After using a paint sprayer on furniture, you’ll definitely need to clean it well so it’s ready for your next project. Here’s how to clean Wagner FLEXiO 3500 if you’ve been using it to paint on your furniture or any other surface. It’s a quick, easy process that will help it last longer and keep it in top shape for future use.

So keep reading for some helpful tips and tricks on cleaning your Wagner FLEXiO 3500 sprayer!

photo of cleaning wagner flexio paint sprayer with text overlay

We all know that using a paint sprayer can make any project quicker and easier, but let’s not forget the importance of cleaning it afterward. Taking a few extra minutes to clean your Wagner FLEXiO 3500 will save you from potential clogs and malfunctions down the road.

A clean sprayer will also guarantee a smoother and more even application for your next project. Not to mention, properly cleaning your paint sprayer will also extend its lifespan.

By keeping it free of residue and build-up, you can avoid costly repairs or having to purchase a new one sooner than expected. And let’s face it, no one wants to deal with the hassle of a clogged or damaged paint sprayer in the middle of a project.

So let’s dive into the simple steps for cleaning this versatile and powerful tool!

Table of Contents

Supplies Used to Clean Wagner FLEXiO 3500

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Wagner FLEXiO 3500 Paint Sprayer
Container for Paint
Warm Soapy Water or Mineral Spirits
Bucket or Rag
Small Brush
Clean Rag

Emptying Paint Sprayer Container

Start by unplugging your Wagner FLEXiO 3500 paint sprayer. Of course, it’s important to make sure the sprayer’s not plugged in during the cleaning process for safety reasons. For a more thorough cleaning, taking apart your paint sprayer is the answer. Here’s how to take apart a Wagner paint sprayer!

photo of twisting off the sprayer container to remove excess paint

Next, twist off the sprayer head from the motor part and begin emptying out any remaining paint from the container. Don’t let that leftover paint go to waste!

Pouring paint down the drain isn’t good for the environment or your pipes, so try to transfer it back into its original container or any other container with a secure lid.

You can also drain the paint container by balancing it upside down on top of another container. This will allow most of the paint to run out, making it easier and quicker to clean. Just make sure you have a steady hand and don’t spill any excess paint on your work area!

Rinsing Paint Sprayer Container And Suction Tube

Now it’s time to give that container and suction tube a good rinse. If you used water based paint, just warm soapy water will do the trick. But if you painted with oil based paint, you’ll need some mineral spirits on hand for this step.

Photo of cleaning suction tube and sprayer container

We want to get rid of as much leftover paint as possible before moving on. So give those parts a good rinse, using warm soapy water or mineral spirits, depending on the type of paint for furniture you used.

Leaving the paint in your paint sprayer for a long period is also not safe. Check out our post if you want to know how long can you leave paint in a Wagner sprayer.

Spraying Cleaning Solution Through Paint Sprayer

After rinsing out the paint sprayer, fill the container with the same cleaning solution (warm soapy water for water based paint or mineral spirits for oil based paint), place the suction tube back in, and screw on the container. Then attach the sprayer head back onto the motor.

Here’s what to use to clean paint sprayer to learn more about the products you can use to clean your paint sprayer! And here’s how to clean oil based paint from Wagner paint sprayer for a more detailed guide if you used this type of paint.

photo of spraying cleaning solution through paint sprayer

Plug and turn your Wagner FLEXiO 3500 back on and spray the cleaning solution through for a few seconds. You’ll want to do this into a bucket or onto a rag to catch the liquid. This helps clean the inside of the sprayer where you can’t reach with regular cleaning.

You’ll know when the sprayer is clean as the liquid will come out clear. So keep spraying until it’s no longer colored with paint or any residue.

Cleaning Inside Paint Sprayer Tip

Next, take apart your paint sprayer for a deeper clean. Unplug the sprayer and remove the motor from the head. Then unscrew the container and pour out any remaining cleaning solution.

Don’t forget to disassemble the sprayer’s nozzle by unscrewing it and removing any small pieces. Be careful not to let them fall down your drain!

photo of disassembling sprayer and cleaning inside tip using a small brush

What we mean by deeper clean is cleaning the inside of the tip of the sprayer and removing any paint from the other pieces. Get a small brush to help you with this step.

After doing so, do a final rinse on the container and nozzle. For any overspray you see on the outside of the container, just use a wet rag to wipe or rub it off.

Drying Paint Sprayer Completely

After all the cleansing and rinsing, the final step is to let your Wagner FLEXiO 3500 paint sprayer dry completely. Putting the parts back together too soon can lead to dripping and a ruined finish on your project.

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Wagner FLEXiO 5000 Paint Sprayer

Paint Filters

Paint Sprayer Cup Liners

If you’re in a rush, you can wipe the parts down with a clean rag to dry them quicker, but you need to make sure they are completely dry before assembling and using the sprayer again. You don’t want any mold or mildew to form inside, which can affect the spray quality and lifespan of your paint sprayer.

It would be best to let them air dry completely – this way, you can get rid of any leftover moisture or water completely. It might take a bit longer, but if you don’t have to start another project right away, it’s worth waiting.

What to do if there is clogging after cleaning A paint sprayer?

If after following these steps, you use your Wagner FLEXiO 3500 paint sprayer and experience clogging, don’t worry, it happens to the best of us.

The first thing you should do is check the tip where the paint comes out and see if there’s any dried paint buildup. If so, gently scrape it off and try using your sprayer again.

If that doesn’t work, try adjusting the fluid and air power settings to increase the power and flow of your sprayer. Sometimes, this simple tweak can push out any remaining clogs.

photo of removing paint clog in paint sprayer

Here’s how to unclog a paint sprayer to learn more about how to troubleshoot and unclog your paint sprayer and save you time and frustration in your DIY projects.

You should also make sure to filter your paint before pouring it into the sprayer’s container. This will help prevent clogging from occurring in the first place.

And if, after filtering, your paint is still too thick for the sprayer to handle, you may need to thin it out. Here’s our guide on how to thin paint for Wagner FLEXiO Sprayer to help you with this process.

If no paint is coming out, here’s our blog post about Wagner FLEXiO not spraying to learn how to troubleshoot the problem and get your project back on track! If paint is coming out but spitting, our Wagner paint sprayer spitting post will help you fix this.

And you can check out our Wagner Paint Sprayer troubleshooting post for more tips and solutions to common issues with your sprayer.

And here’s a comparison between Wagner FLEXiO 3000 VS 3500, with details on their cleanup features!

Whether you’re new to the FLEXiO 3500 or an experienced user, we hope this tutorial was helpful in keeping it clean and ready each time you need it! Remember to clean your Wagner paint sprayer after use for a smooth and efficient painting experience on your next furniture makeovers.