How to Use an Electric Paint Sprayer?

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When it come about painting a room, it reminds me of Do It Yourself episode of Mr. Bean where he used a tricky process to paint his whole room within shortest possible time. It was really funny!

However, I am not going to tell you about any funny process. This article is all about giving you a guideline of a tricky and effective process of using an electric paint sprayer. Days are gone; people use a brush to paint their house. Undoubtedly, painting with a brush is a time-consuming task. In the current era, we all love to be faster and updated.

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How to Use an Electric Paint Sprayer?

What is an Electric Paint Sprayer?

Well, the name itself is giving you an idea.

An electric paint sprayer is a tool that runs with the assistance of electricity. The power source of these tools is either battery-powered or primary electrical source. It means, either they can be corded or cordless.

And for a wide range of purposes and features, a person can use an electric paint sprayer.

You will find various types of electric paint sprayer based on their design. And you will not find any similarities between the characteristics of 2 types of electric paint sprayer.

Different Parts of an Electric Paint Sprayer

Before you learn how to use an electric paint sprayer, you should know the features of its different body parts.

I have created this section, thinking learning about different body parts will assist you in doing the spraying work more efficiently.

Readout below.

Paint Gun

You will find this part familiar in all paint sprayer. And without this part, an electric paint sprayer is incomplete.

The paint gun will allow you to spray the paint, liquid or inks on the painting surface. The surface could be a piece of furniture, a wall, or any other thing.

Paint guns have to be much effective so that they can deliver you high performance and functions. Additionally, the material of a paint gun has to be highly durable. So, that you can get an extended period of service from the paint gun.

Also, the performance of a paint gun depends a lot on the material of the paint gun.

Hoses

One of the most crucial parts of an electric paint sprayer. To accomplish different types of functions, hoses are used within the device. Also, they are different in size.

Based on your requirements, you need to choose the size.

For painting on wood or small project work, you have to choose small-sized hoses.

And to accomplish a big project, you should go with a large-sized hose.

Extensions

The extensions assist the paint sprayer to be durable in different heights and places.

These extensions are highly active on spraying in the nooks and corners of a painting surface. Characteristically, extensions are large. But it should not be too large because the large the extension is, the lower the speed of the sprayer.

So, while choosing an extension, choose wisely so that it cannot create any effect on the sprayer performance.

Power Cord

Almost all-electric paint sprayers come with a power cord option. It is the responsibility of a power cord to provide power to the sprayer from the power source.

Through the power cord, the device gets enough power to spray continuously. This way, painting becomes straightforward.

Types of Paint Sprayer

As I stated earlier, paint sprayers are different in type. You will find 5 different types of paint sprayers on the market.

Through this section, I am going to give you a short description of each type of paint sprayer.

1. Airless Paint Sprayer

Airless paint sprayer uses enormous pressure to give you an even looking paint.

This type of paint sprayer is especially required if you are dealing with a big project. Also, it is suitable for professionals and amateurs who have a big budget.

Moreover, you will get an impressive result when you are working on decks, fences, interior, and exterior walls using an airless paint sprayer.

2. HVLP Paint Sprayer

The word HVLP stands for High Volume Low Pressure. Characteristically, it is the vice-versa of the airless paint sprayer.

HVLP paint sprayer also uses high pressure, but they provide more precision work than an airless paint sprayer.

So, if I state, HVLP paint sprayer is used to get precision work, my statement will not be wrong.

This sprayer is mostly suitable for professionals and skilled amateurs who are on a tight budget.

3. LVLP Paint Sprayer

LVLP refers to a low volume low-pressure paint sprayer that is impressively suitable for the layperson.

This type of paint sprayer is affordable in price and easy to operate too.

It is an essential DIY tool and designed keeping in mind the DIY lovers.

4. Gravity Feed Sprayer Guns

In terms of design, it is similar to the LVLP paint sprayer.

Gravity feed sprayer guns are primarily known for creating different coats on the painting surface. In this sprayer, the paint reservoir is placed at the top of the sprayer.

To paint in your cars, this paint sprayer works much.

5. Compressed Air Paint Sprayer

Characteristically, you can categorize LVLP also as a compressed air paint sprayer.

But in a broad sense, this category requires a little more attention.

This type of paint sprayer requires only a spray gun and air compressor to paint. And setting up is significantly uncomplicated, and that is why it receives much popularity from the amateurs.

Step by Step Process of Using an Electric Paint Sprayer

Like everything, an electric paint sprayer has both positive and negative sides. However, when you are getting a high finish, will you think about the negative sides?

The main focus of electric paint sprayers is to give you a smooth finish.

