6
ENGLISH
MATERIAL PREPARATION
1
A
SELECTING PAINT
Your Wagner Earlex 5700 can be used with a wide variety of paints, stains and coatings such as latex, deck and fence stain, sealers,
varnishes, wood preservatives, enamels, oil and water-based paints and automotive paints. However, some materials cannot be
sprayed so please check the recommendation of the manufacturer before buying the paint. If a material refers to brush application
only then it usually cannot be sprayed.
THIS UNIT CANNOT BE USED FOR TEXTURED PAINTS. USE OF THESE MATERIALS WILL CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR, WHICH WILL
VOID YOUR WARRANTY. TO OBTAIN THE BEST RESULTS FROM YOUR SPRAY STATION, PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
BEFORE USE.
SURFACE AND JOB PREPARATION
Preparation of the surface and thinning of the paint are the two most important areas to be concerned with to obtain the best results
from your spray kit. Ensure all surfaces are free from dust, dirt, rust and grease. If necessary rub down with sandpaper, or similar.
Masking of areas is important to ensure you do not spray those areas you wish to remain untouched.
THINNING
Your Wagner Earlex 5700 is supplied with a viscosity cup. Viscosity is a technical term used to indicate if a product is very thin or very
thick. If thin, the viscosity is said to be low, while if very thick the viscosity is said to be high. Viscosity is measured in seconds. In order
to spray some materials they need to be “thinned” (diluted). Thinning is very important when spraying. Most paints, etc are supplied
ready for brush application and may need to be thinned (diluted) for spraying purposes.
The Wagner Earlex 5700 has a viscosity rating of 160 seconds. If the paint has emptied the viscosity cup in less than 160 seconds then
you will not need to thin your paint or material. If it is above this then thinning will be required.
Your Wagner Earlex 5700 comes equipped with a Viscosity Cup (A), 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.
