Cleaning the spray gun
The spray gun, like any other equipment must be cleaned of powder and possible contamination periodically. Lots of problems might be caused without this operation. For example, a big amount of the pouder may precipitate on the screw carving for paint supply that will coke and deteriorate the device over time. Also, powder can completely clog the barrel of the gun and new paint just won’t be able to pass through it. Well, one more important problem that awaits everyone who does not clean the spray gun is short circuit.
When to сlean the spray gun
Manufacturers always note in the instructions for spray guns the necessity in regular cleaning and describe how to do it correctly.
In order to avoid possible problems, it is necessary to clean the gun daily after working with powder paints like Antique or Metallic. In general, it is best to clean the gun every day at the end of a shift or at the end of painting work.
It is also obligatory to clean the gun after changing paint by color or type. Otherwise, residues from the previous powder can negatively affect the quality of the new coating.
How to clean a spray gun
In order to clean the electrostatic spray gun, you must first discard the remaining paint from the hopper and disconnect it from the mains. Then – disassemble it. For example, for a “Start” electrostatic gun – remove the paint adjustment screw, unscrew the barrel and the compressed air supply connection.
Then you need to blow all the parts with compressed air.
The electrostatic gun can also be cleaned with a steel wire rod. It is worth winding cotton wool or thread moistened with lithol on it. You can clean the barrel with a ramrod to the corona needle. Remains of lithol are removed with a dry textile. But all other parts are cleaned with compressed air only.
The trigger should be cleaned at least once a year. To do this, you need to unscrew the plug, and wipe it with a dampened cotton wool.
The tribostatics, also, should be periodically cleaned with a brush, blown with compressed air and wiped the hopper with a soft damp textile.
If you have a special painting unit installed, then you will have to spend more time and efforts on cleaning. Because it is necessary to clean not only the gun but also the tank, injector, hose and all other elements that contact with the paint. The procedure is the same: disassemble everything into parts and blow out with compressed air. But you cannot use a steel ramrod in such installations: it can scratch the barrel.
Most importantly, it is strictly forbidden to use water or organic solvents for cleaning! Compressed air and lithol, only.
