Although you have invested in one of the most respected paint sprayer brands on the market, you are bound to run into some trouble.
Even the best, most intuitive tools can run into problems. It’s not enough to just know how to use a Wagner paint sprayer, you have to know how to work through the kinks.
As you use it through the years, you may start to notice hiccups that go beyond just refining your painting technique.
Eventually, your spray gun is going to need some general maintenance. It may be tempting to throw out a tool that starts to fail.
However, a Wagner paint sprayer is a significant investment and you owe it to yourself to fix it before heading out to buy a replacement.
If you find you can’t get Wagner paint sprayer fixed and need a replacement, here are our top 3 picks for 2020:
- Extremely Versatile
- Spray Unthinned Paint
- Adjustable Flow rate
- 10x Faster than Brush
- Wide Range of Projects
- Incl. Fine Finishing Gun
- Adjustable Power
- Excellent Finish
- Semi-Pro Sprayer
- 50ft Spray Hose
- 0.017 Thou Max Tip
- Handy Cart System
This article is a basic guide to Wagner paint sprayer troubleshooting.
These tools are meant to last, you just need to know the basics of why your Wagner paint sprayer is not spraying and you can normally fix them yourself.
1. Wagner Paint Sprayer Not Spraying
The most basic and fundamental problem of all is when the paint sprayer won t spray. It is the worst-case scenario but may also be the easiest to fix. The reasons why a spray gun can’t do the one thing it was specifically designed to do are numerous.
First, check your prime/spray knob.
Make sure it is actually set to spray and that the unit is on level ground. This is the equivalent of plugging in and pushing the on-button. It’s easy to forget, we’ve all been there.
If this doesn’t work, check the spray tip.
It may be set to a default position like “clean,” which purposefully turns off the sprayer function. The spray tip could also be clogged. In which case, you’ll want thoroughly to wash it.
Lastly, it may be that your spray gun filter is dirty.
You should be able to easily remove it based on instructions from the user-manual and then clean it with soap and warm water. If it’s particularly filthy, an oil or mineral-based cleaner will work wonders.
These are the most common fixes for a Wagner spray gun not spraying.
2. Leaking Paint
This is one of the most irritating problems that can get out of hand fast. If it is leaking, take off the spray tip and check the atomizer valve and tip washer. If they are loose, tighten them up before putting the tip back.
If the tip itself is leaking this could be a different problem altogether. It is important to keep in mind that a little leakage is normal. This should only be when the unit is running and just a little bit at a time.
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If it is a problematic leak, check up on the gun seal. They need to be periodically replaced to prevent leakage.
However, if the sprayer or seal is brand-new make sure it has been put together correctly. Consult the owner’s manual if your model required assembly before use and make doubly sure that every part is where it should be.
If the unit came preassembled, then contact Wagner for advice. If worse comes to worst, then they should offer to fix it at a service center or give you a refund.
3. Priming Malfunction
When your Wagner paint sprayer won’t prime there are a few solutions to the problem.
It is entirely possible that the priming or spraying valve is clogged with old material and gunk. If that’s the case, you might have to contact Wagner to figure out how to clean the valves correctly.
If it’s not the prime or sprayer valve, it could be either the outlet or inlet valves. These can be unblocked by using the filter tab. If that doesn’t get rid of all the excess materials and junk, then clean both valves thoroughly.
Finally, in all cases, keep your unit on flat ground. The sprayer simply doesn’t work well or at all when on uneven, rough surfaces.
4. Air in the Spray
Every so often, you can be in the middle of a perfect coat and suddenly air belches out of the sprayer and ruins all that careful work on your freshly painted interior walls.
Anytime air is coming out instead of paint, it is usually a sign that your tank needs to be refilled. This is especially true in the handheld spray guns, such as the Flexio 570.
Check the refilling instructions for your specific Wagner model and be sure to not overfill the model. This will create a whole different set of problems.
5. Lack of Pressure
If your unit won’t build pressure and has a sudden fall in pressure it can be fixed in a number of ways. First, check and clean your inlet valve. Wash all its components and consider replacing any that look worn or damaged.
The same should be done for the outlet valve. Cleaning can be done with warm water, soap, and latex-based solutions.
If you have an airless paint sprayer, the spray tip may be clogged which can significantly reduce pressure. If so, remove and clean it. If it’s old, it may need to be replaced entirely. We have a dedicated article on how to clean an airless sprayer.
If you are using heavy paints like exterior paints, this can completely compromise pressure. In this case, use an appropriate thinner and mix to an exact ratio for the best results.
Lastly, the filter may be backed-up with paint and old material. Clean or replace it to fix pressure issues.
Wagner Service Centers
A lot of people in the comments are mentioning problems that can only really be fixed by Wagner themselves or an official service repair center.
