How to Clean Your HVLP Spray Gun

[@joshalonzo8488]

I really appreciate the audio quality, and a nice steady video, makes a huge difference. Pro quality video.

[@tjplusproductions]

Thanks, Matt. Very comprehensive.

[@marcoagarza]

Nice video. I'm about to spray laquer for the first time and wanted to know how to clean gun after doing so. This is the best video on how to do so. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain step by step.

[@larrycassidy1702]

Great instructions well done video. Thanks

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome I just ordered a cleaning kit. I'm glad you talked about what to do when using the gun several times throughout the day, I was going to ask about that. What do you do with the container full of dirty thinner?

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+April Wilkerson I usually will recycle it at least a few times. You can just strain it back into a clean container for reuse. After a few times it will lose it's potency and it's time to throw it out.

[@rbrown2925]

Fuji says to never fully immerse the gun body in any kind of solvent because you'll bugger up the seals. They have a very detailed video on their channel that shows how to properly clean their guns.

[@SawDustMakerRJM]

I always clean out my HVLP gun after every use but I did learn some great tips on your video. Thanks for sharing.

[@BradleyMakesThings]

Thanks again for sharing this and the one with Jay, Matt! Watched this and its companion back when you both posted them but just came back for a refresher as I'm about to have a lot of projects to spray. Super helpful! And spraying is totally the way to go! For some reason I'm terrible at brush painting unless I think the paint, and it just drives me nuts and takes forever, haha!

[@Cmpriss]

Thanks again for a great instructional video Matt. Helps to have the KZbin community to boost my confidence👍

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+Cmpriss Awesome, glad I could help!!

[@JimCoogan_CoogansWorkshop]

Great video. For quite a few years I used a detail sprayer to do apply finish to small parts and to do some pin stripping. I decided to get an HVLP to do larger stuff and to help around the house. So I bought myself a Harbor Freight to see what I wanted and figured I would just throw it away when it broke down. Well the little thing keeps trucking and a lot of the reason is because I use the same process you do to keep the guns clean. I break them all down. I have a half dozen Harbor Freight guns that actually worked a lot better than I thought and a few very nice ones that friends who work on custom cars gave me. When I use a gun multiple times a day I will pull a trick I saw in barber shops. When they use combs they thrown them in a disinfectant bath until they need them again. I figured why not. So I got a steel pot from a dollar store and when I was done with the gun I stuck it in the pot with my hand on the trigger and moved it around. Then I just left it in there with a cover on it. Works like a charm.

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+Jim Coogan That's a great idea, most guns are only as good as the people that use them :)

[@JimCoogan_CoogansWorkshop]

+Matt Lane Very true. I had some friends that were custom car builders and I became one. They taught me a lot of tricks. Loved watching them do murals on cars and vans. True artists.

[@jmber27]

Excellent! thanks for sharing, well done.

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+jmber27 Thank You!

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

The first upload was removed due to poor audio quality. Sorry for the inconvenience!

[@ViciousXUSMC]

Just used a HVLP gun for the first time today, I apparently went overkill, I took the whole thing apart. The flow control valve, I took the internal part where the needle goes out (and there was an o-ring that came out with it. I am assuming next time I can leave more of it together. I only had a can of cleaner I picked up that was made for cleaning these, so I didn't have a bucket to soak in. Assuming Laquor Thinner is the best stuff to use? A last step for me was using compressed air to blow everything out from every direction. I'll have to see how well I did next time I go to use it.

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

Lacquer thinner definitely works best for solvent based materials.

[@AdventuresInDIY]

Awesome tutorial Matt! Great tips. Thanks

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+AdventuresInDIY Thanks, Chris!!

[@nikomonaco6672]

I like your tidy working area.Like a pharmacy.

[@TheDboardman]

I would love to hear a breakdown of finishes oil vs water catalyzed vs not etc. If that fits into your knowledge base!

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+david Boardman I'll keep that in mind for at least a future article!!

[@Masterplayer158]

The glasses really are important. Last week, I worked all day with mine and took it off for just a couple of minutes and had thinner spiled in my eye. That thing burn like hell!

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+Masterplayer158 Ahhh, it's the worst burning ever, right?

[@Masterplayer158]

It really is.

[@HovingtonInstruments]

Great info Matt , thanks a lot!

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+Tomy Hovington Thanks Tomy!

[@JP-vs1ys]

Great walk through Matt. Thank you. I'm assuming this process is also the same for automotive paint. I use lacquer thinner to clean...but never have used a lubricant.

