What is an airless spray pump?
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An airless spray pump propels materials, at a surface using pressure from a hydraulic or pneumatic pump.
Airless sprayers work by drawing material, such as paint, into a pump under suction. This is compressed using hydraulics or pneumatics at high pressure. The material to be applied is then pushed through the top of the spray nozzle, through the tip, where it is atomised.
Atomisation refers to the process of breaking up fluids into small droplets. An everyday example of this is placing your thumb over the end of the garden hose, as you can see below on the right-hand side of the child. If you do this, you break the stream of water, forcing it into tiny droplets, and creating a mist.
The purpose of atomising is to increase the reach of materials, to allow them to cover a wider area. This helps it to go further and speeds up application time.
Why do I need an airless spray pump?
Applying paint in this way boosts productivity and can allow for more projects to be completed in a shorter timeframe.
• If applying the same paint with a brush, it would take around 10 times as long, and 4 times as long if you were using a roller.
• It allows tradespeople to apply paint to hard-to-reach areas without overstretching, a large cause of accidents.
• They are more easily transported, as everything is in a self-contained unit, so it can be easily wheeled across sites.
Airless spray pumps provide a more even coating than can be achieved with paintbrushes or rollers and can also put a stop to excess paint use.
• This will save money on materials.
• It will also stop walls and fixtures from bearing the physical effects of paint overuse, which can include wrinkling.
• They can be used with different material types, for example, different paint types or plaster.
What types of airless spray pumps are there?
Airless spray pumps come in multiple varieties. Here at SFEG, we have a wide selection to choose from, allowing you to pick the right product for your project.
Air-driven airless spray pumps
These sprayers mix the material (for example, paint) with a stream of compressed air.
Air-driven pumps are ideal for decorative finishes as the material is applied in generally lighter coatings. This allows for polishing or buffing in-between applications but can mean that more layers are needed.
This model may also be best for smaller projects, for example, furniture.
Electric airless spray pumps
Electric airless spray pumps are often considered the most economical and remove the need to carry flammable petrol.
Electric models are best for decorating contractors for a variety of paint types, including emulsion, lacquers, and gloss.
Petrol-driven airless spray pumps
Petrol is easy-to-access and removes the need for charging and cables, which could slow down work and cause trip hazards.
Petrol-driven pumps may also be better suited to plasters and other heavy-duty coatings.
Air-assisted airless packages
Air-assisted airless pumps combine the mechanics of airless and air-driven pumps. These allow for a best of both worlds product.
Some consider the quality of air-assisted pumps to be better than the airless pumps, but not as high as air spray pumps.
2K airless spray systems
While not mobile, the 2K system allows users to mix the amount of paint needed for one project, removing waste. It is also qualified to handle hybrid polyurethanes, epoxies, and high solids coatings so can be used on more varied projects.
While there is a whole range of airless spray pumps on the market, the specific benefits valued will differ widely between tradespeople. By gaining a basic understanding of the differences in the products, you can make a more informed choice that will allow you to finish your jobs with less paint waste, in a shorter time frame.
If you are looking to purchase your own airless spray pump and would like more advice or information, email us and we’ll get back to you. If, however, you would prefer to hire a spray pump instead of purchasing one, give us a call on 0161 480 8087 and we can discuss your rental requirements in more detail.