Here’s a link to the official Wagner service center finder so you can find you nearest one: https://www.wagnerspraytech.com/support/find-a-service-center/
Conclusion
Wagner sprayers CAN last a lifetime. Nevertheless, they need care and maintenance to function properly. It is important to pay a little extra attention after every project to clean and examine it for wear and tear and we hope this blog on airless paint sprayer troubleshooting has helped you to keep yours going for a lifetime.
Doing this can significantly extend the lifespan of your unit and save you a whole lot of trouble later with Wagner paint sprayer problems.
Once again, here’s our top 3 favorites:
- Extremely Versatile
- Spray Unthinned Paint
- Adjustable Flow rate
- 10x Faster than Brush
- Wide Range of Projects
- Incl. Fine Finishing Gun
- Adjustable Power
- Excellent Finish
- Semi-Pro Sprayer
- 50ft Spray Hose
- 0.017 Thou Max Tip
- Handy Cart System
24 comments
Thanks Charles, unfortunately nothing above fixed the particular issue with my Wagner paint sprayer.
In short, I have one of their professional airless models (I can’t recall the model number). It just won’t prime no matter what I do, I’ve cleaned out the suction hose and taken everything off that I can.
Any ideas of what to look for? Thank you in advance, Terri
Hi Terri
Thanks a lot for you comment and believe me, I know how frustrating non priming airless sprayers can be.
I do have one little tip for you, something most people miss (for anyone else reading, this is only applicable to their more capable airless paint sprayers). If your machines been sitting for anymore than a couple of days sometimes a small ball bearing that acts as a non-return valve can get stuck in its ‘seat’.
To fix this, take the suction hose off and lay the machine on its back. With a small(ish) screwdriver, gently push it up into the pump. You shouldn’t need to use a lot of force, and it won’t go all the way in, but hopefully this action will release whatevers jammed. If you feel it suddenly ‘pop in’ then it’s normally confirmation that the ball was stuck with some dried paint, but has now been released.
Fingers crossed this will do the trick for you 🙂
Charles Ive got a new wagner 570. It worked for about ten minutes then it just blows air instead of paint. The container has paint in it and it wasn’t overfilled. I had the same problem with my old wagner and couldn’t fix it so bought a new one. Now the same thing.It must be something I’m doing. any advice would be appreciated.
Hi Mike,
As it’s happened twice on two different sprayer, I’d say your paint is too thick.
If you spray water with it, does it have the same problem? Or is it just permanently blowing air now?
Charles you’re a hero!!! A clogged spray tip was causing issues with my Wagner sprayer, didn’t even think to check the nozzle but lessons have been learnt – clean your nozzles once you finish spraying 😉
A good soak in hot water and 1 needle later and its now spraying like a charm. Thank you thank you thank you
You’re most welcome Mike, happy to hear the guide helped someone. Charles
Ive tried everythig to troubleshoot my Wagner sprayer but just can’t seem to get it spraying. Im at the point where im considering taking it to a Wagner repair center.
Do you know how long it would take to get it back if I did? I’m scared I will lose my sprayer for 3+ weeks waiting for it to be sent halfway across the country for repair.
What would you do in my situation Charles?
You are pretty much right unfortunately Joseph, it will take 2-3 weeks to get a sprayer back from a warranty repair.
There are spray stores that run their own repair centers, but this will void any warranty you have (unless they’re a Wagner approved repair center), and will likely be a costly route (upwards of $50 an hour prices). Also, they may not even touch it if it’s a cheap DIY model, these guys repair the more commercial sprayers :/
Sorry I can’t help more, if you comment with more details about what’s wrong, I’ll try advise better.
In my experience, the DIY level Wagner paint sprayers are great when they work, but if they clog or break then you’re out of luck.
They’re not built to be taken apart of serviced, which makes them almost disposable (an expensive throw away buy!!!!!). Considering the cost of some of them being $200+, you’d be better off spending an extra $300 to get a low level pro machine, which at least will last you 5-10 years and can be properly looked after.
I’ve tried troubleshooting these small Wagner sprayers many times, with a less than 50% success rate.
“Buy it, spray it, bin it” seems to be the Wagner way for anything under $500.
Hit the nail on the head my friend. As with everything, buy cheap, buy twice.
For many homeowners it can still be cost-effective though, as they likely only paint the house once every 5-10 years. A $200 purchase is a hell of a lot cheaper than a professional contractor or painter.
It’s a shame, but it’s still a multi-thousand dollar saving which most people see as a good enough win.
what do you do if the motor in the back doesn’t turn on? This us my second wagner slrayer in less than a year. Never buying one again.
Hi Corey, it’s impossible to know without having the machine in front of me but it’s pretty rare for motors to completely pack up without smoking or burning up first. Have you checked for any hidden fuses in the machine? They normally have one somewhere. Check your user manual and try find it, it’s more than likely a blown fuse than a burnt out motor.
Wagner sprayers are okay for occasional personal use, but aren’t great at anything regular. Check out the Graco X7 if you’re looking for something a bit more robust, but not quite in the professional price range.
