What Sprayer Can You Use to Brick Stain?
What Sprayer Can You Use to Brick Stain?
When you’re staining brick, **choosing the right sprayer** makes all the difference in achieving a smooth and consistent finish. In this post, I’ll break down some popular airless sprayers we recommend, especially when using **Mineral Stains masonry stains**. Plus, I’ll share tips for spraying potassium silicate stains and why they behave differently from latex or acrylic paints. In the video below we used a Graco 1095, to stain our Sol-Silicate Masonry Stains, on a previously painted wall.
The recommended Spray Tip is 519, with a 60-Mesh Filter
Here are the sprayer models we talked about in the video:
– **Graco 595 **
– **Titan 640**
– **Graco 695**
– **Graco 1095**
Why PSI and GPM Matter for Brick Stain
Mineral Stains recommends using a sprayer with **at least 2,900 PSI** to handle the viscosity of our potassium silicate-based masonry stains. Let me explain:
– **PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)**: This measures the pressure the sprayer can produce. You need high pressure to push stain through the sprayer evenly, especially for dense products like silicate stains.
– **GPM (Gallons Per Minute)**: This tells you how much stain the sprayer can pump out. For brick staining, a GPM over **0.70** is ideal to avoid clogging and ensure smooth application.
The **Graco 595** and **Titan 640** are on the smaller side of professional-grade sprayers. Both hit that sweet spot with about **1.5 horsepower** and a GPM over 0.70, which is what you need for a consistent finish. They’re powerful enough to handle our stains while still being manageable for medium-sized jobs.
Why Not Use Smaller Sprayers?
Smaller Graco models, like the **300** or **400 series**, have the same PSI but a lower GPM. While they might seem like an affordable choice, here’s the issue: **Our stains harden quicker than traditional latex or acrylic paints.** Lower GPM means slower application, which can lead to clogs or uneven finishes if the stain starts to cure mid-spray.
Understanding Potassium Silicate Stains
Our stains are unique because they’re made with **potassium silicate (water glass)** and **inorganic pigments.** This makes them breathable, durable, and long-lasting—but also a bit tricky to work with if you’re not used to it.
Why Latex or Acrylic Paints Are Easier to Spray
If you’ve worked with latex or acrylic paints before, you might notice they’re a lot more forgiving. Here’s why:
1. **Evaporation-Based Drying**
Latex and acrylic paints dry as water evaporates, which doesn’t depend much on how they’re applied. They’re slower to harden, giving you more time to work.
2. **Film Formation**
These paints form a solid film as polymer particles slowly fuse together. Even when sprayed, they take time to settle and cure.
3. **No Chemical Bonding**
Latex and acrylic paints only stick mechanically to the surface. That’s why their drying and curing speeds are consistent, regardless of application method.
Spraying Silicate-Based Masonry Stains: Pro Tips
Spraying potassium silicate stains isn’t complicated if you know a few key tricks:
**Work Fast**
Our stains start curing as soon as they hit the air. Keep your sprayer running smoothly and avoid pauses to prevent clogs.
**Environmental Conditions Matter**
Moderate humidity and good ventilation are ideal. If the stain dries too quickly, it can harden unevenly or clog the sprayer.
**Thin Coats Are Key**
Instead of going for one thick coat, apply several thin coats. This ensures even curing and reduces the risk of premature hardening in the sprayer.
Why Silicate Stains Dry Faster
The big difference is that **potassium silicate stains chemically bond** to the brick or masonry surface. This creates a strong, durable finish almost immediately. Latex and acrylic paints don’t do this—they just sit on the surface and rely on evaporation to dry, which takes more time.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right sprayer, like the Graco 595 or Titan 640, ensures you’ll get a flawless finish when brick staining. Just remember: silicate stains are faster to cure, so plan your spraying process accordingly. If you’re upgrading to larger jobs, the **Graco 695** or **1095** are excellent options for even higher GPM and smoother application.
With the right setup and a little know-how, you’ll nail your next brick staining project. Questions? Drop them in the comments below!
Airless Sprayers suitable for use when brick staining
