I just got a new graco. The manual is very clear about cleaning the pump and storing it with out any water in it. My question is in regards to the hose that leads from the pump to the gun. Do I just leave it full of water or try to drain it out or does it even matter? Also do I need to dry out the gun, dunk it in the armor liquid you put in the pump or just leave it attached to the hose. I called Graco’s tech line and all they did was read the manual to me. So I thought I’d try here. Thanks
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
The RealTruck AMP Research Bedsteps give you easy access to your truck-bed storage.
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
instead of Pump Armor, try using RV Antifreeze, AntiFreeze or Kerosene. Suck it up and blow it out your gun. Clean up and store. The pump is the main priority but considering Guns are around $100 you should keep water out too.
When your ready to paint, just get some warm soapy dishwater and run 3-5 gallons through at low pressure, that will remove the kerosene or antifreeze.
Storing is also a good time to break down your gun and give it a cleaning. Lacquer thinner works great if you use Latex or Lacquer, stripper works if you use oil based. Clean your springs and needles and the filter gun.
Clogged Filters are the cause of about 90% of all sprayer problems (unless you constantly shoot lacquer)
I have a graco that is 15 or 20 years old. It doesnt get used much . I have always cleaned out the hoses and pump with what ever solvent the paint was, i.e. water or mineral spirits, and then filled the whole system including the hose and gun with mineral spirits and left it.It still is going strong...
Yeah, paint thinner if it's going to sit very long. In the summer when there's no chance of freezing (and I'm using it frequently) if I'm only letting it sit a few days I leave it full of water and PineSol. Keeps it clean and keeps latex from curing.
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain