Not all concrete sealer sprayers are designed the same, and choosing the wrong one can actually impact the quality of your concrete. When you choose the right sprayer, the end result not only looks better, but also ensures that your concrete is protected against wear and tear and other environmental damage.
If you’re getting ready to seal your concrete, keep these three factors in mind when purchasing a sprayer.
Factor #1: Pump Capacity & Strength
Concrete sealer sprayers are available in a wide array of pump strengths and tank capacities, ranging from one-fourth-gallon hand pump sprayers to seven-gallon motorized industrial-grade backpack sprayers.
When considering both pump strength and tank capacity, you’ll need to think about the square footage you’ll be treating and how many times you’ll need to refill the sprayer tank. In most cases, the bigger the job, the bigger the capacity. Additionally, because you most likely won’t use your sprayer often, it’s important to consider the amount of storage space the sprayer will require.
Factor #2: Sprayer Type
Next, you’ll need to determine which type of sprayer will best meet your needs. The four most common sprayer types include:
- Airless Sprayers/Low-Pressure Sprayers
- Common Garden Sprayers
- Solvent-Resistant Pump Sprayers
- Battery-Operated Pail-Pump Spray Systems
Each type of sealer sprayer has its recommended uses. For example, a common garden sprayer can work well for applying certain film-forming sealers, as well as some penetrating sealers. They are also great choices for water-based sealers, but not so much for solvent-based sealers, which contain corrosive chemicals that can break down the sprayer’s internal components.
On that note, if you are applying a water-based sealer, it’s good to select a plastic sprayer, because the water is corrosive to metals.
If you intend to apply a solvent-based sealer, you should consider a solvent-resistant pump sprayer. This type of concrete sealer sprayer works well for both solvent-based and water-based sealers. However, they are not suitable for applying most penetrating sealers.
Low-pressure high-velocity (LPHV) driveway sealer sprayers are also called “airless” sprayers. They are most suitable for applying both water- and solvent-based film-forming sealers, but may not be well suited for certain penetrating sealers.
And finally, battery-operated pail-pump concrete sealer sprayers make applying either water- or solvent-based sealers easier. They provide predictable, consistent, cost-effective applications with minimal operator effort. They’re excellent choices for sealing large areas because there’s no need to keep stopping and repumping.
Factor #3: Nozzle Options
Lastly, nozzle size and spray pattern matter! Each sprayer type will come with its own selection of nozzle options, usually varying in size. The type of nozzle you need will depend on your desired flow rate and the pattern that you want the sealer to leave the sprayer in. Nozzles typically come in three tip styles:
- Fan
- Cone
- Wand
Fan and wand are the two most common styles for sealers. Cone-style sprayer tips are not generally recommended for applying concrete and driveway sealers.
Additionally, nozzle manufacturers commonly assign three-digit codes to their products to denote the tip size.
The first digit denotes the width of the spray fan, and represents 50% of the working fan width during operation at a proper distance from the surface being treated. The second and third digits represent the size of the nozzle’s orifice in thousandths of an inch.
For example, a nozzle tip with the number 617 would denote a 12-inch (2 x 6) fan pattern at a one-foot spraying distance with a 0.017-inch orifice.
Always apply concrete sealer products in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s always a good idea to practice using a new sprayer with water first, so that you develop an understanding of how it works and how much fluid it displaces before you’re actually applying the sealer. Just allow the water to dry completely before applying the sealer.
Do You Need Help Finding the Right Sprayer? Contact Stamped Concrete Today!
Founded in 2009, Stamped Concrete is proud to be a leading provider of concrete sealer sprayers and decorative concrete supplies. You can view our full line of sprays here. If you need help selecting the right type of sprayer for your project, contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our pros.
