When to replace needle and/or tip?

[Scott Gardner]

Jeez, I'm just full of questions today...</cr>
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I just began painting a few months ago, and don't know how to tell when it's time to replace my needle and/or fluid tip. After spraying about two gallons of paint (primer, basecoat and clearcoat), there's a shiny spot on my needle right near the tip, and another shiny spot with a small ridge further back on the needle. Most of the basecoat I've sprayed has been a fine metallic, if that makes a difference. I haven't noticed any problems yet, but I'm probably not experienced enough to tell a worn needle/tip anyway.</cr>
How much paint can you usually put through a gun before you have to replace the needle or tip? Do you replace them at the same time, or does one usually wear out before the other? Also, what are the symptoms I should be looking for if my needle/tip starts to get too worn?</cr>
Thanks,</cr>
Scott

 

[rex]

You're still fine.To wear out a needle and tip takes ALOT of material.I'd say you'd have to spray a few gallons of metallic each day for months to eat one up enough to replace,and then you'd want to do the needle and tip together.Pearls aren't bad about it,about the same as primer(I don't know why primer is hard on them either) but flakes are pretty hard on them.Since it's a progressive thing it's hard to tell.Other than comparing it to a new gun,if it's spraying like crap and a rebuild doesn't help that's an indication,but you have a long time left on yours so don't worry yet.