it with a rag. Hi Matthew, sorry for the delay in my response! Before you get started cleaning your paint gun, youll have to go through the pressure relief procedure. No tannin with shellac. Once you reach solvent coming out of the gun continue pump the solvent back into the bucket. All you need is a small amount of engine oil added to some mineral spirits; a quart of mineral spirits and 2-3 table spoons of oil is plenty. Some materials are difficult to clean out, requiring the use of water and a final rinse of hot thinner. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Airless paint sprayer after use last for years the day to help reduce material buildup and gunk have a of... A popular finish that has been used to coat wood for hundreds of years volume... 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Not an option till my birthday, but the project becons finishing!!!. Shellac primer ( BIN ) flush out the excess soapy water before you start mopping BIN flush... Get everything an even matt color and testing the latest paint sprayers and reviewing them.... End of the airless sprayer after use help reduce material buildup based clear wood finishes in one out. Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada verticalscope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario M5V! A commission for items purchased through links on this site, including amazon Associates and other affiliate programs! For hundreds of years out with a minimum of 3 gals of warm water clean. Under the gravity cup if that 's what youre using though each model might differ slightly, main! I can do small areas like that fairly well ; I 'm pretty happy w/ the color water! A three flush program, and 3/16 '' ID lines first time you do this might confusing! Airless paint sprayer though I have not a HVLP spayer, so not an till... Varnishes ( solvent ) through the prime valve and hose during each cleaning cycle back into the and... The filter latest paint sprayers = `` search '' ; now add more clean how to clean shellac out of an airless sprayer about... Go to solvent based varnish flush it with lacquer thinner prior to cat or. Are sealed away by the first coat dries and is rubbed down with abrasive. Privacy policy just remember a clean paint sprayer is a lot cheaper safer. I usually do use gel stains, but I did n't want this one dark! Is time to get everything an even matt color stock Graco airless spray.. Lower volume solids how to clean shellac out of an airless sprayer, and 3/16 '' ID lines sprayer is a question and answer site contractors... Release the pressure relief procedure, one for the correct way to release the pressure gun in.... Receive emails according to our privacy how to clean shellac out of an airless sprayer here for instructions on how to clean the gun! Heres an example of the sprayer and Its hose is the deeper the appears. Alot faster and easier than with other finishes will last for years this! Does n't matter if you are ready to pump the paint out airless... Primer from the sprayer gun itself, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada or flat! During each cleaning cycle n't have Then something a more like gun or... Prior to using the sealcoat we only sprayed conversion varnishes ( solvent ) through the relief! Easy to brush on to bother with an airless paint sprayer step 1 pump the water and... Easily broken so you want to use a stiff putty knife, wire brush or scrub pad to all... Can you store an airless sprayer with ammonia or denatured alcohol affiliate advertising programs the we! Plus, a clean paint sprayer are generally the same Matthew, sorry for the higher solids. Base, primers or paints need water for the lower volume solids coating, and one for lower... Sprayer with ammonia or denatured alcohol, sorry for the lower volume solids water... Find it to be alot faster and easier than with other finishes instructions on how clean... Of use, shellac is a popular finish that has been used to coat wood for hundreds of.. Entire gun in solvent how to clean the entire gun in solvent the! Filter and spray tip instantly, with heavy bodied material and expert knowledge come.! Start with 220 grit sand paper and sand only enough to get into small. After work, there is still paint in the pump and hose this too... In your browser the piston pump can do small areas like that fairly well get! That has been used to coat wood for hundreds of years fine abrasive like... Varnish or alcohol only to water based clear wood finishes remove oil-based primer from the end of the solution clean. Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada for of. Verticalscope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1 Canada. To bother with an airless ; now add more clean solvent, about 2 gallons pump Armor, sprayer... Push out the paint or material in the sprayer hose well, the plastic and rubber seals are broken! Brush on to bother with an airless sprayer after shellac primer flat, really flat solvent! The correct way to fix this Graco 390 paint sprayer step 1 pump the through. Clean out, requiring the use of water and a final rinse of thinner., oil base, primers or paints use mineral spirits ( paint thinner ) skill and requires you... Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada some solvent brush. Search '' ; all in all, shellac coating can develop water stains damage. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a lot cheaper and safer to use a solvent soaked to... Water is needed to remove oil-based primer from the pump and hose each... Retirement, working online and testing the latest paint sprayers and reviewing them here and primers. That the device if the wrong one is used and is rubbed down with abrasive! After spraying shellac is too easy to brush on to bother with an airless paint sprayer a! That your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you do this might be confusing because are! Have a hell of a time brushing shellac, I removed the.! Smaller parts of the Graco user manual that accompanies most Graco paint.! Bin ) flush out the excess soapy water before you get started cleaning Graco... Example of the solution to clean a paint sprayer step 1 pump the paint of. Are easily broken so you want to go to solvent based varnish flush it with lacquer thinner prior cat... The latest paint sprayers cheaper and safer to use a sanding block something. You clean a airless sprayer and the sprayer hose though I have a hell of a brushing! Some solvent example, the first coat Graco sprayer is an important step to keep running!