[@moyperezwoodshop1722]

great video matt.thanks for the info

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+Moy perez woodshop Thanks Moy!!!

[@StoneandSonsWorkshop]

I have really been debating on that ketchup squirt bottle for a while now, I think I'll go ahead and pull the trigger on it...

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+Stone and Sons Workshop It squirts really nicely......

[@allenlane5000]

Thanks Matt, I'm curious why you don't use compressed air, just before putting the gun back together to clean any hard to see pathways?

[@Vitulli1970]

Thank you.

[@hspringsteen]

Thanks for sharing this Matt.

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+Howard Springsteen Thanks for watching, Howard!!

[@Ozzyjunky]

Thank you Matt. Very informative.

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+Billy Oliver Glad it helped!

[@GuysShop]

Good info Matt!

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+GuysWoodshop Thanks Guy

[@scottandkatbagley3315]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@paulsnowsill723]

Really helpful, thank you!

[@chuckmcconnell3446]

Really good job Matt. Thank you.

[@Cactusworkshopchannel]

Thanks!!

[@koky7288]

Thank you bro.

[@juanricardobalamleal5952]

Gracias muy buena información.

[@policev840]

Great tutorial. I've learned something every time I watch a video of yours. I saw the link you posted and I've seen some $100 guns from IR and others. Is there a big difference in quality? Ex., if I want to buy just one gun that will last YEARS, is the price difference worth it? Thanks again!

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+policev840 There really isn't enough of a difference in any of the lower level guns on the market, although I wouldn't buy a super cheap one either. The guns like we use at work retail for around 1000 bucks, but that's way way overkill such a simple film finish like you'd put on a woodworking project. If I was gonna spend any real money, I'd probably just buy one of the self contained turbine units like an Earlex.

[@policev840]

+Matt Lane Thank you for taking the time to reply!!

[@ragtie6177]

good video, well covered.

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+Rag Tie Thank you!

[@MrXsanders]

nice both videos are realy good ! I just have questions about the tip sizes can you make a video or article when to use what.

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+MrXsanders I'll keep this in mind!

[@NigglesSquiggles]

Where did you get those plastic measuring cups from?

[@mafosa9563]

good share bro!.. can we wipe out the bottle, then ad PT to it. then while its still hooked up the the air supply pull the trigger to get a better wash out? newbie here! larry

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

Yes, you can definitely do that, I usually do that once I feel I got the gun good and clean.

[@SajadJalilian]

Tnx a lot, very useful information

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+Sajad Jalilian Thank you!!

[@jamesrichard1074]

Matt, I'm having issues with spraying oil polyurethane. What gun and tip do you recommend?

[@nyinfamous2k2]

Got a question for you , How to you dispose of all that used lacquer thinner?

[@stx38]

I don't know what you call it, but there is a piece you left inside the gun. Should it be removed and cleaned ?? Also curious what you do with the cleaner.......I've used laquer thinner for cleaning, but because it is so expensive I'm reluctant to use very much. Do you save this material or discard it ?? Thanks for great video !!

[@Thom4123]

Hey Matt thank you for the great tutorial on cleaning a spray gun. Perfect for me I'm a newbie to HLVP. What gun would you recommend for a guy like me who is just starting out and on a budget? Thanks again great video.

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+Thom spillane I have a link to fairly inexpensive entry level gun in the description!!

[@montewoods4766]

Great tips....thanks

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+montewoods Thank you!

[@BillHantzopoulos]

Great video!

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

Thanks Bill!

[@glytch5]

So I actually spray thinner through gun with air a couple times, then strip it apart... is this bad to do? It seems to clean it very nicely. Just about all manuals say not to dunk the gun in thinnner. There are plastic and sometimes paper seals in there this will destroy. If there is ANY sort of gasket, I keep that way from thinner.

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

No, that's fine.

[@DatFunnyPerson]

where should i buy so much laquer thinner...

[@AlWheelin]

We switched to spraying over brushing because of the time and product savings. Question: what's a good way to clean dried on Varathane water based clear from the gun? I do wash it thoroughly but seems the water based is hard to get off once it dries.

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+AlWheelin I would probably try some lacquer thinner and see if that helps!

[@robviolin1]

thanks - helpful

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Great tutorial Matt, only question i have... Is there packings in the gun body that could be affected by immersing the whole gun? Or are they imperviouss to thinners and such? Thank you

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

I wouldn't go soaking the gun for a prolonged period of time, but an hour or so before cleaning the gun isn't gonna hurt anything. I've never had any problems cleaning them this way.

