The spray gun does not suck in paint. No paint supply to the spray gun

The spray gun is used for painting any surfaces. The paint applies smoothly, its consumption is minimal, and little time is required to work. But in order for the quality of the painted surface to be excellent and the paint itself to be consumed as little as possible, adjustment of the spray gun is necessary. Why exactly is this being done? For each type of dye, the conditions for feeding the mixture are different. The pressure and spray of paint can be completely different. Therefore, before using the equipment, it is necessary to correctly adjust the spray gun and conduct a test to determine its suitability for work. After this, you can safely start coloring; it won’t take much time.

Basic rules for adjusting the spray gun

Be sure to adjust the equipment before starting work. Otherwise it will not work properly. If adjustments are not made, the paint consumption will be too high and the quality will decrease. To make adjustments, special adjustment screws are used. They allow you to set the required size of the torch for painting and the shape of the spray pattern. For adjustment, a special test is used, i.e. applying a coloring composition to a sheet of paper or drywall.

The passage hole and the amount of paint to be sprayed are pre-selected. It is necessary to choose at what distance the equipment should be kept, how to dilute the composition so that it is not too liquid or thick. You can set the spray pressure. It all depends on what kind of paint is used for the job. Typically the operating pressure is 3-5 bar, but individual compositions may have their own requirements. During this adjustment, the shape of the cone can be changed.

In order for paint consumption to be economical, it is necessary to determine not only the supply, but also the degree of its dilution. Only test staining is used, since other methods cannot obtain an accurate value. It is necessary to carefully examine the paint stain, its quality, intensity. This will allow you, in just half an hour, to accurately dilute the paint for use, determine the distance and other indicators. If the paint is too liquid, the stain will have drips and will not be of good quality. To avoid such situations, you must first dilute a small amount of paint, and not all at once. In this case, it will be possible to eliminate unnecessary costs.

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What are the types of spray guns?

Any paint sprayer is a very delicate device and is not suitable for neglect, and breakdowns are not always the reason for the low cost of the tool; this can also happen with a well-known, well-established brand.

Very often the causes of breakdowns can be:

Incorrect operation of the spray gun (see How to use a spray gun: advice from professionals).
Neglect of basic rules when caring for an instrument.

Before disassembling the spray gun into components and parts, you need to become familiar with the types of these tools.

They can be:

Manual (see How to choose a manual spray gun). Such designs with a manual supercharger, in appearance and principle of operation, resemble a conventional pump. Here, pressure is injected into the cavity with paint independently, and then enters the nozzle.

Such a tool is most suitable for spraying liquid whitewash or a water emulsion of liquid consistency, and with a fully inflated tank it will only last for a few minutes of painting, after which you will need to pump up the pump again.

The main disadvantages of such a tool:

not high working pressure, unable to lift paint of a thicker consistency;
low efficiency and efficiency;
a rapid drop in the working pressure in the tank, which requires constant pumping.

The significant advantages of a spray gun with a manual supercharger are its simple design and not too high price. This allows any damage to be repaired with electrical tape.

Electric.

Battery-powered spray gun
Tip: An electric spray gun is a specific tool. When choosing it, you must clearly understand for what tasks it will be used.

Electric spray guns differ in the power of the motor that delivers the paint to the nozzle.

Repairing an electric spray gun is most often associated with a burnt-out engine, which you are unlikely to be able to repair yourself. In addition, the price of a high-quality device is not too low, and it is not always rational to take risks by performing repairs yourself; it is better to pay for repairs to specialists working in the service center.

Pneumatic. This is the most professional tool when painting walls (see Painting walls in an apartment: what to use and how to do it). It is the most difficult to repair.

This device consists entirely of mechanical components. There are no complex electronics here, but it often breaks down due to prolonged or not entirely correct use.

Advantages of pneumatic tools:

the ability to adjust the operating pressure, limited only by the power of the compressor and the size of the device’s receiver;

with a pneumatic spray gun you can spray all types of paints, even with a thick consistency, which depends on the settings of the tool;

repairing the unit is quite easy to do independently, without the help of specialists;

By giving the jet the required configuration, it is possible to adjust the spray pattern.

The cost of a pneumatic spray gun varies over a wide range, which allows you to make a choice according to your available funds.

Performance tests

To properly adjust the spray gun, it is necessary to carry out a number of tests, which are not very complicated. This will increase productivity and minimize paint consumption.

Such tests include:

checking the quality of paint spraying;
checking for the torch imprint, its correctness;
checking the uniformity of paint distribution.

The spray quality test is simple. It is necessary to apply a strip of paint using a spray gun to a piece of drywall. After this, you can evaluate the size of the droplets and the uniformity of the stripe application. The stripe itself will be most intense in the center, and towards the edges it will become less uniform.

The shape of the imprint for a torch is determined differently. You need to hold the spray gun on at a distance of 15-20 cm from the surface for a second. If the paint print is smooth and well defined, then the equipment is adjusted normally. If there are numerous splashes around, then the pressure is too high and needs to be reduced. If the spot is uneven, then the pressure is insufficient or the holes are clogged.