Hope this helps.
I bought a flexio 950 used it for 20minutes it over heated and stopped working took it back to bunnings they gave me another one it worked for 15minutes then the pump failed the blower still worked but the pump stopped i then had to get the paint out so pulled it apart and cleaned out the pump now it looks like i have voided my warranty where can i get a new pump motor
Hi Les,
Really sorry to hear this 🙁 Was the paint thin enough to be run through the machine? That’s normally the reason motors burn out.
Regarding a new motor, eBay is your best bet, or you can possibly order one through an online retailer with an account a Wagner (or go direct).
These small home owner sprayers aren’t really meant for repair unfortunately, which is why professionals use much more expensive models (no different to all tools).
My sprayer is new but it will not spray unless u turn it on the side then it will spray any advice
Hi Melissa,
It probably means your paint is too thick and by turning it on its side you’re reducing the effect of gravity on the paint.
Either that or you’ve got a hole or gap in your suction feed somewhere which is allowing air to flow in unless you inadvertently block it with paint by putting it on its site. As you haven’t specified which model of Wagner you have I can’t help much more than that I’m afraid 🙁
David
I have a Wagner Paint Crew that the red knob that switches from spray to prime is loose, I’ve figured out how to put a screwdriver behind the knob and pulling will make it prime, but the clamping washer thing that keeps the knob on the rod is loose, but won’t come off. I’ve tried using a small metal tube to knock it back down, but it won’t stay. Luckily I can still spray fine, but priming the pump is impossible without jambing a screwdriver in there and pulling it out a bit.
any suggestions on how to get that holding washer off the rod or other suggestions?
Thanks,
Mike
Hi Mike,
Not a clue I’m afraid, I have little experience with fixing DIY Wagner models directly and worked mainly on the professional sized machines that are designed to come apart.
Other than phoning tech support at Wagner, I have very little advice to give you on this problem I’m afraid 🙁
Hi, I need help with my Wagner control pro 250.
The motor doesn’t stop running after I turn the valve in to spray position. The paint comes out slowly but the motor should stop running when I’m not spraying instead constantly running. Had it for about a year now and never happened to me before. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help.
Hi Luke,
From my experience, I’d say it’s not getting up to full pressure. All airless spray systems have a pressure sensor in them which cuts out the motor when they reach the desired pressure (normally around 3000psi).
If the pressure sensor had failed, you’d still get to full pressure but it wouldn’t stop, so you’d probably pop a valve somewhere and have paint pissing out everywhere. I’d be more inclined to say you have an issue with your packing kit, or a loose bolt somewhere.
It’s likely the packing kit to be honest, this is an issue I’ve fixed over 100 times and sounds exactly like the symptoms.
I’ve never worked with the Wagner Control Pro 250, so I’m not sure what spares are available (changing a packing kit yourself can also be extremely complicated and a 2 hour process). It may need to go into a Wagner repair center for them to check out I’m afraid 🙁
I have a Wagner paint crew, the prime/spray knob was not working, turns out the push nut was broken. I took it apart and back together, now I can’t get it adjusted properly. Any tips would be appreciated thanks
Hi Dave,
Really wish I could help more, but I mainly worked with the professional grade sprayers when it comes to repairs so have little technical knowledge of the smaller DIY models (I’ve never stripped them down).
Perhaps speak to Wagner? They may be able to send you a replacement ‘knob’ assembly.
I bought a Wagner 570 early 2019 but just used it for first time yesterday to paint the under side of my carport roof. Today I was on my third fill when ig started to sputter. I took off the nozzle to clean it and as soon as I removed it, paint started oozing out of the tip and spilling on the floor. As i was trying to clean up the mess, some paint leaked toward the motor. I wiped up whatever I could. After cleaning the tip & associated parts, I started spraying again but that lasted only for a minute before the motor quit. After separating the front end from the motor, I could see paint had entered the motor housing. I flushed out the motor with a hose for 30 minutes till the water was clear & then used a hair dryer to dry it out. Plugged it in without attaching the front housing to check if the motor would run but no luck. Anything I can do to resuscitate this motor?
Hi Al,
Big whoops!!
Hard to say as I’ve never washed a motor with a hose pipe before, but I have recovered several mobile phones that have been down the toilet with a plate, rice and 3-4 days or drying time.
The worst thing you can do to electronics is trying to turn them on whilst they’re not completely dry. It’s the short-circuiting that causes damage, not getting wet (although it certainly doesn’t help).
I doubt you’ll be able to fit your motor in a bag of rice, so my advice would be to leave the machine somewhere warm and dry (maybe in the sun for a few hours if it’s not too hot where you are) and repeat this for 3-4 days before even trying the machine again.
Also check for any fuses, I’m not sure what’s on that machine off the top of my head, but you may have popped a fuse by the short circuit (if it does indeed have one).
Beyond patience, sadly there’s not much you can do 🙁
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