Positive Aspects

✔ Fast: After getting everything ready, completing a task fully will not take much time. Quick operation time is the topmost benefit of an electric paint sprayer.

✔ Coverage: An electric paint sprayer works best when the painting surface is not entirely flat, and these are hurdles like cables, pipes, eaves, slats, clapboard, etc.

Negative Aspects

✔ Preparation of the Work: When you are planning to get the painting work done with an electric paint sprayer, you need to take a long preparation. Before painting, you need to mask up every single area of your house where you are not going to paint.

✔ Post-painting Cleaning Process: Even after doing proper masking and taking lots of initiatives, you will find lots of paints in every area. It will take much time to clear everything to give a shape to your house.

Step 01: Collect all the Required Tools and Materials

Airless Paint Sprayer: In this tutorial, we will use an airless paint sprayer. And pick those airless paint sprayers which are using the paint directly from the can, not from the attached cup.

Paint: This depends totally on your choice. But if you choose exterior paint, you will be able to save valuable money and time both. Because exterior paint even finishes quickly and less amount of paint can cover a lot of areas using less amount of paint.

Water Container: Undoubtedly, it has to be clean. And make sure the water container remains clean throughout the painting process.

Waste Bucket: You will get different types of paint debris throughout the process. Throw them into this waste bucket.

Step 02: Wear all safety accessories while painting

Before starting painting, be sure you have to wear all the necessary protective equipment. Also, don’t wear too much protective equipment because you will feel uncomfortable.

Below are some of the required equipment that you can’t avoid wearing during the painting process.

Full-body Protection: Pick full-body protection equipment which has come booties with it. If booties are unavailable, then you have to purchase it separately. Even a shoe cover will also be useful.

Googles: Don’t just look for google that stays on your eyes only. The googles should be capable of covering the all-around of your eyes.

Respirator: HEPA respirator will be the best choice.

Hood: If your full body protection dress doesn’t contain a hoodie, purchase separately. You can easily find it out from your nearest store.

Hand gloves: Either you can use old gloves or latex gloves, whatever is your choice. But make sure whatever gloves you choose they are good enough. Usually, latex gloves get slippery after a while, and old gloves get ruined shortly. So, it is advisable to purchase a few pairs of gloves.

Step 03: Seal the areas where you will not do painting

If you are planning to paint in your inner house, make sure you have taken all furniture, applications out. This way, the atomized ink will not ruin the application in the room.

Use old draperies to cover all other appliances, which are not possible to move from the house.

Newspapers are the best solution to secure the windows and floors. Thus, you can save your time both before painting and after painting.

Step 04: Paint Mixture

Are you using water-based or oil-based paint? Whatever is your choice, ensure you are using the right solvent.

Before mixing the paint and solvent, read out the manufacturer’s instructions intently.

In this step, you need to use the clean basket and a mixing stick.

As thick paint is complicated to spray so mixing with the right solvent is necessary.

On the other side, if the mixture gets much watery, you will get dripping in the wall after painting even if you choose the best paint sprayer for walls.

So, maintaining the right ratio of the paint and solvent is inevitable.

Step 05: Sprayer Preparation

Preparing the sprayer into the appropriate setting is also significantly essential.

It would be best if you choose the lowest setting to spray the solvent at the beginning stage.

Then separate the hopper from the sprayer and fill up the hopper with the paint which you have mixed.

If you have chosen a big sprayer, insert the tube into the container. Once you have done it, insert the spray tip into the gun.

Step 06: Selecting the Tip

The spray tips are placed on the front of the gun slide into a hole.

However, the majority of the paint sprayers come with a common characteristic, interchangeable tip. These tips come in a simple numbering system, and you will find it quite easy to understand.

Hence, let me give you an idea of how to understand the numbering system of the tip.

The first digit indicates the 50% width of the spray.

And the balanced digits tell about the size of the opening.

You need to replace the spray tips because they wear out after a few times of use – similar to car brakes.

This degradation is determined by several factors such as ruthlessness, material quality, and the use of pressure. And another factor is how often you have cleaned the tip.

Be noted, the lifespan of the tip will be prolonged if you have used the right pressure and avoided spraying.

Step 07: Paint Spraying

Before starting painting on any wall, it will be better if you do practice on a piece of newspaper. This way, you will understand how much pressure and speed you need to provide.

The nozzle of the sprayer should be placed not too much close and too much far from the surface. Thus, you will be able to get your required finish.

The ideal distance between the surface and the nozzle is 1’ – 1.5”.

If you place the nozzle nearer to the surface, you will get a more significant spray pattern.