Even distribution of paint is also important to avoid drips during application. If they are, then most likely the pressure is insufficient. The spray gun is configured as follows during testing:

It is necessary to ensure that the nozzle and all holes are free of paint and correspond to the type of paint composition.
After this, a sheet or piece of drywall is attached in a vertical position (a piece of 50*50 cm is sufficient).
The pressure is set as required by the instructions.
After this, a test strip is painted so that it can be evaluated and adjusted.
Vertical and horizontal stripes are carried out to determine the uniformity of the applied paint and the quality of the surface.

After the assessment, the following conclusions are drawn:

The torch is adjusted properly if the spot is symmetrical and even. The height and width of the resulting spot must fully comply with what is stated in the instructions. The paint is distributed evenly without splashing.
The torch produces crescent-shaped stripes. This indicates that the nozzle is dirty or damaged, as is the center hole or side holes of the air special head.
When turned on, the torch takes the shape of a figure eight. This means that the paint is liquid or high pressure is applied, it must be reduced.
Intermittent torch. This is a sign that there is little paint left in the tank; the level needs to be checked. Air may have gotten into the channels that supply paint. In this case, they need to be cleaned. The tank vents are dirty and need cleaning.
The torch is supplied in the form of a drop. In this case, the spray gun is held incorrectly relative to the surface. The nozzle may also be dirty.
The torch is issued in the form of an ellipse. In this case, thick paint is used or the supply is large and the operating pressure is too low.

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Possible problems and solutions to the problem

A spray gun is a simple piece of equipment, but such a tool can break or begin to work incorrectly. There are few such cases, but you need to be aware of how you can repair the equipment yourself. Among the most common problems when working with a spray gun are:

The air cap may be damaged, as indicated by its center hole. It is best to immediately replace the entire broken unit if it cannot be cleaned. But before such a replacement, it is better to try to clean the hole; for this, a thin needle is used. When, after cleaning, the nozzle still does not produce a normal stream of paint, the unit is replaced. This is not so difficult to do; you just need to purchase a head suitable for a specific spray gun; it can be found in any hardware store.
Defects were found at the side hole of the head. Most often this is due to the fact that it is clogged with paint if the spray gun is not washed after use. They are easy to clean; a needle is used for this.
The nut on the guide bushing may be overtightened. If this happens, then you need to carefully clean the air valve stem, then shift the location of the torch and slightly loosen the position of the nut. The cleaning needle is carefully inserted into the head of the spray gun, the rod is replaced if necessary, but it can also be cleaned.
The stroke of the paint feed lever is too tight. There can be several reasons for this problem, but most often it is a dirty air valve. It needs to be cleaned properly. If this measure does not work, then you should check the tension of the nut; perhaps it is too tight. Possible solutions include replacing the rod, cleaning the needle, or completely replacing the paint head.

During adjustment, the torch is set to a position directed along the axis of the device.

In this case, it may well be that the air cap and side holes are clogged. It is necessary to inspect them, and then, if necessary, thoroughly clean or completely replace the pneumatic head of the equipment.

It is difficult to convey the unpleasant emotions that overwhelm the owners of expensive perfumes when some problems arise with the bottle. The most common problems are the spray leaking or the spray bottle not working. Is it possible to repair the atomizer and save valuable perfume? What to do if the perfume doesn't spray? Do not rush to get upset, we will tell you a few secrets on how to restore the functionality of the bottle.

Which spray gun should you choose?

Each type of sprayer has its pros and cons:

HP allows you to paint evenly and quickly, but due to the formation of a large amount of paint dust in the air, it does not provide ideal painting quality. When applying glossy materials, you will have to polish the surface after drying. To work with such a spray gun you will need good personal protective equipment.

Advice! HP is the best option for a novice craftsman and for spraying inexpensive materials. This is a simple and inexpensive spray gun for home use.

Why doesn't my perfume sprayer work?

There are several reasons that can cause a spray bottle to break down. The most common are the following:

clogged holes in the spray nozzle or spray tube;
sticking or displacement of the ball inside the mechanism;
air entering the tube, which takes the perfume from the bottle.

Don't fall into despair and throw away your favorite perfume. For any of these problems there is a correct solution. There are several ways to fix perfume if it doesn't spray. So let's try to fix the spray gun ourselves.

Clogged spray holes

The most common reason why a perfume atomizer does not work is that it is clogged. Most often it occurs in perfumes that are already several years old. The components of the aromatic liquid, passing through the spray nozzle, can settle inside. This oily substance eventually clogs the narrow opening of the spray.

What to do if the perfume stops spraying as a result of a blockage? To resolve this problem, you need to do the following:

remove the spray button;
soak it in alcohol, cologne or hot water to dissolve the blockage;
clean the holes in the spray with a very thin needle;
clean the tube pin with a wooden toothpick;
Thoroughly blow out the mechanism or flush it several times.

After the cleaning procedure, you can return the nozzle to its place and check the operation of the sprayer. If it doesn't work well enough, repeat the cleansing process.

Ball sticking inside the dispenser

Another reason for the spray bottle to not work may be the sticking of a tiny ball located inside. This small part can get stuck and block the flow of perfume into the opening of the atomizer. Let's see what to do if the eau de toilette doesn't splash.

