A good sprayer is an essential tool for construction professionals. The chemical you intend to spray will perform better or worse by making this important choice early on, which includes getting the right advice at the start.
In this article we will focus on Release Agents often referred to as Mould Oils as well.
For most Release Agents having a thin uniform coating of product is recommended. Less Release Agent means there is no excess wastage to stain the finished concrete or create suction in the mould. This means when applying a Release Agent, you need to have an ability to control the flow rate of product you are applying, and also to control the shape of the spray pattern that is being applied.
Cone Tips are usually found on cheap sprayers and the flow rate can sometimes be controlled by rotating the nozzle to increase or decrease the amount of product that can be dispensed. They are usually found on garden sprayers so you can apply more weedkiller as desired, not really for controlling the accurate delivery of a release agent.
The spray pattern from a Cone Tip also generates a circular pattern – you also see this in a can of spray paint. As you move the wand across that circular pattern overlaps itself, leading to even more product being applied on the mould surface.
The end result is too much product being applied! You are wasting money and getting an inferior finish.
This is why we recommend Fan tips that create a flat line of spray on the mould surface.
Quality Fan tips can help you specify the angle of spray and also apply the fan spray at a desired rate i.e. number of lt/gal per minute of spraying time.
Click here to learn more about how to read the spray tip of your sprayer article [ new post required]
When choosing a sprayer for your release agent, you’ll have to consider whether you need a manual or powered sprayer.
Manual sprayers are best used on site, and can be used for smaller areas and short-duration applications. Powered sprayers are best suited to large areas and long-duration applications.
Manual sprayers are great for curing compound / sealer applications in small areas. We recommend using them for industrial sites. You can also use manual sprayers at home if you are planning on doing a DIY project that involves curing compounds, sealers, coatings, etc.
Powered sprayers are great for curing compound / sealer applications in large areas. In fact, we recommend using them for industrial sites. They’re also good for curing compound/sealer applications in large areas.
However for release agents, most hand held portable sprayers have limitations of the amount of pressure you can hand pump them up to – usually maximum of 35 or 40 PSi is the most you can apply. However, some of the high quality fan tips work best at higher pressures. In that case you may need to look at a “powered” sprayer instead of a manual one. Powered sprayers can easily reaching 80 to 100 PSI allowing for ultra fine tip patterns for spraying.
We do not recommend using cheap garden sprayers for release agent application. These sprayers tend to not have viton quality seals, so they will fail over time. Additionally, most have cone tips which are not recommended for release agents. Finally, the tank bodies are not very durable and will eventually get damaged in industrial use.
Paint Pot Sprayers are designed to blow air over a pot of chemicals and draw in the liquid via the pressure differential effect. The result is a high volume of air with low qty of liquid which mists into the air – you can end up with more chemical in the air to inhale than what ends up on the mould surface! This type of sprayer does not give you very good control of your usage rate either as there are too many variables between models, air pressures and nozzle settings.
You should choose a sprayer that has a durable tank body, is made with Viton seals, and can be outfitted with interchangeable tips. While there are many types of nozzles available, fan tips are particularly recommended. You should also look for a sprayer that includes pressure tests and relief valves, and is backed by manufacturers who make spare parts that are easily accessible. These types of sprayers do have a limitation of PSI rating up to only 35 to 40 PSI so will not accommodate the finest of tips, but will still cover a wide variety.
If you are looking for a good sprayer to use with release agents to treat brick or concrete surfaces, check out our Fatboy Range!
The FATBOY range of tank sprayers is recommended for release agents and can be pressurized up to 100PSI comfortably. The compressed tank sprayers are made of durable materials and have viton quality seals and fan tips. Tank bodies can be replaced if damaged, and it comes equipped with pressure testing and relief valves, as well as spare parts available.
Learn more about Why We Invented the Fatboy Sprayer Range.
Try to choose a sprayer that:
Has viton quality seals so will be OK over time
have FAN tips which are recommended
Tank body very durable
Tips can be interchanged
Pressure tests and relief valves included
Spare parts available
Send your inquiry here and our experts will do their best to help you.
