Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

July, 2003

Airless Spray Gun Strainer

Q. Does the Graco XR-9 airless sprayer require a paint conditioner or strainer when using a outdoor latex paint? Will the filters get clogged if you don't?

A. You should always use a strainer at the inlet tube of an airless spray gun. The spray gun orifice is extremely small and the smallest pieces of dirt in the paint can glog the orifice. The dirt might not be from the pant itself, but can enter the paint can on account of dirty equipment, dust from the outside air, etc.