Top Tips on Using a Spray Painting Machine

By Wayne Barker

When you have to paint a difficult to reach area or an uneven surface then the use of a spray paint gun could be essential. There are a number of things to think about when using a spray painting gun before jumping head first into the project. If you decide that the project is beyond your capabilities there are a number of spraying companies that offer specialist spray painting services - however if you have a small job that you believe you are capable of handling yourself then here are a few pointers to set you off on your way:

1. First up you are going to need to rent yourself a machine- renting is the preferred method due to the expense of the machines. Any good tool hire shop will have a number of these machines. Alternatively you could try a specialist paint merchant as these often have machines that you can rent.

2. Spray painting machines are notorious for spreading the paint round in the air- it is absolutely crucial that you protect all areas that might get paint on them - you can get plastic sheeting and paper sheeting from all good DIY stores nowadays and these are absolutely essential for protecting your environment. If you are spraying outside it is also important to take into consideration the wind and where the paint may travel if it is picked up on a gust of wind - dust sheets are essential for covering cars and plants and other things in this situation.

3. Always use fresh paint in the bucket that will provide your spray painting machine with the paint to spray. It is crucial that there are no lumps in the paint as you do not want to block the nozzle!

4. For perfect flow you will want to thin the paint a little when running it through a paint spaying machine - always refer to the recommended thinning percentage on the tin of paint though!

5. Wear protective clothing - paint merchants stock very cheap disposable coveralls and masks.

6. Start at the top left hand corner and move swiftly, apply a thin coat of paint (several thin coats are more preferable to one heavy one and this will reduce the risk of runs!).

What to remember when spray painting:

1. Always keep the equipment clean as the nozzles clog easily
2. Make sure you know how to clean the nozzle if it should become clogged - you don't to get stuck half way through a job!
3. Make sure everything around you (and yourself) is protected from overspray. You do not want to damage yourself, your belongings - and if you are outdoors you do not want to damage your neighbors car or garden.

Spray painting can be easily undertaken on a DIY basis but it is always recommended that you consult a professional for more specialist jobs.