Frequently Asked Questions

An intermittent or inconsistent spray pattern is one of the most common issues experienced with sunless tanning spray guns, and in most cases it can be resolved quickly with a few simple checks. Before assuming your equipment needs a repair, work through the troubleshooting steps below to get your gun back to delivering smooth, even results for your clients.

Check Your Cup Seal

The first thing to check when experiencing an intermittent spray pattern is whether your cup is properly sealed. If the cup is not sealing correctly, air can enter the fluid system and interrupt the flow of solution to the gun, causing an inconsistent or sputtering spray. Remove the cup, inspect the seal, and reseat it carefully before reattaching. Make sure the cup is tightened down firmly to create a proper airtight seal before spraying.

Inspect Your Nozzle

A partially clogged or dirty nozzle is one of the most frequent causes of an intermittent spray pattern. Solution buildup inside or around the nozzle can restrict fluid flow and cause the spray to cut in and out during use. Remove the nozzle and inspect it carefully for any blockage or dried solution buildup. Clean the nozzle thoroughly using proper cleaning brushes before reassembling and testing.

Use Your Apollo Gun Wrench

If the nozzle and cup seal have both been checked and the issue persists, use the Apollo gun wrench included in your kit to inspect and tighten any fittings that may have loosened over time. Loose components can allow air to enter the fluid path and contribute to an inconsistent spray pattern.

Step-by-Step Video Guides

For a full visual walkthrough of how to diagnose and fix an intermittent spray pattern, watch the Apollo Sunless troubleshooting videos below for your specific system:

• T5020 Users: How to Fix Intermittent Spray Patterns on Your T5020
• T6000 Users: How to Fix Intermittent Spray Patterns on Your T6000

If your Apollo Sunless spray gun is producing air but not spraying any solution, there are several common causes that are quick and easy to check before reaching out for support. Work through the steps below to identify and resolve the issue.

Check Your Air Pressure

Insufficient air pressure is one of the most common reasons a spray gun will fail to pick up and deliver solution from the cup. If the turbine is not producing enough air pressure, the gun will not be able to draw the solution up and through the fluid system. Check your system’s pressure setting and ensure the turbine is running correctly before moving on to the other checks below.

Inspect the Duck Bill

The duck bill is a small but critical component that controls the flow of solution from the cup into the gun. If the duck bill becomes clogged, blocked, or closed off, air will not be able to pass through regardless of how much air pressure is being delivered. Remove and inspect the duck bill carefully for any blockage or buildup of dried solution. Clean it thoroughly before reinstalling and testing the gun again.

Check the Fluid Control Knob

The fluid control knob located on the back of the spray gun controls how much solution is allowed to flow through the gun during spraying. If this knob has been turned all the way down it will close off the fluid flow entirely, preventing any solution from being sprayed. Check the fluid control knob and ensure it is open to an appropriate setting before spraying.

Inspect the Nozzle for Blockage

A blocked or clogged nozzle can also prevent solution from being sprayed even when all other components are functioning correctly. Remove the nozzle and inspect it carefully for any dried solution buildup or debris that may be restricting fluid flow. Clean the nozzle thoroughly using the cleaning tools included in your Apollo kit before reassembling and testing.

Quick Checklist

Before contacting support, run through these four checks:

• Air pressure is set correctly and the turbine is running properly
• Duck bill is clean, clear, and properly installed
• Fluid control knob on the back of the gun is open and not closed all the way down
• Nozzle is clean and free of any blockage or dried solution buildup

A leaking cup is a common issue that is almost always caused by improper installation rather than a faulty component. In most cases, this can be resolved quickly by following the correct cup attachment process outlined below.

Check That the Cup Is Threaded on Correctly

The most common cause of a leaking cup is that it has not been threaded on straight. If the cup goes on at even a slight angle it will not seat properly against the assembly, allowing solution to escape during use. Remove the cup completely, inspect the threads, and carefully reattach it in a straight, even position before tightening.

How to Properly Attach the Cup

The way you hold the spray gun while attaching the cup makes a significant difference in getting a proper seal. Always hold the spray gun from the base of the cup assembly when threading the cup on, not by the handle of the gun. Holding the gun by the handle while threading on the cup can cause the assembly to flex slightly, making it difficult to thread the cup on straight and increasing the risk of cross threading or an uneven seal.

