Quick way to clean a spray gun!

Unclogging a spray gun and keeping it clean: these are the tips Dan Erlewine teaches to the guys who work in his guitar repair shop.

Behlen Nitrocellulose Stringed Instrument Lacquer

Seagrave Nitrocellulose Lacquer Thinner

Spray Gun Cleaning Kit

Gravity-feed Spray Gun

Air Hose Quick Coupler

Freehand holder

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StewMac has everything you need to set up, repair or build guitars.
Everything is 100% guaranteed. Fast worldwide shipping.

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StewMac has everything you need to set up, repair or build guitars.
Everything is 100% guaranteed. Fast worldwide shipping.

[melissacharron]

ugh I didn't realize an instructional video could make me so happy, he's so sweet and has a great energy! love it.

[JB-wcvz]

Just beautifully done, this video. Right down to the brief story in the end of his mentor - practically a poem. So great.

[christopherclark]

Props for speaking the name out loud of your predecessor. That warmed my heart.. I miss those guys we don't talk about who gave us so much. Hell yeah..

[LukeBrinkerhoff]

the thread cleaning trick was something I needed.

[thegreypilgrim]

Stew just schooled me in the humblest way. Thanks a bunch!

[mrsayasajer]

That is why I like old people. A lot of wisdom in their story.

[golsonkp]

Old gentleman knowledge, grounded and solid. Thanks Dan

[MelissaKleinArt]

I loved this video - very informative and you mentioned women as doing this, which made me feel so happy and included. And as a former vo-tech/CTE teacher, I loved you giving credit to your former teacher.

[VaughanGuitars]

Hi Dan and StewMac. I would like to add after cleaning its a good idea to finish with Mineral Spirits. Spray guns use leather packings. Leather packings tend to get hard over time and Mineral Spirits will leave those packings soft and pliable for years.

[angrytroll]

I actually got an apprenticeship when I was 16 as a furniture dont miss doin this!!

[jackburness]

I googled how to clean a spray gun and this guy instantly reminded me how to do it! Thanks :)

[Rick-fswc]

My favorite part is cleaning my guns. Then i can sit back and admire my work. Job done.

[TomMakeHere]

This was a fantastic video. Informative and to the point. Clean up is the one thing that scares me from getting started, I just have this fear that I will clog up the gun 😅

[gregweber]

I went through auto body at Ferris in 68-69. I had Joe Bradowski. He knew his stuff and was a good guy. Still using what I learned today. Products advance, but prep and technique basics remain as always.

[MkwShadowFTW]

Well done sir! Let’s have a toast. In our clean spray guns!

[johnwrenchspeed]

Nice tips. When I clean spray guns, in addition to using lacquer thinner, I like to use cans of automotive brake cleaner. It is basically, acetone in a spray can (Of course you can buy also buy a rechargeable sprayer and fill with either lacquer thinner, acetone, or the solvent of your choice).
Regarding the use of Nitrocellulose Lacquer, I don't think any MSDS say it causes cancer like using polyurethane finishes (which contain isocyanates).

[Sjet]

Just three minutes of knowledge thank you sir

[BlindSymmetryLurePainting]

Thanks for sharing. I would love to see the a video about your spray booth setup

[markbrown]

good show buddy, i picked up a couple of tips. thanx for sharing.

[Engineerboy]

Great video, thank you! I will clean my new gun when I get it, every time! :)