How to Repair an Airless Paint Sprayer

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Owner's manual

  • Wrenches

  • Wire brush

  • Replacement parts

Painting with an electric airless sprayer outmatches a paintbrush and roller when it comes to efficiency and appearance. Airless sprayers are mainly used for large projects such as walls and home exteriors, but can also be used for complex shapes like chairs. Because of their mechanical intricacy, troubleshooting these types of sprayers can be complicated and time consuming.

Advertisement

Step 1

Identify the problem with the sprayer. A common one is that it won't draw in paint. Make sure the prime/spray knob is pointed in the downward prime position. Reprime the unit by immersing the suction tube in the paint, turning the unit on and slowly increasing the pressure with the pressure knob until the motor runs and paint pours from the priming hose.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

Keep the suction hose submerged in the paint at all times. If paint does not pump through the unit, the suction set filter or hopper screen may be clogged and need cleaning. Remove the filter and screen with a wrench, and gently clean them under running water with a wire brush. Reattach them to the suction tube. Reprime the sprayer.

Advertisement

Step 3

Watch for paint to pour from the priming hose. If it does not, you may have a stuck inlet or outlet valve. Follow the guidelines in the owner's manual for removing, cleaning and reattaching the inlet and outlet valves. Replace any parts that appear worn. Reprime the sprayer.

Step 4

Watch for paint to pour from the priming hose. If it does not, there may be internal mechanical problems that need to be repaired by a professional. Take your sprayer to an authorized service center.

Tip

Use the troubleshooting section in the owner's manual as a guide to fix the problem.

If you have tried all the solutions listed in the manual, call the manufacturer or take it to a repair shop.

When troubleshooting, check the simple remedies first, then work your way down the list to the more complex solutions.

Warning

Follow all safety precautions listed in your owner's manual to avoid serious injury to yourself and damage to your sprayer.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references