You need to spray in such a way so that the spray pattern shows horizontal looks.

Initially, provide a light coating and give the paint a rest to dry.

Once the first coating is well-dried, then apply a second coating. When you are moving your hand, confirm your hand pace is steady and stable.

Step 08: What will be the starting point of the painting

The most buzzing question. What will be the starting point? From where should I start painting?

The thumb rule is; you need to start painting from the corners of the wall.

Don’t worry, if you apply much paint in a single place. You can spread out the access paint using a paintbrush. Smoothing out is also possible.

Be sure; you have finished the areas next to your windows before applying paint to any large areas. Maximum times, the colors are attached to these regions.

After you have completed spraying the whole area, don’t forget to clean the machine thoroughly.

Step 09: Let the Paint Dry

If any excess paint remains, return it to the paint container, clean the paint sprayer.

How will you clean the sprayer?

Refill the hopper with water or thinner. Separate it after cleaning and removing the spray. Let the wall dry before removing the drips.

To ensure you don’t accidentally mar the walls, remove the tapped newspaper.

You are all done with the project. Isn’t it pretty simple?

Techniques to Get an Amazing Airless Spray

If you want to get an excellent finish and even pattern, you have no other choice except the following few techniques.

You need to follow techniques at every step of painting using an electric paint sprayer.

Find the below procedures to get a longer-lasting even painting.

Technique of Overlapping

Following this technique, you will get a smooth finish over any surface. Aim the spray gun at the tip points of the ends of the earlier strokes overlap every stroke by half.

When spraying on large and open surfaces, in order to get the best benefit, start spraying from the outside edges of the surface.

Middle portions of any surface will be sprayed speedily, and they require fewer strokes too.

Inside Corners Painting

Spraying inside corners is the trickiest job during a spraying session. Remember to aim the gun only at the corners. Spray across the corner without spraying to and fro.

Thickness Controlling

This is one of the common problems faced by amateurs; even an experienced person is also not out of this problem.

If you find the coat is running down from the wall, then the paint mixture is thicker. The following tips will assist you in getting rid of the problem.

Spray guns need to be moved faster.
A smaller tip will be beneficial in this regard.
Pick a tip that has a more extensive fan.
Keep the spray gun at least 30cm away from the surface at least

And if the paint is not covering the surface, it means the solvent and paint mixture has become thin.

Slowly move the spray gun.
A larger tip will be the best solution.
Select a narrower fan tip.
Keep the spray gun much closer to the surface.

Taking Care of an Electric Paint Sprayer

As per requirement, it is mandatory to inspect, clean, replace, and tighten the accessories of a paint sprayer.

Inlet screen, filters of manifold/gun/tip, connectors of hose, pressure tube, body, tip guard and tip, trigger guard, and power cord are the accessories that require periodic maintenance.

Wrenches will allow you to give a well-tighten to the hoses.
When spraying, it is prohibited to cover the pump using any plastic.
Don’t pressurize the unit to spray if you find any problem.
Use a short burst of water or solvent to clean the tip.
A soft brush is a suitable solution for cleaning tips. It will be best if you store the tips in a closed bottle of water or solvent.
If the tip gets worn, remember it is time to replace it.

Frequently Asked Question

What do I need to use to clean my electric paint sprayer?

Choose a solution which is thinner than your paint. Like water, oil-based spirits, or lacquer thinner. After finishing the cleaning process, using a protectant will be better.

How often do I need to clean my paint sprayer?

After each use, it is inevitable to clean the sprayer. If you don’t do so, you will face a lot of problems before starting the next paint. Cleaning the filter, gun, tip, and housing will ensure even paint.

Do I need to wear protective equipment when spraying paint?

When painting, it is mandatory to wear a respirator mask. Paint vapor, along with solvent fumes, are dangerous for a person’s health. Also, you need to work in a well-ventilated area. Besides, it is recommended to wear goggles, ear protection, hand gloves, and a work dress when spraying paint.

Can I cover the system using a wet cloth to get rid of the overheating problem?

Undoubtedly, you can’t do so. Paint sprayers are designed to spread air. If you cover it with a wet cloth. This way, airflow will not happen properly. And automatic cooling will not happen due to this obstacle.

Final Words

I believe, after reading this article, you will not pose any confusion regarding the question of how to use an electric paint sprayer.

The process is simple yet tricky.

Don’t forget to take the necessary protection while working with a paint sprayer. Because in the end, “safety first.”

Electric paint sprayers are easy to use; even DIY lovers also can perform painting houses using it. Above simple instructions will allow the DIY lover to end up with an excellent quality finish.