A paint sprayer is a great tool to have when you are painting your home. It can save you time and money by allowing you to do the job yourself instead of hiring someone else. When it comes down to it, though, a few things frustrate homeowners more than having their paint sprayer stop working or not work correctly.
This blog post will teach readers how they can prime a paint sprayer so that it will be ready for them whenever they need to use it next!
What Is a Paint Sprayer?
A paint sprayer is a tool that homeowners use to apply paint quickly and easily. It works by mixing the right amount of air with the correct ratio of color so that it sprays evenly on whatever surface you are painting.
This allows people to move faster than they would if they were painting the same area by hand, saving them time and money!
What Is Priming?
Priming is the process of preparing your paint sprayer so that it will work properly when you need to use it again. Different types of paint sprayers require priming in different ways, but almost all of them require that users run an adequate amount of paint through them before they are ready for action.
This ensures that the pump has enough liquid to move throughout the system without clogging or breaking down due to a lack of lubrication.
>>Related: Fuji Semi Pro 2 HVLP Paint Sprayer- Top Rated Review in 2021
How to prime a paint sprayer? Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 — Select Your Paint and Sprayer
The first thing you need to do is select the paint that you want to use. Since this primer will make sure your paint sprayer works properly, you should pick one that it can handle.
Also, choose a sprayer designed to work with the specific type of paint you are using; some colors are better suited for airless sprayers while others require HVLP (high-volume low-pressure) systems.
Step 2 — Prepare Yourself and the Area
It is essential that you wear protective gear when you prime a paint sprayer. You will need to put on goggles and cover your hands with gloves before you begin and protect the surface that you are working on with an old sheet or drop cloth.
Also, ensure that there will be no wind until after the primer dries and your sprayer is ready for use.
Step 3 — Prepare Your Sprayer Before Using It
Once you have selected your paint and sprayer, it’s time to get them ready for action. Place a bucket under the inlet valve so that when water comes out, it will be caught in a container below instead of going all over the floor.
Next, open up the inlet valve and allow water to run through it for ten seconds or so. Then, disconnect the hose from underneath the sprayer with a wrench and set both parts aside so that you can use them again later.
Step 4 — Prepare the Spraying Location and Target Material
Unless you are spraying something extremely light, like a stain, consider putting down a tarp or sheet of cardboard to catch any spills. Make sure that all people and objects are out of your immediate range to avoid injury.
If your project is outside, remember that it will need time to dry before weather conditions can affect it again. Always follow label instructions on materials to prepare them for paint application too.
Step 5 — Add Your Paint
If your paint is thick enough to require thinning, this is the time to do so. Pour some paint into a separate container unless it comes premixed, then use a stir stick or spoon to mix it until you have achieved the right consistency.
Once your paint is ready, pour it into your sprayer tank as much as possible without going over. If you don’t have enough room left in the tank for all of your mixtures, pour what will fit and add the rest after it mixes.
Step 6 — Prime the Inlet Valve
Take a few minutes to prime your inlet valve to avoid having problems getting your sprayer ready for use. Start by removing all of the cap screws from around the bottom metal plate with a wrench.
Next, lift off the top part carefully and set it aside, exposing a green diaphragm beneath it. Put a drop or two of oil on either side of this part, making sure not to get any onto other areas.
Remove the cap from under this diaphragm and place about four ounces of paint into it along with any lubricating agent recommended by your manufacturer, such as air tool oil.
Replace this cap and turn the sprayer over to make sure that oil and paint move from this chamber down into the tank; if either doesn’t, use a pipette or syringe to add more until you have enough for your machine.
Step 7— Prime Your Inlet Valve Again
Once you get about one second worth of air spray out of the inlet valve, release the trigger and close it up. Disconnect your hose from underneath your machine, pour off any remaining liquid, then rinse everything with clean water.
Remount all bolts to their proper places with a wrench and follow up by leaving about an ounce of paint in both chambers before placing them back on top. Once they are sealed shut again, prime your system once more using a different method.