Avoid Over-Tightening

While it is important to ensure the cup is attached snugly, over-tightening is just as problematic as under-tightening. Tightening the cup too firmly can compress and smash the gasket over time, which will cause it to lose its ability to create a proper seal and result in leaking during use. Always tighten the cup until it is snug and secure without applying excessive force.

Quick Checklist

Before your next appointment, run through these simple checks:

• Cup is threaded on straight with no cross threading
• Gun is held from the base of the cup assembly, not the handle, when attaching the cup
• Cup is tightened snugly but not over-tightened
• Gasket is in good condition and has not been compressed or damaged from previous over-tightening

Watch: Step-by-Step Video Guide

For a full visual walkthrough of how to diagnose and fix a leaking cup on your Apollo Sunless spray gun, watch the video below:

How to Fix a Leaky Cup on Your Apollo Sunless Spray Gun

Still Leaking?

If you have worked through all of the checks above and the cup is still leaking, inspect the gasket carefully for signs of wear or compression. A gasket that has been smashed from repeated over-tightening will need to be replaced to restore a proper seal. Contact the Apollo Sunless support team if you need assistance sourcing a replacement or further troubleshooting support.

If your Apollo Sunless spray gun is continuously releasing solution even when the trigger is not being pulled, there are two common causes that are straightforward to diagnose and resolve. Work through the steps below to get your gun back to operating correctly before your next appointment.

The Gland Nut Is Too Tight

The most common cause of continuous solution flow is an over-tightened gland nut. When the gland nut is tightened too much, it compresses the gland seal too firmly against the needle, preventing the needle from returning to its forward closed position when the trigger is released. With the needle unable to seat properly, solution continues to flow through the gun even without the trigger being pulled.

If this is the cause, the gland nut will need to be loosened slightly to relieve the pressure on the seal and allow the needle to move freely again.

Solution Buildup on the Gland Nut, Seal, or Needle Shaft

The second common cause is solution buildup on the gland nut, gland seal, or needle shaft. Dried or accumulated tanning solution in these areas can restrict the needle’s movement and prevent it from closing off the fluid flow properly when the trigger is released. Thoroughly cleaning the gland nut, seal area, and needle shaft to remove any solution buildup is an important first step before making any adjustments.

How to Address the Issue

1. Begin by cleaning away any excess tanning solution from around the gland seal area to ensure buildup is not contributing to the problem.
2. Using the Apollo gun wrench included in your kit, make very small adjustments to loosen the gland nut if it has been over-tightened, or tighten it slightly if the seal has become loose.
3. Make adjustments in small 1/4 turn increments only. After each adjustment, test the gun to check whether the continuous flow has stopped.
4. Never make large or sudden adjustments. Small, controlled movements are key to resolving the issue without creating additional problems.

Important: Avoid over-tightening the gland nut during this process. An over-tightened gland nut will cause the needle to stick and prevent the trigger from operating properly, which can lead to the same continuous solution flow you are trying to resolve.

Watch: Step-by-Step Video Guides

For a full visual walkthrough of how to diagnose and fix this issue on your specific system, watch the Apollo Sunless troubleshooting videos below:

• T5020 Users: How to Fix a Leaking Gland Seal on Your Apollo T5020
• T6000 Users: How to Fix a Leaking Gland Seal on Your Apollo T6000

Still Having Issues?

If you have worked through the steps above and the gun is still spraying solution with the trigger released, contact the Apollo Sunless support team directly. Our team is happy to help you troubleshoot and get back to delivering flawless, consistent tans for your clients.

Finding the correct pressure setting on your Mighty Mist system is not a fixed number. The ideal pressure depends on the thickness and viscosity of the tanning solution you are using, as some solutions are thicker than others and may require slightly more pressure to atomize properly. The key is always to start low and work your way up gradually until you find the sweet spot for your specific solution.

Always Start at the Lowest Pressure

Regardless of the solution you are using, always begin with the pressure dial set at its lowest setting. Starting low and adjusting upward gives you full control over the atomization process and helps you avoid the common problems that come with using too much pressure right from the start.

How to Dial In the Correct Pressure

The best way to find the correct pressure for your solution is to perform a quick spray test on a piece of paper before spraying a client. This allows you to evaluate the droplet size and pattern without any risk. Here is what to look for:

• Uneven droplet sizes: If you are seeing a mix of large and small droplets on the paper, the pressure is too low and the solution is not being atomized properly. Increase the pressure in small increments and repeat the test until all droplets are consistently small and even in size.
• Even, fine droplets: Once all droplets are small and uniform across the paper, you have found the correct pressure for your solution. You are ready to spray.