In this case, you can use the following effective method:

place the perfume in the freezer for 1-2 hours;
then check the operation of the sprayer.

It often happens that sub-zero temperatures have a positive effect on the ball. As a result, the sprayer begins to work obediently.

Air getting into the tube

If the perfume does not spray, there may be air in the spray tube. To restore the functions of the bottle you need to:

remove the sprayer by pulling it up. Below it is a short plastic pin;
turn the bottle over and place it on a hard surface;
Gently press the pin to the surface so that it is pressed into the bottle. Repeat several times if necessary;
a few drops of perfume will flow out, but the air bubble should leave the tube;
then put the spray bottle back on.

If all restoration work is unsuccessful, the sprayer may have broken completely. Then it is better to replace it by removing it from another used bottle.

Backup options for saving perfume

If there are no positive results after the steps taken, it is better to forget about the beautiful bottle and try to extract your favorite scent. What to do when the perfume spray bottle is completely broken? In this case, you will have to do the following:

remove the valve part of the spray using pliers or a can opener;
pour the perfume into a special atomizer or other bottle.

For those who don't know. An atomizer is a glass or plastic container with a screw-on atomizer. It can have different volumes from 5 to 100 ml. The atomizer can be purchased at any perfume department that sells perfume on tap.

If you can’t remove the valve and the dispenser is irreparably broken, you can use another option:

take any jar, wash well with water, wipe dry, rinse with alcohol;
place the inverted perfume into the container, having first removed the atomizer;
Press the tube to the bottom of the jar to release a strong stream of perfume;
then collect the contents with a syringe and pour into the atomizer.

OK it's all over Now. We wish you success. We hope that our own experience will help revive your bottle.

And what should be the imprint of the paint torch for correct, uniform spraying of paint. What to do if the shape of the torch does not correspond to the standard?

Today you will find out

Let us remind you that if the spray gun is in full working order and correctly adjusted, the spray torch should leave a trace of evenly applied paint on the tested surface, shaped like an elongated ellipse or rectangle with rounded edges. Its sides are smooth, without any depressions or protrusions, and the paint and varnish material is evenly distributed over the entire area of the print.

If the spraying process does not proceed correctly and deviations are observed in the shape of the torch imprint, first of all, do not panic - often the reasons for this are very trivial, for example, an unbalanced ratio of air supply to paint, or incorrectly selected. Of course, there may be more serious reasons, for example, clogging, damage or wear of the spray gun parts (air cap, nozzle, needle).

In any case, diagnosing the causes should always start small - perhaps a simple additional thinning of the paint or cleaning the spray gun will save you from buying a new air cap or nozzle.

Let's look at the most common deviations of the paint spray from the norm and figure out what measures need to be taken to eliminate them.

The structure and principle of operation of a pneumatic spray gun

Before choosing a pneumatic spray gun, you need to understand its design. This sprayer looks like a metal gun, which is connected to a compressor with a flexible hose. The “gun” is equipped with a paint container (filler tank), a conical nozzle (nozzle or nozzle) and a sealing needle. It also has adjustment screws.

Pneumatic spray gun device

Important! The compressor for the pneumatic sprayer must be equipped with a receiver.

How does such equipment work? The compressor pumps air to the pressure specified in the settings. When the painter pulls the trigger, the valve opens and compressed air enters the sprayer. Here, thanks to the pressure difference, the paint is “pulled” out of the tank and sprayed into tiny particles. A stream of colorful “fog” flies out of the spray gun nozzle, which paints the desired surfaces. This jet is called a torch, and it can have a different cross-sectional shape (round or elongated).

Almost all paint sprayers allow you to adjust the speed of air and spray material. Many models are equipped with several nozzles of different diameters.

Figure Eight and Double Eight Forms

A strong narrowing of the spray in the center usually occurs due to insufficient paint supply or too high spray pressure. For the same reasons, the torch can take the shape of a “double eight”. Such flame defects are more likely to occur when working with low-viscosity, low-solids materials than with high-viscosity materials.

The solution to this kind of problem can be to increase the supply of material using the appropriate regulator on the body of the spray gun or reduce the pressure at the inlet.

Excess paint in the center or at the edges

Most often, the cause of this type of defect is too strong a supply of material. Moreover, there is an interesting feature here: if in sprayers of a conventional system, with an excessive supply of paint, an excess of paint will be observed in the central part of the print, then on guns of the HVLP and LVLP systems, the material tends to be redistributed closer to the edges. Try reducing the paint supply and repeat the spray test.

An excess of material in the center of the torch can also be caused by too high paint viscosity or low inlet pressure. So be sure to check the viscosity of the paint material and install it at the inlet of the spray gun.

"Pear-shaped" or "banana-shaped"

A pear-shaped print with a thickening at the top or bottom is most likely caused by a clogged or damaged air cap, nozzle, or air passages. For the same reason, a displacement of the paintwork material to the left or to the right (“banana-shaped profile”) may be observed.

Here it is important for us to understand what exactly is clogged. To determine this, rotate the air cap 180° and repeat the “spray test”. If the print is also upside down, then the air cap is at fault. Remove it and wash with solvent (see poster at the bottom of the article). If the shape of the print has not changed, the reason is a clogged or damaged nozzle.

