A paint sprayer quickly covers a surface with paint thanks to its air-driven painting process. All paint sprayers operate by atomizing the paint at the point of departure from the paint nozzle. The paint sprayer instantly turns the paint into a mist, which evenly coats the surface at which your sprayer is pointed. An air compressor provides the airflow needed to create the mist, with the gravity-fed sprayer providing the paint by holding the paint in a container above the airflow. Using a gravity-fed sprayer takes practice to achieve a smooth clear finish, but the results are usually worth the effort, along with the time saved over a brush application.
Instructions
1. Prepare the paint for use with the sprayer. To keep the paint flowing smoothly through the nozzle, thin the paint according to the sprayer manufacturer's instructions. Use a paint thinner that's compatible with the paint type that you're using.
2. Set up the paint sprayer for use. Connect the air hose to the air compressor and then connect the hose to the sprayer. Turn on the compressor and check the connections for air leaks. Listen for a slight hissing sound that indicates the presence of a leak. Turn off the compressor and correct the leak by applying a layer of plumber's tape around the threads of the screws of the compressor and air hose. Reconnect the hose and test to ensure that the leak is gone.
3. Adjust the air compressor so that the pressure is set to the level suggested by the sprayer manufacturer.
4. Prepare the paint surface by masking off nearby surfaces with masking tape to avoid inadvertent paint application.
5. Put on safety gear to protect your lungs, eyes and skin. Wear long-sleeved clothing and work gloves to protect skin. Put on a face mask and safety goggles to protect your eyes and lungs.
6. Pour the thinned paint into the reservoir located at the top of the sprayer. Turn on the compressor and point the sprayer at the surface you wish to paint. Hold the sprayer perpendicular to the surface at a distance of about 1 foot.
7. Press the trigger of the gun to begin the airflow and start the paint. Use a back and forth motion to paint the surface. Apply a light layer of paint and build up a solid coat using multiple layers to avoid clumping or running paint. Begin the application slightly before the beginning of the surface and end the paint run slightly after the end of the surface. Release the trigger to stop the paint from flowing.
