Graco Airless Sprayers: Converting from Acetone to Waterborne Paint

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation:

   • Safety First: Wear appropriate gloves, eye protection, and a respirator or mask.

   • Work Area: Ensure your work area is well-ventilated and free from open flames or sources of ignition.

2. Flush the Sprayer:

   • Empty the Paint: Remove any remaining acetone paint from the sprayer.

   • Flush with Solvent: Fill the sprayer with a solvent suitable for acetone paint (e.g., mineral spirits or acetone) and run the sprayer until the solvent runs clear 

3. Clean the Sprayer:

   • Disassemble: Take apart the sprayer components (e.g., nozzle, hose, filters).

   • Clean Components: Clean each component thoroughly with the solvent to remove any residual acetone paint 

   • Rinse: Rinse the components with clean water to remove any solvent residue.

4. Transition to Waterborne Paint:

   • Flush with Water: Fill the sprayer with clean water and run it to ensure all solvent is flushed out 

   • Check for Residue: Inspect the sprayer components to ensure no solvent or acetone paint residue remains.

5. Setup for Waterborne Paint:

   • Reassemble: Put the sprayer components back together.

   • Prime the Sprayer: Fill the sprayer with waterborne paint and prime it according to the manufacturer's instructions

6. Test Spray:

   • Test Pattern: Spray a test pattern on a piece of cardboard or scrap material to ensure the sprayer is functioning correctly and the paint flow is smooth.

   • Adjust Settings: Adjust the sprayer settings as needed for optimal performance with waterborne paint

Tips

• Regular Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain your sprayer to ensure longevity and optimal performance.

• Material Compatibility: Always check the material compatibility of your sprayer with the paint type you are using