How To Use A Paint Sprayer
If you have a paint job to do, you may dread the time and effort it will take. Mixing paints, preparing brushes, rollers and pans and cleaning these tools afterwards can seem such a chore that many people would rather hire a professional to do their painting for them. However, if you can buy or rent a paint sprayer, you will find that the process of paint will be greatly simplified and much quicker.
A paint sprayer can be used for many things. While most people might think of them for walls or ceilings, they can also be used for many other spots that often present a problem to painters, even professional ones. For example, painting things like stair railings, shutters and overlapped paneling can often result in runs and drips that are ruin the effect you are looking for. A good sprayer can quickly lay down a thin coat of paint on these kinds of surfaces that will not run, producing a perfect and shiny surface. There are some things that a sprayer will not be as useful for. Very small items or things that have deep holes or indents might be better done with a brush.
When choosing a sprayer, you should look at the brands and their specifications to select the one that suits you and the work you want to do with it. Select one that has a handle and controls that work well for your hand size.
Setting Up
Before you can paint, you have to prepare. Cover floors or other surfaces that might get paint on them using drop clots or plastic. Cover vertical surfaces and items that cannot be removed with sheets held on with painter's tape. Make sure you are wearing protective gear, including gloves, goggles and a mask. You might also want to choose clothing you don't care about wearing again.
Clean or sand off any metal surfaces that you will be spraying. Bits of loose flakes in the surface will result in a bad paint job, so make sure the surface is smooth. For painted surfaces, clean them with soap and water, letting the surface dry completely afterward.
Switch on the sprayer's air compressor, adjusting the pressure to the manufacturer's recommendations in the manual. Fill the sprayer's paint cup 2/3rds full with paint. Add a little paint thinner to the paint cup so the paint will flow smoothing through the hose and out the nozzle. You do not want thick paint for this process.
Using the Sprayer
Connect the sprayer hose tight to the sprayer. Turn on the sprayer. Turn the metering value screw on the handle grip. Point the sprayer in a can or plastic tub and pull the trigger to get the paint flowing. Once it starts coming out smoothly, you can begin painting.
Hold the sprayer 10 inches away from the surface you will be painting. Squeeze the trigger while moving you arm across the surface in a sweeping motion. Try to keep your movements as smooth as possible. Avoid pointing the sprayer at one spot for too long. Working from top to bottom, try to make your bands or paint overlap slightly so that you do not get missed areas. Allow the paint to dry.
About the Author
For more information about paint sprayers and how to choose the right one for any job, visit http://www.paintsprayerguide.com
Tell others about
this page:
Comments? Questions? Email Here