It is better to clean the air cap and nozzle with special brushes and needles, which are sold in separate kits specifically for washing the spray gun.

If such accessories are not available, you can use some kind of soft brush and a wooden stick (exclusively wooden!), sharpened for the small holes of the air cap, or a toothpick.

Never use metal objects (brushes, paper clips) to clean the spray gun. They can damage the head and nozzle!

Pulsating or trembling torch

If the torch vibrates, the jet becomes intermittent and unstable, and the paint and varnish material bubbles in the tank, there may be several reasons. As always, let's start small.

First of all, we note that such instability of the torch is often found on pistols with a lower reservoir. If you are using this type of gun, it may be that there is not enough paint in the tank or the sprayer is tilted too far, causing the pick-up tube to not be immersed in the paint material and not flowing properly. Add paint to the tank or rotate the paint pick-up tube 180° and spraying will proceed correctly again.

On top-tank guns, the jet may also become unstable when tilted too high (for example, when painting various hard-to-reach places), so try not to tilt the sprayer too much in such cases.

Also pay attention to the vent hole in the tank cap - it may simply be clogged. Clean it and the torch will stabilize again.

However, there may be more serious reasons. For example, a poorly tightened or damaged nozzle at the base. Unscrew it and check the threads for damage and “stuck” turns. If the nozzle is ok, just tighten it well.

The problem may also be with the spray gun needle - it is severely worn, clogged with dried paint residues, or is not fastened tightly enough. First, remove it and clean it if necessary. Lubricate the needle mounting oil seal with a special silicone-free (necessarily silicone-free!) lubricant. Sometimes such lubricant comes with the spray gun. Also lubricate the paint needle spring. If this does not help, replace the oil seal and tighten the fastening screw, but do not overtighten it, so as not to disrupt the free movement of the needle.

The reason may also be clogging of the paint supply channels. Thoroughly rinse the channels with a soft brush with the needle, air cap and nozzle removed, then blow off the spray gun with compressed air.

As you can see, in most cases the reasons for the irregular shape of the torch are easily eliminated. It is enough to correctly configure the spray gun and select the desired viscosity of the paintwork material. Also, do not forget to promptly and carefully care for your spray gun, respect and love it, and it will reciprocate your feelings.

Both beginners and experienced craftsmen often encounter the problem that the airbrush spits, spattering the paint unevenly. We suggest you figure out why this happens and how you can fix such a device defect?

Spray gun device

Before repairing any device you must:

Get acquainted with its design.
Correctly diagnose the problem.
Determine the node where the breakdown occurred.

The spray gun contains:

The body of the gun, with a handle, a barrel for paint, and a trigger for feeding the mixture.
Solution injection mechanism, which is equipped with a nozzle and an adjusting bolt.
Spray regulator.
Air supply regulator.

The injection mechanism consists of several components:

A needle that opens and closes the hole for supplying air and coloring composition.
The regulator bolt, when it is turned, paint consumption is controlled.
A locking nut used to hold the needle.
The sealing ring and the hole in it allow air to be evenly distributed around the circumference of the nozzle.
Spray nuts, the part has one hole in the center and two small ones at the edges, which allows you to adjust the size of the “torch”.

Tip: Each product comes with detailed instructions, in which the tool is shown in section. Before work, you should carefully study the design so that after repair there are no “extra” parts left.

Spray gun device

How to diagnose the device and possible breakdowns

The table shows the main breakdowns of the spray gun and the reasons leading to this:

Name of the malfunction Causes of the breakdown The spray pattern is oval-shaped and does not respond to changes in the position of the adjusting bolt

The shutoff valve in the adjustment unit has broken off. This problem often occurs with low quality instruments.
The side holes in the supply nozzle are clogged.
The sealing rubber in the control unit needs to be replaced.

The paint flow is uneven and spits out in chunks

The consistency of the paint is too thick and is not intended for this type of spray gun.
There is an accumulation of condensate in the air hoses; it needs to be drained. This occurs very often during the cold season.
The holes in the outlet nozzle are clogged.
A large amount of solid particles has accumulated in the paint container and cannot pass through the needle. You should drain the composition, rinse the instrument thoroughly and pour in a new composition, but passed through a sieve.

The trigger does not return to the reverse position when released

The piston located on the feed needle is ignited. The instrument is disassembled and thoroughly washed, and the spraying is repeated.
The spring located under the bolt that adjusts the feed needle has sagged.
Due to rust, the moving mechanisms of the trigger stopped moving.
The rubber seal located on the needle has dried out and the piston has moved from its place.

Paint drips from the nozzle when it is closed

The needle became sharp and stopped blocking the nozzle.
The sagging spring does not press the needle.
Solid particles have entered the assembly and interfere with the correct movement of the needle.
The trigger does not recline to the desired position.

The spray pattern constantly changes direction

The hole in the nozzle is clogged.
There are clots or foreign objects in the feed mechanism or ink tank.
The bolt that adjusts the torch has broken.

