What Should I Clean My Spray Gun With?

The material used to clean your spray gun depends on the type and brand of finish used.

Water Based

You have to be careful when rinsing water based finishes from your gun. Be sure to use a cleaner that is compatible with the products you use. An incompatible product can cause blushing. We recommend that professionals using General Finishes products rinse with hot water, followed by a cleaning with diluted GF Brush & Gun Cleaner with water to purge residual paint or finish. You may dilute Brush and Gun Cleaner up to 50% water. Use full strength for deep cleaning when switching from stains to clears, or paint to clears. Use a diluted solution when soaking parts. The soaking mixture is reusable for soaking after use.

Acetone can be used with care as but it can gum up any residue left behind if the unit is not completely flushed.

DIY'ers who spray occasionally can just rinse thoroughly with hot water.

Shellac

Denatured alcohol only.

Oil Based

Mineral spirits or Xylene only.