Cartouche gun for plastering features of the device and selection

Plastering walls is a crucial component of building finishing, offering durability and protection in addition to a smooth surface. A cartouche gun can be a very useful tool for efficiently applying plaster, particularly for larger areas or intricate designs.

Applying plaster with precision and control with a cartouche gun facilitates the creation of even layers and intricate textures. Those who want professional results without the hassle of manual troweling will find this tool especially helpful.

The main characteristics of cartouche guns, their operation, and things to consider when choosing one for your plastering projects will all be covered in this article. Plastering can be more efficient and fun if you know the advantages of using a cartouche gun, whether you’re an experienced professional or a do-it-yourselfer.

Purpose and principle of operation of a cartouche gun

Finishing works include not only gluing wallpaper or painting surfaces, but also creating a decorative layer from plaster mixtures. For the rapid application of paints, a spray gun was invented, a relative of which is the cartouche tool. The name comes from the French word cartouche – embossed decoration in the form of a detailed paper roll or tape that has a fairly complex shape, which does not allow it to cover it with a layer of plaster mass using rods, templates or trowels. This can only be done by the "spraying" method, for which a plastering analogue of a spray gun was developed. It is used not only for finishing cartouches, the scope of application is much wider.

The texture or plastering gun functions on the same principle as a paint sprayer, utilizing both injection and spraying effects. The air pumped by the compressor is combined with the solution, which is then sucked in, crushed into distinct lumps and drops, and sprayed onto the wall. A thick layer of solution is created by drops layered on top of one another.

A hopper bucket and a cartouche tool differ primarily in that the mixture is supplied by gravity in the latter while the former is supplied by suction. The first is used to apply a layer of less thick solutions up to 1 cm thick, and the second is used to start plaster with a layer up to 2 cm thick.

Because spray guns’ tiny nozzle diameters make it impossible for them to handle certain solutions, a tool is used to spray them:

• viscous heavy paints, which, due to their thickness, are not pushed through nozzles designed for conventional paints;
• mosaic and textured paints;
• liquid wallpaper, primer, liquid cork and similar materials;
• decorative plaster.

Principal benefits of use:

• time savings due to high productivity (high application speed);
• relief of physical labor;
• versatility (work with various materials).

Device and characteristics of a cartridge gun

A cartridge gun is composed of multiple structural parts:

1. A body resembling a pistol in shape. A trigger is installed on the handle of the body, which can be pressed with three or four fingers at the same time. The trigger opens the valve for supplying pressurized air. A high-pressure air supply hose is attached to the lower part of the handle of the body through a fitting. The hose is connected with a quick-release fitting or threaded connection to the compressor directly or through a receiver.
2. Nozzles with replaceable attachments. The diffuser nozzles of the attachments can be cut at different angles and have different diameters.
3. Nozzles – a suction tube with a round cross-section, which is connected to the pneumatic line by means of a thread.
4. A container for the composition, which has the shape of a cone. Since finishing solutions have a high density and weight, when the container is filled, the tool is quite difficult to hold when working with one hand. To eliminate the drawback, the container has a handle for holding the cartridge gun with the other hand. To prevent the mixture from slipping out of the container during ceiling finishing, a non-removable valve is often made on the socket (covers part of the top). The container is attached to the tube through a sealing ring and clamped with a stainless steel clamp.
5. Devices for blowing out sometimes clogged nozzles – a blow-out ramrod.
6. Adjusting devices (some models are equipped with): an adjusting screw mounted on the back of the housing (responsible for supplying the solution), and an air valve.

Material

In the process of making the body, aluminum alloys coated in decorative powder paint are frequently used to reduce weight without sacrificing strength. Stainless steel, which is highly wear-resistant and does not corrode when in contact with wet compositions, is used to make nozzles and attachments. Aluminum is a more durable material, but nylon is the lightest, and both are used to reduce weight in the container.

Dimensions and weight

The weight, capacity, and dimensions of a cartridge gun are additional features for plastering.

1. The average weight of the tool is within 1-3 kg. The container is designed for 3-5 liters.
2. There are models with a capacity of up to 8 liters, however, reducing the time for refueling, they increase operator fatigue.
3. The length of the pneumatic tool is 15-25 cm.

Nozzle sizes and their purpose

Actually, the tube that holds the solution for the nozzles is referred to as a nozzle.

However, by "Duza," we specifically mean nozzles (or nozzles). Set the nozzle to the appropriate diameter to get the tool ready for work.

Diffusers vary not only in diameter but also in the inclination angle and bevel of the nozzle opening edges, which determine the angle at which the solution is sprayed. Nozzles with a bevel angle of roughly 45 are better suited for a cement mixture, for instance. About 15 for liquid mixtures.

Under more viscous mixtures with larger grain doses and internal diameters of 4, 6, or 8 mm, nozzles with a small diameter, such as 2.5–3 mm, are appropriate for more liquid and fine fractional solutions.

The necessary pressure

Check the section of the instructions that specifies the minimum and maximum compressor performance as well as the pressure and consumption limits of the supplied air when buying a plaster pistol. This will assist you in selecting the appropriate compressor, with which your tool will operate (our article "compressor for a hopper bucket" will help you with the selection). Pneumatic guns are typically designed to operate at 4–8 atm on average, with a compressor capacity of 200–250 liters per minute.