The Risks of Too Much Pressure

Using more pressure than your solution requires will cause the spray to bounce off the client rather than depositing evenly onto the skin. This creates several problems:

• Solution becomes airborne in your studio or tent, increasing mess and cleanup time.
• More solution is wasted on every application, increasing your product costs over time.
• The overall quality and evenness of the tan application is compromised.

Finding the minimum pressure needed for proper atomization will always deliver the best results, the least waste, and the cleanest working environment.

At Apollo Sunless, our spray tanning systems are built to a standard that sets them apart from anything else available on the market. From the engineering behind every component to the results delivered on every client, here is what makes Apollo Sunless the choice of professional spray tan technicians across the country.

Made in the USA

Every Apollo Sunless system is proudly designed and manufactured in the United States. This means every unit that leaves our facility is built to the highest standards of quality, consistency, and durability. When you invest in an Apollo Sunless system, you are investing in American craftsmanship backed by decades of HVLP engineering expertise.

Machined to Aircraft Tolerances

Our spray guns are precision machined to aircraft tolerances, a standard of manufacturing accuracy that goes far beyond what is found in typical spray tanning equipment. This level of precision allows our guns to be built without the use of o-rings, eliminating one of the most common causes of leaks, maintenance issues, and inconsistent performance found in competing systems. The result is a spray gun that delivers a more reliable, consistent performance application after application.

Industry Leading 4-Year Warranty

Apollo Sunless backs every system with an industry leading 4-year warranty, giving you the confidence and peace of mind that your investment is fully protected. To activate your warranty coverage, simply register your system on our website within 30 days of purchase. No other spray tanning equipment manufacturer offers this level of warranty protection, which speaks directly to the confidence we have in the quality and durability of every system we build.

Tested to the Highest Standard

Every Apollo Sunless system is thoroughly tested before it ever reaches your hands. Our commitment to quality control means you can trust that your equipment will perform exactly as expected from the very first use, giving you the confidence to focus on delivering exceptional results for your clients rather than worrying about your equipment.

Precision Engineered for Professional Results

Apollo Sunless systems are designed with features that make a real difference in the quality of every tan:

• Precision spray guns deliver a fine, even atomization pattern that produces a smooth, natural looking tan with every application.
• Adjustable settings give technicians full control over pressure and fluid flow, allowing the system to be dialed in perfectly for any tanning solution or client skin type.
• Efficient airflow minimizes overspray and product waste, keeping your studio or tent cleaner and reducing your solution costs over time.

Built for Every Professional Setting

Whether you operate a high volume salon, a boutique studio, or a mobile spray tan business, Apollo Sunless systems are engineered for reliability, performance, and ease of use in any environment. Our systems are intuitive enough for technicians just starting out while delivering the precision and consistency that experienced professionals demand.

Apollo Sunless systems are designed to be versatile and compatible with most professional spray tanning solutions available on the market today. Whether you have an established solution brand you love or are looking to experiment with new formulas, our equipment is built to deliver consistent, professional results across a wide range of solution types.

Compatible Solution Types

Apollo Sunless systems work seamlessly with all of the most popular professional spray tanning solution categories, including:

• Traditional DHA Based Formulas: The most widely used type of spray tanning solution, DHA based formulas react with the outer layer of the skin to produce a natural looking tan that develops over several hours.
• Rapid Tan Formulas: Designed for clients who want a faster development time, rapid tan solutions allow for a shorter wait between application and the first rinse, making them a popular choice for busy clients and high volume studios.
• Organic Blends: For clients with sensitive skin or a preference for naturally derived ingredients, organic spray tanning solutions are fully compatible with Apollo Sunless equipment and deliver the same consistent, even results as traditional formulas.

Customize Results for Every Client

The versatility of Apollo Sunless systems goes beyond simple compatibility. Our adjustable pressure settings and precision spray guns give technicians the ability to fine tune the application for every individual client, taking into account their skin tone, desired color depth, and preferred development time. Whether you are working with a fair skinned client looking for a subtle glow or a deeper skin tone requiring a richer, more dramatic result, Apollo Sunless equipment gives you the control to customize every tan with confidence.

A System That Grows With Your Business

As your business evolves and your solution preferences change, your Apollo Sunless system will keep up. The compatibility of our equipment with such a wide range of professional solutions means you are never locked into a single brand or formula, giving you the freedom to choose the best products for your clients and your business at every stage of your growth.

