Use and Care Guide

6
SPRAY GUN TERMS
Internal Mix
Process where the air and paint are mixed inside the air cap just before being
sprayed. This method is best for heavy bodied, slow drying paints and can only be
used with the pressure feed method. Do not use fast drying latex paints with internal
mix. The paint will dry inside and quickly clog the air cap.
External Mix
Process where the air and paint are mixed just after leaving the nozzle. This type of
mix should be used for fast drying latex paint and when a high quality finish is needed.
Pressure Feed
Method of material feed where a canister or paint tank is pressurized to force material
to the gun. Either internal or external mix air caps are used with this method. Pressure
feed is generally used for heavy bodied latex paints or for larger size projects.
Siphon Feed
Method of material feed where atmospheric pressure creates a partial vacuum to
siphon material to the gun. Only external mix air caps are used with this method.
Siphon feed is used with light bodied latex paints.
Bleeder
In this mode, air passes continuously through
the gun whether spraying or not. This
mode is generally used when the
air is supplied by a continuously running air
compressor
Non-Bleeder
In this mode, air flows only when the trigger is pulled. This type of operation is
ria yrotcaf egral a htiw ro knat a htiwria na htiw desu
Do not use with a continuously running air compressor that does not have a tank.
Use of Air Caps
Internal Mix - Generally used with slow drying, heavy bodied latex
paints and for faster material application. NOT to be used with fast
drying latex paints which will clog the opening in the air cap. Internal
mix caps must be used with pressure feed operation.
External Mix - Used for quick drying, light bodied latex paints. Better
f
or fine finish work. These caps can be used with either siphon or
pressure feed.
SPRAY GUN SET-UP
Internal mix air cap
external mix air cap
Refer to use of air caps (section listed below) for a detailed explanation for which air
cap is best suited for your specific paint application(s).
listed below) for a detailed explanation for which air cap is best suited for your specific
paint application(s).
Refer to use of air caps (section listed below) for a without a tank.
detailed explanation for which air cap is best suited for your specific paint application(s).
Refer to use of air caps (section
compressor that is equipped
system.