Graco is a top-notch airless paint sprayer brand and comes with world-class equipment. They constantly test each and everything of the manufactured paint sprayers, but things may go wrong. Suppose you are working on a most important painting project, and your paint sprayer stops working in the middle of the project? Do you know how to Graco Airless paint sprayer troubleshooting at that point? Definitely, you will feel embarrassed and not be able to complete the project timely.
Suppose another scenario that your paint sprayer got into trouble or Graco paint sprayer won’t spray. There are no local shops near you, and you can’t send it to the paint store immediately. Don’t worry! We are writing this ultimate guide for those who get stuck with common Graco paint sprayer problems. We will give you some tips to resolve the commonly occurring issues immediately and easily.
Not to mention, our discussed problems and their solutions are applicable to all Graco paint sprayer models. So, let’s get deeper into the details!
Common Graco Airless Paint Sprayer Problems and Their Troubleshooting
In this section, we will discuss the Graco airless paint sprayer problems and their authentic graco airless paint sprayer troubleshooting. It does not matter either you have Graco magnum project painter plus, Graco Magnum X5, Magnum X7 or any other type and model; our troubleshooting paint sprayers methods are universal and applicable to all models. Check out the details below:
1. The Sprayer Doesn’t Prime and Pressurized
This is a common query: Why is my airless sprayer not building pressure? Or How do you fix an airless sprayer that is not priming? In this condition, the sprayer doesn’t prime and paint sprayer won’t build pressure. It usually happens due to the piston, which doesn’t move up and down regardless of the applied pressure.
Reason and Solution
There are usually three reasons such as obstructed ball check, blocked siphon hose, and a bad graco paint sprayer transducer. The solutions are:
Check out the Ball Check
Your Graco sprayer consists of one or two ball checks depending on the model you have. Make sure that the ball seats or ball check are tightened to help the pump build accurate pressure. Just remove the obstruction, and it will start working.
Inspect The Siphon Hose
It’s basically an intake valve where the paint comes up from the storage. If it is pressurized, it will not function. The clogging inside it is the main problem of the malfunctioning. If it is clogged, unscrew the rock catcher, and clean the hose well with the help of a metal strainer. There should not be any obstruction inside.
Change The Pressure Transducer
If the pump is not pressurized, the simple transducer is not working properly. The transducer tries to run finely but is unable to pump the primer. Users can only replace the item, and it costs a little bit.
2. Why is My Graco Spray Gun Spitting?
This problem is found in almost all airless spray guns when you just release the trigger. If you want a fine finish, spitting creates problems here while painting doors and cabinets. You can manage this issue by making it a habit to release the trigger beyond the painting place. Don’t stop at the current painting point. This solution is applicable when the spotting is normal. If it’s spitting really bad, here you can find the solution.
Reason and Solution
If your spray gun is spitting badly, you may have a problem with the tube. It might be clogged, or the tip guard is blocked due to unnecessary material build-up. Secondly, the stopped air inside the hose and pump does not allow it to work properly. Likewise, worn or dirty spray gun assembly defines some gaps and creates low pressure.
Examine Pressure
Check out the gun pressure; it should not be too low. If the pressure is low, the output will be too thick. Here you can change the spray wear or tip with a large orifice. So, you have completed Graco magnum x7 troubleshooting.
Clear the Fluid Needle
It’s better to clean the fluid needed as the sticky layers cause this error. Using a thin wire for cleaning can make the process easier.
3. Tip Housing Paint Leakage
It’s a common problem reported by many users that the paint leaks from the spray gun tip housing. You should always check the slight paint leakage before starting the painting project. Don’t wait for the paint to drip from the leakage point.
Reason and Solution
Here the problem is with the outer tip that is not isolated or screwed properly. To eliminate this problem, disassemble it and clean the threading part properly. Check the gasket and replace it if it is still not working accurately.
Graco Spray Tip Problem (Practical example)
Recently, my friend purchased a Graco 390 sprayer. She had never sprayed before. She was just doing a test with the 390 sprayer using smooth masonry paint. You can see in the picture here!
She asked me, Why is the graco sprayer doing this? or What am I doing wrong?
So, in this case, the Graco Classic 390 comes with the 517 LP tip and you can spray masonry paint through Lp tip. However, you need to check your pressure setting.
The LP Tips require 50% less pressure, so begin with 75 bar and increase until the uniform spray pattern is achieved. As a result of high pressure, paint accumulates on the nozzle holder.
4. Paint Sprayer Motor is Stuck
When you start the work, plugin your Graco paint sprayer, trigger the button and find the motor stopped. You can also say that the graco paint sprayer not turning ON. Check out the following causes and solutions in this regard:
Reason and Solution
Faulty Electric Board
You should test the outlet from a tester whether it’s supplying electrical power or not. There might be an issue with the circuit breaker or the fuse. Replace them if needed, or you can use another power outlet.
Too Low Pressure
Always read the Graco airless paint sprayer instructions given by the manufacturer and set a suitable pressure according to the instructions. Don’t set it too low. Turn the knob to adjust the pressure.
Seized Pump
Sometimes, the pump or motor is seized due to dirt, residual derived paint, and many such reasons. Unplug the sprayer, clean such components, and enjoy painting again.
Damaged Pump
A pump or motor that is damaged even a little will not work. You can disassemble it and find the problem. If needed, try to replace it with a new motor.
