Wagner Paint Sprayer Troubleshooting

Every tool is bound to develop issues at one point in time. Whether you’ve invested in the most expensive and high-quality tool for your painting job, or you settled for something cheap and manageable, you’ll certainly experience some hiccups once awhile.

This is also applicable to Wagner paint sprayers, just like any other paint sprayer brand in the industry.

While the Wagner brand is a known and highly respected brand, it’s never fail-proof. You need to understand beyond how to operate and use the machine, which is why we’ve written this Wagner paint sprayer troubleshooting guide.

Instead of getting freaked out and confused at any sign of trouble or malfunctioning, this guide will help you to understand the basics of why your Wagner sprayer is misbehaving and how to fix it yourself.

Here’s how to easily troubleshoot your Wagner paint sprayer and get it back in good working condition.

Wagner Paint Sprayer Troubleshooting

Here are some of the few problems you might encounter while using a Wagner paint gadget and how to tackle them.

1. Wagner Paint Sprayer not Priming

Wondering how to fix an airless sprayer that is not priming?

Here’s what you need to know:

If your Wagner sprayer isn’t priming, don’t worry as there are some things you can do to fix the problem.

The first step is to check if the priming or spraying valve is clogged with old junks. If you found anything, the best option is to contact Wagner to determine how to properly clean the valves.

However, if the problem is not from the sprayer valve, then you need to also check the inlet and outlet valves. Simply use the filter tab to unlock it. And if that doesn’t remove all the excess materials, then clean the two valves thoroughly.

In any case, always remember that the sprayer doesn’t work properly or at all when on uneven, rough surfaces, so you want to keep it on flat ground.

2. Paint Sprayer Producing Tailing Spray Pattern

Spray painting skill is vital. Strong, consistent spray pressure is needed to achieve the best results.

But sometimes, the spray pattern might be leaving something that’s not so appealing, which is known as tailing – and it’s fixable.

There are several reasons why your Wagner paint sprayer may be tailing. First, you need to consider the kind of paint you are trying to use.

If you’re using a paint that’s somewhat heavier, then it’s perhaps too thick – and can weigh down the paint spraying machine.

The solution?

You either go for a different paint or just use a paint thinner to enhance the consistency.

It’s also worth mentioning that heavier paint may equally clog the spray gun filter, spray tip, or the inlet filter, so you want to be mindful of that.

It’s also possible that the spray tip got weakened over time. If that’s the case, the best option is to get the tip replaced.

After doing taking all these steps, you won’t have tailing issues anymore.

3. There’s air in the Sprayer

Every now and then, you can be in the middle of an important paint job and suddenly air comes out of the sprayer and wrecks all that beautiful work on your newly painted interior walls.

Whenever air is coming out of the machine instead of paint, it is often an indication that you need to refill your tank. This is especially the case in the handheld spray guns, such as the Wagner Flexio 570.

Carefully study the refilling guidelines for your specific Wagner model and make sure you don’t overfill the unit as this will create an entirely different set of issues.

4. Paint Leaking from the Spray Tip

We’ll still discuss how the Wagner paint machine itself may leak paint later in this article. But leaking paint from spray tip is a whole different problem.

This means that the spray tip is bringing out too much paint.

The tip is designed to only release paint when the paint sprayer is on and in use. Else, nothing should come out.

In this case, if the spray tip releases paint long after the tool is turned off, then you should check the gun seal.

If it’s a brand new paint sprayer, or you’ve only used it a few times, then it was probably assembled the wrong way.

On the contrary, if you built or rebuilt the tool yourself, it’ll be advisable to check your user’s manual. Study it and ensure that all the parts a properly connected together.

And the sprayer was assembled by the manufacturer, you need to call them to fix the issue.

They either offer to correct the problem or give you a refund.

5. Wagner Paint Sprayer Not Functioning

The most basic problem of all is when the sprayer won’t function/spray. While it may appear to be the worst-case scenario, it may also be the easiest to correct. There are several reasons why a spray gun can’t perform its job.

The first thing is to check your spray/prime knob.

You want to ensure that the sprayer is actually set to spray and that it is on level ground. This is the same thing as plugging it to a socket outlet and pressing the on-button – it’s usually easy to forget this step.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, check the spray tip.

It’s probably set to a default position, such as “clean,” which is meant to switch off the sprayer function. Additionally, the spray tip could equally be clogged – if that’s the case, you’ll want to wash it thoroughly to get rid of the clogs.

