Technical Support

Technical Support

Back to Main FAQ's Spits or sputters are when solution sprays from the gun in a spitting or sputtering manner. Skin may look like it has dark, or ink like flat spots on the surface , immediately after spraying. (if solution sprays evenly on the skin, and shows specks or spots after development. That would be related to a problem with the clients skin surface) Confirm this problem happens on all clients, not just one. (as it can be client related if its beading or specking) Confirm it is not BEADING on the skin surface. (solution sprays evenly from gun, and beads into small balls after attaching to skin surface or body hair) Confirm there are no air leaks from hose attachments,gaskets under lids, cups, or other area. Confirm solution pickup tube is firmly attached Confirm equipment width is properly set (see equipment paperwork, and adjust to 4 inch pattern, when using horizontal flat fan pattern), confirm you are not moving to slowly while spraying. (2 coats of solution takes about 5 minutes) After checking above, clean system well. Remove and clean aircap, air plate and tip. Remove needle and wipe off and replace. (see product manual) View needle using zoom feature of a Camera phone, and look for nicks, groves, damage. If needle looks good, clean well. Readjust gun per product manual. Do a test spray (see below) Needle Removal Guide for Maximist Guns: CLICK HERE Do not dispose of any parts, please replace them back in your gun. To further test equipment, after checking above: Fill tanning solution cup halfway with some tinted tap water. You may tint with food dye, fruit juice, dark soft drink (soda), coffee, or other thin liquid. Open flow knob completely, then adjust down to a 4 inch pattern, while maintaining an even flow. (flow will need to be adjusted again for different solution blends, and brands) Spray a white absorbent surface such as clean dry skin, a paper towel, or newspaper. (printer paper is coated, so should not be used) If water sprays paper correctly and smoothly, but solution creates problems, your issue is related to your solution product, or something related to the clients skin, not your equipment. If tinted water also spits and spatters, please obtain a copy of your equipment receipt and contact us via email for additional technical support assistance. help@tampabaytan.com You will need your receipt information to assist us. You must be with your equipment and able to test it when you speak with technical support. If spray cannot be adjusted to 4 inch wide. Confirm pattern selector (Air Cap part #2) is set to a flat horizontal spray pattern. (Pins located at 12 and 6 position) Confirm solution flow screw, at gun back, is in an "open" position to allow solution flow. Please Loosen the Gland Nut. Gland Nut Adjustment Sheet: CLICK HERE Option 2: If gun has been recently disassembled, confirm Spray Direction plate is not backwards. (part #3) The openings in the plate should form a "plus" pattern. With openings at 12 and 6 on a clock. If angled to ether side, plate is in wrong. Please reset. Option 3: Confirm needle is not dirty or damaged. Clean entire gun, remove needle completely from gun, and remove all removable parts at gun front, and clean. (per product manual) Please look closely at needle, look for grooves, nicks, damage, breaks. It may be helpful to use the zoom feature on a cell phone camera for better viewing. If the problem continues, Please contact us for additional help. Please email help@tmapabaytan.com When you turn your unit on. You will hear a sound similar to a vacuum cleaner. You may also notice that air is now blowing out of the front of the Spray Gun .This is normal. Air will continually flow from the air cap of the Spray Gun as long as the Turbine Unit is running and the air hose is connected. Check for clogs, clean gun well. Remove and clean needle. Check needle for nicks, damage, grooves, wear. See Needle Removal HERE, for Earlex. For Apollo Units, please contact Apollo for tech support/ ph: 760-727-8300 Push Connection Hose: Push the hose end into the gun firmly, and turn to the right to tighten into place Quick Connection Hose: Pull back black sleeve/ring on hose end. Insert silver gun connecter into hose. Release "sleeve/ring" , to secure gun. Ring should pop up, locking gun into place. If the ring does not move up, push with thumb to lock into place. It may be tight on first few uses. You can jiggle attached gun to help lock into place. Please Loosen the Gland Nut. Gland Nut Adjustment Sheet: CLICK HERE If that does not work, loosen the black adjustment bolt on gun back Loosen Gland Nut, in front of trigger, carefully, use caution not to damage nut from over tightening. Soak gun if needed in warm soapy water to allow nut to be loosened, clean and lube with machine oil. If this does not help, remove needle, and wipe clean. Confirm spring inside the gun, around the needle has not been lost, damaged or broken. A replacement can be purchased at a Home Repair Supplies Store. (Lowes, Home Depot) Extra