5. Airless spray pattern problem
Whether you buy airless spray guns online or from the physical market, each sprayer offers different patterns. When the sprayer is loaded with primer, it gives you the selected pattern while painting. If the pattern is disturbed, keep in mind that it’s an issue with the pattern, and you can’t get a flawless finish.
Reason and Solution
Slightly Blocked Spray Tip
Dirt particles and debris prevent the sprayer from working smoothly. Some latest models come with unclog function on a reversible airless paint sprayer. Use this feature or unblock it manually using thin wire or more.
Thick Particles in Paint
When you mix something in paint, sometimes thin balls or particles are made that stick to the tip. Such particles clogged up the sprayer tip due to foreign particles. Therefore, check your paint while putting them into the storage tank.
Clogged Filter
The filter is an important component of an airless paint sprayer; and check the filter always and clean it well before starting your painting project.
Worn Spray Tip
Check the spray tip and replace it with the same if worn up.
Missing Gasket Seal
Check the seal whether it’s missing or not. Replace it if it’s missing.
Power Extension
Sometimes, the power outlet is not nearer to the painting wall or ceiling, and you have to use power cords or extensions. The length of the wire is indirect to the power supplied due to different losses. Your used extension should be high-quality, and always try to use short cords. Otherwise, the sprayer will receive low power, and the issue will arise.
6. When Paint is Saggy
When you are done with the painting job and notice that the paint is sagging, running slowly, or airless spray patter problems, it’s an alarming situation. This means that you will not get a clear paint finish.
Reason and Solution
It usually happens when the applied medium is too thick. We always recommend the manufacturer’s instructions and set the spray speed according to that. Your applied coating should be thinner to get a clear finish.
Adjust Speed
Paint spraying pressure or speed adjustment is the best solution for it. Make sure the speed is enough to get a thin paint coating. Instead of this, you can also use a smaller spray paint tip with an adjustable fan pattern. Keep the fan pattern wide to get a smooth finish. If you are not experienced enough, read the instructions and keep the gun at a suitable distance while painting.
7. Insufficient Coverage
When you select your required pattern and don’t get what you want, there is an issue with the coverage. Your paint sprayer is not hitting the desired coverage or offering inadequate coverage. You will feel thin gaps and unclear finish or paint patterns.
Reason and Solution
There are common reasons that are related to the painter’s experience. In short, the settings are wrong.
Paint Slowly
It usually happens when you are going too fast. You should notice the pattern and quantity to adjust your painting speed.
Small paint Tip
When the hole is smaller, the paint finish gets disturbed. Therefore, always choose a wider spray tip.
Too Wide Fan Pattern
Check the instructions and narrow the fan pattern to get an accurate paint finish.
8. The Trigger is Stuck
When everything is fine, but the trigger is not working, here the problem is with the locking operation. Disengage the lock, rotate the locking knob, and all is done.
9. Why is my paint sprayer not spraying?
There might be numerous reasons when you pull the trigger, the machine makes a sound, but nothing comes out. It’s normal, and there is an issue with the atomizer of the sprayer. First, try to use the Graco sprayer reset button.
Reason and Solution
The primary reasons are: the paint cup is not properly attached, or the knob position is wrong. The wrong tip position also creates this problem. You can resolve them as follows:
Re-attach the Paint Cup
Check out that the cup is properly attached. Detach it and clean the attachment properly. Again, attach it properly, check the threading, and tighten it well. Reading instructions is a better way to place it in the right position.
Spray Knob or Tip
Inspect both the spray knob and tip of the airless paint sprayer. Clean the debris stuck here and replace them if necessary.
10. Leakage From Trigger
When graco paint sprayer leaking from bottom, it’s not a good sign. Whether the leakage is minute or high, the spray pump is not working well. Here the best remedy is to replace the pump.
What To Do If These Methods Don’t Work?
Hopefully, our described methods will help you resume your painting project. However, there might be a time when none of the methods work. What to do in such a situation? The best and most effective way in that condition is to contact Support or read Graco airless paint sprayer manual to find the solution accordingly.
Graco sprayer company provides technical and non-technical support whether you use a magnum sprayer or a true coat sprayer.
Final Verdict on Graco Airless Paint Sprayer Troubleshooting
In conclusion, there are several unexpected paint sprayer problems that can occur in Graco airless paint sprayer. We have described and given the solution of those that are most common in Graco sprayers. We believe you will find this guide about Graco airless paint sprayer troubleshooting helpful in all types of painting projects.
FAQs On Graco Airless Paint Sprayer Troubleshooting
Why does my airless paint sprayer leaving streaks?
Some paint sprayers leave streaks while painting and disturb the overall paint finish. It usually happens for two reasons, i.e., when pressure is too low, or the nozzle is worn. Set the pressure, and changing the nozzle can resolve this issue.
How do I get a smooth finish with an airless sprayer?
Nowadays, airless paint sprayers are mostly used due to several advantages. If you do the proper settings of pressure, orifice size, and fan width, you can get a smooth paint finish. It’s also important to spray from a sufficient distance.
Why am I getting tails when spraying?
When the pressure is not set properly, the paint creates bad tails. Set the atomizer pressure and clean the tip properly to remove any stuck material and get rid of this problem as the atomizer is responsible for the overall paint pattern.