The spray gun does not spray paint after pressing the trigger

The needle is not moved by the trigger mechanism.
The feed unit is clogged with paint or foreign objects.
Very thick paint

Tip: Usually a repair kit for such a tool consists of several bolts and rubber seals, which are supplied with it, but if there are no parts, you should immediately purchase several rubber seals, which quite often deteriorate.

How to maintain and repair a spray gun

For example, a low-pressure pneumatic spray gun is taken. The main problem with many units is the use of alkyd paints. After finishing work, the sprayer must be cleaned and rinsed well.

Otherwise gun:

It will get clogged.
It will spray unevenly.

Advice: All elements for spray guns should be cleaned and washed - they are all practically “overgrown” with paint, the layers of which must be washed off with solvent or gasoline.

When servicing the spray gun:

The most problems arise with the valve drying to the cylinder, as a result of which it cannot be moved. The use of solvents in this case weakens the dried coating layer and allows the unit to be cleaned. All actions are done very carefully so as not to damage such a small part.
The injectors and nozzle become clogged no less than the valve. In this case, the main part of the unit is the needle, which participates in the formation of the torch and determines the quality of the painting work. To clean such small parts, use a brush with a solvent. Here everything must be done very carefully, as can be seen in the photo, in order to prevent the formation of scratches in the nozzle itself, which can cause the paintwork to settle in the grooves and lead to distortion of the torch shape.

How to Clean the Nozzle

When cleaning equipment, it is better to use specially designed SATA needles and brushes that do not scratch the nozzle.
If the moisture separator for the spray gun, which is a filter for the tool and paintwork materials pass through it, is very clogged, then it can be cleaned with the same tools and materials as the nozzle.
It is very important to use paint materials entering the spray nozzle without lumps, for which the paint container must always be clean. This is due to the fact that the paint that has hardened on its walls will peel off and then mix with the liquid and get into the conductive parts.
If there is a pressure gauge for the spray gun and a pressure regulator, they must be cleaned of dried layers of paint, which can lead to malfunctions in their operation and, therefore, to poor-quality finishing.

After all the cleaning activities have been completed, the sprayer must be reassembled in the same order as disassembly, but after the components and parts have completely dried. You can dry them with a hairdryer. Rubbing elements, including the gun trigger rod and needles, must be lubricated with silicone-free lubricant.

Proper operation will make any spray gun a good, inexpensive, reliable assistant when carrying out repairs in the house, and the video will show you how to do it correctly.

About the design of the airbrush

Airbrushes are different and, first of all, they differ in the way they apply paint to the place where it mixes with air. Accordingly, the tank can be located at the top, bottom and side.

The last option is convenient because you can draw with such a device from almost any angle. The lower type of eyeliner, when compared with the upper one, involves the use of more liquid paint and higher pressure. However, many airbrush artists prefer this option due to the fact that it is less likely to spit when applying paint.

Types of feed control airbrushes:

single - in such models, only the air flow is regulated by a trigger, and the air mixes with the paint, carrying it along with it. These airbrushes are the simplest and most inexpensive;
double dependent ones allow you to simultaneously influence both the air and needle valves with one trigger, without stopping the drawing process;
double independent ones are characterized by the fact that the lever can be moved in two directions, performing the function of supplying air and paint separately. Such devices are considered the most universal;
automatic trigger (very easy to use and ideal for beginners).

The thickness of the line applied to the surface depends on the diameter of the nozzle used. The optimal size is 0.2 or 0.3 mm. If you need to replace the nozzle with a thinner one, then you also need to change the needle or sharpen the one that is standing. It should be noted that the thinner the nozzle, the more sensitive it is to the density of the paint. When replacing the needle, it is important that the oil seal fits tightly to it, otherwise paint may leak.

The airbrush nozzle can be threaded or conical. The first option is the most common. An airbrush with a threaded nozzle usually includes a special key for removal and fixation. The nozzle can be removed without much difficulty, but you should be careful when installing it, as it is quite fragile.

A cone nozzle is more convenient in this regard. To fix it, you just need to insert it into the socket and press the cap. The cone nozzle is also good because it is self-centering and does not require sealing.

The nozzle may become clogged due to a mismatch between the paint density and its diameter. This often results in the airbrush spitting. Therefore, the thinner the nozzle, the lighter the consistency of the paint that needs to be poured into the tank.

And let’s add a few words about oil seals, because if they are chosen incorrectly, then paint leakage is guaranteed. They should fit tightly, but it is better to choose Teflon ones, which last longer and are more resistant to aggressive nitro-containing paints.

Reasons why your airbrush spits

There are seven main factors that can cause an airbrush to spit. All these problems and ways to solve them are presented in this table.

