How to Clean an Airless Paint Sprayer

Using an airless paint sprayer can create a lot of mess upon application. While you may remember to clean up the more noticeable paint mess from your surroundings, you must also remember to thoroughly clean the paint sprayer.

Step 1 - Preparation

Once you have completed your paint spraying task, fill a bucket with paint thinner if you painted with oil-based paint, or water if it was latex-based. Remove the intake hose from the paint sprayer and place it in your bucket of liquid. Trim the length of your old paintbrush to one inch - you will need this later. Put on your gloves and gather the rest of your equipment before you begin.

Step 2 - Empty the Paint

Any leftover paint in your gun can be saved by shooting the gun into the paint can to release any paint still left within it. Be careful not to release any paint thinner into the can. Taking an empty second bucket, spray the remaining liquid until you get a clear and clean spray.

Step 3 - Scrub Clean

Disassemble the gun and fill an empty bucket with two cups of paint thinner, adding the individual parts to soak in the bucket. While soaking, add thinner to a rag, which you will then use to rub across the frame of your spray gun to remove any paint. Take your old paintbrush and begin scrubbing the paint off the parts soaking in the bucket. This should remove any residue left over.

Step 4 - Filter Paint Thinner

You can now filter the used paint thinner into its original container by straining the substance through a clean rag.