Hand gun calibration is one of the easier things you can do to insure a smooth and professional application. Regardless of the spray material used, knowing how much volume you are applying will insure repeat business, happy customers and profitability.
Hand gun calibration is relatively quick and easy to do. First, measure out a specific area for your test. A 20' by 50' area equals 1000 square feet, the increment used for the application rates of many spray materials.
Next, (using water) make a timed application covering the measured area. Use your normal walking rate and spray pattern. Your goal with this step is to know how much time it takes you to spray the measured area (1000 sq ft).
The final step in this process is to measure your output. Take a large container (an empty 5 gallon bucket works well for this) and using your spray gun, spray into the container for the same amount of time it took you to spray the measured area. Now, measure the amount of material you have captured. The answer will equal the amount you are applying per 1000 square feet.
Think you've got it? Let's try a test! Michelle (above) has measured out an area 20 feet by 25 feet for her calibration test. It takes her 18 seconds to evenly cover the test area. Directing her spray gun into her collection bucket for 18 seconds yields Michelle 2.2 gallons. How much is Michelle applying per 1000 square feet?
*see below for answer
I attended the GIE+Expo in Louisville, Kentucky last month. Thankfully there was no rain this year to dampen spirits. In fact, the weather was great, attitudes were positive and everyone I spoke to was having a good time! I enjoyed renewing acquaintances and meeting new people. Thanks for stopping by to say Hello!
