With the right floor coating sprayer for contractors, it’s fast and easy to coat garage floors, warehouse floors and other industrial floors with epoxy and other plural-component coatings.

Recommended floor coating sprayers for optimal results      

The best sprayers provide even coverage and a smooth film finish. They get the job done in half the time, offering substantial savings on labour costs.

Here’s a brief overview of four high-performance sprayers ideal for handling epoxy, polyurea and polyaspartic floor coatings in commercial and industrial settings.

AX1300 Pneumatic Airless Sprayer     

The AX1300 is a compact, lightweight pneumatic sprayer that offers enhanced mobility without compromising performance.

It has a powerful 30:1 pumping action to ensure coatings of all viscosities are applied efficiently and at high flows.

The air pump is contained in a durable corrosion-resistant black metal unit to enable continuous coating in the harshest conditions. Motor parts are accessible for easy maintenance.

The AX1300 is one of the most affordable single-person sprayers of its class.

Key features of the AX 1300:

• durable and reliable  
• compact portable design
• high-tech air motor
• high pressure ratio for high flows
• cost-effective.

Graco King Range of Pneumatic Airless Sprayers    

Quality, performance and high-pressure, high-volume coating capabilities characterise the Graco King range of pneumatic sprayers.

The Graco King has multi-gun capabilities, and powerful pressure ratios and output values. It is tailor-made for large-scale coating applications, and can withstand the toughest conditions.

The more compact and affordable Graco Contractor King is designed for single-person applications. It’s portable, constructed from aluminium and steel composite, and delivers a superior finish.

Key features of the Graco King range:

• low pulsation
• easy maintenance
• built to last
• MaxLife pump with advanced sealing and strength
• single and multi-gun options.

Graco GMAX II 3900 Petrol-Operated Airless Sprayer     

With a 90-metre hose extension, enhanced power and flow, and capacity for two guns, the Graco GMAX II 3900 is the perfect solution for applying floor coatings at scale.

It features a 120 cc Honda engine, MaxLife piston pump driven by rotating-rod technology, and an advanced pump replacement system to enable quick pump switching.

The Graco GMAX is compatible with an extensive range of tip sizes. It is the go-to solution for large-scale spray applications of high-viscosity epoxy and polyurethane floor coatings.

Key features of the Graco GMAX II 3900:

• enlarged passages for high-velocity flow
• easy hose deployment
• consistent pressure and spray pattern control
• quiet operation
• pump protection system
• petrol-operated.

Miura Range of Hydraulic Airless Piston Pumps     

Available in two models, the Miura 2100 and Miura 4400, the petrol-operated Miura range is notable for carrying heavy loads, and delivering optimal high-viscosity floor coatings to any surface, anywhere.

The hydraulic piston pumps operate at slower and longer cycles to enhance pump life. All the components in direct contact with coatings are made from tough, corrosion-resistant stainless steel or tungsten carbide.

Key features of the Miura range of hydraulic airless piston pumps:

• 10-metre hose
• extended pump life
• high-volume hydraulic system
• durable chrome piston and cylinder
• self-adjusting packings
• long life span.

In addition to sprayers, SCT offers plural component pumps for mixing protective coatings prior to spraying – the ProMix 2KE Proportioner and ProMix 2KS Proportioner.

Benefits of epoxy floor coatings    

When coating floors, contractors typically opt for epoxy-based products.

Epoxy has strong adhesive and slip-resistance properties. It is hard-wearing, resistant to oil and chemical spills, and requires very little maintenance.

Coatings can be applied in various thicknesses to any floor surface, wood, metal and concrete. It is easy to apply, and compatible with all our recommended floor-coating sprayers.

Is a spray system needed or can I use a brush, roller or squeegee?    

When coating a residential garage floor or another similar, small space, a roller or squeegee is a suitable applicator.

For larger commercial or industrial spaces, an airless spray system is ideal. It gets the job done quickly, and ensures the smoothest possible outcomes.

What to look for in a spray system for epoxy and polyurea floor coatings    

A suitable spray system for epoxy and polyurea floor coatings must be able to handle medium to high-viscosity fluids. It should have a sufficiently large tip range.

Depending on the coating to be applied, a range of 15 to 19 is often recommended.

Tips for epoxy coating of floors    

When applying an epoxy floor coating, it is essential to prepare the surface a few days in advance. A clean, dry and smooth surface, and adequately mixed product, is vital to the end result.

Proper preparation of the floor surface    

To ensure the epoxy coating bonds with the surface, and there are no cracks, bumps or blemishes to impair the film-like finish, the floor must be thoroughly cleaned of all dust, debris and oil stains. The use of a degreaser is recommended.

Once the floor is clean, cracks must be filled and uneven areas sanded until smooth.

Epoxy floor coatings adhere and absorb properly when the surface is slightly abrasive. This can be achieved by etching the surface with a water and acid solution, or sanding it lightly with a sanding machine.

Only once the surface is rinsed and completely dry can the spray application begin.

Preparation of the coating material    

The preparation of the coating depends on the type of product to be applied. In general, it involves mixing two parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

It is important to keep the pot life in mind, and plan the application accordingly to avoid premature curing.

Tips for applying epoxy floor coatings    

To achieve the best coverage, it’s essential to use the right type of sprayer. In this context, airless sprayers are the most efficient.

When applying the coating, overlap each pass of the spray gun by about 50%, and maintain a wet edge to ensure proper adhesion.

Rather than applying masking tape to prevent spraying the walls, use a few large pieces of cardboard. It creates a clean edge and saves time and effort.

Always wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves, eye protection and a respirator.

Leading brand of spray systems for epoxy coatings   

Graco is the international market leader in the floor coatings spray sector. Graco sprayers are renowned for longevity, reliability and the ability to deliver smooth, high-quality finishes.

SCT supplies Graco systems in South Africa.

SA’s leading supplier of quality spray systems

Contact SCT now for expert advice and recommendations of top-notch spray systems for floor coating and other applications.