How to Clean a Wagner Paint Sprayer
In about five minutes, your paint sprayer can be all cleaned up and ready for the next project. Here’s how to clean a Wagner paint sprayer, specifically the Wagner Control Spray, Double Duty paint sprayer. It’s easier than you may think!
And if you want to make your project even easier, check out this list of furniture painting tools and supplies.
Honestly, I actually think that cleaning a paint sprayer is easier and faster than cleaning a regular paint brush!
With a few steps, your paint sprayer can be nice and clean, and ready for your next project. Just follow the steps below. And honestly, it’s basically the same process for all HVLP paint sprayers.
I know that my professional paint sprayer gets cleaned out the same way, with only a few changes (like how to disassemble the sprayer).
However, if you have a Wagner FLEXiO sprayer and don’t know how to clean it, you can check out this blog post on how to clean a Wagner FLEXiO sprayer here.
Supplies Used to Clean a Wagner Double Duty Paint Sprayer
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also may earn from other qualifying purchases with other companies or get free product to review and use. All opinions are my own.
- Wagner Paint Sprayer
- Cleaning Solution (see below for more info)
- Small Brushes
- Bucket to Spray Into
- Old Rag
What Cleaner To Use To Clean the Paint Sprayer
If you are using a water-based product in your paint sprayer, you’ll want to use warm water and soap (I like using Dawn dish soap).
If you are using an oil-based product, you’ll want to use mineral spirits as your cleanup solution.
When in doubt, check the label of the paint product that you’re using to see what they recommend as a cleanup solution.
How to Clean a Wagner Paint Sprayer
Here is the step by step guide to cleaning your Wagner paint sprayer.
Rinse Paint Sprayer Container and Suction Tube
First, unplug the paint sprayer. Then pull the trigger for about 5-10 seconds to let the paint in the suction tube fall back into the container.
Unscrew the container, and pour the product back into the product’s original container.
Then rinse the paint sprayer’s container and the suction tube with the cleaner solution. I also like to rinse the white container seal that goes around the suction tube at this point.
Properly dispose of the cleaning solution. (Check your local regulations for information on how to properly dispose of the cleaning solution.)
Spray the Cleaning Solution
Fill the sprayer’s container with some cleaning solution, screw the container back onto the paint sprayer, and plug the paint sprayer back in.
Then spray the cleaning solution through the paint sprayer for about 20 seconds. This will clean the inside of the paint sprayer so there is no product left inside the paint sprayer.
I like to spray into a 5-gallon bucket and a rag to help keep the spray from going everywhere.
Disassemble Paint Sprayer Head and Clean
Unplug the paint sprayer. At this point, I like to unhook the paint sprayer from the turbine too. And disassemble the sprayer:
- unscrew the container and dispose of the cleaning solution
- take off the suction tube and container seal from the head of the sprayer
On the head of the sprayer:
- unscrew the nut
- take off the air cap
- pull off the nozzle
- and grab the seal ring.
Clean all of these pieces with a brush or rag, and the cleaning solution. Use a little brush to get all of the way into the nozzle.
And make sure to clean inside the bottom of the sprayer head too! (Where the container seal tries to block the paint). While you’re at it, wipe down the sprayer too.
Let Paint Sprayer Dry Completely
Before you reassemble everything, let it all dry. Especially the pieces that go back on the head of the sprayer.
If you put it back together wet and use it right away, you might get drips of cleaning solution in your sprayed paint. I like to let everything dry on a towel near my sink. That’s all there is to it!
Check out my Wagner paint sprayer troubleshooting guide to help you out if you encounter any problems with your paint sprayer.
If you keep your paint sprayer clean, it will last a long time and through a lot of paint projects! Learn how to use a Wagner Double Duty paint sprayer here!
More Paint Sprayer Resources
- How to Thin Paint for a Wagner Sprayer
- Wagner Double Duty Paint Sprayer Review
- How to Spray Paint a Dresser with Chalk Paint
- How to Spray Polyurethane
- Best Wagner Paint Sprayers for Furniture
Follow us on YouTube to get more tips for painting furniture.
Or share your project with us on our Facebook Group and be part of our community. See you there!