how long before a spray gun clogs up dry?

[e9999]

sadly, I don't know anything much about spray guns. I have a couple that I tried once or twice to see how spraying goes, but no experience. But I'm gearing up to do some painting soon.

I was wondering how long one can typically leave the paint in the gun without cleaning it and still be able to shoot stuff out afterwards. As in doing a coat, waiting for a while, spraying again, etc. I'd hate to wait 10 mins and find the gun clogged cuz the paint dried up in the nozzle.
Haven't done any experiments on this for obvious reasons.
Clearly, I'd rather not clean it up after every coat.

This would be for enamel, rustoleum type paint.

I'm sure it depends on the gun, size of hole etc, but any general thoughts on what would be safe to do?

I'm also going to try and improvise with generic plastic bags in the tank (suction guns) to minimize cleaning up. (Recycling these newspaper bags I get all the time? ) Seems to work with water...

[thecrazygreek]

Check the POT life info on your paint. Thats a good indicator. I always clean my gear after every use. Or if you use the ten dollar guns from Harbor Frieght, then I guess it doesnt really amtter...

[e9999]

Originally Posted by thecrazygreek

Check the POT life info on your paint. Thats a good indicator. I always clean my gear after every use. Or if you use the ten dollar guns from Harbor Frieght, then I guess it doesnt really amtter...

does Rustoleum etc provide a pot life spec on their cans? Don't recall that, but I'll check. Or could call I guess.

Any guesses?

[Project60]

I have sprayed some white gloss Rustoleum with my $10 HF spray gun on some wood shutters. Turned out good.

I would say it took well over 25 minutes to spray all the details in the shutters and the paint had no intention of drying in the gun.

It does depend on temperature as well.

[e9999]

Originally Posted by Project60

I have sprayed some white gloss Rustoleum with my $10 HF spray gun on some wood shutters. Turned out good.

I would say it took well over 25 minutes to spray all the details in the shutters and the paint had no intention of drying in the gun.

It does depend on temperature as well.

OK, thanks, but I'm talking about something else. Say you spray for 1 minute, stop and wait. So the paint just sits there in the nozzle and dries some.

[thecrazygreek]

You can go days with Rustomleum with no ill effects. Ask me how I know...

Since theres no hardner, only air will get it hard...

I would not recomend anything over 48 hours tho... And the more its thinned the less "issues" you will have..

[e9999]

Originally Posted by thecrazygreek

You can go days with Rustomleum with no ill effects. Ask me how I know...

snip

yes, how do you know? since you clean after each use...?


but excellent, so I can just do several coats over a day without cleaning, yea!


(well, that is assuming the paint in the pot doesn't start to congeal...)

[webelk6]

Originally Posted by e9999

yes, how do you know? since you clean after each use...?


but excellent, so I can just do several coats over a day without cleaning, yea!


(well, that is assuming the paint in the pot doesn't start to congeal...)

typically it all boils down to pot life. You should be able to shoot all day with a one part paint, 2 component , definately boils down to pot life.

[jm599]

here's what I do when in similar circumstances.

when done spraying poor the paint out of the gun into a clean container, solo cup, etc and cover with saran wrap.

then pour in lacquer thinner into gun and spray in trash for several ounces, changing flow and pattern while I do this. I leave a little bit of this thinner in pot.

when ready to spray again I shoot out the thinner to empty the pot then put a funnel filter in the pot. restir the paint and pour thru the filter. then ready to go.

if you let paint sit in the tip it can easily dry and mess up the pattern.

at the end of the day clean very well.

a vertical test panel or piece of cardboard is a good idea to test before spraying the cruiser to check for spitting, plugging etc.

good luck

[nuclearlemon]

Originally Posted by Project60

I have sprayed some white gloss Rustoleum with my $10 HF spray gun on some wood shutters. Turned out good.

I would say it took well over 25 minutes to spray all the details in the shutters and the paint had no intention of drying in the gun.

It does depend on temperature as well.

i'm guessing e9999 is talking about painting, stopping for 1/2 hr, 1hr, whatever, maybe while getting another panel ready to paint, or between coats, whatever. good question. is that the kind of info pot life relays? sorry, i'm a gun idiot also, but this summer i'll give it a go.

[webelk6]

Originally Posted by nuclearlemon

i'm guessing e9999 is talking about painting, stopping for 1/2 hr, 1hr, whatever, maybe while getting another panel ready to paint, or between coats, whatever. good question. is that the kind of info pot life relays? sorry, i'm a gun idiot also, but this summer i'll give it a go.

That is exactly what pot life is. If it has a 4 hour pot life, and you are taking 6 hrs. to do it, you will have problems!

[brownbear]

pot life is the cure rate for how long you can keep the paint before you spray it.

You NEED to clean the gun after each use no matter what. Or next time a small air orifice will be blocked and you can throw out the gun. As it will not spray nice again.

You spray one coat and have to wait an hour or so for re-coat. Yes you need to fully disassemble the gun and transfer the paint out. Clean all the pieces. Re-assemble and fill the pot with lacquer thinner and spray it clear. Failure to do so each coat and your gun will die.

The paint can hang around for days in a sealed container. Only paint with a second part truly have a "pot life" Pot life and gun usage are two different subjects.