Adjust the Pressure

• When adjusting the pressure on the spray paint gun, the compressor regulator must be opened to approximately 80 pounds per square inch (psi). This will allow the right amount of air pressure to get through the line and into the gun. Then pull back the gun's trigger to adjust the setting on the handle to 40 psi or whatever the manufacturer advises. Shut the valve on the gun handle's bottom while at the same time pulling the trigger until the air pressure is steady.
  
  

Adjust the Fan

• Adjust the fan by opening up the control for fluid volume found on the back of the spray gun. Adjust it about three turns. Then turn off the fan control, which is found to the left of the gun in back of the nozzle. Point the spray gun about 8 inches from a test wall or surface. Move the paint spray gun across the wall while you pull back on the trigger. As you move the spray gun, set the fan control to the fan shape you would like. A 6-inch-wide oval shape is standard. When you spray up and down the wall, turn the nozzle 90 degrees to make a horizontal fan.
  
  

Adjust the Fluid Volume

• As you continue to spray the test wall or surface, set the fluid volume on the back of the spray gun to the correct level for the gun speed. You want a heavy volume, but you do not want it so heavy that the paint runs.
  
  

Painting Tips

• Observe how the paint is applying to the surface and adjust it as necessary. To cover a small area with the paint gun, turn the fan control down to a smaller, round shape. You will also need to adjust the fluid volume at the same time so the paint does not run. To cover a large area with the gun, adjust the fan control to a larger, oval shape, making it fan out higher and wider. You will need a higher air pressure to paint a larger section. Adjusting the pressure will also help to eliminate runs, especially when you are spraying on bases, sealers and clear coats that are not easily seen. Remember to use a paint thinner when using a paint spray gun. Always overlap the paint approximately one-third of the way over the last pass. You might want to wear a mask and goggles when you paint.