You’ve got your spray system, you’ve got your sealer, you’ve surveyed and prepped the surface of your asphalt, and you're eager to get started. Now all that’s left is to get that sealcoat spray system ready to work, and you’ll be able to start applying sealer to an asphalt surface to protect it from the elements.
You may be wondering how to set up your sealcoating spray system.
Preparing large commercial equipment, such as the model in the video below, might look a bit intimidating if you’ve never done so before. The sealcoating tips listed below will help you set up and operate your sealcoating spray system easily.
1. Check the oil and fuel.
Make sure your spray system has plenty of both, and that neither have been sitting in your machine for too long. Leaving these fluids in the engine diminishes their quality over time, which in turn, reduces the efficiency of your sprayer.
2. Ensure your drain plugs and valves are in the correct positions.
Confirming the drain plugs are closed tightly will prevent any accidental leakage of fluid from your engine or pump. Checking that the lower ball valve is in the closed position and the upper is open facilitates proper sealer circulation.
3. Prime your machine.
Priming your sealcoating machine is very important to maintaining its efficiency. If the unit is not properly primed before every use, it will be more difficult for you to transfer sealer into your tank, and the unit could develop clogs that negatively impact performance. The way you prime your unit will depend on the model you're using. This article provides some useful advice.
4. Load the sealer into the machine.
This can be done several different ways, depending on where you are getting your sealer from and the kind of sprayer you have. For larger units, you can pour sealer directly into the tank through a lid on the top. For others, you’ll want to use a transfer kit to draw directly from a drum or tote.
A successful sealcoating job is more than just setting up the spray system, though. Make sure you have all the other necessary equipment and supplies ready, too.
Do you have the proper spray tips?
The type of spray tip you choose for your sealcoating machine will affect the pressure, shape, and precision of the stream. Those with a higher GPM (Gallons Per Minute) will have a broader, fan-like application, while those with a lower GPM will be more precise. You’ll likely need several different sizes for various parts of the job, so be prepared!
Are you using the best accessories to make the job even easier?
Professional sealcoating always starts with a first-rate sprayer and quality sealer, but there are a number of additional accessories that can save time and yield even better results. A Wand Wizard Edger, for example, can make sealcoating against curbs, walls and doors a breeze!