Included in spare parts kit for some gun models. See this link for spring replacement information: CLICK HERE The ONLY way this can happen is when the spray system base is pulling /sucking atomized solution from the surrounding room air. This is NOT an equipment defect, this is related to your spray area and technique. This can damage your equipment, and should be addressed. To resolve this: (it may be a combination of these issues) If your unit has a filter, make sure your system filter is cleaned regularly per instructions provided in your equipment booklet. Make sure your base unit is NOT within or directly next to the client spray area. Move the base unit away from the immediate spray vicinity, so it is not sucking solution in from the air near your client. Review your room size, and ventilation options. If you room is too small, and/or poorly vented, you will have to much solution in the air and it will be sucked into your base unit. See this link for tips to overspray. WAYS TO MANAGE OVERSPRAY Make sure you are using the proper application techniques. If you are spraying to much solution out of your gun (open to wide), have it incorrectly adjusted or your spray distance is too far from the client - you will spray excess solution into the air, not on clients skin. Please review your equipment manual for correct adjustments and sprays distance The brass nut above the trigger, (part # 9) is the Gland Nut. To address leakage in this area with Earlex units (Spraymate, Maximist Lite, Maximist, Maximist Pro) #1- first tighten the Gland Nut carefully so as not to strip, or damage. See directions HERE.Use caution - Over tightening will damage the gland nut, seal and threads. If careful tightening does not resolve leaks, see steps below: #2-Unscrew the Gland nut, check the seal inside. Is it damaged split or cracked? Please replace damaged seal as needed. (Spare parts kit is included with Maximist and Maximist Pro systems) If seal appears good, see step #3. #3 - If seal looks good, wrap Teflon plumbers tape around the Gland nut threads. Reseat gland nut, if this fixes leakage, then the gland nut threads are damaged. This is not a fixable issue, nor a warranty repair issue, and gun needs replacement. Apollo units (Minimist, Sunmist, Whispermist) check the seal washer under the Gland Nut, which may be missing or damaged. Check by removing Gland Nut. Replace washer with one purchased for any home repair discount store. (Lowes, Home Depot) If this does not resolve, Gland nut threads may be damaged. If your gun leaks from around the cup threads, you have a worn or damaged cup and/or lid gasket. Make sure cup is firmly screwed into place. Hold cup lid firmly with one hand, while tightening. (do not hold gun while screwing cup in place) Hold cup with other hand, and screw into place, firmly, not super tight. Do not over-tighten and strip cup, or lid threads. Cup should be seated straight and firmly. If you screw in cup, and it gets to tight and spins or comes loose - cup threads have been damaged. Cup needs replacement. Do not "shake" gun up and down, or overtip onto side while spraying. Gun should be held in an up/down position while in use. Do not hold horizontal. Spray with a smooth even motion, see product guide for help. Do not overfill cup. Fill half way, not to the top. If you have extras, replace the white gasket in the top of cup lid. (included in the Maximist parts kit, or stored in the top of extra cups). Extra cups with gaskets available for purchase on our website. If gasket replacement does not resolve leak, wrap white Teflon plumbers tape around cup threads 5 times. Reseat the cup. If leaking resolves after wrapping, then cup threads are worn. You need a new cup. Cups usually need to be replaced about once a year. They can be purchased HERE Cups are consumer use consumables and can wear out with time, and may need periodic replacement. Much like replacing oil and tires on an automobile. These are not items covered in the warranty. The following issues can be related to an improperly adjusted gland nut: Cannot adjust spray pattern (Loosen nut) System continuously sprays solution (Loosen Nut) Needle stuck and will not move (Loosen Nut) Trigger stuck, no movement, or sticks (Loosen Nut) Leakage from the Gland Nut (Tighten Nut Carefully) When adjusting the Gland Nut, do so very carefully, in small 1/16 increments. Do not over tighten, as nut can be damaged or stripped. Gland Nut Adjustment Sheet: CLICK HERE Click below link to download a copy of the Earlex Needle Removal Sheet. Earlex Spraymate, Maximist and Maximist Pro Needle Removal Guide: CLICK HERE If only cleaning current needle (not replacing) do not discard any parts. Wipe needle with a soft cloth under warm water, and replace old needle back into gun. A gun that spits, or splats, or will not spray solution, should be well cleaned, including removal and cleaning of the needle. If problem continues, check needle for damaged or broken tip, or grooves. This is commonly due to hard water deposits. It may look like