What cleaner should I use to clean my airless sprayer after spraying?
Use the cleaner specified for your coating, provided it is also compatible with the sprayer’s pump, seals, hose and gun. “Use paint thinner” is not a complete instruction, and the right flushing fluid is not automatically the right storage fluid.
A starting guide—not a universal solvent list
| Coating type | What to check |
|---|---|
| Water-based latex or acrylic | Water is often specified for wet cleanup. Check whether the supplier requires an additional cleaner or procedure. |
| Traditional solvent-based alkyd | Use the named solvent or cleaner; mineral spirits are suitable for some products, not all. |
| Lacquer or specialist finish | Confirm both the exact cleaner and equipment approval for that solvent. |
| Two-component epoxy or polyurethane | Follow the specified cleaner and clean before the reactive material cures. |
| Moisture-sensitive membrane | Check the dedicated cleaning and moisture-control requirements. |
DP’s Brushless motor paint sprayers could spray both water based and solvent based paint.
Read both sets of instructions
The coating data sheet identifies the product’s cleaner; the equipment manual identifies fluids the machine can safely handle. Both conditions must be met. Some sprayers are not approved for flammable liquids, even if a cleaner can dissolve the paint. Review the safety data sheet for ventilation, ignition sources, grounding and protective equipment.
Why thinner and cleaner are not always interchangeable
A product may permit a solvent for cleanup but prohibit or limit adding it to the paint. Conversely, a permitted reducer does not establish that it is the only recommended cleaning method. Never mix solvents or add an arbitrary amount of thinner to “wash out” curing epoxy.
Four fluids with different jobs
- Flushing fluid: removes coating residue from the fluid path.
- Throat lubricant: protects the specified exposed pump-rod or packing area where the model calls for it.
- Hydraulic oil: operates a separate drive circuit on relevant machines.
- Storage fluid: provides the approved protection inside a clean fluid path during storage.
Do not pour hydraulic oil or throat seal liquid through the paint circuit as a general storage method. Confirm any storage product’s compatibility and temperature limits with the machine instructions.
When changing between water- and solvent-based materials
Use the approved transition procedure so incompatible residue does not contaminate the next coating. Clean the return path, filters, hose and gun, not only the spray tip. Check whether an intermediate flush is required. Do not return contaminated cleaner to the paint supply.
If the paint has already hardened
Do not keep increasing pressure or soak unknown seals in an aggressive solvent. Hardened material may require professional disassembly and replacement of affected components. Collect waste cleaner in suitable labelled containers and use the required disposal route.
