You don’t have to be a tool expert to troubleshoot your Wagner paint sprayer.
Sometimes the solution for your Wagner paint sprayer not turning on could be as easy as changing your extension cord.
In this guide, we will go through various steps and fixes that may help you to repair or mend your faulty spray gun. Continue below to find out everything you need and more for your next project!
The Wagner Paint Sprayer has many advantages over traditional paint brushes and rollers. You won’t have to worry about uneven streaks or the fatigue that comes with painting for extended hours.
The Wagner sprayer applies paint quickly while producing a uniform application for flat, textured, or bumpy surfaces.
With that said, there is a lot of prep time that can go into setting up your airless sprayer, so things can sometimes go wrong. What happens when the wagner paint sprayer won’t turn on at all?
Follow these steps to determine whether it's a quick fix or whether it's time to call up the manufacturer.
1. Check The Power Button
It could happen to the best of us, but sometimes the easiest solution is checking whether the on/off button is turned on correctly.
In some models, there may be a glowing LED to indicate whether the device is now on/off. Alternatively, flip the switch back and forth and see if it turns on.
2. Check The Pressure Control Knob
If there is no on/off button, the next thing you should check for is the pressure control knob. You’ll need to ensure that the Wagner sprayer is on even ground and has been set to ‘spray’ mode.
The pressure control knob should be set high enough so that it can start the pumping process.
3. Check The Digital Screen
Before troubleshooting any physical issues, the final thing to check on your Wagner sprayer is the digital screen.
There may be a message that states that the electric system is damaged or the pump is overloaded. Consult your user guide for recommendations on dealing with pump warning errors.
4. Incorrect Extension Cord
An extension cord that is too long may cause your Wagner sprayer motor to overheat and cease.
You'll therefore have to consult your user manual [1] to verify the maximum length and the correct gauge of the cord. Try using another extension cord of a shorter length and see if it rectifies the power issue.
5. The Wall Voltage Is Too Low
Sometimes the problem can lie outside the tool itself. Using a multimeter, test the power supply voltage in comparison to the technical specifications.
If it does not match the required voltage, you won’t have enough power to start up the wagner paint sprayer.
6. Blown Fuse
In rare cases, the fuse may have been blown inside the circuit. If your paint gun is still under warranty, contact the Wagner service center, submit a return, and have them repair the fuse.
Alternatively, you may be given a new replace.
More Wagner Paint Sprayer Problems and Solutions
Wagner Paint Sprayer Not Spraying
Your wagner paint sprayer is set up and ready to go, but when you hold down the trigger, there is no material flow or paint.
Clogged tip:
If you’ve previously used your paint gun, chances are the wagner paint sprayer tips is now clogged with old material.
On the other hand, the suction tube or air vent that your paint material passes through could also be blocked.
Check your manual, and clean the paint sprayers according to the manufacturer's instructions. To avoid clogged tip issue in the future, ensure your Wagner sprayer is cleaned after every session.
Wrong settings:
If your settings are too low, there might not be enough power for the paint flow you require. Again, look at the instruction manual and see what setting is suggested for your different coatings.
Dirty spray gun filter:
A guide on how to remove the dirty spray gun filter will be found in the owner's manual. If you see any dirt or oil-based materials, consider washing the filter out with some warm soapy water.
Ill-Fitting or Missing Parts and Seals
Sometimes your Wagner paint sprayer might not be giving you the same finish it once did. The problem could lie with a faulty component or an incorrect seal.
Loose suction tube:
The suction tube might not be secure, so you’ll need to remove and clean it. When everything is in order, re-insert the tube as far down as it will go for a tight fit.
Loose paint container:
Your paint container needs to sit tight on the spray gun to generate enough pressure to operate. Make sure the container is screwed on tightly!
Air valve tube isn’t working:
Inside your wagner paint sprayer, you'll find a tube with two attachments. This is the air valve, and it supplies air pressure to the paint gun. Check that both ends of the tube are connected and that the valve is in place.
Missing seals:
While cleaning, your gun seal may have gone missing. If you can't find it, you can replace it.
Paint Leaks
While using an airless paint sprayer, you should experience a few leaks as you turn on/off your device. Nevertheless, paint material should not be sprouting out in abundance while you’re working.
Worn or loose nozzle:
Inspect your nozzle and see if it shows any deterioration. If so, replace it as soon as possible. If things still look new, make sure that the nozzle is fitted correctly and tightened.
Dried paint on the air cap:
Old paint left on the nozzle or air cap can lead to paint drips. With a quick wipe and clean, you'll be ready to go again.
Loose atomizer valve:
If cleaning the nozzle hasn't helped, the problem may lie within. Remove the spray tip, check if the atomizer valve of the tip is secure, and put the nozzle back on. If it does not work, then replace the tip and tighten it securely.
Irregular Spray Pattern
What if your first coat appears too thick, goes all over the place, or starts running immediately?
Too Much Paint:
If the fluid flow is set too high, you may need to turn it down. Alternatively, it could be your application technique, so speed up those manual strokes!
Paint thinner:
Sometimes, the paint material you're using might be too thick. Thin paint might be necessary, so consult your material's manufacturer's instructions on how to go about this process.
Examine your nozzle and air filter:
Similar to paint leaks, a clogged tip or air filter can lead to leaking and an inconsistent spray pattern. Give the tip and air filter a good clean if they’re dirty.
