Clarke SP18C Operation & Maintenance Instructions Manual page 8

MAINTENANCE
Relieve any pressure in the gun and hose, and disconnect the spray gun from
the air supply, before any disassembly.
It is essential that the spray gun is kept clean. Dried paint in the nozzle assembly or airways
will stop the gun from working. For the gun to perform at its best it must be cleaned and
lubricated after every use.
After use, empty any remaining paint from the paint cup, wipe the cup clean with a dry,
lint free rag, and fill with thinners. Spray the thinners through the spray gun until it is clean.
1. Immerse only the front end of the gun until solvent just covers the fluid connection.
NOTE : do not submerge the entire spray gun in solvent because :
a, the lubricant in the seals/packings will dissolve and the packings will dry out.
b, the lubricant at wear surfaces will dissolve resulting in harder operation and
premature wear.
c, residue from dirty solvent may clog the narrow air passages in the gun.
2. Use a small bristle brush and solvent to wash off accumulated paint.
3. Wipe down the outside of the gun with solvent dampened cloth.
4. Lubricate gun daily, using a light machine oil on :
fluid needle packing
a,
b, air valve packing
c, side port control packing
d, trigger pivot point
Coat the fluid control spring with grease
never use silicon based lubricants as this may cause paint finish defects.
CAUTION :
DO NOT poke any of the holes in the air cap or nozzle with metal instruments. These holes
are precision drilled, and can be damaged by probing with anything harder than a
wooden toothpick.
Make sure that the air inlet vent to the paint cup is kept clean. Blockages in this vent will
prevent an even material flow to the gun.
Do not mix components from spray guns, even those of the same type. Do not overtighten
components, and be careful not to cross thread any parts on assembly.
Check the air supply hose regularly for any signs of damage, and replace it if necessary.
Do not use damaged or leaking hoses.
WARNING
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PAINT SPRAYING HINTS
WARNING
NEVER attempt to spray unless you are wearing suitable, approved
respiratory and eye protection.
REMEMBER that some modern paints require specialist respiratory
protection...always consult the paint manufacturers instructions.
1. General Preparation
a. Ensure that the area in which you will be spraying is clean and dust free.
b. Connect spray gun to compressor via suitable flexible hose.
c. With no paint in spray gun, test system for air leaks.
d. Cover adjacent pieces of equipment to protect from overspray. Mask areas
of the article not to be sprayed.
e. Ensure surface to be painted is clean, dry and free from oil and dust.
Check paint manufacturer’s instructions for any special surface
preparation required.
REMEMBER - TIME SPENT PREPARING SAVES TIME SPENT FINISHING
2. Paint Preparation
a. Achieve the correct paint viscosity. This should be done according to
paint manufacturer’s instructions, and will vary according to type of paint, (see
paint thinning on page 9).
b. Having mixed the paint thoroughly in a separate container, pour into the
spray gun paint container through a fine filter.
DO NOT OVERFILL SPRAY GUN PAINT CONTAINER - three quarters full is maximum
c. It is usually best to experiment with a couple of practice spray coats on a
piece of material with the same type of surface as the article you wish to
spray, eg. metal for a car body panel, wood for a piece of furniture etc.
d. Some common problems:
PROBLEM CAUSE
Paint does not atomise Paint is too thick.
(comes out in blobs). Air pressure is too low.
Paint dries before hitting Paint is too thin.
surface, leaving it dry Air pressure is too high.
with a rough texture.
Finish is pitted like Orange Air pressure too high or Reduce air pressure,
peel. spray too close to work. increase distance between
CORRECTION
Add thinners.
Increase air pressure.
Add more paint.
Reduce air pressure.
gun and work.
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