Airless Paint Sprayer Maintenance – The Ultimate Guide to Long-Lasting Performance

For anyone who relies on an airless paint sprayer — whether it’s for weekend home improvement jobs or full-time trade work — maintenance isn’t optional, it’s essential. A well-maintained sprayer delivers consistent performance, smooth finishes, and a much longer lifespan. Skip it, and you’ll end up wasting paint, losing time, and possibly burning out your equipment long before its time.

This blog is your one-stop guide to airless sprayer maintenance in the Australian environment. We’ll cover daily, weekly, and seasonal upkeep routines, troubleshooting common issues, choosing the right cleaning agents, and even where to store your gear during the hot and humid Aussie summers. Whether you own a Graco, QTech, Titan, or Wagner sprayer, these tips apply across the board.

Why Maintenance Matters (and Pays Off)

Let’s face it: airless sprayers aren’t cheap. Replacing a worn-out piston or a clogged hose mid-job can ruin your productivity and lead to costly delays. Keeping your system clean and lubricated prevents breakdowns and keeps your results looking sharp. Here’s what proper maintenance helps with:

  • Avoiding clogs and sputtering

  • Consistent spray patterns

  • Maximised paint transfer efficiency

  • Minimised overspray

  • Longer lifespan for hoses, tips, and pumps

Just like you wouldn’t drive a ute 10,000 km without an oil change, your sprayer needs the same kind of TLC.

Step-by-Step: Daily Cleaning Routine After Each Use

Cleaning your airless sprayer properly after every use is crucial. Here’s a basic post-job cleaning routine that applies to most water-based paint jobs:

  1. Turn off and depressurise the sprayer. Always release pressure first to avoid injury.

  2. Remove the spray tip and guard, and soak them in warm water or solvent.

  3. Empty leftover paint from the hopper or bucket.

  4. Run water or appropriate solvent (depending on the paint type) through the system until it runs clear.

  5. Clean the filters and strainers, including the main gun filter and pump inlet filter.

  6. Wipe down the outside of the sprayer and hoses.

  7. Check for leaks, loose fittings, or visible wear.

Doing this religiously takes 15–20 minutes and will save you hours down the line.

Deep Clean: Weekly or Monthly Maintenance (Depending on Use)

If you’re using your sprayer every day or every week, it’s a good idea to do a deep clean and inspection. Here’s what to focus on:

  • Disassemble the gun and check the internal components.

  • Inspect the piston and packing — lubricate or replace if needed.

  • Examine hoses for cracks, soft spots, or kinks.

  • Clean the suction tube thoroughly.

  • Run Pump Armor or antifreeze through the system if you plan to store it.

  • Check tip wear (a worn tip increases paint usage and creates uneven patterns).

Common Maintenance Issues (and How to Fix Them)

Let’s go over the top 5 sprayer problems in Australia and how to troubleshoot them:

1. Sprayer Won’t Prime

Causes: Dirty inlet valve, clogged suction filter, dried paint. Fix: Clean the inlet valve and use a thin wire or brush to clean filters.

2. Surging or Pulsing Spray

Causes: Air trapped in the system, worn out seals. Fix: Bleed air from the line; replace seals or gaskets.

3. Uneven Spray Pattern

Causes: Worn or clogged spray tip, blocked gun filter. Fix: Replace the tip; clean or replace the gun filter.

4. Paint Leaking at Gun or Hose Connection

Causes: Loose fittings, damaged O-rings. Fix: Tighten fittings, replace O-rings.

5. Low Pressure or Poor Atomisation

Causes: Clogged filters, damaged piston. Fix: Clean filters; inspect and replace the piston if needed.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Solution

  • Water-based paints – Use warm soapy water or a commercial cleaning solution.

  • Oil-based paints – Use mineral spirits or turpentine.

  • Lacquers or specialty coatings – Use recommended solvent from the paint supplier.

Always dispose of cleaning solutions responsibly. Many Aussie councils have chemical disposal programs — take advantage of them.

Pro Tips: Long-Term Storage in Australian Conditions

If you plan to store your airless sprayer for a few weeks or more, especially during humid or hot summer months, follow these steps:

  1. Flush with cleaning solution, then follow with a protective fluid like Graco Pump Armor or antifreeze.

  2. Coil hoses loosely, don’t kink or tightly wrap.

  3. Store in a shaded, dry space, away from direct sun or frost.

  4. Keep tips, filters, and small parts in labeled containers.

Pro tip: Never leave paint in the sprayer overnight, even if you plan to continue tomorrow.

Real-Life Scenario: Full Repaint Job in Sydney's Summer

Imagine you’ve got a 3-day exterior repaint job in Western Sydney during a January heatwave. You’re using a QTech QT290 sprayer and Dulux Weathershield.

On day one, you skip flushing the hose fully because it’s late. On day two, the dried paint clogs your gun filter and costs you 40 minutes in cleaning and setup. On day three, the pressure drops mid-job — turned out to be a small blockage in the suction strainer.

This could all be avoided with 20 minutes of proper cleaning and inspection after each day.

Maintenance Gear Checklist

Make your life easier by keeping a dedicated maintenance kit:

  • Gun cleaning brush set

  • Lubricant (Graco TSL or equivalent)

  • Extra filters (gun and pump)

  • Extra spray tips and guards

  • Mineral spirits / Pump Armor

  • Nitrile gloves and rags

Having these tools ready saves you time and hassle.

Where to Buy Sprayer Maintenance Supplies in Australia

  • PaintAccess.com.au – Offers sprayer fluids, filters, guards, tips.

  • Trade-focused paint stores like Inspirations Paint or Dulux Trade Centres.

  • Hardware stores – Bunnings for basic brushes and solvents.

Final Thoughts: Maintenance Is Non-Negotiable

Your airless sprayer is an investment — treat it like one. Regular maintenance doesn’t just save money; it improves results and extends the life of your tools.

By following a consistent maintenance routine, using proper cleaning agents, and spotting early signs of wear, you'll ensure your sprayer stays job-ready for years to come.

Don’t wait until something breaks. Clean, check, lubricate — and paint like a pro.

Need expert advice on your sprayer model or troubleshooting a problem? Get in touch with PaintAccess — our team is always ready to help Aussie painters get the best out of their gear.