What are the parts of a manual coating sprayer?

4th March 2020


What are the parts of a manual coating sprayer?


	Shop for Manual Coating Sprayers




		Manual coating sprayers come with either a plastic or metal casing, but the basic parts should remain virtually the same.

		Main body or casing
		The main body or casing of the manual coating sprayer resembles a small bucket and is the part that holds the mix to be applied to the wall. It is usually either made from plastic, stainless steel or galvanised steel.

		Flicker comb and fingers
		Inside the body of the tool is a comb made up of a barrel and many wires or ‘fingers’ as they’re known. On some models, the comb is replaceable. The comb and fingers are generally made from stainless or galvanised (zinc coated) steel to prevent rusting.

		This ‘flicking’ action is used as it gives the wall a rough, mottled finish rather than the smooth finish you would get from hand brushing. When the handle is turned, the comb and fingers rotate, picking up and carrying mix from the main casing and flicking it onto the wall .

		Ratchet bar and flicker plate
		The ratchet bar and flicker plate, which are usually made from galvanised steel, work together to control the amount of mix sprayed onto the wall. On most models these are replaceable.

		Tensioner
		Some models have a tensioner, which is located on the side of the casing and is used to adjust the flicker plate’s position via the ratchet bar. Different tensions are placed on the comb fingers by altering the position of the flicker plate, which subsequently limits or increases the thickness (texture) of mix being sprayed out of the casing.

		The appearance of the applied mix sprayed onto the wall can change significantly by controlling the thickness of the mix using the tensioner.

		Crank handle
		The crank handle is used to operate the manual coating sprayer. It is attached to a drive spindle, which in turn houses and rotates the comb roller inside the main casing of the applicator. The crank handle is usually replaceable.

		Holding or carrying handle
		Most manual coatings sprayers have a handle fixed on top of the casing, which is used to transport the tool and for additional support when spraying.

		Reducer plate
		The reducer plate is used to control the volume of mix being applied to the wall. Reducer plates are generally only found on sprayers with metal casings and can be taken on and off, depending on the spray area required. With the plate on, the volume of mix leaving the sprayer is greatly reduced (this is ideal for smaller, more concentrated areas). With the plate off, the volume of mix is not limited (perfect for larger areas). The reducer plate is held loosely in place by slotting in-between two retainers.



		Plastic manual coatings sprayers
		Plastic manual coating sprayers have all the same parts as metal ones, except that their cases are made from plastic. The plastic casing was introduced to enable the sprayer to be lighter and more durable (no denting through knocks and drops) and also easier to clean after use.

		Plastic sprayers do not usually have the option of a reducer plate as they are larger in design and specifically used for covering larger areas. Please note: A top quality plastic sprayer will often cost more than a steel one.