[@felixmotanu1220]

nice vid what do u do with the "used" thiner ? can u recycle it for another clean ?

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

Yes, it depends on how dirty it is. It will eventually get to a point where it doesn't clean anymore, just sort of use your own judgment.

[@veronicaw8105]

never own or use one of these before. what type of thinner do you use to clean it? also can i use the same thinner to clean the unit that is covered with overspray?

[@protect.your.digits.creations]

Thanks Matt Now we know how it's done by a Pro.

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+Gregg Voice of Reason Thank you!

[@daviddurham2773]

What fluids can be used in it for wood working?

[@RickJones222]

Thanks so much!

[@keithbryan8432]

Ever try the Critter?

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+Keith Bryan No, I haven't, I actually had to look it up haha

[@TheWoodWerker]

GREAT video Matt! Where in the world did u get that ShowCar® Ketchup Bottle! I know the Owners of that Company (The Barns from Grant Alabama) Great Bunch!..What City are u in? Thanks!.....Gus

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+TheWoodWerker I am just across the Alabama state line in southern middle Tennessee. We have a showcar dealer around here!

[@drors01]

Hi Matt, I asked this also on the HVLP video I have a small Sata Minijet HVLP 2 with a 0.8 nozzle I don't want to invest in a new nozzle and would like to use it for wood finishes. My intention is to use it on the roof of an apartment building so noise matters a great deal.. What size compressor do you think is the minimum required for usage once a month in terms of tank and CFM? Do you think a similar to Dema's compressor can be used?

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+Dror Sofer That's a fairly small fluid tip for spraying finishes, you'll probably only be able to spray thin finishes with that anyways. You'll probably need at least a 20 gallon compressor unless you are gonna spray really small stuff.

[@nyinfamous2k2]

Hey matt, Great videos. after years of always hand painting and hand applying finishes ive decided to take the plunge into spraying, after your video with JB. I just picked up a compressor. I saw the 35$ gun you recommend in the link. I was about to pick up the 70$ harbor freight pro gun today. do you think that one is better then the one on amazon you recommended. thanks

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+nyinfamous2k2 Honestly, The cheaper gun should be just fine. The one Jay bought for the video was a 35 dollar one from lowes and it sprayed fine. These finishes are just simple film finishes, no need for a fancy gun to spray them.

[@nyinfamous2k2]

Matt Lane cool I'll check it out. Thanks man. I'm still curious bout that HF gun. For 60 buck it won't break the bank. Got great reviews from what research I've just done. I'll definitely look into the one you posted and the lowes gun also. Thanks again.

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

nyinfamous2k2 No problem man, buy whatever you feel comfortable with! Just get out there and start sprayin!!

[@bobbyparami4408]

How much

[@urbanflyguide]

are you using paint thinner or laquer thinner? (or are they the same thing?) thanks!

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

Lacquer thinner is what I'm using here, but what you need will vary depending on what material you are spraying. Lacquer thinner works in most applications though.

[@gandjboyd7872]

WHAT DO YOU WITH USED THINNER? HOW DO YOU DISPOSE OF IT?

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+Judi Boyd The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is where you can take your chemicals to properly dispose of them where I live. You probably wanna check locally to find where you can dispose of them.

[@gandjboyd7872]

Thanks. Gary

[@choochmarin3646]

How much of the needle do you lube? I'm guessing you don't want lube near the tip.

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

It doesn't matter, spray gun lube won't cause you any problems, just make sure it's specifically made for paint guns. Once you purge the gun before spraying, most of it will be gone anyways.

[@choochmarin3646]

@@MattLaneWoodshop Thanks for the quick reply. I have the little white tub that comes in the cleaning kit. After it's gone is vaseline ok to use? And should I put some on the shaft behind the trigger?

[@choochmarin3646]

@@MattLaneWoodshop I have the infamous Harbor Freight purple gun

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

I would be leary of Vaseline, they sell spray gun lube at most paint stores.

[@choochmarin3646]

@@MattLaneWoodshop thanks

[@tlsmas007]

Playback stops at the 10 second mark

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+tlsmas007 not sure what the problem is, it works fine in internet explorer, but not when opened in chrome.

[@tlsmas007]

+Matt Lane It worked on IE. Great video. Keep up the great work.

[@commentingonshit]

is that back storage area based off of John Heinz design?

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

+imjustaman Yeah, I have a video of it on my channel!