Top 5 Airless Spray Gun Tips for Smooth, Even Paint Coverage

An airless spray gun can help you get the job done quicker with a cleaner and more professional finish if you know how to use the tool properly. Whether you are an expert contractor or a DIY painter, correct technique is required for the tool to produce a smooth, even finish.

In this blog, we will go through the top 5 airless spray gun tips that will enable you to get better paint finishes and avoid some common pitfalls.

Table of Contents

1. Choose the Right Tip Size for the Job
2. Keep a Clean Paint Spray Gun Air Filter
3. Maintain the Right Spray Distance
4. Check and Replace Worn Sprayer Gun Parts
5. Practice on Scrap Material First
6. Final Thoughts

1. Choose the Right Tip Size for the Job

Selecting the right spray tip size is one of the most important steps in operating an airless spray gun. Different tip sizes are meant for different coatings and surfaces. For instance:

• Smaller tips (e.g., 0.009-0.013) are great for thin materials like stains.
• Medium tips (e.g., 0.015-0.017) work well for latex paints.
• Larger tips (e.g., 0.019-0.021) are used for heavier materials like primers or elastomerics.

Choosing the right tip prevents clogging and overspray, and helps you get consistent coverage every time.

2. Keep a Clean Paint Spray Gun Air Filter

A clogged paint spray gun air filter can ruin your spray pattern and reduce the sprayer's efficiency. Dust, dried paint particles, or other debris in the air filter can significantly impact spray gun performance, leading to uneven coverage or splattering. Make a habit of inspecting and cleaning the air filter often before beginning a new job. Clean filters allow air to flow freely at a constant pressure throughout the spray.

3. Maintain the Right Spray Distance

If the spray gun is too close to the surface, runs and drips will erupt; conversely, when the gun is held far away, a patchy and uneven coating will come. 10 to 12 inches from the surface is the ideal distance. Move the spray gun steadily in straight, overlapping strokes. Each pass should overlap the previous one by about 50% to ensure complete, even coverage.

4. Check and Replace Worn Sprayer Gun Parts

Worn-out sprayer gun parts like seals, nozzles, and valves will affect the performance of your gun and spray pattern. If it sputters, leaks, or sprays unevenly, it’s time to inspect and possibly replace worn parts. Replacing faulty parts in a timely manner extends the life of your sprayer and ensures consistent, high-quality finishes. Stocking a few parts will also ensure you are protected from any interruptions during jobs.

5. Practice on Scrap Material First

Spend a few minutes practicing on a cardboard or old piece of wood before spraying the real surface. This will help you get accustomed to the blow-gun flow, spray pattern, and pressure. Practicing allows you to fine-tune your technique without risking damage to the actual surface.

Final Thoughts

Learning to hone your spray technique takes time, but with these airless spray gun tips, you can immediately start painting like a professional.From selecting the right tip to keeping your filters and parts clean and well-maintained, small steps can lead to significant improvements.

At eRepairCenter, we carry a full range of filters and replacement parts to keep your airless spray guns working like new. Whether you're tackling a home project or a professional paint job, we've got your sprayer needs covered.