Prep/Getting Started
Before starting any painting project, clean the surface to be
painted as thoroughly as possible. It is recommended to use a pressure
washer for best results. Allow surface to dry completely before
painting.
Safety Notice: Whenever operating equipment it is
important to take proper safety precautions, be mindful of potential
hazards, wear protective clothing and eyewear, and stay alert. Always
refer to the specific instructions and safety procedures for the spray
equipment you are using.
Clear – Move all outdoor furniture, grill, etc. away
from area to be sprayed. Make sure to have plenty of space for your
tools and equipment.
Clean – Wash the entire area that is to be painted using
a pressure washer and cleaning solution. Allow surface significant
time to dry.
Remove – Make sure to remove any dirt, mildew, mold etc.
Scrape off large areas of peeling paint.
Repair – Replace any damaged areas with new siding,
soffets, etc. Pound in loose nails. Sand any rough surfaces and caulk
gaps as needed.
Safety – Protective items are essential for your safety.
This may include: gloves, eyewear, clothing, spray sock (hood), hats,
footwear, dust masks and respirators. If you’re painting in the
vicinity of any appliances turn them off. (See Safety Precautions in
your Sprayer Operation Manual.)
Step By Step
Before you start spraying be sure all the surfaces are properly
prepped. Any surfaces you do not want painted should be covered or
blocked using a spray shield. Avoid spraying on windy days.
Select the spray tip that best meets your needs for the
material (stain, paint, etc.) you are spraying and the surface to be
sprayed. Be sure the hole size selected does not exceed the maximum
capacity of your sprayer. (see
tip selector.)
If you do not have a lot of spray experience, it is best to
start on a large flat area like the side of the house or other area
not easily seen.
Typically, when painting, it is best to start at the top and
work your way down.
Begin by spraying any eaves or the underside of any overhangs.
The direction you will spray depends on the construction. As a general
rule you want to spray any exposed trusses, wood beams, or boards by
aiming the spray fan pattern to follow lengthwise.
You will work in sections, only as far as you can comfortably
reach. First spray the outer edges, “banding” the area that you will
spray and cutting in any corners. For inside corners, aim the spray
tip directly into the corner so it overlaps both sides. Next, point
the spray tip at the edge of the previous painted area to overlap
approximately 50%.
After you have completed the eaves area, spray the exterior
walls. Cut in around windows and doors first then spray paint the
remaining flat areas using overlapping strokes.
See -
How
to use a paint sprayer: Spray Techniques for more spraying pointers.
Clean Up
Allow significant time for the paint to dry before removing
tape from your trim. This will result in crisp, clean lines.
Remove all coverings from shrubs, bushes and plants. Carefully
remove all tape from window and door trim.
Replace hardware that may have been removed, such as lighting
fixtures or shutters.
Clean your airless paint sprayer after each use. Follow the
directions in your user’s manual for Power Flush™ cleaning with water
based materials or use the bucket method of cleaning for Graco 190ES
and solvent based products. For more info see
Power Flush
Video (wmv 1.4MB) or refer to your Sprayer Operation Manual.
Return a other items (furniture, grill, etc.) back into place.
Suggested Tools & Equipment
- 2 empty buckets – For priming sprayer and clean-up.
- Stir sticks.
- Paint strainer bag – Helps eliminate tip plugging and
provides a better finish.
- Prep items: tarps or drop cloths – plastic sheeting –
masking tape.
- Paint / Stain – If using paint from multiple
containers it is recommended that you transfer / mix paint from
multiple containers together in an empty 5 gallon container. This is
known as “boxing” the paint and ensures consistent color even if
small differences in color exist between paint batches.
- Paint brush for touch-ups.
- Graco or Magnum Paint Sprayer (see comparison
chart or sprayer
selector).
- Spray Tips (see tip selector)
– A wider spray pattern for large surfaces and narrow size for
smaller surfaces.
- Tip Extension(s)
– For hard to reach areas that would otherwise require a ladder.
- Pressure Roller Attachments.
- Two – 8 inch or larger adjustable wrenches.
- Additional airless hose sections if needed.
- Spray shield.
- Pump Armor for storage after use and TSL for Graco
190ES .
- Cleaning rags.
- Cleaning brushes – Stiff nylon (small and large) for
clean-up.
- Safety and protection equipment such as: Safety
glasses/goggles – dust masks/respirator - spray sock (hood worn over
head to keep off overspray)