mineral buildup, rust buildup, a rusty discoloration on metal parts, or a dry powdery residue. Its most often visible when gun is disassembled for cleaning. To remove residue, disassemble and clean to remove the buildup. Use WD40 or CRC Cleaner, or Lime Away with a wire brush. Clean all parts, rinse well and air and wipe dry. After drying reassemble gun. Lube regularly with machine oil or spray gun kit oil as needed. Gun can be soaked in very hot soapy water for a few hours to overnight, if needed to loosen stuck parts. Use pliers and gun kit tools as needed to carefully loosen parts. Do this weekly if you have hard water. It is very important to air dry, and wipe excess water off all parts, when rinsing and cleaning gun. Do not reassemble gun while wet. This will not effect gun performance. This is not covered as a warranty repair. 1) Confirm solution flow screw on gun back is adjusted to an "Open" position 2) Confirm cup is firmly attached with no air leaks, confirm no leaks from hose connections, air holes in hose etc. 3) Confirm solution pickup tube inside cup is correctly seated. If two ports are available, confirm tube is correctly placed, near handle (Maximister guns) 4) Confirm solution tube is not damaged. Confirm weight is in place, and not loose or falling out. Replace tube if damaged. 5) Progun, Confirm no damage, kinks or bends in clear flexible air flow tube feed on outside of gun for pro gun systems. 6) If progun style , check black inline check vale for clogs or damage (if available on your gun). Remove check valve, clean with warm soapy water, may be soaked in hot water overnight or for 24 hours. Do not stick pins or sharp items inside valve. If you can see light through, or blow air through valve, it is unclogged. If no air blows through, valve is clogged. Clean or replace from extra in spare part kit. Insert valve correctly with arrow pointing down toward cup. 7) If problem continues, remove and clean needle per product package instructions. The power switch is lit, but unit has no power. 1) Confirm wall outlet is working, at full power. 2) Adjust the speed control/ rheostat, (part #27) if set to zero, unit will have no power. If this does not work, 3) Reset the circuit breaker reset switch on the back, (part # 28) opposite from power plug. If this does not resolve, contact us at help@tampabaytan.com This is commonly known as a split nozzle or cracked nozzle, or split tip. It appears as if part of the metal has broken away from the tip of the nozzle. This is caused by incorrect nozzle and needle removal during cleaning. (Please see product package inserts for correct disassembly and assembly order, or email us to have a duplication emailed to you) If the spray tip is removed, without removing the needle first, then one proceeds to reattach the tip/nozzle with the needle still in place - this may cause the tip to become cracked or split as it strikes the needle. This also damages the needle. Normally the spray tip is not removed while doing routine cleaning, except for a few very rare cases, when normal cleaning does not remove a clog. In which case deeper cleaning can be helpful. But it must be done correctly to prevent damage. The needle and nozzle/tip both must be replaced for proper repair when a split has occurred. Please email us at help@tampabaytan.com for availability and cost of needed parts. This is not a warranty covered repair. If your progun leaks from the nut/bolt above the cup, the nut needs to be tightened. Some proguns come with a tool for tighten in the spare parts kit. You may also use pliers. Tighten carefully so as not to damage the parts with over tightening. When attaching cup to the gun: With one hand, hold the black cup lid/top - NOT THE GUN OR GUN HANDLE Use alternate hand to attach the cup straight onto the threads. If you hold the gun, or gun handle while attaching or removing the cup, you will continually loosen the bolt/nut attachment above the cup. Spray into a towel or cloth, and confirm gun is spraying "spotty". That the problem is not occurring after solution hits the skin surface. If the problem occurs after skin contact, see this link. https://www.tampabaytan.com/Scripts/airbrush_tanning_faq_display.asp?FAQID=48&FAQGroupID=7 If problem is related to spray leaving gun unevenly, see below: Adjust flow control knob on back of gun for correct setting for your solution thickness. Each solution blend is a different thickness, so you may need to fine tune your adjustment when you switch blends.See your equipment product manual for specific adjustment details and steps for your gun type. Set gun pattern adjustment to spray a flat, horizontal, fan spray pattern. (a flat line going side to side) Turn knob all the way to the side, to open flow knob to its most open/widest setting, confirm solution sprays smoothly, correctly, and evenly. (you may spray a towel or cloth) Next, start to gradually "close", turn the flow knob to narrow/shrink spray pattern width (when spraying with a flat horizontal fan pattern). Setting should be adjusted