The reason why the airbrush spits	Troubleshooting options
Paint consistency is too thick	Place 2-3 drops of solvent into the device tank and check the operation of the airbrush
The airbrush is clogged	Remove the nozzle and needle and thoroughly clean the parts. This can be done by immersing it in the solvent used to thin the paint for five minutes.
Lumps and foreign inclusions in paint	Strain the paint material through a fine sieve or double layer of nylon
Insufficient or excessive pressure	Set the pressure level to 2 atm.
Too thin coloring composition	Add more paint to reduce the “wateriness” of the solution
Low strength of fastenings of airbrush elements	Check that everything is properly tightened and tighten the connections if necessary.
Worn seal, nozzle or needle	Replace parts with new ones

Liquid paint in combination with a loose fit of the needle to the nozzle can lead to the coloring composition flowing into the crown and inevitably drying out at the tip of the needle. As a result, it becomes clogged, and the way out of the situation is to clean the crown and increase the level of pressure at the outlet. If the paint is thick, the same problems may occur, but you can try the same solution. A specific reason for the airbrush starting to spit can be indicated by characteristic smudges or the shape of the “spit.”

For example, if there is a blot in the form of a spider with thick legs or “cilia” as they are also called, then most likely the paint is too liquid or the air pressure is too high. If the device spits out small splashing dots, then this, on the contrary, indicates low pressure or the thickness of the paint composition.

Please note that the consistency of the paint should ideally resemble milk.

According to some users, Tamiya Airbrush Cleaner liquid cleans the needle well. Sometimes the cause of an airbrush malfunction may be that the needle or nozzle is in contact with the crown at the exit. As a result, this leads to the fact that some part of the paint and varnish composition gets onto the surface of the part being painted, and some begins to accumulate in the crown and thus clogs it. To avoid this, experienced airbrush artists recommend purchasing a device with a self-centering nozzle.

There are also situations when washing the airbrush does not help, and it continues to spit. In these cases, installing a tighter gasket on the nozzle threads may help. Some craftsmen obtain such small oil seals by dismantling old or even new simple gas lighters. The gasket is installed, the nozzle is screwed on, the seal is cut along the edges to size.

Major breakdowns

When the essence of the structure of the tool is understood, you should understand the malfunctions that may arise during operation. There is a repair kit for the spray gun on sale, which is convenient to keep in stock to quickly solve the problem. Some parts wear out, and their replacement is only a matter of time.

There is a repair kit for the spray gun on sale, which is convenient to keep in stock to quickly solve the problem.

The gun doesn't paint

It happens that when you want to apply paint and varnish material to the base, the spray gun does not supply paint. A turning point in the operating principle of the tool can occur for the following reasons:

The compressor may create too low air flow pressure; to fix the problem, it is worth adjusting the compressor;
Whitewash and other solutions may remain on the needle or nozzle, and their excess may make it difficult for the substance to come out. After disassembling the device manually, the parts are cleaned;
The needle or nozzle breaks; in this case, it is only possible to install a new part that matches the size.

The needle or nozzle breaks; in this case, only installing a new part is possible.

Air supply

The spray gun for the compressor turns on the trigger; if it is damaged, the flow of air masses may be disrupted. Then, when pressed, no fixation occurs and the channel closes. To apply paintwork, you have to not release the trigger all the time. The problem occurs in the following cases:

The piston has moved from its original place, this is the result of the sealing rubber part drying out, a new seal must be installed;
The movable elements of the device, made of metal material, are covered with rust and need to be replaced;
The spring is worn out and does not perform its function; a working version is replaced;
The piston on the feed needle has fallen. In this case, you should clean the device after disassembly, reassemble it and test the operation of the spray gun after.

You can use a spray gun extension to move the tool over a large area.

The spray gun for the compressor turns on the trigger; if it is damaged, the flow of air masses may be disrupted.

Adjusting the torch size

In order for the layer to be even and the base to be covered with paint well, it is required that the torch be uniform in size. A change in spray flow may occur for the following reasons:

The presence of foreign particles in the paint container, all elements must be removed from the solution;
The nozzle has become dirty and cannot be avoided without thorough cleaning;
The bolt responsible for adjusting the nozzle shape has broken. This part is replaced with a new one.

If the spray is created in the shape of an oval, then there are the options described below:

The sealing rubber in the control unit is outdated, the part needs to be replaced;
The side holes in the nozzle are clogged with dirt; cleaning is in progress;
The shut-off valve, which is located in the control unit, has failed. A new part is being installed.

A repair kit for remote controls with silicone glue can be used in a number of breakdowns.

In order for the layer to be even and the base to be covered with paint well, it is required that the torch be uniform in size.

Spray gun spits

Why the spray gun spits is a common question; the tool may hiss during the painting process. Damage may occur:

The air cap was not tightened properly; the tension needs to be adjusted;
The viscous characteristic of the coloring agent is not suitable for the device, it is necessary to add a solvent;
The level of viscous property is not acceptable with the adjusted pressure;
The breather on the container for paintwork materials is dirty, the element is cleaned;
Another option why the spray gun spits paint is that the pressure in the receiver has become too low; by adjusting the tool, the problem is solved.

There is a special moisture separator for the spray gun, which dries the air so that the composition is applied without defects, which is important for car coating.

There is a special dehumidifier for the spray gun, which dries the air so that the composition is applied without defects.

The torch moves to the side

Displacement of the torch from the gun occurs when the side holes are clogged with dirt; cleaning the head solves the problem. Also, the holes may break, then there is no other option but to replace them.

Displacement of the torch from the gun occurs when the side holes are clogged with dirt; cleaning the head solves the problem.

