Why to use airless paint sprayer

Faster, Better Coverage & Versitile

It's Faster

Want a faster, easier way to complete your painting projects? Using a Dino-power DP Sprayer saves valuable time versus other methods.

Uniform Coverage

Airless spraying gives a consistent quality finish over almost any surface.

• Easier to apply paint to a variety of surfaces – smooth to rough
• Provides uniform distribution of material on uneven surfaces
• More than four times faster than brushing
• Over twice as fast as traditional rolling

It's Versitile

With the right sprayer accessories, you can save even more time. DP offers a variety of time-saving accessories – from pressure roller attachments to tip extensions.

What is airless spray

• Airless spray breaks up fluid into small droplets (atomizes) without the use of compressed air like air spray guns.
• Paint from a bucket is pumped under high pressure through a hose to the spray gun and tip.
• When the spray gun is triggered, the paint flows through the spray tip, which creates a restriction, causing the paint (or other material) to break up (atomize) into a fine spray pattern.
• Spray tips come in a variety of hole sizes and spray pattern widths. Which tip to use depends on the material and surface being sprayed.

Advice on Tip Selection and Tip Wear

The following information should help you understand why spray tips are so important, how to determine which tip to use depending on the spray application and which specific Dino-power DP sprayer will be used, along with general information on tip wear.
Using the appropriate tip reduces overspray and provides more control. This means you can save money and complete your painting project faster when you use the right tip for the job.

1. Tip Size Selection
2. Coating Determines Hole Size
3. Spraying Surface Determines Fan Size
4. Match Your Sprayer With The Right Tip
5. Understanding Tip Wear

Tip Size Selection

The size of the tip is determined by three main factors:

• Coating being sprayed - determines hole size.
• Surface area to cover - determines fan size.
• Which sprayer you’re using - determines maximum tip size.

How to Determine Spray Tip Size
Example:
The first digit is half of the fan width (#5 x 2 = 10 inch fan width).
515
The last two digits are the size of the tip opening in thousandths (15 = .015 inches).

Coating Determines Hole Size

You can determine which spray tip orifice (hole) size to use by the thickness (viscosity) of the coating you will spray. Spray tips are labeled by their hole size in inches.

Spraying Surface Determines Fan Size

Small surfaces (cabinets, fences, railings) require smaller fan widths for:

• Sharper spray pattern definition
• Reduced overspray
• Ability to spray further with less fall-off

Large surfaces (ceilings and walls) require larger fan widths for:

• Increased coverage
• Ability to spray closer with less build up

Match Your Sprayer With The Right Tip

The key difference in sprayers is the maximum tip size they can support. Choose your sprayer based on the coating types you’ll be spraying.

Start with a tip one size smaller than the maximum tip size your sprayer supports. This allows for tip wear, which increases the tip hole size.

Understanding Tip Wear

Choosing the right spray tip is essential for ensuring a quality finish -- no matter which coating material is being sprayed. However, spray tips will wear with normal use. It’s important to replace a tip when it gets worn to ensure a precise spray pattern, maximum productivity and quality finish. When a tip wears, the orifice size increases and the fan width decreases. This causes more paint to hit a smaller area, which wastes paint and slows productivity.
Tip life varies by coating, so if a tip is worn, replace it. Extend tip life by spraying at the lowest pressure that breaks up the coating into a complete spray pattern (atomize). Do not increase the pump pressure; it only wastes paint and causes unnecessary pump component wear.
Recommended Spray Tip Replacement Time:
Latex - Replace after 15-40 gallons (57-151 L)
Oils & Stains - Replace after 35-60 gallons (132-227 L)

Surface Preparation

To ensure the success of your project, make sure your surface is prepared for the best results. The amount of surface prep required depends on the condition of the area you plan to paint. It is essential to have a dry, clean surface and to use the correct prep application material. Refer to surface preparation information on the paint container.

1. Prepare and clean the surface of all dirt, grease, dust or peeling paint.
2. Repair any holes, chips or other surface defects. Sand rough areas smooth.
3. For wood surfaces, fill in any cracks or nail holes with filler or wood putty. Note: Filler absorbs stain; putty does not.
4. Caulk all open cracks around windows and doors, soffits and fascia.
5. Remove lightswitch plates and fixtures that are on the surface to be painted.
6. Use a quality primer on all bare wood, and on areas that are stained and will be painted.

Protect Surfaces

Airless sprayers will overspray small amounts of paint. For interior spraying, mask trim, doors and windows, and cover furniture and flooring. For exteriors, remove shutters and cover windows, shrubs and other items you want to protect.

For Interior Spraying

1. Always spray in well-ventilated areas.
2. Use safety goggles/glasses, mask, and spray sock.
3. Consult your material supplier and operation manual for specific job requirements.

For Exterior Spraying

1. Take note of wind conditions before spraying.
2. Use safety goggles/glasses, mask, and spray sock.
3. Consult your material supplier and operation manual for specific job requirements.
4. Use a spray shield as necessary.

Surface Preparation
Before starting any painting project, clean the surface to be painted as thoroughly as possible. Allow surface to dry completely before painting. (For details see Surface Preparation)
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 as much of the furniture out of the room as possible. Any furniture left in the room should be moved to the center and completely covered. Make sure to have plenty of space for your tools and equipment.
• Cover - Cover everything you don't wish to get paint on. Mask and paper around trim, doors and windows.
• Remove - Loosen or remove cover plates from light fixtures. Turn off the electricity to the room and remove cover plates for electrical fixtures, outlets and switches. Remove heating and air conditioning vent covers.
• Repair - Fill in all nail and screw holes with spackling compound using a putty knife.
• Clean - Wash the entire area that is to be painted. Allow surface time to dry thoroughly.
• Safety - When painting indoors, make sure that there is adequate ventilation. Wear protective clothing. 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.

Painting

• Before you start spraying, be sure that all surfaces are properly prepped. Any surfaces you do not want painted should be covered or blocked using a spray shield. If you are in a smaller area or don't want to spray, use a Pressure Roller Attachment for great results and time savings.
• Select the spray tip that best meets your needs for the material (paint) you are spraying and the surface to be sprayed. Be sure the orifice size selected does not exceed the maximum capacity of your sprayer. (See tip selector.)
• Typically, when painting, it is best to start at the top and work your way down. 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 by approximately 50%.
• Cut in around windows and doors first, and then spray paint the remaining flat areas using overlapping strokes.

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 furniture and other areas.
• Replace any lighting fixtures, cover plates and vent covers that may have been removed.
• 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 solvent based products.