Ultrasonic Cleaners for Cleaning Sprayguns?
High-end professional ultrasonic cleaning equipment works the best, but even a small inexpensive unit might be worth having. January 28, 2009
Question
I am interested in using a cheap Ultrasonic cleaning system for my spray guns. I use gravity feed cup guns, spraying catalyzed lacquer. Has anyone tried this? It seems that even after good cleaning there is always some dried lacquer in the tip, needle, etc. does anyone have any thoughts?
Forum Responses
(Finishing Forum)
From contributor C:
I have one and find it really doesn't work that well. It is a USA made one and now sits collecting dust.
From contributor B:
When I was at Kremlin's warehouse in Chicago, they had a big one that was heated, but I forget the chemical that was used in the vat. I think it was a paint stripper of some kind though. That one worked really well.
From contributor T:
I believe the word cheap separates the good from the bad in the world of ultrasonic cleaners. I have sold them for years. To use one of these for removing all paint and coatings you must get a stainless steel model. It must have heat (like 175F) and there is a specific chemical that you must use for paints.
These types of cleaners will remove all coatings I have encountered (UV, CV, WB, 2K, Etc) within twenty minutes and parts then rinse with water. The chemical we use will last for over two years so there is almost no waste.
From contributor R:
Why go cheap unless you’re trying to help out someone who sells them. The cheap ones are worthless. You might just continue soaking the spray gun and its parts in a can of solvent or whatever liquid you use to reduce your coating.
In over a quarter century of finishing I’ve always cleaned my spray guns with the appropriate liquid and I’ve never had any issues. The water based coatings might take a bit longer when it comes to cleaning your spray guns but will those few extra minutes warrant the purchase of such a tool?
From contributor J:
Well, I have a cheap one my wife uses for cleaning her jewelry and I must say, it
cleans far better than just soaking in thinner. I put the air cap and nozzle in a glass of thinner and sit the glass in the ultrasonic cleaner filled with water and it's unbelievable how much comes off of what looked to be clean parts.
AI enhanced answer (added Jan 16, 2025):Ultrasonic cleaning equipment offers several key benefits for woodworking:
1.
Precision Cleaning: Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to produce cavitation bubbles in a cleaning solution. These bubbles implode, creating tiny vacuum areas that effectively remove dirt, dust, and residues from intricate wood surfaces, joints, and hard-to-reach areas where traditional cleaning methods might fail.
2.
Gentle on Wood: Unlike abrasive cleaning methods, ultrasonic cleaning is gentle on wood, preserving the integrity of the material. This is particularly beneficial for delicate or antique pieces where maintaining the original condition is crucial.
3.
Efficiency: The process is quick, often taking only minutes to achieve results that might take much longer with manual cleaning. This efficiency can significantly reduce labor costs and time in a woodworking shop.
4.
Versatility: These machines can clean a variety of items beyond just wood, including tools, hardware, and even small parts, making them a versatile addition to any workshop.
5.
Consistency: Ultrasonic cleaning provides uniform cleaning results, ensuring that every piece treated gets the same level of cleanliness, which is vital for quality control in woodworking projects.
6. **Eco-Friendly**: When used with biodegradable cleaning solutions, ultrasonic cleaning can be an environmentally friendly option, reducing the need for harsh chemicals.
In summary, ultrasonic cleaning equipment enhances the quality of woodworking by providing a thorough, gentle, and efficient cleaning method that respects the material while ensuring high standards of cleanliness.