Asymmetry of the torch spot

An uneven layer of paint may result from a clogged or broken nozzle. Accordingly, the parts are either cleaned or replaced. Other reasons include:

The hole in the air cap in the center is dirty;
Either this hole is broken.

An uneven layer of paint may result from a clogged or broken nozzle.

Paint supply

There are several options for such a failure, and the causes of problems also differ. When only air flow exits the nozzle, the following points are possible:

The solution is diluted;
Large elements caught in the paint are removed;
The needle has stopped moving due to breakage and should be replaced.

When the composition flows out with the nozzle closed:

The needle cannot move due to an obstruction;
The trigger cannot move freely also due to a foreign object;
The spring is not capable of pressing the needle;
The nozzle does not close with the needle; a new needle needs to be installed.

If the solution is applied unevenly:

The presence of particles that are too large for the needle;
The nozzle holes are dirty;
Condensation collects in the air hoses; you need to pour the liquid along the entire length of the hose;
Excessively thick composition.

Large elements that get into the paint are removed.

Prevention and care

Proper care can prevent your airbrush from spitting and extend its service life. Here are some useful rules:

When replacing paint, clean the tank;
After drawing, immediately disassemble and wash the airbrush thoroughly;
You need to clean the device from acrylic compounds with a special cleaner or alcohol;
To clean the nozzle, also use small brushes specially designed for this purpose.

Why doesn't the spray gun work? Many people, most likely, when faced with such a problem, take wrenches, screwdrivers of different sizes, disassemble the device and try to figure out what could be the cause of the breakdown, and most importantly, how to put it back together correctly, without the remains of the parts that make up the device.

This article invites you to get acquainted with what types of spray guns there are, the reasons for their frequent breakdowns, and how to troubleshoot problems yourself.

Very often the causes of breakdowns can be:

Incorrect operation of the spray gun (see).
Neglect of basic rules when caring for an instrument.

Before disassembling the spray gun into components and parts, you need to become familiar with the types of these tools.

They can be:

Manual
(see). Such designs with a manual supercharger, in appearance and principle of operation, resemble a conventional pump. Here, pressure is injected into the cavity with paint independently, and then enters the nozzle.

The main disadvantages of such a tool:

not high working pressure, unable to lift paint of a thicker consistency;
low efficiency and efficiency;
a rapid drop in the working pressure in the tank, which requires constant pumping.

The significant advantages of a spray gun with a manual supercharger are its simple design and not too high price. This allows any damage to be repaired with electrical tape.

Electric.

Tip: An electric spray gun is a specific tool. When choosing it, you must clearly understand for what tasks it will be used.

Electric spray guns differ in the power of the motor that delivers the paint to the nozzle.

Pneumatic.
This is the most professional tool when painting walls (see). It is the most difficult to repair.

This device consists entirely of mechanical components. There are no complex electronics here, but it often breaks down due to prolonged or not entirely correct use.

Advantages of pneumatic tools:

the ability to adjust the operating pressure, limited only by the power of the compressor and the size of the device’s receiver;
with a pneumatic spray gun you can spray all types of paints, even with a thick consistency, which depends on the settings of the tool;
repairing the unit is quite easy to do independently, without the help of specialists;
By giving the jet the required configuration, it is possible to adjust the spray pattern.

The cost of a pneumatic spray gun varies over a wide range, which allows you to make a choice according to your available funds.

Before repairing any device you must:

Get acquainted with its design.
Correctly diagnose the problem.
Determine the node where the breakdown occurred.

The spray gun contains:

The body of the gun, with a handle, a barrel for paint, and a trigger for feeding the mixture.
Solution injection mechanism, which is equipped with a nozzle and an adjusting bolt.
Spray regulator.
Air supply regulator.

The injection mechanism consists of several components:

A needle that opens and closes the hole for supplying air and coloring composition.
The regulator bolt, when it is turned, paint consumption is controlled.
A locking nut used to hold the needle.
The sealing ring and the hole in it allow air to be evenly distributed around the circumference of the nozzle.
Spray nuts, the part has one hole in the center and two small ones at the edges, which allows you to adjust the size of the “torch”.

Tip: Each product comes with detailed instructions, in which the tool is shown in section. Before work, you should carefully study the design so that after repair there are no “extra” parts left.

How to diagnose the device and possible breakdowns

The table shows the main breakdowns of the spray gun and the reasons leading to this:

