
Since using a Wagner paint sprayer can be broken down into many sections — priming and set up, thinning, operating, and clean up — I have compiled this elementary guide to get you up and running fast.
What Types of Wagner Sprayer are Available?
Wagner’s Turbine-Driven Paint Sprayers
For those unsure as to what a turbine spray gun is, these sprayers use a turbine to generate the air pressure demanded by a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) system. This air output then finely atomizes the coating to provide a blemish-free, consistent finish. No external compressor is needed.
Great examples include the FLEXiO 3000, which can coat large projects up to ten times faster than a brush. And if you’re completing smaller tasks, the Control Painter could be the solution for you.
Wagner’s Airless Spray Guns
A slightly newer offer from Wagner is its range of airless sprayers. While the company’s selection is not as vast as some other manufacturers, it once again provides two different ranges: Wagner HEA machines and the Wagner Airless Series.
Airless sprayers operate at high pressures; usually between 1500 and 3300 pounds per square inch (psi). An internal motor or turbine pushes the coating through the machine to the fluid nozzle where it’s turned into a mist of extremely fine droplets. A great example of a Wagner airless machine is the Control Pro 150.
HEA (high-efficiency airless) devices deliver all the grunt of an airless machine but with up to 55 percent overspray. Spray guns such as the Control Pro 190 take the intimidation out of large projects yet are still easy to operate.
Why Wagner SprayTech?
This said, they will also stand up to rigorous use from full-time contractors — as these spray guns are designed to be robust.
Wagner SprayTech had been in the fluid handling industry for over seven decades and is currently based in Minneapolis.
How to Prime a Wagner Paint Sprayer
What You Will Need to Follow This Tutorial
- Water.
- Mallet.
- Power source.
Step 1: Suction Check
If you do not feel any suction, then you will need to continue to step two. If there is suction present, you’re good to go.
Step 2: Tapping The Outlet Valve
Step 3: Free the Outlet Valve With Water
Thinning Paint for a Wagner Sprayer
If you’re using stain or another low viscosity coating, you can pour it straight into your unit and start spraying. There are also machines that handle dense mediums without thinning, such as the Control Pro 170 with its airless technology.
However, if you opt for an HVLP Wagner spray gun like the FLEXiO 690, for the most part, you’ll need to figure out how to thin latex paint, although, it can spray some viscous coatings without dilution.
There are many thick coatings but I’ll cover latex here since it’s one of the most common paints DIYers use.
What You Will Need to Follow This Tutorial
- Latex paint.
- Stir stick.
- Water.
- Bucket.
- Measuring jug.
Step 1: Viscosity Check
Step 2: Diluting the Coating
How To Use a Wagner Paint Sprayer
Whether you’re planning on using an HVLP or educating yourself on how to use a Wagner airless paint sprayer, the process is fairly similar once you’ve got the priming out of the way.
What You Will Need to Follow This Tutorial
- Wagner paint sprayer.
- Coating.
- Flattened cardboard box.
- Coveralls, goggles, face mask.
- Drop cloths.
- Masking tape.
- Plastic sheeting.
- Step ladder (if a large project).
Step 1: Preparation
Step 2: Spraying
Check out where the volume output and pressure controls are located, and if needed, make a couple of practice passes on an old flattened cardboard box. Get comfortable laying both vertical and horizontal passes.
A helpful tip is that if you’re going to spray side to side or laterally, select the vertical pattern option. Conversely, if spraying in a vertical orientation, choose a horizontal pattern.
How To Clean a Wagner Sprayer
There is nothing more satisfying than finishing your DIY project after learning how to use a Wagner power sprayer, and then standing back and admiring your hard work with a cold one.
But before you get carried away, you need to clean your machine before storing it away. Failure to do so will result in damage to your unit and you may need to purchase a new one.
What You Will Need to Follow This Tutorial
- Wagner paint sprayer.
- Cleaning brush.
- Soapy water (for water-based coatings).
- Mineral spirits (for oil-based paints).
- Clean drying cloth.
- Goggles and gloves if working with mineral spirits.
Step 1: Disassembly
Step 2: Cleaning
Conclusion
Hopefully, you’re now fully equipped with the spray gun know-how you need to start using your Wagner sprayer.
There is no need to shy away from priming the device, or thinning more viscous paints for use, just follow the simple step-by-step guides above. Additionally, operation and clean-up should also be a breeze.
If you have found our guide on how to use a Wagner paint sprayer helpful, share it with other home improvers so they don’t have to suffer unsightly brush strokes either!
How To Use a Wagner Paint Sprayer FAQs
Q: Do I Need To Thin Paint for Wagner Sprayer?
It depends on the type of sprayer you’re using. For example, thinning paint for use in many Wagner power painters is a must with viscous coatings. However, if you choose one of the HEA machines, such as the Control Pro 170, no dilution is required.
Q: Are Wagner Paint Sprayers Any Good?
Yes, Wagner is a respected brand of power painting tools. Wagner paint sprayers are competitively priced, easy to learn how to use, durable, and reliable.
Q: Can You Use Primer in a Wagner Paint Sprayer?
When you first learn how to use a Wagner paint sprayer, you may wonder if primers are off-limits. But the good news is that you can spray primers in a Wagner, although some thinning may be required.
Check each Wagner unit’s specs before you make a purchase to ensure the machine of your choice can handle primers well.
Q: Can I Leave Paint in My Wagner Sprayer Overnight?
In theory, you can, however, most people prefer not to do this to protect their spray gun. If you leave paint in your Wagner spray gun overnight, it could dry in the system and cause a wide variety of issues, not to mention making it difficult to clean the tool later on.
Q: How Do You Adjust a Wagner Spray Gun?
When learning how to use a Wagner power painter or other Wagner device, you’ll want to tailor the output to your base medium and experience level. Most Wagner devices have simple dials to adjust both the pressure and paint output.