Fuji Spray studioTAN 3500 Setup Guide
By Spray & Sun | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to set up your Fuji Spray Sunless studioTAN 3500 with FT-5 Applicator for salon or mobile use, including turbine placement, fluid connection, and spray pattern adjustment.
Quick Answer
Set up your Fuji Spray Sunless studioTAN 3500 by placing the turbine on a stable surface, connecting the FT-5 Applicator hose, filling the cup with solution, and adjusting the fan pattern and fluid control for even coverage.
Why Setup Order Matters
The studioTAN 3500 uses a 2-stage turbine that draws air through the applicator. If the hose is kinked or the cup is overfilled, the turbine may overheat or sputter. Setting up in the correct order avoids these issues and keeps the machine running quietly.
The FT-5 Applicator has separate controls for fan pattern and fluid flow. Adjusting them before you start spraying saves time and reduces cleanup.
Step-by-Step Setup
- Position the Turbine: Place the turbine on a flat, stable surface near an electrical outlet. Keep the air intake vents clear—at least 6 inches from walls or curtains. Plug the power cord into a grounded outlet. A cramped placement can cause the turbine to overheat; leave space around the vents.
- Connect the FT-5 Applicator Hose: Attach one end of the fluid hose to the turbine’s output port and the other end to the FT-5 Applicator. Twist the collar until it clicks into place. Check that the hose is not kinked or pinched. A loose connection will cause air leaks and uneven spray; always test by tugging gently.
- Fill the Solution Cup: Remove the cup from the FT-5 Applicator and fill it with your chosen spray tan solution, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace to prevent overflow. Reattach the cup securely. Overfilling leads to drips and wasted solution; keep the cup no more than 3/4 full.
- Adjust the Fan Pattern: Turn the top-mounted fan pattern dial on the FT-5 to your desired width. A narrow pattern works for arms and face; a wide pattern covers legs and back faster. Changing pattern mid-spray without pausing can create uneven coverage; adjust before you start each body section.
- Set the Fluid Control: Turn the fluid control knob on the side of the applicator to the midpoint. This gives a balanced flow for most solutions. Fine-tune after a test spray on paper or your own arm. Starting too high causes drips; too low gives a dry, patchy finish. The midpoint is a safe starting point.
- Test Spray and Adjust: Aim the FT-5 at a piece of cardboard or a practice surface. Squeeze the trigger and observe the pattern. Adjust fan width or fluid control until the spray is even and mist-like. Wipe the tip with a damp cloth before your first client. Skipping the test spray often leads to client dissatisfaction; always confirm the pattern before applying to skin.
Product Used in This Guide
- Fuji Spray Sunless studioTAN 3500 with FT-5 Applicator: The Fuji Spray Sunless studioTAN 3500 includes a lightweight, quiet 2-stage turbine with Fuji’s Heat Dissipation Box and Noise Reduction Covers. The heat and noise features let you work in close quarters without disturbing clients, but the turbine still needs proper airflow—so don’t block the vents during setup.

Fuji Spray Sunless studioTAN 3500 with FT-5 Applicator - Fuji Spray Sunless studioTAN 3500 with FT-5 Applicator: The FT-5 Applicator has an ergonomic design with adjustable fluid control and top-mounted fan pattern settings. You can switch from a narrow to a wide spray pattern without changing tips, which speeds up setup when moving from one body area to another.
