How to use a manual coating sprayer?

2nd March 2020


	How to use a manual coating sprayer


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			Step 1 – Choose sprayer Select the type of manual coating sprayer/applicator you wish to use. If large areas of the wall are to be sprayed, then a plastic sprayer would be beneficial.

			If smaller patchwork is to be done, a stainless steel sprayer with a reducer plate is advisable.

			Step 2 – Mix coating Mix the wall coating to be applied to the wall and then pour the mixture into the casing or place it in using a small trowel.

			Step 3 – Practise Practice spraying on a test-piece (e.g. plasterboard) before moving on to the wall to be coated. Point the sprayer opening at the test-piece and rotate the handle clockwise. The mix should then be sprayed out. You will discover that altering the tensioner and holding the sprayer at different angles to the test piece will result in different textures and finishes.

			Holding the sprayer at a 90 degree angle to the wall is the most common method, but play around and see what you feel comfortable with.

			Keep turning the handle and making adjustments with the tensioner, until you are happy with the texture and amount being sprayed.

			Step 4 – Apply mixture Once you have decided on the type of finish you want, hold the sprayer at the same angle and turn the handle clockwise. The mix will then be flicked onto the wall surface.

			Hold the sprayer close to your body; this will help support the sprayer and give you more control when moving along the wall. Move at a constant speed along the wall, as moving at different speeds will result in an uneven coverage.

			Step 5 – Repeat Make several passes along the wall, applying the mix in continuous light sprays, returning over the same area until the required thickness is obtained (thickness depends on type of mix being applied).

			Leave time between passes Care should always be taken to avoid merging and patchiness in the texture, by leaving sufficient time between passes. This time varies depending upon the consistency and thickness of the mix applied, and test spraying on a piece of test-area or board prior to spraying the wall will give you an indication of how long this time should be.

			Take frequent breaks The manual operated sprayer can be heavy when full of mix, so be aware that as it’s hand operated, it can be very exhausting to use all day on large areas.

			The average sized manual coating sprayer filled with roughcast, will consistently cover an area of approximately 1 square metre at a time (1m²). However, this coverage area will vary depending on the capacity of the sprayer casing, the mix being used and how much it is filled each time by the user.