Step 8 — Prime Your System a Third Time Without Spraying Paint
Before the third application of paint, you will need to do something a bit different to get a good result. Instead of simply spraying paint into the chamber and hoping it comes out, attach your hose and open your machine’s inlet valve as before.
Once you have water coming out, please put on your gloves and use them to squirt small amounts of paint from another container directly through the opening on top until all the air is pressurized again.
Then close up this area with an O-ring, bolts, and washers. If any part of this section leaks after priming three times, replace it entirely or risk damaging your entire system!
Step 9 — Finish Your Sprayer
You are now ready to start using your paint sprayer. Screw the plastic nozzle onto your hose, put on any protective equipment you might need, open the inlet valve all the way, and begin spraying! Make small movements with your arm while pulling back slightly on the trigger.
Too much pressure will lead to overspray, spilling, or inferior coverage, so keep this in mind at all times. When finished using your machine, disconnect everything again and return it to its original state for storage.
Once you follow these steps, your sprayer should be ready for action. If it isn’t, or something doesn’t seem right, call the manufacturer’s customer service number and ask what needs to be adjusted. That being said, have fun with your new toy!
How to Properly Prime a Paint Sprayer
Step 1: Pressure Relief
Find the “pressure relief” button on your paint sprayer and release it. The purpose of this is to prevent a buildup of air pressure inside the tank, which could cause a rupture when you first begin priming.
Step 2: Flush Out Old Paint
Take off all parts that have been in contact with paint, clean them thoroughly with water, then reassemble them. Pour out any leftover stain in an old milk jug. This way, you can save it for later use or return it to its original container for proper disposal.
Step 3: Find Your Inlet Valve
Your sprayer will have two inlets— one for getting air into the machine and another for removing excess liquid before you start painting. The airline will have a triangular rubber cap, while the liquid tube will be capped with a cylindrical lid.
Step 4: Add Lubricant and Stir
Inside your air inlet, there should be a diaphragm (a rubber membrane that goes up and down). Pour some lube into this chamber and give it four or five good stirs to get the oil onto every membrane part. This helps create an even coating of paint throughout each coat you spray!
Step 5: Remove Air Pressure from Tank
This step used to be more complicated, requiring you to attach something like an “inflation bulb.” Nowadays, most models need you to pull out the pressure relief valve again. If yours is still old-fashioned, though, you’ll have to use the inflation bulb from a bicycle tire pump.
Step 6: Adjust Your Pressure Regulator
This knob is used to control how much air gets let through. If your machine uses a rubber bulb, simply squeeze it until it becomes firm and release it afterward. Check for proper operation by holding the bulb up to your ear again and seeing if you can hear air escaping.
Step 7: Measure Paint Ratio
If you’re using a new container of paint, take the lid off and use a small measuring spoon to pour out an amount roughly equal to half of what’s inside. You can always add more later on. If you’re working with leftover paint from another project, fill the chamber up all the way.
Step 8: Fill Your Paint Container
Take your paint can lid, set it upside-down on the counter, and place the paint container on top of it. Use a funnel to fill up this space with about half of what you poured out in Step 7 (or less if that’s all you’ve got left).
Step 9: Remove Air Pressure Again
Remove the pressure relief valve or inflation bulb and open your lid. The air should hiss out very quickly; this is fine if none of it goes back inside when you remove the cap!
If some does go in, though, use the stir stick to scoop it up. Then take off any remaining parts holding in trapped air (the spray head, for example) and gently tap them on the counter to shake off any excess.
Step 10: Put Everything Back Together Again
Replace all of your sprayer parts, returning each one to its proper position. If you have a “no-spill” tip, make sure the little grate is facing upwards so the paint doesn’t drain out through it. Your pressure relief valve should be oriented toward the back of the machine with the button facing down.
How long do you prime a paint sprayer?
You want to give it at least one minute, but two or three are even better. This way, you make sure all air is out of the machine, and that paint has had time to coat any moving parts.
Can paint sprayer use primer?
