7
Your Earlex SprayStation
TM
5500 comes equipped with a Viscosity Cup (26), which will help you determine the thickness
of the paint. To test a liquids viscosity, dip the viscosity cup into the material and fill up to the top, lift free and time how
long it takes for the paint to empty the viscosity cup. Stop when the continuous flow ends from the bottom of the cup.
The time determines the material viscosity and the need for the paint to be thinned before being sprayed (Fig.1).
If the paint requires thinning, start with a 10% dilution of the paint. To do this, fill a quart container with the required
paint. The viscosity cup supplied with the unit holds 1/10 of a quart. Block the hole in the viscosity cup and fill up with
the required thinners. Add the thinners to the paint and stir well.
If the paint requires further thinning, dilute the paint by another 5% (5% will be equal to half a viscosity cup) with the
required thinners and measure the viscosity. If the paint is not at its recommended viscosity, repeat the above step.
Follow the manufacturer’s guide for thinning in conjunction with a spray gun. If in doubt please contact the manufacturer
of the paint. The viscosity cup will help you determine the correct thickness of the paint. Paint is “thinned” by adding
the substance which the paint is based upon. If a water-based paint then water is added, if oil-based then mineral
spirit.
As some paints, wood preservatives and other sprayable materials contain particles that have differing qualities, please
ensure that, when filling the paint container of the spray gun, the paint is filtered through either a funnel with a filter on
it or through nylon tights or stockings. This will ensure that no large particles enter the paint container, so preventing
blockages and providing you with trouble-free spraying. Ensure that suitable ear protection, face mask, gloves and
goggles are worn at all times when spraying.
To put the unit together, place the top section with the handle on top of the turbine and secure.
Fill the paint container with the material to be sprayed. Take care not to overfill. Stir well. For a better finish always stir
coating. Use of a paint stirrer/mixer/paddle with a drill is reccommended.
Take the spray gun unit and with the Clamp Lever (22) turned fully anticlockwise, locate the spray gun unit into the
Paint Container (17). Rotate the paint container until the 2 pins locate into the recesses in the Yoke (23). Now turn the
Clamp Lever (22) clockwise to secure the container to the Lid (20). Do not over-tighten.
Place the motor unit onto a clean and level floor space, free from any loose debris, liquids or dust sheets that could
block the motor inlet. Uncoil the Air Hose (29) and attach it to the back of the spray gun and the other end to the Earlex
SprayStation
TM
5500. Uncoil the supply cord from the base of the unit and plug in.
ALWAYS KEEP THE MOTOR UNIT AS FAR AWAY FROM THE SPRAYING AREA AS POSSIBLE TO PREVENT
PAINT CONTAMINATING THE MOTOR. MASK ANY AREA YOU DO NOT WISH TO SPRAY.
Once you have set up and are ready to spray, switch on the unit. No paint will be sprayed from the gun until the spray
gun Trigger (25) is pulled.
Before spraying objects we suggest you spend time practicing on cardboard or newspaper until you have got used to
OPERATION
SPRAY PATTERNS
The gun has 3 different spray patterns – Horizontal, Vertical and Round (Fig.2). The horizontal and vertical spray patterns
are recommended for large surfaces. The round spray is used for small objects or for areas - such as corners – that
are difficult to reach. To change the spray patterns simply rotate Air Cap (2) until it clicks into the positions as shown in
(Fig.2). The overall size of the selected spray pattern can be varied by turning Air Cap Ring (1). When viewed from the
front, rotate it anticlockwise to increase the pattern size, or clockwise to reduce the pattern size (Fig.8)
.
Questions?
Call toll free: 888-783-2612
Fig.8