Fault name	Causes of failure
The spray pattern is oval and does not respond to changes in the position of the adjusting bolt	The shutoff valve in the adjustment unit has broken off. This problem often occurs with low quality instruments. The side holes in the supply nozzle are clogged. The sealing rubber in the control unit needs to be replaced.
The paint flow is uneven and spits out in chunks	The consistency of the paint is too thick and is not intended for this type of spray gun. There is an accumulation of condensate in the air hoses; it needs to be drained. This occurs very often during the cold season. The holes in the outlet nozzle are clogged. A large amount of solid particles has accumulated in the paint container and cannot pass through the needle. You should drain the composition, rinse the instrument thoroughly and pour in a new composition, but passed through a sieve.
The trigger does not return to the reverse position when released	The piston located on the feed needle is ignited. The instrument is disassembled and thoroughly washed, and the spraying is repeated. The spring located under the bolt that adjusts the feed needle has sagged. Due to rust, the moving mechanisms of the trigger stopped moving. The rubber seal located on the needle has dried out and the piston has moved from its place.
Paint drips from the nozzle when it is closed	The needle became sharp and stopped blocking the nozzle. The sagging spring does not press the needle. Solid particles have entered the assembly and interfere with the correct movement of the needle. The trigger does not recline to the desired position.
The spray pattern constantly changes direction	The hole in the nozzle is clogged. There are clots or foreign objects in the feed mechanism or ink tank. The bolt that adjusts the torch has broken.
The spray gun does not spray paint after pressing the trigger	The needle is not moved by the trigger mechanism. The feed unit is clogged with paint or foreign objects. Very thick paint

Tip: Usually a repair kit for such a tool consists of several bolts and rubber seals, which are supplied with it, but if there are no parts, you should immediately purchase several rubber seals, which quite often deteriorate.

Malfunctions and how to fix them yourself

With your own hands, using a set of improvised tools, you can eliminate most problems with spray guns by simply cleaning the nozzle or installing replacement parts instead of those that have become unusable.

Handheld device

The following malfunctions may occur with manual paint sprayers:

The color mixture begins to bubble in the tank, but is not supplied to the nozzle. This can happen if the suction valve is clogged. In this case, you can disassemble the unit with your own hands, rinse, clean the valve, and after cleaning, install it in place. Or install a new valve from a set of replacement parts.
Dye is supplied but not sprayed out of the nozzle. There may be two reasons in this case:
The filter for the spray gun has failed. To fix this problem yourself, you need to remove the damaged filter and install a new one in its place.

Manual paint sprayer device

The suction valve rises under pressure, but no paint comes out of the tank, and the unit does not spray the solution. This occurs because the suction valve is not seated tightly in its seat due to a clogged filter. To eliminate the malfunction, it is necessary to clean or install a replacement valve and filter.
Paint under pressure is not supplied to the nozzle; it overflows through the pump cylinder. This indicates wear of the pump rod packing. Depending on the condition of the packing, it is necessary to either tighten the fastening nut or install a new packing.
Weak pressure of the coloring solution during stable operation of the pump in a unit with a lower tank. The reasons may be:
The hole in the container through which outside air enters is clogged. Then you need to clean not only the air supply hole, but also additionally clean the pump hoses.

The pump has stopped sucking paint. The reason for this can only be a pump cuff that has lost its quality. It can be softened in oil (if it is dry) or a replacement one can be installed (if it is worn out).
The spray gun spits uneven streams of paint. This occurs when the spray gun nozzle has an outlet hole that is too large (more than 0.7 mm) due to a worn-out washer. To fix the problem, the washer must be replaced using a repair kit.
Paint is leaking from the fishing rod faucet. There may be two reasons for the malfunction:
Weakening of the spring on the tap. It must be tightened or a replacement one installed using the necessary tools from the repair kit.

electrical appliance

With electric spray guns, unlike manual ones, not all problems that arise can be fixed with your own hands.

Some of them will require the services of an electrician to repair.

You can fix the following problems with your own hands:

Electric spray gun device

The withdrawal of dye from the tank has stopped. As with a manual paint sprayer, to eliminate this problem you need to clean the suction valve.
The solution is not supplied from the tank to the nozzle. To restore the flow of dye, you need to clean or replace the needle, nozzle and filter on the suction hose. Spare parts can be purchased separately or purchased as a ready-made repair kit.
The pump does not supply the paint mixture to the nozzle sometimes due to incorrectly adjusted air pressure or paint supply; after adjusting these parameters, the device begins to paint normally.
Excessive “bubbling” of the material in the container can be caused by air entering it due to improper operation or breakdown of the paint head. Using a set of spare parts, it must either be installed correctly or replaced.
An extraneous knocking sound is heard in the tank when the pump is running, which can be caused by a foreign object getting into it or a piece of metal breaking off from a moving part (for example, a tooth broke off from a gear transmission). The container will have to be cleaned, and the object causing the extraneous noise will have to be carefully examined. If this is not a part of the mechanism, then you can put the tank in place, fill in the dye and continue working. But if you suspect that a part of a moving mechanism has broken off, it is better to seek the services of a specialist for inspection and preventive repair of the spray gun, rather than trying to fix the breakdown yourself.

Cleaning the spray gun nozzle
To eliminate the following problems in the operation of the electric spray gun, you will need to contact the services of an electrical equipment repair specialist:

When the device is turned on, there is no noise from the electric motor. This happens if the fuses are blown or the switch is broken.
When touching a unit connected to the network, current discharges are felt. Using the device in this case is life-threatening; it must be sent in for repair immediately. The cause of the breakdown is most likely the short circuit of the parts responsible for conducting current.
If the body of the device becomes very hot during operation, timely repairs will prevent wear of the electric motor parts that occurs due to insufficient lubrication between them.
The unit works, but the pressure gauge does not show that there is pressure. The cause may be a malfunction of the electric pump or pressure gauge.