Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

May, 2006

Clogging of Airless Spray Gun

Q. I have a Wagner Master Series spray Trac 7.2 GPH sprayer. What can I do to stop the sprayer from clogging? I am using a latex paint and only spraying doors and cabinets. I have tried using a latex thinner but still have the same problem. Your suggestions would be appreciated, thank you.

A. The most common techniques for preventing clogging of the spray gun are to properly filter the paint, keep all dust and dirt from the surrounding air from depositing into the paint reservoir, constantly agitate the paint (without introducing air bubbles), and use the correct tip size for the paint being used.

When the gun clogs take as small sample of the paint that is clogging the gun and look under low power magnification to see if you can determine what is in the paint that is causing this problem.

Best wishes,

Ron Joseph