Selection

SPRAYING AND SPRAYGUNS

Spraying is often the best way of applying liquid materials quickly and evenly.
Selecting a spraygun for the job however can be a bewildering prospect, with the vast array of models available today.
Following is a guide to help with selection, with a few commonly asked questions answered.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SPRAY ANY OF THE FOLLOWING WITHOUT SPECIALIST ADVICE
Foodstuffs (or anything in contact with them), any corrosives or acids (in fact many chemicals),
fuels of any type, or anything onto a person or animal.
This list is a starting guideline only. If you are in any doubt ASK.

You also need specific equipment to apply many types of emulsion paints, textured paints, aggregates, Adhesives, fleck paints and powder coatings. Getting advice in the first instance will save you costly mistakes.
If you have any doubts as to spraying suitability of any product, contact its manufacturer first,
unless the information is clearly stated on either the container, or specific data sheet.
If the product can be sprayed safely and legally, they can often advise the best type of spraygun
and nozzle size for the job.

In any case, never contravene any area of health and safety. Always wear appropriate clothing and respiratory equipment, (again the manufacturer can give advice.)

SELECTION OF SPRAYGUN

Choosing a spraygun will depend mainly on what you wish to apply, how large the area is that you wish to cover, and the quality of finish required. Also, you must have an adequate supply of compressed air
(enough volume and pressure), to operate the spraygun without overworking the compressor supplying it.
The air may also have to be clean and dry, again you may have to take advice.

Remember you may also require air for an air fed mask, in addition to the spraygun requirement.

GENERAL METHODS OF APPLICATION STARTING WITH THE SMALLEST

TYPE	USED FOR (EXAMPLE)	USUAL CUP CAPACITY	TYPICAL FLOW RATE PER MINUTE
Airbrush	Fine detail work, graphic art	Very little, a few c/c	Very little
Mini gun	Small work, spot repairs, chair spindles, car wing.	150-250c/c	50 c/c
General spraygun	Motor car, table top, door.	0.6-1 litre	300 c/c
Pressure fed spraygun	Larger areas, fence, lorry, RSJ.	Remote 2 litre- 40 gallon	500 c/c plus
Airless system	Huge metal structures, buildings.	Remote drum. Any capacity.	Up to 10 litres.

Then each type has many variations. (for airbrush and airless consult supplier.)

For the mini, general and pressure fed guns, generally the larger the nozzle size, the faster the rate of application, and the thicker a material it can apply.