3M Series 57UL, Series 57ZZ, Series 56, Series 55ZZ Troubleshooting, Problem Cause Remedy

Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Remedy
Bad Spray Pattern	Air cap or nozzle clogged	Clean with appropriate solvent
	Bent fluid needle	Replace fluid needle
	Moisture on surface	Clean surface
	Wrong solvent	Check solvent
Blistering	Coats not compatible	Check material compatibility
	Insufficient dry time	Longer dry time
	Surface too cold	Warm surface
Fish Eyes	Air contamination	Add air filtration
	Silicone contamination	Clean surface with solvent
Heavy Middle Pattern	Too much fluid pressure	Reduce fluid pressure
	Not enough atomizing pressure	Increase atomizing pressure
Intermittent Pulsating Spray	Worn or loose packing	Tighten or replace
	Low fluid pressure	Add fluid or increase fluid pressure
	Restriction in fluid line Blocked hose	Use 3/8” fluid hose Flush or replace hose
Insufficient Fluid Flow, Pressure Feed	Fluid nozzle too small	Use larger needle/nozzle
	Low fluid pressure	Increase fluid pressure
Coarse or Lumpy Surface	Dirt or dust on surface	Tack wipe before spray
	Material is contaminated	Change or strain
	Coating too thin	Use less thinner
Mottled Looking Surface	Coats too wet	Use less thinner
	Improper spray technique	Ensure gun is parallel to work
	Clogged fluid nozzle	Clean fluid nozzle
	Loss of fluid pressure	Out of paint
No Paint Flow	Clogged air passage	Clean with solvent
	Restriction in mat’l hose	Flush with solvent
	Clogged check valve	Replace check valve
	Paint drying too fast	Use proper solvent
Orange Peel	Gun too far from target	6-8 inches is ideal
	Viscosity too high	Reduce with solvent
	Gun too far from target	6-8 inches is ideal
Overspray is Excessive	Too much atomizing air for coating being	Reduce atomizing air
	sprayed
	Trapped solvent	Apply lighter coats
Pin-Holing, Solvent Pops	Improper solvent	Check coating manufacturer
	System contaminated	Clean all parts
	Wrong needle size	Replace
	Damaged-worn needle	Replace
	Loose fluid nozzle	Tighten or replace
Paint Leak	Worn/loose packing nut	Tighten or replace
	Needle not closing	Packing too tight. Broken or missing needle
		spring. Dried paint on needle.
	Loose fluid fitting	Tighten or replace

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