Shellac primer is a popular choice for many DIY projects due to its quick drying time and superior adhesion. However, if you’ve ever used a paint sprayer with shellac primer, you know that cleaning up afterwards can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we’ll show you exactly how to clean shellac primer out of sprayer!

You can also check out this post on how to use a paint sprayer on furniture for more tips, including cleanup of paint sprayers.

photo of cleaning paint sprayer with text overlay

Using a paint sprayer to apply shellac primer has many benefits. It allows for a smoother and more even application, which can be especially helpful when working on intricate or detailed projects.

Additionally, using a paint sprayer allows for faster application and drying times, saving you time and effort.

Not only does using a paint sprayer make the application process easier, but it also provides better coverage compared to traditional methods like using a brush or roller.

So how exactly do you clean shellac primer out of a paint sprayer? Let’s dive into the steps and find out!

Table of Contents

Supplies Used to Clean Shellac Primer out of Sprayer

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Water
Ammonia
Soap or Detergent
Bucket
Gloves
Brush or Cloth

Importance of Properly Cleaning Your Paint Sprayer

But first, let’s take a moment to understand why it’s so important to properly clean your paint sprayer after using shellac primer. Shellac has a very low flash point, making it highly flammable.

This means that if any residue is left in your paint sprayer and comes into contact with heat or sparks, it can cause a flash fire.

This not only poses a safety hazard, but it can also damage your paint sprayer and affect its performance.

photo of paint sprayers drying after cleaning

In addition to the safety risks, not cleaning your paint sprayer properly can also lead to clogging and buildup of dried primer which can cause uneven spray patterns and affect the quality of your future projects.

Check out this post to learn more about what to use to clean paint sprayers.

It’s important to remember that shellac is a strong adhesive, so any leftover residue can also make it difficult to clean your paint sprayer the next time you use it.

If you are using a Wagner paint sprayer and encounter any problems, check out this blog post about Wagner paint sprayer troubleshooting!

photo of dried up paint that clogs a paint sprayer

Properly cleaning your paint sprayer after each use not only guarantees safety, but also helps maintain its longevity and performance.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to keep your paint sprayer in top shape for all your future projects!

How to Clean Shellac Primer Out of Paint Sprayer

Begin by emptying any leftover shellac primer from the paint sprayer. You can do this by either spraying it onto a piece of scrap material or pouring it back into the original container.

Make sure to wear protective gear such as gloves while handling the primer.

Next, disassemble all removable parts of the paint sprayer. This includes the nozzle, hose, and any other attachments.

Place them in a bucket filled with warm water and soap. Allow them to soak for at least 20 minutes.

photo of disassembling all removable parts of the paint sprayer

While the removable parts are soaking, fill a separate bucket with a mixture of equal parts water and ammonia. This solution is highly effective in breaking down and removing shellac primer.

Fill the paint sprayer’s container with this solution and run it through the sprayer for a few minutes. Then, empty the container and refill it with clean water to flush out any remaining residue.

photo of spraying ammonia and water mixture from paint sprayer to flush out shellac primer

After soaking, rinse all removable parts thoroughly with clean water. Use a brush or cloth to gently scrub away any leftover primer.

Make sure to also clean the inside of the paint sprayer’s container, as well as the outside of the sprayer itself. Once all parts are clean and dry, reassemble the paint sprayer.

photo of assembling fuji paint sprayer after cleaning

Remember, you should never use shellac products in electric paint sprayers unless the manufacturer explicitly states that it is safe to do so. Flash fires can be extremely dangerous and damaging.

It’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid using shellac with electric paint sprayers altogether. Here’s our list of the best electric paint sprayers if you’re not familiar with these types of sprayers.

How often should I clean my paint sprayer after using shellac primer?

It is recommended to clean your paint sprayer immediately after each use, especially when using shellac primer.

The longer you wait to clean, the harder it becomes to remove dried primer residue. Additionally, waiting too long can also affect the performance of your paint sprayer.

If you are unable to clean your paint sprayer right away, make sure to at least rinse it with water until you are able to fully clean it.

This will prevent any leftover shellac from drying and clogging the sprayer.

photo of rinsing paint sprayer with water

If you use your paint sprayer frequently, it’s a good idea to clean it after every project. Again, this helps prevent buildup and clogging and keeps your paint sprayer always ready for use.

Remember, neglecting to clean your paint sprayer can lead to costly repairs or replacements in the future.

Here are our blog posts about how to clean a Wagner FLEXiO sprayer and how to clean a Wagner paint sprayer if you have a Wagner FLEXiO and Wagner paint sprayer!

Can I reuse leftover shellac primer in my paint sprayer?

If you do choose to reuse leftover shellac primer, make sure it has been properly stored in a sealed container and has not been exposed to air or moisture. This will help the primer maintain its quality and effectiveness.

If any leftover primer is not stored properly, it may have already started to dry and can clog the sprayer, leading to an uneven application.

Maintaining a clean paint sprayer after using shellac primer is not only important for safety reasons, but it also helps prolong its life and performance.

Remember to use shellac products with caution and never in electric paint sprayers unless specified by the manufacturer.

Make it a habit to properly clean your paint sprayer after each use and it will continue to provide you with professional and flawless results.