Cleaning Out A Paint Sprayer Nozzle

Cleaning paint sprayer nozzles effectively can be accomplished by using the right tools, choosing the appropriate solvent, flushing the system, and disassembling the gun to manually clean the nozzle. Depending on whether you use an airless sprayer or a HVLP (high-volume, low pressure) sprayer, the steps for cleaning a paint sprayer nozzle will vary slightly. Differences will be noted throughout.

Regardless of the spray gun, your cleaning kit should include the same items.

Paint Sprayer Nozzle Cleaning Supplies

• gloves, googles, breathing mask 
• solvent (cool water/lacquer thinner/denatured alcohol)
• assorted sizes of bottle-brushes 
• paper towels/drying cloths

Step One- Determine Sprayer Type

In general, there are two main types of paint sprayers, airless sprayers or HVLP sprayers. Airless sprayers are powered by an electric pump, and HVLP sprayers are powered by either an air compressor or a turbine. Both sprayers come in varying sizes and prices. Check with your local hardware store for the best sprayer for you.  

Step Two-Choose the Cleaning Solvent

All spray guns require that you flush the sprayer with a solvent after painting. For a water-based paint, flush cool water; for a oil-based paint, use lacquer thinner; for shellac, flush denatured alcohol.

Step Three-Flush the System 

Be prepared to use about 5 gallons of solvent or water (if using water-based paint) when flushing.  After painting, relieve pressure from the hoses by following the safety instructions for the sprayer you are using. Engage the safety switch and if you are using a sprayer tip, remove the tip and tip guard from the nozzle. Tip and trigger guard should be immersed in the appropriate solvent while flushing the system. Remove the intake tube from the paint and place into a container of solvent. Disengage the safety switch, and spray the gun into an opened can of paint until the solvent is visible. Then switch over to a waste can and run solvent through the system until there are no visible traces of paint in the solvent.  

HVLP sprayers may have a paint cup attached to the spray gun. In this case, there would be no intake tube, and the paint would be transferred into the cup and pulled directly from here. When flushing, remove paint from the cup and replace with solvent. Also, HVLP sprayers don't require you to remove the tip while flushing. 

Step Four- Brush, Dry, Reassemble 

Remove the tip and tip guard from solvent and use solvent-soaked brushes to clean the inside of the tip. You should use brushes to clean all remaining openings on the nozzle, including the nozzle needle.

HVLP spray guns will have an air cap that must be removed to get to the nozzle. You can then remove the nozzle with a wrench and clean with a brush.

Dry off disassembled parts with a cloth or paper towel, being sure not to bend the nozzle needle. Reassemble the spray gun and store in a safe place until you are ready to paint again.