What is the most common spray gun problem?

Author: Hilda Larson  |  Last update: Thursday, July 3, 2025

Inconsistent Fluid Stream Out Of Spray Gun - Fluttering This common problem is also known as "fluttering". Symptoms of fluttering include a pulsing spray and/or hissing sound. This can happen when a loose nozzle causes air to escape.

What are the common spray gun problems and how to troubleshoot them?

Common Problems & Fixes – My Spray Gun is not Spraying Properly! Common Causes and Solutions
  1. Insufficient piston-actuating air.
  2. The liquid adjuster is not opened sufficiently.
  3. The valve is not opened on the liquid tank.
  4. The liquid is not reaching the spray gun.
  5. Debris is stuck in the liquid line.

Why is paint not coming through the spray gun?

Maybe your paint is too thick or has lumps. You could try cranking the air pressure up a little to increase the vacuum, or you could see if the problem goes away when you spray plain water or thinner.

Why is my spray gun spraying top and bottom heavy?

You can rotate the air cap 180 degrees and if the heavy pattern changes, you may have a dirty or damaged air cap and if it doesn't change then you may have a dirty or damaged fluid tip.

Why is my spray gun not building pressure?

If this is the issue you experience the most likely cause is that the transducer is worn out. The transducer signals to the airless pump that pressure is needed and signals to run the pump to build pressure. Failure to build pressure often indicates that you need to replace the transducer.

HVLP Spray Gun Basics - Problems and how to fix them

Why is my sprayer not keeping pressure?

If you are experiencing a loss in pressure, check the nozzle tip for any clogs or blockages. If any solid matter is allowed to enter the pump system (sand or dirt, for example), it can build up at certain points and cause a reduction or complete loss in spraying pressure.

What PSI should I set my spray gun?

Conventional Spray Guns: Conventional spray guns, which operate at higher pressures, usually require higher air pressure settings. The recommended air pressure for conventional spray guns can range from 40 to 60 PSI.

Why is my paint sprayer spraying chunks?

Use the correct tip size: Make sure you are using the correct spray tip for the type of paint you are using and the surface you are painting. A tip that is too small can cause spitting and a tip that is too large can cause uneven coverage.

Why is my sprayer not spraying?

If your spray bottle is no longer functioning properly, it may be due to a blockage in the nozzle, a damaged piston seal in the piston chamber, or the tube not being fully immersed in the liquid within the bottle.

What to do if spray paint can won't spray?

If your spray paint tip is clogged, you may need to clean it. The cleaning process depends on whether the tip is removable. Read the label on the can to determine if the tip is removable and how to best clean it. If the spray tip is removable, twist and pull it off, then soak it in mineral spirits or acetone.

Why does my spray gun keep blocking?

A high spray pressure can cause liquid to bounce back and adhere to the air cap. This thin accumulation of paint particles on the cap causes the atomizing air passage to gradually become blocked. Liquid can also adhere to the air cap after spraying stops.

Why am I getting orange peel with HVLp?

Applying too much finish or using improper application techniques such as spraying at incorrect pressure or holding the gun too far from the surface can lead to orange peel.

Why is my hvlp spray gun spitting while?

“Spitting” happens when your paint gun's nozzle is not properly screwed into place. If your paint gun is spitting or dripping paint, it is probably because the nozzle is not screwed on tightly. If you've checked your nozzle and find that it is screwed on tightly, you may need to purchase a new nozzle altogether.

How do you know if your spray arm is clogged?

Remove the lower dishrack from the unit. Reach into your dishwasher and spin the lower spray arm. Take note of whether or not the arm moves freely or if its movement is restricted.

How do you clear a blocked spray can nozzle?

1. Use a can of brake or carburetor cleaner to clear the nozzle. 2. Soak it in mineral spirits/white spirits/mineral turpentine or paint thinners to soften up the gunk, and then try to blow it out with an air compressor, or clean it with a thin wire.

What PSI should my sprayer be?

We've come to assume that the correct spray pressure for a nozzle is about 40 psi, largely because of tradition. In fact, 40 psi is merely the mid-point of a traditional nozzle's pressure range, between 20 and 60 psi. Modern air-induced nozzles have much higher and wider pressure ranges, usually from 30 to 100 psi.

Why is my paint sprayer not spraying evenly?

Inadequate Pressure: Insufficient pressure can lead to incomplete atomization, resulting in a streaky or uneven spray pattern. Make sure your spray pump is providing the necessary pressure for the job. Airless Pump Issues: If your airless pump is sucking in air, it can disrupt the spray pattern.

How do you calibrate a sprayer?

Fill the sprayer tank (at least half full) with water. Run the sprayer, inspect it for leaks, and make sure all vital parts function properly. Measure the distance in inches between the nozzles. Measure an appropriate travel distance in the field based on this nozzle spacing.

What is the recommended spray gun angle?

It is the responsibility of the operator to select the correct angle (fan width) of the spray tip in accordance with his specific application. We recommend an angle of between 10-30 degrees for structural steel applications and an angle of between 40-80 degrees for flat surfaces.

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