Q: Why is it that paint sometimes seems to be left in the PPS cup after use?

A: Taking air out of the system puts creases in the liner which holds the paint. There is no need to take air out of the system unless the gun/system is being used upside down to allow spraying access to awkward to reach areas.

Q: How can I save time when, on large jobs, I have to use several PPS cups and keep going in and out of the booth?

A: 3M supplies a carrier (3M 16010) which holds up to six PPS cups. This allows you to take into the spray booth everything you need to complete the whole job in one session, without constantly having to leave and re-enter. Not only does this save considerable time, it also prevents dust getting into the booth every time the doors are opened.

Q: How can I benefit and continue using 3M PPS when having to paint some large jobs and commercial vans without having to use multiple liners?

A: Recognizing this need, the Large Cups and Liners (16023 & 16024) can now be used on larger paint jobs.

Q: Some of the cups don't fit the collars; they seem to be different sizes?

A: The difference in size may be due to swelling if the mixing cups have been soaked in solvent. The mixing cups should no require cleaning in solvent. It is likely that the cups will be replaced every three months.

Q: How do I fade out thinner?

A: There are two options:

1. The preferred option is to keep fade out lacquer in a separate PPS cup and keep it sealed until required. This way the fade out lacquer (mixed 4 parts fade out thinner to 1 part activated lacquer) can be used over the course of one or two days saving time and reducing waste.
2. Add fade out thinner using the Detailing Squeeze Bottle through the neck of the PPS lid.

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Q: I can't tell how much paint I have left when the liner is collapsed.

A: The medium sized PPS holds 650 mL, exactly the same amount as a conventional spray cup. Gauging the volume left will come with experience. However, you may want to disconnect the gun from the air line, invert the gun, and pull the trigger to allow the liner to relax.

Q: When I change cups, drops of paint drip on the lid. I'm concerned they may drip onto the vehicle. How can I prevent this?

A: Before removing the PPS from the spray gun, disconnect from the air line, invert the gun, and pull the trigger to allow the liner to relax. This will drain the paint from the gun back into the PPS gun cup.

Q: Can I reuse liners and lids for another job?

A: No. PPS is a single use system. The lid should not be removed and refitted as the fit may be compromised. In additon, the benefits of solvent reduction and an enclosed system are lost.

Q: Do I need a pre filter?

A: There is no need to pre-filter. PPS delivers freshly strained paint through an integral filter.

Q: Do I need to keep the standard filter in the gun?

A : No. You may spray with or without the filter.

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Q: I currently use 200-micron filters. Will PPS filter the paint sufficiently?

A: PPS has been used on most paint types with no problems. In fact, the PPS filter is more consistent than many of the paper filters on the market.

Q: When I spray two-part primers, why does the filter tend to plug up and cut off desired flow of material?

Primers do not need to be filtered. Remove filter.

Q: Why can't I purge the air from the PPS cup system?

A: There are three options:

1. Check for an air leak in the PPS cup system. The likely source is the lid to liner seal. Remove retainer rings and check lid liner for seal.
2. Gun and PPS cup are right side up. Turn gun and cup upside down.
3. Insufficient air pressure to gun. Increase the pressure to gun. Purge PPS cup system and re-adjust air pressure to desired range for job.

More questions are being added all the time - please check back