SATA has some sound advice for all spray gun users.
SATA technical experts point out that using the inappropriate tools for cleaning nozzle components can adversely affect a guns spray pattern leading to poor results. They suggest that for optimum cleaning results of the air cap and fluid tip, a SATA Cleaning Kit (Part No. 64030) is used. If damage has occurred then a new nozzle set is recommended.
Another common issue is forcible disassembly of nozzle components using unsuitable tools. This can damage the front and back sealing surfaces of the fluid tip and to avoid this, SATA says only the special tools supplied with the gun should be used.
SATA also advises that as well as faulty nozzle components, mixing different nozzle components can lead to degradation of the spray pattern and unsatisfactory results. A sound nozzle set is essential for optimum spray pattern. To ensure low overspray while painting, all SATA nozzles are hand tested and fine-tuned to ensure the highest precision.
Lastly SATA advises against the common practice of soaking spray guns in thinner to clean, as thinners can easily be contaminated and air and fluid passages can become clogged with paint residue. With modern gun washers the passages are continually blown out. When cleaning the spray gun by hand, SATA advises that users should take care that no paint residue or particles reach the inside of the gun through the air inlet or the fluid tip threads.