Another possible reason is that your spray gun filter is dirty.

This can be easily removed following the instructions from the owner’s manual. Once removed, use soap and warm water to clean it. If it’s extremely filthy, then a mineral-based cleaner or oil will do the magic.

These are the most common steps to take when a Wagner spray gun is not spraying.

6. Wagner Paint Sprayer Leaking Paint

This is one of the most frustrating problems that can escalate quickly. If your spray gun is leaking paint, remove the spray tip and check if the tip washer and atomizer valve are loose. If that’s the case, tighten them securely before putting the tip back.

It’s worth noting that a little leakage is normal, in most cases. For example, when the tool is running and dropping a little paint at a time.

However, if it is a severe leakage, then check the gun seal – they need to be occasionally replaced to avoid leakage.

But if the seal or sprayer is new, ensure that it has was properly connected together. Check the user’s manual if the unit requires assembly before use, and double-check to ensure every part is where it’s meant to be.

Finally, if the sprayer gun came preassembled, contact Wagner for advice. If it’s not something you can fix yourself, they should offer to correct it or issue you a refund.

7. Problem with Motor

Your Wagner paint spray gun is powered by a motor, which may fail sometimes and prevent the equipment from functioning.

Interestingly, it’s actually easy to fix motor-related issues.

First, you need to consider the kind of cord you’re using as this could be causing the problem.

Ideally, cords that are too long, including extension cords, may stress the motor too much, which often leads to overheating. This is also the same issue for shorter cords.

So the best fix is to find a happy medium for cord length.

If an extension cord is certainly needed to conclude a painting job, then do the work as quickly as possible – or if you’re handling a larger project, do it on intervals to prevent the motor from overheating and failing.

But what if the motor doesn’t turn on at all?

Once again, check the cord, and if it isn’t the problem, check to see if the pressure control knob is at the correct setting.

And if the pressure control knob is properly set, the issue could be from the socket-outlet the Wagner spraying machine is plugged into. Check with different outlets to ensure it’s not the outlet.

If this didn’t fix the motor problem, the last step will be to contact the manufacturer for advice on what to do next.

8. Lack of Pressure

If your Wagner equipment isn’t building pressure, you can fix it in a couple of ways. The first thing to do is to check your inlet valve and clean it. Wash all its components very well and consider replacing anyone that looks damaged or worn out.

Also, do the same thing for the outlet valve. You can clean them using soap, warm water, and latex-based solutions.

However, if you have a Wagner airless paint sprayer, then the spray tip is likely clogged, which can actually reduce pressure. In that case, remove and clean it as well. If it’s old, you may need to replace it entirely.

We have an in-depth guide on airless sprayer cleaning solution. Consider checking it out.

Additionally, heavy paints like exterior paints can equally compromise pressure. If that’s the case, use the right thinner and mix to an exact ratio to get the best results.

Finally, you may also consider cleaning or replacing the filter as it may be backed-up with paint and old junks or material.

9. Paint Doesn’t Dry Evenly

Why isn’t the paint drying uniformly, even after spraying evenly with your Wagner paint sprayer?

This usually occurs due to a problem with air pressure.

To fix this, the first thing is to check if the air cap is dirty as that may negatively affect the pressure.

There are fan holes throughout the air cap. These holes let the paint move through the Wagner sprayer at the appropriate pressure. The pressure diminishes once these holes get jammed up.

This can lead to the problem you just noticed, where some parts of the painted surface are uniform but others have too little or too much paint.

Now, remove any excess paint on the fan holes and/or other accumulated materials.

You also want to check the nozzle and fluid needle, and ensure that they both correspond to the weight of the paint or other material and that they’re properly set, too.

10. Prime Knob is Not Functioning

We’ve earlier discussed how the Wagner paint sprayer knob can be set to either spray or prime. We also mentioned that if the knob is set the wrongly, the sprayer might not work.

In other cases, the machine may be running, but paint isn’t coming out – even though there’s paint in the sprayer.

So what could be wrong?

The prime/spray valve can get clogged up, just like every other valve on your paint sprayer. If that’s the problem, the best thing you should do is reach out to the manufacturer.

Furthermore, the inlet valve could also be the cause. Both the inlet-outlet and outlet valve can be jammed, which could be caused by old paint or other materials.

To remove the excess material from the valves, press the filter tab.

And that didn’t get it solved, try cleaning both valves (inlet and outlet).