Pro Tip: When switching to a new tanning solution, always perform a test spray on paper first to check atomization and adjust your pressure setting as needed. Different solution formulas can vary in viscosity and may require a slight pressure adjustment to achieve the best possible finish for your clients.

Keeping your Apollo Sunless spray tanning equipment clean is one of the most important habits you can develop as a professional technician. Regular cleaning directly impacts the quality of every tan you deliver, the reliability of your equipment, and the return you get on your investment over time.

Clean Your Spray Gun After Every Single Use

The spray gun should be cleaned immediately after each and every use without exception. Tanning solution that is left to dry inside the gun can quickly build up on internal components, restrict fluid flow, clog the nozzle, and cause inconsistent spray patterns that affect the quality of your clients’ tans. Cleaning the gun right after use, before the solution has a chance to dry, is far easier and more effective than trying to remove dried buildup later.

Making post-appointment cleanup a non-negotiable part of your workflow will save you significant time and frustration in the long run and ensure your gun is always ready to perform at its best for the next client.

Clean Your Filters Every 10 Running Hours

In addition to cleaning your spray gun after every use, it is important to regularly inspect and clean the filters on your Apollo Sunless machine. We recommend cleaning your filters every 10 running hours using mild soap and warm water. Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow to the turbine, which can reduce system performance, affect atomization quality, and place unnecessary strain on the motor over time. Keeping your filters clean ensures your system continues to deliver the consistent airflow and pressure needed for a flawless tan application.

After washing, allow the filters to dry completely before reinstalling them in the machine. Never run your system with wet filters in place.

Why Consistent Cleaning Matters

Neglecting regular cleaning of your spray gun and machine can lead to a range of performance issues that are entirely preventable, including:

• Inconsistent or intermittent spray patterns that affect tan quality and evenness
• Nozzle blockages that interrupt fluid flow during application
• Restricted airflow caused by dirty or clogged filters
• Solution buildup on internal components that can shorten the lifespan of your equipment
• Increased maintenance costs and potential need for part replacements over time

Perform Routine Maintenance Checks

In addition to cleaning the spray gun after every use and the filters every 10 running hours, it is important to perform routine maintenance checks on your Apollo Sunless system to keep everything operating at peak performance. Regular maintenance checks allow you to catch any early signs of wear, buildup, or component issues before they develop into larger problems that could interrupt your business or require more significant repairs.

Choosing the right spray tanning system is one of the most important decisions you will make as a professional technician or salon owner. The best system for your business depends on several key factors including your current client volume, work environment, budget, and where you see your business heading in the future. Apollo Sunless offers a range of equipment options designed to meet the needs of technicians at every stage of their journey.

Consider Where You Are Today

The first step in finding the right system is taking an honest look at your current business setup and client volume. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you just starting out and building your client base from the ground up?
• Are you operating a mobile tanning business and need a portable, lightweight system that travels easily?
• Are you managing an established salon or studio with a steady, high volume of clients each week?

Each of these scenarios calls for a different level of equipment, and selecting a system that matches your current needs ensures you are not overpaying for features you do not yet need or underequipping yourself in a way that limits your ability to deliver consistent results.

Think About the Future of Your Business

One of the most important and often overlooked factors when choosing a spray tanning system is future planning. While it may be tempting to select the most affordable entry level option to get started, it is worth considering whether that system will still serve you well as your business grows. Investing in a system that has the capacity to grow with your business from the start can save you the cost and disruption of upgrading your equipment down the line.

Think about where you want your business to be in one, three, and five years. If you have ambitions to scale your client volume, expand to a second location, or add employees, choosing a system with that future in mind is a smarter long term investment.

Finding the Right Fit for Every Business Type

• New and emerging technicians looking to build their business will benefit from a system that is easy to use, reliable, and delivers professional results from day one without a steep learning curve.
• Mobile spray tan technicians need a system that is compact, lightweight, and easy to transport between locations without sacrificing performance or finish quality.
• Established salons and high volume studios require a system built for consistent, back to back use throughout the day with the reliability and durability to keep up with a busy appointment schedule.

We Are Here to Help You Choose

With several Apollo Sunless system options available, our team is here to help you find the perfect fit for your business, your goals, and your budget. We take the time to understand where your business is today and where you want it to go, so we can recommend the system that will serve you best not just right now but well into the future.

Reach out to the Apollo Sunless team today and let us help you make the right investment for your business.