Cleaning and maintenance of paint spray guns

How to clean a paint spray gun in the bodyshop:

In the field of car bodywork, a clean and well-maintained paint spray gun is essential to guarantee perfect finishes and avoid imperfections on vehicles during work. Cleaning and maintenance of the paint spray gun must be carried out regularly to extend the life of the tool and maintain the quality of the applications.

Why cleaning your spray gun is essential :

In a car body shop, the paint spray gun is the main tool for applying Clearcoat, Primer, Putty and basic finishing tint. Regular cleaning is not just a formality: it's absolutely essential to guarantee professional results and extend the tool's life. In fact, cleaning after each use is essential.

1. Maintain optimum finish quality :

A dirty spray gun results in uneven sprays, drips, splashes or an "orange peel" effect on the bodywork. Even fine traces of dried paint in the ducts or on the Nozzle can affect the spray pattern and compromise colour uniformity. Cleaning your spray gun after each use ensures a smooth, even and precise finish, essential for satisfying demanding customers.

2. Prevent clogging of components :

Dried paint, primer or Clearcoat residues can quickly clog the Nozzle, the needle and the gun's internal ducts. These blockages cause irregular flow, increase the risk of paint overload and can damage the internal mechanism. Regular cleaning will prevent these blockages and keep the gun operational at all times.

3. Extend tool life:

A poorly maintained gun suffers premature wear to seals, springs and nozzles, leading to more frequent replacement costs. By applying gun cleaning and maintenance systematically, you protect your internal components and maximise the life of your equipment.

4. Limit the risk of cross-contamination and ensure optimum results:

If the gun is not properly cleaned, remnants of previous paint can contaminate the next application, especially when changing colour or product type. This can lead to altered colours or undesirable chemical reactions between incompatible products. Rigorous Cleaning ensures that every application remains pure and reliable.

5. Optimise safety and productivity in the workshop:

A clean spray gun reduces the risk of uncontrolled splashing and ensures faster, safer spraying and work. Bodybuilders can apply paint with confidence, without having to interrupt their workflow to unclog or repair the tool in the middle of a car repair.

Which cleaning kit for your paint spray gun? Features and benefits for bodywork professionals:

The Universal Cleaning kit is a central tool for ensuring perfect finishes. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your paint spray gun is essential to maintain its performance and extend its life.

Contents of the Spray Gun Cleaning Kit :

• Brushes of different diameters, for effective cleaning of the Nozzle, internal ducts and gun body. These brushes are often made of nylon or brass to withstand cleaning products without damaging the parts.
• Clogging needles or picks, to remove dried paint residues from fine passages or nozzles.
• Lubrication bottles or accessories, to protect seals and moving mechanisms after cleaning.
• A storage box or case, handy for organising parts and keeping them within easy reach in the workshop.

With this Coveralls, you can carry out complete gun cleaning, whether on removable parts or hard-to-reach internal ducts.

Compatibility and FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY:

The gun cleaning kits are designed to be universal, compatible with the majority of paint gun models, whether gravity, suction or HVLP. They are designed for PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY, to ensure that all bodybuilders can keep their tools in perfect condition, reduce the risk of breakdowns and ensure even paint application.

The cleaning product used with the kit is also important: it must be suitable for the paint or Clearcoat being applied, whether 1K, 2K, acrylic or polyurethane. The right choice of product and the use of accessories will ensure effective cleaning, without damaging the seals or the spray gun nozzle.

Objectives and benefits of the Cleaning kit :

A gun cleaning kit is not just a set of tools: it's a key part of equipment maintenance to ensure:

• Regular, even spraying, avoiding drips, orange peel effects or unevenness on the bodywork.
• Preservation of internal components, prolonging the life of the gun and reducing maintenance costs
• Prevents blockages caused by dried paint in the nozzle or ducts
• Optimised productivity, because a clean gun means you can work quickly and efficiently, without interruptions for unclogging or repairs.

Materials and ergonomics:

The quality of the materials used in the kit is paramount:

• Nylon or brass bumps are resistant to solvents and repetitive cleaning
• The fine needles make it possible to unblock even small-diameter nozzles without risk of damaging the gun.
• The storage case makes it easy to keep accessories organised and protects them from dust or damage

For the needs of car bodywork professionals, a gun cleaning kit is an essential tool for ensuring:

• Precise, even paint application
• Long gun life
• Easy, effective maintenance
• Save time and increase productivity in the workshop

What are the maintenance tips?

To maintain performance, durability and the quality of your finishes, it's essential to follow a few maintenance and cleaning rules to ensure impeccable cleanliness. Quick, meticulous cleaning and maintenance of your paint spray gun will ensure better application and consistent performance. Here are our cleaning tips:

1. Cleaning immediately after use :

This is the basics: an uncleaned spray gun quickly clogs up, leading to uneven sprays, loss of pressure or drips on the bodywork.

• Empty the paint cup immediately after use.
• Rinse it with a suitable cleaning product (solvent or specific Thinner)
• Use a gun cleaning kit to remove residues from nozzles, ducts and air passages.

2. Use the right gun cleaners:

The choice of cleaning product is essential:

• Always use a product that is compatible with the paint you are using (acrylic, polyurethane, water-based...)
• Avoid overly aggressive solvents that can damage seals and internal components.
• For thorough gun cleaning, soak the dismantled parts for a few minutes, but never leave the entire gun submerged.

3. Maintain seals and moving parts :

• Apply a drop of maintenance oil or special lubricant after each cleaning to prevent oxidation
• Inspect the condition of seals regularly and replace them as soon as they show signs of wear or leakage.
• Clean the threads on the nozzle and needle to maintain a good seal.

4. Check and protect the Nozzle and air cap:

The Nozzle is the most sensitive part of the gun:

• Never clean it with sharp metal objects: use the fine needles in the gun cleaning kit.
• Check its alignment and condition each time you use it
• If the Nozzle is damaged, change it immediately to avoid any spray irregularities.

5. Store the gun correctly:

Good maintenance also means good storage:

• Always store the gun in a clean, dry and dust-free place.
• Hang it or place it in a dedicated holder, with the Nozzle facing upwards, to avoid any distortion.
• Never leave paint or Thinner in the cup between uses.

6. Carry out regular checks:

Preventive maintenance avoids many problems:

• Check the air pressure, the spray pattern and the tightness of your fittings
• Test the gun before each session to detect any malfunctions
• Schedule a weekly complete cleaning if the gun is used intensively.

Regular maintenance of your paint spray gun is a guarantee of quality, reliability and durability. By using the right cleaning products, a complete spray gun cleaning kit and a rigorous maintenance routine, every bodybuilder can guarantee:

• Precise, even application
• Durable, high-performance equipment
• Optimum productivity in the workshop

Paint gun cleaning is not a constraint, it's good professional practice and essential for any bodywork workshop.

To keep your paint spray gun working at its best, it's essential to carry out regular, simple cleaning using a suitable cleaner or solvent solution. This process removes paint residues and maintains the precision of the spray. The main cleaning systems, both manual and automatic, ensure fast, effective maintenance, while extending the life of the tool. For optimum protection, also remember to store your equipment properly after each use. Knowing and using the right cleaning methods will guarantee long-lasting performance and a consistently impeccable finish to your bodywork.

Find Sata, Sagola and Devilbiss on our website for all your Spray needs:

Discover all our bodywork tools and our new products for spraying your bodywork. Sata, Sagola, Devilbiss, we offer the biggest brands at the best prices.