Insufficient pressure:
If your paint container isn’t attached properly, there might not be enough pressure built up for a consistent spray. Examine the container and ensure it's tight.
Incorrect spray position:
An irregular spray pattern can also be attributed to the way you’re holding your airless paint sprayer. It should be held as if it were rested on flat ground at approximately 90°.
Therefore, before blaming the paint manufacturer, get your painting technique perfected!
An Excess of Overspray
If you haven't laid down plenty of groundsheets, an overspray of paint can be disastrous. Luckily for you, there are usually two main culprits.
Spray gun is too far from the surface:
According to Wagner paint sprayer troubleshooting, the perfect spray distance is 6 to 8 inches from your target surface. Therefore, if you’re too far away, stand closer!
Air power is too high:
If the distance isn't an issue, try reducing the pressure power to decrease the chance of over spraying.
The pressure release valve is usually found on the side of the motor housing. Push it down, and the pressure should subside, reducing the chances of an over spraying.
Sprayer Spitting Paint
Why is my Wagner sprayer spitting paint? There are several reasons, if you’re experiencing a spitting tip instead of a steady paint flow, this might be due to air entering the Wagner paint sprayer in places other than the air cap.
Loose nozzle:
If the nozzle isn't fastened correctly, air can enter the material supply. Make sure it's seated properly.
Blocked outlet or inlet valves:
The inlet and outlet valves contain a small ball valve that can get stuck. If things get clogged up, you’ll need to clean them by utilizing the filter tab.
Blocked spraying valve:
If the spraying valve is blocked, soap and water are your best friends.
Priming Malfunction
A Wagner sprayer can also be used for priming; however, if you notice that the paint material isn't pulling through the tip correctly, there's likely an internal fault in the tip.
Stuck inlet and outlet valves:
As mentioned above, an inlet valve or outlet valve that is blocked by excess materials can cause the tip to malfunction, therefore halting the priming process.
Take the valves apart and give them a good clean!
An air leak in the suction hose:
If your suction hose is tightly fitted, check for any holes that may be causing an air leak. If you see any damage, consider to replace or contacting the manufacturer.
A worn o ring:
Similar to the above solution, a worn o ring will require a replacement.
Worn Out Piston Pump
The piston pump is responsible for moving paint through your airless paint sprayer. If the piston is worn out, the paint or fluid supply will no longer be pumped correctly.
Good indicators of this pump issue are a noticeable delay in priming or excessive leaking paint material.
Worn-out piston:
If your piston pump is simply worn out, you’ll need to find a replacement. A specific Wagner model such as the Wagner Paint Sprayer 220 will advertise this as a feature.
Air Instead Of Paint
What if everything is working correctly, and suddenly your spraying starts blowing air instead of paint?
Empty tank:
According to the Wagner paint sprayer troubleshooting guides, the most common mistake people make is forgetting to refill their tank. wagner paint sprayers work incredibly fast, but paint sprayers also drain quicker than most expect.
Motor Problems
A motor that turns on/off randomly can be incredibly frustrating. This is often an internal electric issue relating to the power supply.
Overheating:
If your motor is no longer consistent, the problem may be the power supply. Earlier in the article, we spoke about extension cords being too long or too short; therefore, a medium length is always recommended.
Avoid opening the motor housing:
If you've tried various extension cord sizes and the motor still fails, then it may be time to visit an authorized repair shop. Do not attempt to open the motor housing yourself, as this may void the warranty.
Lack Of Pressure
Perhaps your pressure level has taken a sudden dip in performance. This can lead to additional issues forming, such as orange peel. Consider the following to get your paint gun's pressure working properly.
Congested sprayer valve:
The first place to look is the outlet and inlet valves. If you've previously used latex paint, you can clean the valves using soap and warm water.
Thick paint:
Some exterior paints can be too thick for certain spraying guns. To reach your desired pressure, you’ll need to thin the paint to get your spraying to work properly.
Make sure the tip is not plugged up by removing it and holding it up to the light to see if the filters are clean and the paint thin enough. If you cannot see through tip, clean the tip with a toothbrush and hot water to remove the clog.
To clean the tips properly, you can find exact video on the internet. Watch video for tips and tricks on how to get the job done. Along with tips, you can also get details troubleshooting advice to fix tips problems that you might be experiencing with your Wagner sprayer.
Wagner Paint Sprayer Questions FAQs
How long do Wagner paint sprayers last?
Wagner sprayers have a 2-year warranty, but can last 5+ years with proper care.
When should I contact Wagner and submit a warranty claim?
Contact Wagner first after trying troubleshooting in manual. The technical team can assist via phone. File warranty claim if problem persists.
Can I use a Wagner spray gun outside?
Yes, a Wagner spray gun can be used outside with an extension cord, and its handheld design makes it suitable for rough surfaces.
What are some recommended Wagner paint sprayers?
Recommended Wagner paint sprayers are Wagner 2000 and Wagner Flexio 3000 for small projects, and Wagner Paint Crew 770 for bigger jobs.
Conclusion
If your Wagner paint sprayer is not turning on, you should start by checking the power button or pressure control knob.
If your Wagner paint sprayer is still off, the problem may lie with your extension cord, wall voltage, or a faulty fuse.
Unfortunately, internal electrical issues will likely require you to file a warranty claim. As for other matters relating to performance, the product's user manual, and this guide, pose a few possible troubleshooting solutions.
References:
1. https://www.paintsprayer.co.uk/product-manuals
2. https://www.wagnerspraytech.com/warranty/