How does a manual coating sprayer work?
How does a manual coating sprayer work? |
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The manual coating sprayer casing is filled with the mix being used (e.g. tyrolean, roughcast, plaster etc.) | |||
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It is then held close to the body for extra support and balance by the top handle. | |||
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The open end (where the sprayer is filled) is then pointed at the wall to be sprayed, between 90 and 45 degrees to the wall, depending on the texture required. | |||
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Holding the manual sprayer square (90 degrees) to the wall will result in a smooth, yet slightly mottled finish, whereas holding the sprayer at a 45 degree angle to the wall will give you a ‘honeycomb’ finish. | |||
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The handle is then rotated, which in turn rotates the ‘flicker’ comb. | |||
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The fingers on the comb pick up the mix and flick it out of the sprayer casing and onto the wall. | |||
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On some models, the handle is reversible – it can be disconnected and fitted either side of the casing to be used left or right handed. | |||
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The tensioner adjuster is usually located on the same side as the rotating handle (but can be located either side) and can be adjusted up or down by hand to change the thickness of mix being applied and therefore the type of texture/finish you achieve. | |||
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The tensioner (adjuster) is attached to the tension bar which is situated towards the back of the sprayer casing. The tension bar runs through the sprayer body where it is attached at the other end by a fastener, such as a wing nut, which holds the bar in place. | |||
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The tension bar is set at a height slightly below the outer flicker comb diameter and can be adjusted higher or lower in order to make less or more contact (respectively) with the fingers of the flicker comb as it is rotated via the cranked handle. | |||
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The higher the tension bar (less contact with the comb fingers), the easier it is to rotate the handle as there is minimal force required for the comb fingers to clear the tension bar when spraying. This motion decreases the speed, potential distance and quantity of mix being sprayed out of the sprayer (thinner texture) and onto the wall. | |||
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The lower the tension bar (more contact with the comb fingers), the harder it is to rotate the handle due to the additional force needed for the comb fingers to overcome (flick past) the lowered tension bar. This motion increases the speed, distance and quantity of mix being sprayed out of the sprayer (thicker texture) and onto the wall. | |||
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Some types of coating sprayers do not have a tension adjuster and the tension bar is held in place by a wing nut either side of the casing. | |||
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The adjustment to the height/position of the tension bar with this type of sprayer is achieved by loosening the wing nuts and altering the bar position by hand… | |||
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…before re-tightening the wing nuts once more. | |||
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Reducer plate |
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Most steel sprayers come with a reducer plate which allows for both a large or a more precise area coverage when spraying.
The volume of mix that is flicked out of the sprayer is controlled by using, or not using, the reducer plate. With the reducer plate off, wider coverage is obtainable. With the reducer on, the coverage is reduced. |
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Not all sprayers have a reducer plate, so make sure you obtain the correct sprayer for your needs. | |||
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