It’s advisable to keep the sprayer on even ground and don’t use it on jagged, hilly surfaces as this may affect its working condition.

11. Paint Texture Isn’t Coming out Smoothly

After buying a quality, smooth, and glossy paint, and loading it into your Wagner paint equipment, it produces grainy, or even lumpy texture.

Don’t freak out yet, as a few things could be responsible for this – and there’s a solution.

Perhaps, you bought a paint that doesn’t work properly in the sprayer. If that’s the case, you need to change the paint.

If that’s not the issue, check if some of the filters of the machine are what’s changing the paint texture. And if that’s the problem, clean or change the filter.

Furthermore, the surface being painting should always be very smooth and flat. Otherwise, you may not be happy with the end results.

Finally, before you start spray painting, don’t forget to clean your painting surface in order to eliminate any traces of dirt or dust to ensure a flat, smooth surface.

Airless Paint Sprayer Tips and Troubleshooting

Why is my spray gun sputtering?

Spray guns spit when air is being introduced into the fluid outside of at the air cap. A loose fluid nozzle does not properly seat in the tip of the spray gun and causes air to enter the fluid supply resulting in spitting.

Why did my paint sprayer stopped working?

If your airless paint sprayer stops spraying all of a sudden, it is likely due to a clogged tip. With most tips, it’s easy to get rid of clogs. Find the arrow-shaped handle and turn it so that it is pointing backwards. Just make sure that you turn the arrow back to the spray position before you start working again.

Why does my Wagner paint sprayer keeps clogging?

This can be caused by the air pressure being too weak, which can stop the liquid from atomizing, or due to the liquid being of a type that quickly hardens once in contact with the air. The second form of clogging is due to spray pressure being too high.

Do you need to thin paint for spraying?

Is it necessary to Thin Latex Paint for Spraying? Yes, the latex paint does need to be thinned. Even though latex paint is water-based, it is thicker than the oil-based paint varieties. The thick latex paint needs to be thinned to be able to spray a fine mist of paint.

How does air pressure create paint problems?

Air pressure that is too high for the volume of the coating being supplied will create paint droplets so small that much of the solvent easily evaporates. The coating does not flow with the lower solvent content. In addition, the increased air pressure causes additional bounce back with adds to the problem.

How do you clean a Wagner sprayer after use?

How To Clean Up Your Wagner Airless Paint Sprayer (6-Step Guide)

Disassemble the spray gun.
Clean the paint container cup.
Clean the suction tube and spray nozzle.
Disassemble the front end.
Scrub all the parts until clean.
Let dry, then reassemble.

How do you stop orange peel when spray painting?

Quick Tips to Avoid Orange Peel

Strain the paint to remove air bubbles.
Thin the paint to create a finer finish.
Don’t shake your paint.
Don’t store or spray paint in high humidity/weather.
Don’t output too much paint.
Thoroughly clean your sprayer.
Be sure your paint is completely dry before applying additional coats.

Do I need to thin paint for Wagner sprayer?

Do You Have to Thin Paint for a Wagner Sprayer? Yes! Actually, most beginner or hobby paint sprayers require the paint to be thinned because they don’t have enough power to suck up and push out anything thicker than stain.

How do you make a perfect spray paint finish?

10 Spray Painting Tips and Tricks For Creating A Smooth Finish

Prevent Drips: Don’t Spray Paint Vertically.
Eliminate Blobs: Be Careful When You Turn Pieces Over.
Avoid Cracks: Don’t Spray Too Thick.
Prevent Bumps: Don’t Spray Paint In Direct Sun.
Get Even Color: Shake the Can Well.
Stop Finger Fatigue: Use a Spray Trigger.

Conclusion

We’ve finally come to the end of this airless paint sprayer troubleshooting guide. And we hope it will help you to keep yours working for a lifetime.

Once properly maintained and taken care of, Wagner paint sprayers can last you as long as you want.

As a word of caution, do not open the motor housing of your Wagner sprayer or try to fix any internal electrical faults yourself. This will void the warranty issued by the company – and can also lead to electrical injuries.

If your Wagner paint machine has an internal electrical fault, take it to an authorized repair shop for adequate attention. Remember to always release the pressure and unplug the unit before trying to loosen any of the components.

You can find the pressure release valve on the side of the motor casing, and pushing it down will release the pressure.

If you have any questions regarding Wagner paint sprayer troubleshooting, let us know via the comment section.

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