to roughly a 4 inch wide "flat" spray pattern, when gun tip is held four inches from the body. Fine tune adjustment so solution sprays evenly with no spots, yet maintains a "rough" 4 inch pattern width. Adjust pattern setting to the option you prefer. (horizontal, vertical, airbrush/circular) Readjust as needed, for each solution product you use. If you still have spotting: Completely Remove and clean needle, gun tip and removable spray parts and clean thoroughly. (see your product manual) After cleaning, spray water through the gun (you may tint with food color or soda to increase visibility if needed). Confirm water sprays correctly. If water sprays correctly, fill cup with solution, and adjust with above steps, keeping a smooth spray. If problem continues, confirm solution if fresh and undamaged. Use a known good solution to test. This is commonly due to hard water deposits. It may look like mineral buildup, rust buildup, a rusty discoloration on metal parts, or a dry powdery residue. Its most often visible when gun is disassembled for cleaning. To remove residue, disassemble and clean to remove the buildup. Use WD40 or CRC Cleaner, or Lime Away with a wire brush. Clean all parts, rinse well and air and wipe dry. After drying reassemble gun. Lube regularly with machine oil or spray gun kit oil as needed. Gun can be soaked in very hot soapy water for a few hours to overnight, if needed to loosen stuck parts. Use pliers and gun kit tools as needed to carefully loosen parts. Do this weekly if you have hard water. It is very important to air dry, and wipe excess water off all parts, when rinsing and cleaning gun. Do not reassemble gun while wet. This will not effect gun performance. This is not covered as a warranty repair. Beading and/or dripping (runs) of solution once it hits the skin surface are usually caused by any of the following: applying to much product to skin, Use only one oz per coat, and apply two thin coats; as first dries, immediately apply second coat. (for 2 ounces total coverage with two coats) spraying over the same "wet" area. Spraying wet solution on a wet solution layer, can cause runs or beads. In the same manner applying a coat of wet paint over a previous wet layer of paint, prevents fresh paint coat from sticking to the surface below, and can cause drips. Instead apply one fine thin solution coat, (1 oz) letting dry briefly, then a second fine coat. Generally as soon as you spray one coat of solution over entire body, head to toe, front and back, skin has dried enough to allow second one oz layer to be applied immediately. Do not go back and forth over the same area repeatedly, excess saturation is not necessary. not moving gun quick enough while spraying, entire two coat session should take 5 min or less. Watch our application video HERE spraying to close to the skin surface, spray gun should be 4 inches from the skin, measure to confirm distance skin has sweat, lotion, oil, hair conditioner, soap or other residue on it. (use C.Y.A. prep product if needed) Change exfoliation method if needed. Click HERE High heat or humidity in the spray area causing client to sweat during application. Adjust temperature, or use dehumidifier in spray room in humid locations Body Hair: If the beading is on body hair, it is related to the hair. Use a cosmetic sponge or foam paint brush, and dab solution down through the hair to the skin surface. Mist area again lightly with solution. Blow air on hair to dry, and blow excess drops off of the hair. Also see My spraygun spits or sputters solution If none of the above apply, please contact us via email so we can further assist you. help@tampabaytan.com Please obtain a copy of your equipment receipt to assist us. You must be with your equipment and able to test it when you speak with technical support. See attached Videos for assistance with Gun Cleaning and Assembly. Scroll through the list to view your gun type. This is for Deep Cleaning, this is only done on an AS NEEDED basis, or if Gun Performance is substandard. https://www.youtube.com/user/SprayTanNet?feature=watch See attached Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHi6k8v5v6w See attached Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAZMF2A8dw8 Please email us at help@tampabaytan.com and we will assist you with your product issue. This is the preferred contact for solution related issues. You may also speak directly with a Maximist Support technician for all equipment issues at: Email: support@maximist.co (not .com) You may also call them directly at: Maximist tech Support, available M-F, 8-3, EST PH: 727-834-9435 - please leave a detailed message with you problem information, preferred call back time frame and contact phone number Please have equipment plugged in an ready when you speak with the technician. Please have a light colored cloth, and spray solution available for spray testing. If they need to call you back, they will call from a 727 area code, please pick up the return call.

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