A quick test for airless sprayability

For a number of reasons, airless spray is a convenient technique for application for various mastics, sealers, and adhesives. Of particular advantage is the low overspray, which becomes increasingly important in view of EPA and OSHA solvent regulations. From the user point of view, however, research on new materials is often difficult. There is no published information on the relationship of sprayability to any particular material properties. Whenever a particular new material must be evaluated as to airless sprayability, an actual attempt must be made to spray it using a variety of spray conditions. If the user is unable to spray the material, the user is likewise often unable to suggest what property the adhesive supplier might change in order to increase its sprayability. As a result, numerous reformulations would be submitted for evaluation, each requiring a slow, trial‐and‐error sprayability test. That method of airless spray evaluation is very time consuming and often results in a considerable usage of material.