Paint Sprayers

Workaholic

I just run warm water through mine when avalible. I would not store with watr in your pump and lines. Rust will slowly eat away your pump. keep some paint thinner in your rig. Or you can use something like graco's pump armor. Or some diluted antifreeze. Storing in your garage is fine.

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Sean

BiggersJunior

I know this is a dumb question for you pro's, but how much liquid will the lines and machine need to "winterize" the machine while it's not in use? And should I dilute paint thinner with water or just use straight paint thinner?

Another question...when painting with the machine, do you always have to use a 5 gallon bucket or can you use just a 1 gallon can of paint? I know it will go through it fast, but is there anything wrong with this scenario?

Al Truistic

To answer your question, if you are running 50' of hose a half gallon will do it. But as I said before, don't let your machine freeze, hence don't let your hoses freeze, problem solved.

And yes, you can paint out of a single, and I occasionally do it especially when doing small jobs, or when I only need a few gallons of paint, you just have to top it off more frequently.

I know most would probably disagree with me but I keep both my machines in paint 24/7 365. And have been for almost 20 years. As long as you use the machines regularly (at least once a week) they will be fine. Rust isn't a problem, because there is no air in a closed system. The only time I have had a problem is when the machine sits too long, and I am talking week, and the paint "settles" and solids form.

I may be in different situation than most though, because I alternate between 2 machines and basically use the same colors in each machine, and I use both of them each week.

Just my 2 cents.

Al

dejure

Even stainless steel can rust, believe it or not. If you have to let your airless set for any time at all, run a mixture of oil (even motor oil will work) thinned down with paint thinner and some alcohol (alcohol mixes with water and oil). You can even put a few table spoons of lacquer thinner in it to dissolve old paint. The oil will help protect your metal parts.

vandyandsons

for storage between uses, i always leave thinner in the machine and line and have never had any issues. some guys even use anti-freeze but i have never tried that. i know a guy that uses windshield washer fluid and swears by it.

WisePainter

I gotta go with spirits too.

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My advice: Hire a real painter to do it.

Brocktologist

I put in RV Antifreeze into my lil' 390 about a month ago and I plan to take apart the pump before I use it to see how it looks and will post back soon with my findings.

Workaholic

Graco's pump armor is watered down antifreeze

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Sean