Paint sprayers are an essential tool for professionals working on large-scale projects and DIYers looking to upgrade their spaces at home, but these products can become unusable without proper maintenance and occasional repairs. At JC Licht’s location in Addison, Illinois, equipment manager Shayne Wlas leads a team of repair technicians and runs the company’s full-service paint sprayer repair operation. He shares best practices to improve your store’s paint sprayer repair department, to enhance customer satisfaction, build loyalty and drive additional sales.

Staying Stocked

While designed for efficiency, paint sprayers can be finicky if not maintained properly, and when problems arise, Wlas says improper maintenance is typically the culprit.

Some of the most common repairs Wlas and his team perform regularly are replacing packing seals, fixing pressure pumps and performing regular maintenance for customers.

“The packing seals inside the fluid section is the most frequent issue we encounter because as paint is cycled through the unit, it can wear down the seal, causing the sprayer to leak,” Wlas says. “We also work on power washers, which sometimes just need a tune-up but occasionally require a full pressure pump replacement.”

Wlas and his team perform 150 to 200 repairs per month. To keep up with the continuous flow of paint sprayers coming in for repairs, he says keeping a proper stock of essential parts is key to staying ahead.

“Properly stocking frequently used parts is crucial,” Wlas says. Being fully stocked allows us to maintain a quick turnaround time—typically two to three days. If you have those parts on hand, you’re not waiting on
orders. You can take the part off the shelf, install it, and get the unit back to the customer quickly.”

Monitoring usage patterns is also important, Wlas says. If he notices an increase in the need for a specific part for a new machine, he’ll coordinate with his buyers and order more of that product in the future.

Marketing Your Services

By offering paint sprayer repair services, Wlas’ location has established itself as a place where paint sprayer owners can bring their machines and have them repaired on time.

One challenge Wlas has is ensuring customers are aware of the repair services JC Licht offers, leading him to implement multiple marketing strategies.

In the store, Wlas has multiple signs advertising his paint sprayer repairs and highlights repairs and maintenance tips on social media. Wlas also hosts customer appreciation lunches throughout the year and uses those events to promote his sprayer repair services.

Wlas says he ensures his store’s website is updated with clear information on the repair process, as well as turnaround times.

“Word-of-mouth plays a big role in marketing our repair services,” Wlas says. “We always tell our customers to tell people about us and so far that’s paid off.”

Employee Education

Another effective strategy to minimize costly repairs and build customer relationships is to provide education on proper sprayer maintenance. Wlas encourages his employees to continuously learn about paint sprayers and common repairs, attend manufacturer training sessions and stay updated on new equipment models.

“We offer training for our employees and even visit customers’ shops to conduct training sessions on sprayer maintenance,” Wlas says. “This education helps extend the life of their sprayers and reduces downtime.”

Even experienced repair technicians encounter new challenges. “No one knows everything,” Wlas says. “There’s always going to be a first time you see something unusual, and you have to figure out how to solve that problem.”

Key Maintenance Tips

These important steps can significantly improve the longevity of a paint sprayer, making customers more likely to trust your store for repairs and future purchases.

• Regularly flush the system after each use to prevent paint buildup.
• Check and replace packing seals before they wear out completely.
• Use the correct filters and strainers to prevent clogs and spray issues.
• Store paint sprayers properly to avoid damage when not in use.