Lubricating a Spray GunThere are two parts on a spray gun that should be lubricated often: the fluid-needle packing, which is similar to a gasket and located just in front of the guns trigger, and the air valve just behind the trigger. You can also lubricate the pin that the trigger swings on and the screw threads at the back of the gun. But I dont find either of these critical.
Use a type of oil that doesnt contain silicone or petroleum distillate (thinner). Mineral oil is a good choice. Many spray-gun manufacturers and auto-body supply shops sell handy oils-containing squeeze bottles with the right oil.
You should lubricate the spray gun every day if you use it on a regular basis. Otherwise, you can do it at the end of each project, before you put the spray gun away.
Cleaning a Spray Gun
If you spray only shellac or lacquer, its rare that you should have to disassemble the spray gun and clean it. The thinner makes the gun self-cleaning because alcohol or lacquer thinner dissolves any finish that might have hardened and caused blockage.
Spraying paint or other finishes can cause blockage. It is best to clean your spray gun after every use. You will need to clean the gun thoroughly in order to remove any blockage.
Some manufacturers sell cleaning kits containing brushes, picks and needles of proper sizes for cleaning their guns. For this article Im using a kit sold by Spray Gun Solutions (303-424-3741 or spraygunsolutions.com), which includes cleaning tools that fit any spray gun.
For a cleaning solvent, Im using lacquer thinner. Even if your finish is water-based, this is the best solvent. Im using a Binks #7 spray gun for the photos. Its an old-fashioned high-pressure gun, but its parts photograph well. Every spray gun is a little different. The following is a guideline for cleaning your spray gun.
