What To Use To Clean Paint Sprayer

Paint sprayers are a convenient and efficient tool for any DIY-er or professional painter. However, with great power comes great responsibility – in this case, the responsibility of keeping your paint sprayer clean to maintain its performance and longevity. In this blog post, we’ve got you covered on what to use to clean paint sprayer.

And if you’re interested in painting with a paint sprayer, here’s how to use a paint sprayer on furniture to get you started.

Paint sprayers are a game changer when it comes to painting furniture. They provide a smooth and even finish, can cover large areas quickly, and make it easy to reach intricate corners and crevices.

You get to save time and energy compared to traditional methods like paint brushes for painting or rollers for painting.

With a more even application, this also means less touch-up work and a more polished end result. Plus, paint sprayers can be used with a variety of paints and finishes, giving you more options for your projects.

So if you’re looking to up your DIY game or improve efficiency in your painting projects, a paint sprayer is definitely worth considering.

However, in order to get the best results with your paint sprayer, it is important to keep it clean and well-maintained.

Why You Need To Clean Your Paint Sprayer

As with any tool, proper maintenance is key to keeping your paint sprayer in top condition. A clean paint sprayer is a well-functioning one.

Regular cleaning not only guarantees that your sprayer works efficiently, but also extends its lifespan.

Neglecting to clean your paint sprayer can lead to clogs, uneven spray patterns, and overall poor performance.

It’s a small investment of time and effort that pays off in the long run. Think of it as giving your paint sprayer some TLC.

If your paint sprayer has clogs, check out our blog post about how to unclog a paint sprayer!

Additionally, not cleaning your paint sprayer properly can also result in contamination of paints or finishes.

This means you may end up with unwanted particles or debris in your final product, which is definitely not ideal. Cleaning your paint sprayer is a must!

Cleaning Paint Sprayer

When it comes to cleaning a paint sprayer, there are different methods and products you can use depending on the type of paint or product you’re using.

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.

What To Use To Clean Water-Based Paints in Paint Sprayer

One of the most popular types of paint for furniture is water-based paint. It’s easy to use, dries quickly, and has minimal odor compared to oil-based paints.

And luckily, cleaning up water-based paints from your paint sprayer is also a breeze.

For this type of paint, it is recommended to use warm water and Dawn dish soap as a cleaner. Simply fill your paint sprayer with warm water and add a few drops of Dawn dish soap.

Then, spray the mixture through the sprayer until it runs clear. You may need to repeat this process a few times for a thorough clean.

Once you’re done cleaning with the warm water and Dawn dish soap mixture, make sure to thoroughly rinse your paint sprayer with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.

Doing this will make sure that your next paint job using water-based paints goes on smoothly and without any unwanted suds or bubbles.

What To Use To Clean Oil-Based Paints in Paint Sprayer

Oil-based paints provide a durable and glossy finish, making them ideal for furniture painting projects. However, they can be a bit trickier to clean up compared to water-based paints.

When it comes to cleaning oil-based paint from your paint sprayer, mineral spirits are the way to go.

Mineral spirits are a type of solvent that effectively breaks down and removes oil-based paint from your paint sprayer.

To clean your sprayer, simply fill the paint cup with mineral spirits and run it through the sprayer until it runs clear.

Make sure to also clean any other parts of the sprayer that came in contact with the oil-based paint.

After using mineral spirits, it is important to thoroughly rinse your paint sprayer with water to remove any remaining residue.

You may also want to run some warm soapy water through the sprayer for a deeper clean. This will help prevent any leftover mineral spirits from affecting your next paint job.

What To Use To Clean Shellac in Paint Sprayer

Shellac is a popular sealer and primer for furniture makeovers, providing a smooth and glossy finish.

For cleaning shellac from your paint sprayer, the most recommended solution is a mixture of ammonia and water.

Just mix equal parts of ammonia and water in a container, then fill your paint sprayer with the mixture. Run it through the sprayer until it runs clear.

It is important to note that shellac should not be used in Wagner paint sprayers for furniture or any other sprayers with motors located close to the spraying area.

This is because the flash point of the shellac is too low and can be a fire hazard if used too close to the motor area.

Check out this detailed guide on how to clean shellac primer out of sprayer for more info.

Here’s our how to clean a Wagner FLEXiO sprayer and how to clean a Wagner paint sprayer to learn the proper way of cleaning Wagner FLEXiO and Wagner paint sprayers!

Instead, you can use a different sprayer or opt for another type of primer. If you don’t know your options for these, here are our posts on the best HVLP paint sprayers for furniture and the best primers for painting furniture.

Do wear protective gear when handling ammonia and follow proper safety precautions. Rinse your sprayer with clean water after using the mixture, making sure to remove all traces of shellac.

It’s also a good idea to run some warm soapy water through the sprayer afterwards.

Product instructions are an important resource for properly cleaning up paint and stain from your sprayer. They give you specific guidelines on how to effectively clean the product, so it’s ready for future use.

Make sure to read and follow these instructions carefully to keep your sprayer and final project in top shape!

If you’re new to using a paint sprayer or trying out a new type of product, reading the instructions can also give you an idea of what to expect during cleanup.

Some products may require more thorough cleaning or multiple steps in order to properly remove them from your sprayer.

By knowing this beforehand, you can be prepared and avoid any potential issues.

So is it worth spending the extra time to clean your paint sprayer? In short, yes! Cleaning your paint sprayer after each use may seem like a tedious task, but don’t skip out on cleaning your paint sprayer – you’ll thank yourself in the long run!

More Paint Sprayer Tips

• Wagner Paint Sprayer Troubleshooting
• Best Cheap Paint Sprayers
• Using a Paint Sprayer for Outdoor Projects
• Best Latex Paint Sprayer

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!