Tool Cleaning/Maintenance Question
 

Simple (I hope) question - What do you guys do?

I just bought a new Magnum XR-5 Airless Sprayer and I am kinda anal about taking care of my stuff. I don't want this tool to get all coated with overspray. I know, it WILL get some paint on it but I want to hold it to a minimum. So....I am thinking about spraying or wiping it down with either WD-40 or possibly even a cooking spray like PAM! This includes the hose.

I use WD-40 on my hand tools (when I can) to keep them clean. I wipe them down with a rag sprayed with it before I put them away and it keeps them pretty clean. Ideas? Suggestions?

Maybe something like Boeshield --> http://www.boeshield.com/t9info.htm Dries to a thin & waxy film protectant.

Or a layer of wax, let dry but don't buff off.

You could also bag a good portion of the gun.

Hmmm, the only thing about that stuff is that you have to order it instead of being able to go to the corner store to get it.

But your idea about wax might be a good one. I couldn't stand to apply wax and NOT wipe it off - too fugly, which is what I'm trying to avoid in the first place! How about some of that
cheap spray wax they sell for lazy car waxers? I used to use it in my car door frames and around the engine compartment. Several coats of that might be good as long as I wiped the overspray off promptly when the job is done and then re-wax.

Ok, allow me another shot...(not corner store though)

http://americanchemical.net/car_pro/S-30pb03_16_04.pdf

Online seller: http://www.adsco.net/viewproductdetail.asp?productid=282

That stuff looks great. I could use it IN my new airless to spray itself! an wash it off after each spray job to keep it looking good as new.

Still that same deal about it not being readily available at Pep Boys or somewhere but a great suggestion anyway.

I'm wondering if an art supply store might carry another type of masking spray. I know they use it for airbrushing.

BTW, you can brush the Overspray guard S-30 as well.

:D:DAlright, NOW we're getting somewhere! Excellent idea.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/wat3.gif

I guess you are just talking about house paint, but I sure would not want any kind of wax or oil near any of my spray guns.....Fish eyes suck! If you are vigilant about cleaning up when you are done, can't you just wipe the gun down with thinner each time you are done using it?

+1. I use my airless quite a bit and just wipe it down with thinner after use...which there is always tons of since cleaning the interior of the hose requires quite a bit.

+2. My guns are throughly cleaned after every use.

Years ago I worked for a residential painting company, with each airless they had a bucket with tools and WD40. They used it to clean the outside, and lube all of the moving parts. Worked for them, and they used theirs daily.

Boeshield T-9 is available at Sears...so says Boeshield.
.
http://www.boeshield.com/searsttc.htm
.
It's also carried by a few marine products stores, local boat dealers, etc.