Why Is My Airless Spray Gun Spitting? (Troubleshooting Guide)
Airless spray guns are a popular choice for painting large surfaces, but they can sometimes spit paint. This can be a frustrating problem, but it’s usually easy to fix.
In this article, we’ll discuss the most common reasons why airless spray guns spit paint, and we’ll offer some tips on how to troubleshoot the issue. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent spitting from happening in the first place.
So if you’re having trouble with your airless spray gun, read on for help!
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Spitting |
|
|
An airless spray gun is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of applications, from painting walls to applying sealant. However, if your airless spray gun is spitting, it can be difficult to use and produce unsatisfactory results.
There are a number of reasons why an airless spray gun might be spitting. In this article, we will discuss the most common causes of airless spray gun spitting and provide troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue.
Causes of Airless Spray Gun Spitting
There are four main causes of airless spray gun spitting:
- Improper fluid viscosity
- Low air pressure
- Dirty fluid filter
- Clogged fluid nozzle
Let’s take a closer look at each of these causes.
Improper fluid viscosity
The viscosity of a fluid is a measure of its resistance to flow. Fluids with a high viscosity, such as paint, will flow more slowly than fluids with a low viscosity, such as water.
If the fluid viscosity is too high, it will not flow smoothly through the airless spray gun, and this can cause the gun to spit. To avoid this problem, make sure to use a fluid that has the correct viscosity for your airless spray gun.
Low air pressure
Airless spray guns require a certain amount of air pressure to operate properly. If the air pressure is too low, it will not be able to atomize the fluid properly, and this can cause the gun to spit.
To check the air pressure, use a pressure gauge to measure the pressure at the air inlet of the airless spray gun. The air pressure should be between 2,000 and 3,000 psi.
Dirty fluid filter
The fluid filter in an airless spray gun helps to keep dirt and debris from entering the gun and clogging the nozzle. If the fluid filter is dirty, it can restrict the flow of fluid and cause the gun to spit.
To clean the fluid filter, remove it from the gun and rinse it with warm water. Make sure to dry the filter completely before reinstalling it.
Clogged fluid nozzle
The fluid nozzle in an airless spray gun is a small hole that the fluid flows through. If the nozzle becomes clogged with dirt or debris, it can restrict the flow of fluid and cause the gun to spit.
To clean the fluid nozzle, remove it from the gun and use a small wire brush to clean out the hole. Be careful not to damage the nozzle.
Troubleshooting Steps
If your airless spray gun is spitting, you can try the following troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:
1. Check the fluid viscosity. Make sure to use a fluid that has the correct viscosity for your airless spray gun.
2. Check the air pressure. Make sure the air pressure is between 2,000 and 3,000 psi.
3. Clean the fluid filter. Remove the fluid filter from the gun and rinse it with warm water. Make sure to dry the filter completely before reinstalling it.
4. Clean the fluid nozzle. Remove the fluid nozzle from the gun and use a small wire brush to clean out the hole. Be careful not to damage the nozzle.
If you have tried these troubleshooting steps and your airless spray gun is still spitting, you may need to contact a qualified technician for assistance.
Preventative Maintenance
The best way to prevent airless spray gun spitting is to perform regular preventative maintenance. This includes:
- Using the correct fluid viscosity
- Maintaining the correct air pressure
- Cleaning the fluid filter regularly
- Cleaning the fluid nozzle regularly
By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your airless spray gun in good working order and prevent it from spitting.
Additional Resources
- [Airless Spray Gun Spitting: Causes and Solutions](https://www.spraygunner.com/blog/airless-spray-gun-spitting-causes-and-solutions/)
- [How to Troubleshoot an Airless Spray Gun](https://www.homedepot.com/c/how-to-troubleshoot-an-airless-spray-gun-ADAFA800483A)
An airless spray gun is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of applications. However, if your airless spray gun is spitting, it can be difficult to use and produce unsatisfactory results.
In this article, we have discussed the most common causes of airless spray gun spitting and provided troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue. We have also provided tips for preventative maintenance to help keep your airless spray gun in good working order.
If you have tried these
Why Is My Airless Spray Gun Spitting?
There are a few reasons why your airless spray gun might be spitting. Here are some of the most common causes and how to fix them:
- Incorrect fluid viscosity. The viscosity of your paint or sealant is too high for your spray gun. This can cause the paint to clog the nozzle and spit out when you spray. To fix this, thin the paint with a thinner or reducer until it reaches the recommended viscosity for your spray gun.
