13
APPLICATION METHODS
Hold the gun perpendicular to the surface. Keep
the gun at an even 12 to 14 in. (300–356 mm)
from the surface you are spraying. See Fig 13–1.
Begin moving the gun horizontally at a steady rate.
Start the spray stroke off the target surface and
pull the trigger as the gun is moving. Then, while
the gun is still moving, and as you approach the
other edge of the surface, release the trigger. This
method avoids excess paint buildup at the end of
each stroke.
Fig 13–1
RIGHT
WRONG
Move the gun at a speed that provides a full, wet
coating to be applied without runs or sags. Lap
each stroke 50% over the previous stroke to pro-
duce a uniform paint thickness. Spray in a uniform
pattern from right to left and then left to right for a
professional finish. See Fig 13–2.
Fig 13–2
OVERLAP EACH STROKE 50%
The best way to control the rate of coverage is
with the gun tip size. A small tip orifice applies less
paint. A larger tip orifice applies more paint. The
width of the pattern depends on the fan pattern of
the tip you choose.
Do not try to increase coverage by increasing the
fluid pressure! Use the lowest pressure needed for
good results. This prolongs the life of your sprayer
and reduces paint lost by overspray.
For interior corners aim the gun toward the center
of the corner to be sprayed. By dividing the spray
pattern this way, the edges on both sides are
sprayed evenly. See Fig 13–3.
Fig 13–3
If there is a wind, angle the spray pattern into the
wind to minimize drifting. Paint from the ground to
the roof.
Shrubs. Tie back shrubs with rope and stakes.
Cover them with a dropcloth as the painter ap-
proaches the area. Remove the dropcloth as soon
as the area is painted to prevent damage.
Concrete walks. If the walkways will be walked on,
cover them with a canvas dropcloth to avoid slipp-
ing. Otherwise a plastic cloth can be used.
Electrical outlets and lamps. Protect electrical out-
lets with masking tape. Cover lamps with plastic
bags secured with masking tape.
Nearby objects. Move portable objects upwind of
the surface to be sprayed. If there is a nearby
home, make a protective barrier by hanging plastic
dropcloths between two long poles.
