Paintball Lubricants

Paintball Lubricants

Paintball guns, like any mechanical device, require lubrication for several important reasons. Lubrication plays a crucial role in reducing friction between the moving parts of paintball markers, including bolts, O-rings, and triggers. This reduction in friction enables these components to move smoothly, ultimately minimizing wear and tear and extending the lifespan of your marker. Additionally, lubricants are vital for maintaining the seal integrity of O-rings and seals within the paintball gun. By keeping these seals pliable and effective, lubrication prevents leaks and ensures consistent air pressure, a critical factor for achieving accurate shooting.

Furthermore, the application of lubricants serves as a protective barrier on metal parts, preventing rust and corrosion. Given that paintball markers are frequently exposed to various environmental conditions, including moisture, this protective measure helps safeguard your marker from long-term damage. Lastly, lubrication significantly contributes to improved overall performance. Properly lubricated moving parts function more efficiently, resulting in fewer misfires, more consistent shots, and enhanced accuracy, ensuring that your paintball gun performs at its best during every game.

Here are some tips for paintball gun maintenance:

1. Regular Cleaning: After each game or session, clean your marker thoroughly. Remove any paint residue, dirt, and debris from the exterior and interior components. Use a soft cloth or swab to clean sensitive areas.

2. Inspect O-rings and Seals: Periodically check all O-rings and seals for signs of wear, damage, or cracking. Replace them as needed to maintain airtight connections.

3. Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply paintball-specific marker oil or grease to key moving parts and O-rings. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for lubrication frequency and type.

4. Store Properly: Store your paintball gun in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Disassemble it if it's not going to be used for an extended period.

5. Check for Leaks: Regularly check for air leaks by listening for hissing sounds or using soapy water to identify bubbles around seals and connections. Address any leaks promptly.

6. Use High-Quality Paintballs: Low-quality or dimpled paintballs can damage your marker. Use high-quality paintballs to reduce the risk of jams or barrel breaks.

7. Read the Manual: Always refer to your marker's manual for specific maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer.

8. Carry a Maintenance Kit: When playing, carry a small maintenance kit with essential tools, spare O-rings, lubricants, and replacement parts in case of emergencies.

9. Avoid Over-Lubrication: While lubrication is essential, avoid over-lubricating your marker, as excess oil or grease can attract dirt and debris, leading to performance issues.

Players Want to Know

Frequently asked questions by paintballers…

What kind of lube do you use on a paintball gun?

Each paintball manufacturer has it’s own lubricant and we recommend using these lubricants with your paintball gun. These were specially developed with the internal mechanisms and O-rings in mind. 

Can you use WD 40 on a paintball gun?

WD-40 is better than no lubricant, however it is not ideal for many paintball markers. We recommend using a lubricant that was made by the manufacturer of your paintball gun. Planet Eclipse, DYE, Infamous, GOG, Exalt and Valken all make their own lubricants. Otherwise, pick a high-performance lubricant like the Ultasilk Performance Lube.

Can you use gun oil on paintball guns?

Gun oil has cleaning properties and is meant to be exposed to the high temperatures of burning gun powder. Gun oil may also degrade the o-rings and seals used by your paintball gun since gun oil is often used as a cleaner and not just a lubricant. Again, we recommend using a lubricant that was made by the manufacturer of your paintball gun.

Do paintball guns need oil?

Yes. Everything works better and lasts longer when your paintball gun is properly lubricated.