How to use a spray gun correctly? Professional recommendations
Using the spray gun is quite simple. The device, as well as the paint and the surface to be treated, are first prepared, after which they begin to apply the composition. The article describes how to paint with a spray gun and what precautions are important to take.
The content of the article
Preparatory stage
To figure out how to use a spray gun, you need to start with preparation. The operating principle of the device is such that the efficiency does not exceed 60-80%. This means that about 20-40% of the paint composition gets into the air and onto other objects, and not onto the surface being painted.
Even if painting walls with a spray gun is done quite carefully, you must first prepare for the work:
- protect nearby objects with construction film;
- outline the contours for work using masking tape;
- Be sure to use a respirator and clear glasses, even if the amount of work is small.
Painting the ceiling with a spray gun also involves choosing a specific type of tip. It’s not difficult to figure it out – each nozzle has a number on it. And the larger it is, the thicker the jet will be. A small stream is suitable for working with varnish. If you work with paint, the number on the tip should be larger.
One of the main requirements for how to properly paint with a spray gun is related to the preparation of the paint.Before work, remove solid accumulations and lumps from it that can clog the filter.
Before painting with a compressor spray gun, you should check how viscous the paint is. If necessary, add solvent and mix thoroughly. Test painting is carried out on any surface, for example, on a cardboard sheet.
How to use a spray gun
The technology for using the device, regardless of the type of surface, is the same. For example, you can either paint the ceiling with a spray gun or use it to treat the walls and floor. In all cases, the sequence of actions is as follows:
- Apply the coloring composition in longitudinal and transverse stripes.
- Painting with water-based paint using a spray gun often results in unevenness. In this case, the pressure is reduced.
- If smudges, sagging, and high pressure appear during operation, the volume of supply of the composition should be reduced. In the settings, the torch should take an oval shape.
- Painting walls with a spray gun is carried out in at least 2 stages. First, apply the first layer, and then the second, and move perpendicularly. They continue to move in the same way until the end of the work.
- When working with sheet materials, such as a door, the sprayer should be directed from left to right. It’s better to work quickly so that the composition goes down instantly. The trigger is released only when approaching the border.
- In all cases, it is necessary to maintain a distance to the surface being treated within 15-20 cm.
- One of the main ways to paint a ceiling with a spray gun involves movement. They should not be fussy, but uniform, that is, without jerking. The optimal speed can be determined in practice, but it should not be too high.
- Another general rule is that painting wooden products with a spray gun and other objects is carried out only at right angles. That is, the stream of paint should go strictly perpendicular to the surface.
Safety precautions
During work, you should follow basic safety rules:
- Provide fresh air by opening all windows.
- When working outdoors, choose an area with shade, protected from the wind, so that debris and dust do not stick to the paint.
- It is better to work at a temperature within +30°C. Humidity should be moderate - up to 55-60%.
- When working indoors, it is better to organize the air flow in the direction from behind your back. Then harmful odors and dust will be blown away from the worker’s face by the wind.
- If the room is being converted for painting work, be sure to install a fan opposite the balcony or window.
What to do after finishing work
Spray painting goes quite quickly, since the layers are small and dry well. Therefore, the device should not be kept filled with paint during downtime. If you plan to take a break, it is worth spraying the solvent. Then all parts of the device will remain clean and will not become clogged with paint.
After use, rinse the sprayer thoroughly. First, remove the bowl for the coloring composition and drain the remaining paint. Then pour in the solvent, shake for 2-3 minutes and drain it. Fill in a new volume and repeat all steps.
Painting a house with a spray gun is carried out only in a respirator and goggles; the composition is first prepared. Apply it evenly and not too quickly. Moreover, if the work involves small surfaces and precise drawings, it is better to use an airbrush rather than a spray gun.