To effectively clean a Graco TrueCoat sprayer, the process involves flushing the system thoroughly after each use, followed by disassembling and cleaning specific components. This ensures the sprayer remains in optimal working condition and prevents clogs.
Step-by-Step Graco TrueCoat Cleaning Guide
Proper cleaning is essential for the longevity and performance of your Graco TrueCoat sprayer. Follow these steps for a comprehensive cleanup:
1. Prepare for Cleaning
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary cleaning agents and tools.
- For Water-Based Materials (Latex Paints, Water-Based Stains):
- Warm water
- Bucket(s)
- Old toothbrush
- Cleaning brushes
- Pump armor or storage fluid
- For Oil-Based Materials (Oil-Based Paints, Stains, Lacquers):
- Mineral spirits or appropriate solvent recommended by the paint manufacturer
- Bucket(s)
- Old toothbrush
- Cleaning brushes
- Pump armor or storage fluid
2. Flush the System
Flushing removes the bulk of the material from the sprayer's internal components.
- Remove Material Container: Empty any remaining material from the sprayer's cup or bag.
- Rinse Container: Briefly rinse the material container with your chosen cleaning solution (warm water or solvent).
- Fill with Cleaning Solution: Fill the material container with fresh cleaning solution.
- Spray into a Waste Bucket: Point the sprayer into a waste bucket and spray until the cleaning solution runs clear. This flushes the pump, hose, and gun interior. Repeat this step if necessary, using fresh cleaning solution each time, until no paint residue is visible.
3. Clean Specific Components
After flushing, focus on the individual parts to ensure no residue remains.
- Spray Tip:
- Remove the spray tip from the sprayer.
- Clean the spray tip with warm water and an old toothbrush. This helps remove any dried paint or clogs from the small opening.
- Spray Tip Guard:
- Remove the spray tip guard.
- Thoroughly clean the spray tip guard using warm water or solvent and a brush to remove any paint buildup.
- Pump Filter:
- Locate and remove the pump filter (often found at the intake or within the pump assembly).
- Clean the pump filter thoroughly with warm water or the appropriate solvent. Ensure all mesh openings are clear of debris.
- Inlet Strainer/Filter: If your model has an additional inlet strainer, remove and clean it as well.
- Material Container: Wash the material container (cup or bag) thoroughly with cleaning solution and a brush.
- Exterior: Wipe down the exterior of the sprayer with a damp cloth or a solvent-soaked rag, taking care not to get solvent into electrical components.
4. Reassembly and Storage
Once all components are clean and dry, reassemble your Graco TrueCoat sprayer.
- Reinstall Cleaned Parts: Reinstall the spray tip, spray tip guard, pump filter, and any other removed components.
- Apply Pump Armor/Storage Fluid: For long-term storage or between uses, it's highly recommended to add Graco Pump Armor or another appropriate storage fluid into the sprayer's system. This lubricates the pump and prevents internal components from corroding or seizing. Follow the product instructions for application.
- Store Properly: Store your clean sprayer in a dry, protected environment.
Cleaning Solution Recommendations
| Paint Type | Primary Cleaning Solution | Tools for Cleaning Parts | Storage Fluid Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-Based (Latex, Acrylic) | Warm Water | Old toothbrush, Cleaning brushes | Graco Pump Armor |
| Oil-Based (Alkyd, Lacquer) | Mineral Spirits, Solvent | Old toothbrush, Cleaning brushes | Graco Pump Armor |
Maintaining a regular cleaning routine for your Graco TrueCoat sprayer not only extends its lifespan but also ensures consistent, high-quality results for all your painting projects. For more detailed information, consult the official Graco TrueCoat manual for your specific model.