- Incorrect air pressure. The air pressure is too high or too low for your spray gun. This can cause the paint to atomize too much or not enough, which can lead to spitting. To fix this, adjust the air pressure to the recommended setting for your spray gun.
- Dirty nozzle. The nozzle of your spray gun is clogged with paint or debris. This can prevent the paint from flowing smoothly and can cause it to spit. To fix this, clean the nozzle with a brush or a toothpick.
- Worn-out parts. The O-rings or seals in your spray gun may be worn out or damaged. This can cause the paint to leak out of the gun and spit. To fix this, replace the O-rings or seals.
- Incorrect technique. You may be holding the spray gun too close to the surface or spraying too quickly. This can cause the paint to atomize too much and spit. To fix this, hold the spray gun at a distance of 8-10 inches from the surface and spray slowly.
If you have tried all of these solutions and your airless spray gun is still spitting, you may need to take it to a professional for repair.
How to Prevent Airless Spray Gun Spitting
To prevent your airless spray gun from spitting, you can follow these tips:
- Use the correct fluid viscosity.
- Use the correct air pressure.
- Clean the nozzle regularly.
- Replace worn-out parts.
- Use the correct technique.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your airless spray gun works properly and prevents spitting.
Airless spray guns are a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of projects. However, if your airless spray gun is spitting, it can be a frustrating experience. By following the tips in this article, you can help to prevent your airless spray gun from spitting and ensure that it works properly.
Q: Why is my airless spray gun spitting?
A: There are a few possible reasons why your airless spray gun might be spitting. Here are some of the most common causes and solutions:
- Insufficient air pressure. If the air pressure is too low, the paint will not atomize properly and will instead come out of the gun in large droplets. This can cause the paint to spit. To fix this problem, increase the air pressure until the paint is atomizing properly.
- Too much paint in the gun. If the gun is filled with too much paint, it can cause the paint to spit. To fix this problem, empty the gun and only fill it with enough paint to spray for a few minutes at a time.
- Dirty or clogged air filter. A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict the airflow to the gun, which can cause the paint to spit. To fix this problem, clean or replace the air filter.
- Dirty or clogged paint nozzle. A dirty or clogged paint nozzle can also cause the paint to spit. To fix this problem, clean or replace the paint nozzle.
- Incorrect spray tip size. Using the wrong size spray tip can also cause the paint to spit. To fix this problem, use a spray tip that is the correct size for the job.
Q: How can I prevent my airless spray gun from spitting?
A: There are a few things you can do to prevent your airless spray gun from spitting. Here are some tips:
- Use the correct air pressure. Make sure the air pressure is set to the manufacturer’s recommended level.
- Don’t overfill the gun. Only fill the gun with enough paint to spray for a few minutes at a time.
- Clean the air filter regularly. A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict the airflow to the gun, which can cause the paint to spit.
- Clean the paint nozzle regularly. A dirty or clogged paint nozzle can also cause the paint to spit.
- Use the correct spray tip size. Using the wrong size spray tip can also cause the paint to spit.
Q: What should I do if my airless spray gun is still spitting after I’ve tried these solutions?
A: If your airless spray gun is still spitting after you’ve tried these solutions, you may need to have it serviced by a qualified technician.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- [How to Prevent Airless Spray Gun Spitting](https://www.homedepot.com/c/how-to-prevent-airless-spray-gun-spitting-A0160500000000000)
- [Airless Spray Gun Spitting: Causes and Solutions](https://www.spraygunner.com/blog/airless-spray-gun-spitting-causes-and-solutions/)
- [How to Fix a Spitting Airless Spray Gun](https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-fix-a-spitting-airless-spray-gun/)
In this article, we have discussed the common causes of airless spray gun spitting and how to troubleshoot each one. We have also provided tips for preventing spitting in the future.
If you are still experiencing problems with your airless spray gun, it is best to consult with a professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Here are the key takeaways from this article:
- Airless spray guns spit when there is too much air or not enough paint in the cup.
- To prevent spitting, make sure that the air pressure is set correctly and that the paint is flowing freely.
- If your airless spray gun is still spitting, you may need to clean the nozzle or replace the O-rings.
By following these tips, you can avoid airless spray gun spitting and get the smooth, even finish you desire.