Learning the basics of spray gun operation can help keep your paint flowing and your shop running smoothly. There are two passages or channels inside the gun. One is for air flow and the other is for material flow. The fluid needle takes the required paint from the reservoir. As you use the trigger to control the tapered stylus, it will pull it off the point allowing more material to pass through.

Simultaneously, the trigger regulates the air to allow siphoning of the material from the cup and atomizes the paint. It is through the fast moving area that an area of ​​low pressure materializes and uses ambient air pressure as a catalyst to push material out of the cup. Now you can see why it is so important to keep your vent tubes clear and clean.

Some interesting and very important questions are like these…

There are holes on both sides of the air cap. What are they for?

These are like an air anvil and are called air horns. This is what allows you to flatten the paint to form a pattern. When the air meets the material, it is in the impact zone. As the air leaves the horn, the air strikes directly in front of the air cap.

It is now becoming a regulation in many places to clean your gun in a locked gun washer. What is the best way to use these?

If you’ve never used one before, be sure to read and follow all instructions. They are designed to run in 60 second cycles, so don’t leave your weapon there beyond that time period. The cleaning action is like fully immersing the gun in lacquer thinner.

Can you imagine the shape of your weapon if you leave it too long or too often?

Condensation will form in your gun if you do not change the solvent regularly. This means that acids start to form and this is certainly not good for your gun. If you’re cleaning, a gravity gun will surely plug the air inlet before you put it in the washer. You don’t want the solvent getting in here. Once done, remove the gun and immediately dry it with a cloth. If the gasket starts to leak, you can change it.

My spray gun produces a bad pattern:
A rebuild kit will most likely not correct the problem. Balance the air with the material.

A few other things to remember is that you should use more than one gun to refinish materials if you are in a qualifying area. Temperature ranges are important for HVLP guns if they are the largest; It is not for the little ones. Lubricate your gun with 4 oz. Mineral oil.

Remember to match the fluid nozzles to the type of material you are using. Using multiple guns means you don’t have to keep changing tips. Keep your gun in top shape by not dropping it or submerging it in thinner. Avoid harsh chemicals.