Troubleshooting: Airless / HEA paint sprayer

 

The following article covers the most frequently asked questions/problems, which will be answered, explained, and solved. Please contact us if your current problem is not covered here.

Airless device does not suck up any paint

Firstly, the device needs to be fully assembled as instructed in our website videos and the manual.

If the spray device does not suck up any paint when the selector switch is set to the PRIME position, the problem is usually a stuck plunger ball valve.

Take the following steps for the quickest solution:

  1. Press the red button on the side of the inlet valve until you feel a click, and try priming again.
  2. Turn the switch to the SPRAY position, then back to the PRIME position, and try priming again.
  3. Disconnect the suction and the return hoses, release the inlet ball valve that is situated at the bottom, and try priming again.
  4. Disconnect the outlet valve and release the tiny ball, which is situated in the disconnected plug, and try priming again.
  5. Disconnect both the suction and return hoses, turn the device around, and fill the inlet valve with water. Switch the device to position 2. If the water runs out of the outlet valve, the problem should be solved.

Airless device does not build up/no longer builds up any pressure

Have you thinned the paint sufficiently? And are you using the right nozzle for the job?

In most cases, a cleaning problem is involved. If the device has not been properly cleaned, paint residue may get stuck in the ball valves of the plunger pump, or the nozzle may be blocked. As a result, no paint will be drawn in.

In that case, but also if this problem occurs when the device is used for the first time, try to release the ball valves of the pump by going through the steps described above and/or follow the instructions in this YouTube video. The components of the Titan model in the video are similar to those of Wagner's HEA Control Pro series.

If the problem is not solved, the device will need to be checked and cleaned professionally (please complete the warranty form).

However, costs will be incurred, because cleaning-related defects are not covered by the warranty. Mechanical problems of course are covered immediately by the warranty. Wagner can easily check the device in this regard, and act accordingly. Please complete the warranty form at all times.

Airless device leaks from the bottom

If a leakage occurs during use of the device for the first time, it could be that one of the seals is not properly joined. While a manufacturing defect is not a common occurrence, it is possible in this case.

Please complete the warranty form and attach several photos that show the problem clearly. Your request will be handled immediately.

Airless device no longer works

In most cases, a cleaning problem is involved. If the device has not been properly cleaned, paint residue may get stuck in the ball valves of the plunger pump, or the nozzle may be blocked. As a result, the device will be unable to draw in or pump paint.

In that case, try to release the ball valves (see the instructions and video above).

If the problem is not solved, the device will need to be checked and cleaned professionally (please complete the warranty form). However, costs will usually be incurred, because cleaning-related defects are not covered by the warranty. Mechanical problems of course are covered immediately by the warranty. Wagner can easily check this and will act accordingly.

Airless gun leaks at the front of the nozzle

Your Airless device was supplied with a seal in or with it. This seal consists of a steel ‘cap’ with a round recess that has a small white nylon ring pressed on the back. This seal ensures that the nozzle is secured tightly to the gun and keeps it in place.

If leakage occurs, in most cases it is caused by an ill-fitting or missing seal. Secure the seal to prevent leaking, and ensure that the nozzle holder (screw-on part with the black plastic end) has been fastened hand-tight, so that the nozzle is securely stuck in place. In this way, the seal is also pressed tightly into the gun. The manual usually also has a spare seal attached to it.

Nozzle does not fit in gun extension

It may be that you were supplied with a standard Airless nozzle holder on or with your gun extension. HEA (High Efficiency Airless) nozzles have a slightly different size, as a result of which yours may not fit. Instead of the standard Airless nozzle holder, screw your HEA gun nozzle holder onto the gun extension. With this holder, your HEA nozzle should fit instantly.

White plug on the return hose broken off

It sometimes happens that the white plug that is mounted to the return hose breaks off. To replace this, we have a limited number of plugs in stock. They can be obtained via customercare@paintsprayer.co.uk.

Spraying result still not as desired

Your Airless paint sprayer does not immediately give you the desired result. Of course, we are sorry to hear that. But rest assured that you will soon be pleased with the result. In most cases, the problem can be resolved by way of a number of tips, and the most important ones have been set out below.

If you are not fully satisfied with the result, the following reasons might be a factor: namely, no clean / smooth finish; use of too much paint; or excessive amount of paint mist.

In nearly every case, the problem may have one or more of the following causes:

    1. Wrong nozzle used;
    2. Nozzle not cleaned properly or blocked;
    3. Wall not free of dust or not pre-treated with a primer;
    4. The device set to too high or too low a capacity;
    5. The liquid used is not suitable to be sprayed with a paint sprayer;
    6. The paint used is too thick and therefore hard to spray.

In principle, the above causes need no further explaining, but we still want to provide you with a few tips for better results.

Streaks instead of a smooth, even result
This is due to the fact that the paint is too thick for the nozzle used. It is quite easy to obtain a worksheet from the manufacturer, which usually specifies the nozzle (diameter) to be used, and whether the paint can and may be thinned. For regular wall paint, usually Nozzle 517 is used, while Nozzle 311 should be used with varnishes, stains, and oils. If you want to paint outdoor walls, you will need an HEA Control Pro 350 model M or model R, or the PowerPainter 90, in combination with Nozzle 619.

Blocked nozzle

If you experience blockage while spraying paint, you can turn the nozzle 180 degrees in the nozzle holder and flush it. In this way, whatever is blocking the device is blown from the nozzle, and you can continue immediately.

If the nozzle continues to be blocked, it may not provide a free flow or a good paint mist. If dried paint is stuck in the nozzle, you can try to clean it with TipClean. If this does not solve the problem, you will need to buy a new nozzle.

No streaks, but spray pattern is uneven and not smooth

Obtain the worksheet from the manufacturer and check whether the paint can be sprayed. Check as well whether the nozzle used corresponds with the one described in the worksheet. Very thick paint usually does not give the desired result. Use a type of paint that is suitable for spraying,

Make sure the walls are ready to be painted. Moisture-absorbing surfaces such as newly plastered walls have to be pre-treated with a primer. Unfortunately, primer cannot always be sprayed with a paint sprayer.

Too much paint used

This may happen if the paint is too thin in combination with the nozzle used. Obtain the worksheet from the manufacturer, and check which nozzle should be used. You can also try not to thin the paint too much.

Excessive paint mist

Paint mist actually always occurs, but too much may affect the final result.

 Excessive paint mist may have three causes:

  1. The wall being painted is not clean, and releases chalk / dust that may get blown around. This may be regarded as paint mist. Always make sure the wall you wish to spray paint has been cleaned.
  2. The nozzle and/or filter used are not compatible with the paint thickness. Obtain the manufacturer's worksheet to ensure that you always use the correct nozzle for the paint.
  3. While spraying paint, always make sure the nozzle is aimed straight at the wall as much as possible. Maintain 20 cm distance (from nozzle to wall), and use your whole arm to ensure an even coverage. Try to avoid pivoting arm/wrist movements. If the above is observed, paint mist should soon be a thing of the past and no longer an obstruction.

If the spray pattern has still not improved, we recommend first consulting the manual. It contains handy tips relating to the best spraying technique such as distance from the wall, no pivoting movements, and use of the trigger. Please also refer to our YouTube channel for more information.