5 signs your spray gun needs servicing or replacement
A well-maintained spray gun is vital to achieving a consistent, high-quality finish. But even with regular care, parts wear out – and performance can suffer.
Recognising the early warning signs of spray gun trouble helps you avoid poor results, costly downtime, and wasted materials. In this blog, we outline five common signs your spray gun may need servicing or replacement, so you can act quickly and keep your workflow running smoothly.
Inconsistent spray patterns
A tell-tale sign of trouble is an uneven or erratic spray pattern. This might include spitting, fanning out unevenly, or overspray.
Possible causes:
- Worn or damaged nozzle or needle
- Blockages in the air cap
- Improper air pressure
If cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, it may be time for spray gun servicing or replacement – especially if the tip or needle is damaged beyond repair.
Reduced atomisation quality
Poor atomisation leads to rough or bumpy finishes, runs, or excessive orange peel texture. If you notice this even when using the correct pressure and thinning ratio, your equipment may be underperforming.
What to check:
- Worn internal components
- Air passages partially blocked
- Faulty pressure regulators
This issue can often be resolved with thorough spray gun maintenance, but if atomisation remains poor, replacement parts – or a new gun – may be the better option.
Trigger is sticking or leaking
A sticky or unresponsive trigger can seriously hinder productivity. Likewise, air or material leaking from the trigger area indicates worn seals or internal damage.
Look out for:
- Stiff or slow trigger return
- Air or fluid leaks near the handle
- Delayed spray response
Servicing with new seals and lubrication can resolve many of these issues. However, continued problems may point to more serious wear, making spray gun replacement a more cost-effective long-term fix.
Paint leaking or dripping
Leaks are a major red flag. Paint or solvent dripping from the nozzle or body can compromise finish quality and cause unnecessary mess and wastage.
Common causes:
- Loose or damaged fluid tip
- Worn needle packing
- Cracked housing
Leaks typically require urgent spray gun troubleshooting. Don’t ignore small leaks – they often signal bigger internal issues that require either servicing or replacing the spray gun entirely.
It’s just not performing like it used to
Sometimes the signs are subtle. If your results are less crisp, coverage takes longer, or you’re having to correct more surface defects, your spray gun could be wearing out – even if there’s no obvious damage.
Ask yourself:
- Are you spending more time troubleshooting than spraying?
- Is finish quality inconsistent despite using the same technique?
- Has the gun been in use for several years?
Spray guns have a limited lifespan. If performance gradually declines even after maintenance, a replacement may be the best move.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re a professional decorator or an industrial finisher, recognising when your spray gun needs attention is key to maintaining quality and efficiency. Regular spray gun maintenance can prevent many issues – but when wear and tear catch up, knowing when to opt for spray gun servicing or replacement will save you time, materials, and frustration.
If you’re unsure whether your equipment needs a tune-up or a full replacement, speak to a specialist or refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines. And remember – using a spray gun in poor condition won’t just affect results; it could also affect your safety.
Need help fixing spray gun problems or choosing a new model?
Regular maintenance keeps your spray equipment running safely, efficiently, and producing the high-quality results you expect. If you’re dealing with leaks, inconsistent spray patterns, or declining finish quality, it’s time to act.
Our expert team offers full servicing for your spray equipment – helping you reduce downtime and get back to work with confidence.
Contact us today to book your service or speak to a technician.
