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Airless Spraying

Airless paint sprayers are designed to cover large surfaces quickly. The tip size used in the spray gun determines the type of coating possible. Tip and motor size will dictate speed of coverage. Some advantages of painting systems are:
• Cover large surfaces fast
• Faster than brush or roller
• Ideal for home owners and semi-professionals
• No need for air compressor
• Use with 1 or 5 gallon bucket
• Great for home exteriors, barns and fences
• Easy to use and clean Sprayers often compared to airless systems are:
• Air operated guns which mix air and paint to create a fine mist. This results in a fine finish which is ideal for painting a car or a piece of furniture.(Conventional)
• Airless cup guns are intended for very small painting jobs.

Application techniques

The following techniques, if followed correctly, will assure a professional painted finish.

1. Hold the gun perpendicular to the target surface; that is, square to the surface.
2. Always keep the gun at an equal distance to the surface.
3. Move the gun either across or up and down the surface at a steady rate.
4. Move the gun at a consistant speed to conserve material and provide even coverage.
5. The correct spraying speed allows a full wet coat of paint to be applied without runs or sags.
6. The gun should be moved in a confident and flowing fashion without hesitation.
7. If you lack experience, practice moving the gun over the surface before you actually begin to paint.
8. Spray alternately from right to left and left to right.
9. Begin movement of the gun (about six inches) before you press the trigger.
10. Release trigger before movement of the gun ceases. This prevents sharp cut-off in the spray pattern.
11. Holding the gun closer to the surface deposits more paint on the surface and produces a norrower spray pattern.
12. Holding the gun farther from the surface produces a thinner coat and a wider spray pattern.
13. If runs, sags or excessive paint occur change to a spray tip with a smaller orifice.
14. If the coverage looks too thin or you wish to spray faster change to a tip with a larger orifice.
15. Proper overlapping of the spray pattern is essential for even finish.
16. It is advisable to apply at least two coats so don't try and get it perfect first time round.
17. Be sure to overlap each stroke.
18. When spraying horizontally, aim at the bottom edge of the preceding stroke so as to overlap the previous stroke by 50%.
19. On a corner or edge split the center of the spray pattern and spray vertically so that adjoining sections receive even amounts of paint.
20. Avoid holding the gun at an angle, as this deposits paint unevenly.
21. DO NOT swing the gun in an arc like movement as this results in an uneven finish.
22. On exteriors, if conditions are windy angle the spray pattern into the wind to avoid drifting.
23. Work from ground to roof.
24. Do not attempt to spray if the wind is excessive.
25. Whenspraying with a shield hold it firmly against the surface.
26. Angle the gun slightly away from the shield and towards the target surface. This will prevent paint from being forced underneath the shield.
27. Shrubs next to houses should be tied back and covered with sheets. The sheets should removed as soon as possible.
28. A Gun Extension can be used to reach awkward areas.
29. Nearby vehicles should be moved or covered whenever in the vicinity of a spray job.
30. Always be careful of any surrounding objects which may be damaged by overspray.

Cleaning Procedure

WARNING.High Pressure Device. Follow all safety warnings located on the sprayer and in the owners manual. Always clean using low pressure, with the spray tip removed. Always flush into a separate metal container away from the sprayer. Never clean the exterior of the machine while it is plugged in or operating.

Pressure release procedure

Step 1: Engage trigger safety lock on gun.
Step 2: Turn off pump and release fluid pressure by turning the pressure relief prime valve located on the side of the pump down.

Low Pressure cleaning procedure:
Step 3:Remove and let soak clean, in a small container of solvents or water. Adjust fluid pressure to lowest setting.
Step 4: Turn the pump on. Tilt syphon tube above paint container allowing the Sprayer to pump itself dry through the return tube.
Step 5: Have available container of hot soapy water if spraying latex (or suitable solvent forr oil base paints). Do not clean with mineral spirits if using latex as this will make jelly.
Step 6.Place syphon tube into container with hot soapy water or solvents. Let circulate for 2-3 minutes, then turn unit off.
Step 7: To save paint still in spray hose, turn prime valve up to spray position, then carefully trigger gun into and against side of metal paint container. Be careful of splashing. When cleaning ssolution appears shut off gun and place gun separate metal container. Repeat process if spraying with two guns.
Step 8: Trigger gun and let cleaning solution circulate for apprcxirnately 2-3 minutes, then turn unit off.
Step 9: Turn prime valve down and remove suction tube from cleaning container. Turn unit on and allow sprayer to pump dry.
Step 10: Take a clean container of water or solvent and using low pressure pump through system until clear. If cleaning with water, Pump a small amount of mineral spirits solution through pump. This will protect against corrosion.
Step 11: Take suction tube out of container and let sprayer run itself dry.
Step I2: Check filter on pump and gun. Clean or replace.
Step 13: Remove spray tip from solvent, clean witn a soft brush and store in a dry place.

FLUSHNG SPECIFICATIONS

1. New Sprayer: Oil is used by the factory for testing and protection. It is necessary to flush unit before spraying.

A. If spraying water-base paint, flush with mineral spirits followed by water.

B. If spraying oil-base paint. flush with mineral spirits only.

2. Changing from water-base to oil-base: Flush with water, then mineral spirits.

3. Changing from oil-base to water-base: Flush with mineral spirits,. then water.

4. Changing colors: Flush with a compatible solvent such as water or mineral spirits.

5. Storage: To assure proper performance and long life, always clean the sprayer thoroughly before storing.

A.. Water-based Paint flush with water, then mineral spirits and leave the pump, gun and hose filled with mineral spirits. Shut off and unplug the sprayer and turn pressure relief prime valve to prime to relieve pressure. Return prime valve to spray position.

B. Oil-based Paint: Flush with mineral spirits. Shut off and unplug the sprayer, turn the pressure relief crime valve to prime to relieve pressure and leave open. Return prime valve to spray position.

5. Start-Up After Storage:

A. Water-Ease Paint: Flush Out mineral spirits with water.

B. Oil-Base Paint Flush out the mineral spirits with the material to be sprayed.

Always dispose at mineral spirits in a proper way.

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