If you’re using a standard hopper-style machine, then no – these types of sprayers don’t use primers. HVLP and airless paint sprayers, on the other hand, do require a coat of primer to hold paint in place.
What is a tip size for a paint sprayer?
The most common sizes are .5mm – 1.0mm, but some users prefer bigger or smaller ones depending on their project needs. A larger tip will work faster at transferring more paint per second onto your surface, while a smaller one would be better suited to intricate projects.
If you have any questions about sizing, though, it’s best to consult with your manual or give a call!
How do you prime a sprayer pump?
The first time you use a paint sprayer, it’s essential to prime its pump. This works by taking the air out of the tank and replacing it with liquid paint. You can do this before or after pressure setting, but we recommend doing it beforehand.
Why is my paint sprayer not spraying paint?
Most sprayers will stop dispensing paint if they aren’t properly vented. This means that either air or liquid is trapped inside and can’t flow out. Make sure you follow the instructions above to get rid of this problem!
Do I need to thin paint for an airless sprayer?
Yes, thinning your paint can help it spread out through the air more efficiently. Letting you cut back on the pressure while still getting a quality finish! For HVLP sprayers, though, this isn’t necessary since they are designed to work with thinner coats of paint, to begin with.
What is the best sprayer for latex paint?
Standard hopper-style machines are usually best suited for latex paints, but if you want something that’s made explicitly for water-based finishes, then an HVLP gun would be ideal.
These sprayers have internal fans that push liquid through their narrow nozzles at lower pressures, so you get a smooth finish without drips or runs.
How do I get a smooth finish with a spray gun?
If you want to get a smooth finish with your spray gun, then follow these steps:
– Keep the tip in contact with the surface, and don’t let it “bounce.”
– Use lighter coats to avoid runs and drips.
– Start spraying in the middle of your work area and move outward in even strokes.
How many square feet does a gallon of paint cover when using a sprayer?
It depends on the sprayer you’re using and what type of coating it is. A standard hopper-style machine should cover about 400 square feet per gallon, while an HVLP gun can do 1000.
Do paint sprayers use more paint?
Yes, paint sprayers tend to use more paint than rollers or brushes. That’s because they transfer liquid in such a thin coat that it requires many more square feet per gallon.
Can you mix latex and acrylic paints?
No, latex and acrylic paints should not be mixed. If you want to use both on the same surface, we recommend using an acrylic primer first so that one doesn’t affect the other during application.
How does an airless sprayer reduce overspray?
An airless sprayer reduces overspray by using a piston pump that pushes the liquid through a narrow nozzle. This, in turn, shoots out droplets of paint that hang in the air until they’re pulled toward your surface by gravity.
What is the difference between HVLP and airless sprayers?
HVLP sprayers use high volume, low pressure (hence the “HV”) to push liquid through a fan nozzle. This reduces overspray, which makes them an ideal option for finishing interiors.
On the other hand, airless sprayers operate at twice the pressure of standard guns and are better suited to large areas with lots of coverage needs.
How do you use a paint sprayer indoors?
The best way to use a paint sprayer indoors is by first rolling the walls with primer and letting that dry. Then, set up your gun or hopper-style machine following the instructions outlined in your user manual and start spraying!
Can you use oil-based paint in an airless sprayer?
No, you can’t use oil-based paints in hopper-style machines. These sprays need the addition of a pump to bring them up to pressure. If you’re looking for an airless option, then paint guns are your best bet since they mix oil-based paints with water for spraying.
Final thoughts on how to prime a paint sprayer
If you follow the above steps, priming your paint sprayer should be a breeze! You can even choose to skip this step entirely if your machine is already in good shape.
If it isn’t, though, you might want to consider taking the time to fix it up before attempting to use it again since problems like clogged nozzles and leaks can cause severe damage and pose a safety hazard.
Don’t forget about these alternative painting tools: brush/roller sleeves, roller covers, paint trays. Would you please share this article by clicking on one of the social media icons below or leave a comment if you have any questions or concerns? Thank You!