The following traits are found in the most widely used compressors:

• 150-380 l/min – air mixture consumption;
• From 1.5/3.6 to 3/8 bar – air pressure (minimum/maximum);
• 170-250 l/min – maximum compressor capacity;
• 165-170 l/min – minimum pneumatic unit capacity.

Plaster sprayer models can have a wider range of operating characteristics, or vice versa.

Which cartridge gun to choose for plastering

The decision should first be made with the tool’s intended use in mind. Professional use requires more expensive tools, which are therefore more dependable, have greater functionality, and offer the highest level of convenience. Plastering stations are a good use for these textured pneumatic guns. Short-term use at home is the intended purpose of simpler models. Selecting a high-quality professional product makes sense, especially when taking into account the slight "spread" in price between professional and household tools.

A few easy guidelines for selection:

1. You should choose a cartridge gun, "looking back" at the existing compressor (its characteristics), and not vice versa.
2. Upon inspection, no defects in the body should be detected (pay attention to the absence of chips, cracks).
3. The nut that fixes the replaceable nozzles should be tightened by hand easily, without hesitation.
4. It is good if the kit includes an adapter bent at 45 o for installing a mortar cone. This will allow you to apply the solution not only to vertical surfaces without splashing.
5. Check if there is any play in the trigger.
6. If the handle (where the air supply hose is connected) has an air valve, the model is more convenient to use. By adjusting the air pressure in the handle, there is no need to interrupt yourself once again for trips to the compressor.

Investing in a plastering station, which includes multiple pneumatic tools simultaneously along with a compressor, makes more sense for plastering done by professionals.

• hopper buckets (ceiling and regular);
• two pneumatic guns (hopper gun and cartridge).

Types of cartridge guns

The tool is designed for both home and professional use, as was previously mentioned. The models are separated into types at this point.

The difference is actually very slight:

1. Household is produced with a tank up to 5 liters, designed for 3-4 bar of pressure, often additional replaceable nozzles are not included in the kit. Sometimes there may be complaints about the build quality.
2. A professional tool can have a tank with a capacity larger than 5 liters. A variety of nozzles are included in the kit with it. The device is designed for intensive use.

Certain models have a circular disk with holes of varying sizes that functions as a nozzle; the disk is fastened to the tube with a bayonet. With a bayonet fastening, one connection element has a protrusion and the other has a recess that matches the protrusion. Using a disk like this eliminates the need for changeable nozzles. Just rotate the disk and install a disk hole at the outlet with the desired diameter to adjust the nozzle’s diameter.

Types of solutions

According to the packaging, specially formulated compositions are meant for mechanical application. Popular are dry mixtures, which are prepared by adding the necessary amount of water beforehand. They may contain additional modifying substances and be based on gypsum or cement. Low-humidity rooms are finished with gypsum mixtures. Cement-based compositions are used in other situations.

When applied, the mixture should smoothly glide along the walls of a conical tank, resembling a medium-density sour cream rather than crawling from the wall. Marble flour, fine marble chips, and mica are possible ingredients in the mixture for pneumatic guns. This combination is used to finish a decorative structure (fur coat plaster, for instance). When using finishing tools to create a textured surface, a less viscous mixture is applied.

Instructions for use

Using a plaster gun, finishing work is done in phases:

1. Preparation of the base – cleaning (removal of stains, fungus, excess metal parts, peeling plaster), dust removal, repair (cracks, chips), application of notches (on smooth concrete surfaces), priming.
2. Marking and installation of beacon profiles.
3. Preparation of the device (compressor and gun) for work.
4. Mixing the solution.
5. Applying the solution with a pneumatic tool.
6. Formation of a smooth surface or finishing relief.
7. Drying the layer.
8. Cleaning the device and drying the parts.

There are unique qualities to using a gun to apply the solution, which you will need to adjust to.

Several of them:

1. Pressing the trigger should be smooth. During application, the trigger should be pressed with the same force to obtain a uniform coating.
2. The distance to the plastered surface depends on the viscosity and specific gravity of the solution. The heavier the mixture, the closer the nozzle is placed to the base. Recommended distance – 35-40 cm.
3. Carefully set the compressor power, because if it is high, the hose can be torn off, and with low pressure, the solution will flow down the wall or will fly apart in splashes in different directions.
4. Be sure to use glasses, protective clothing, because the gun often has to be held at face level. You need to protect yourself from splashes of the solution.
5. The tool is held so that the mixture flies to the base at a right angle.
6. The gun is moved in horizontal lines, applying row after row with a slight overlap of the next row on the previous one.
7. It is permissible to apply a layer less than 2 cm at a time. It is better to apply two layers, level the bottom layer with a rule, dry it and process it with a float before applying the second. A two-layer coating is stronger than a single-layer one.
8. The hose is not disconnected when filling the tank. The mixture is applied to the container using a plastering bucket or trowel.
9. Before adjusting the gun, the pneumatic hose is disconnected.

Plastering can be done more quickly and effectively with the help of a versatile tool called a cartouche gun, which streamlines the application process. It is essential to comprehend its features and know which to select in order to achieve a polished, seamless finish. This post will walk you through the key features of cartouche guns, such as their construction, how they work, and factors to take into account when choosing the model that will work best for your particular plastering requirements.

Maintenance of the cartridge gun

1. After finishing work, drain the remaining plaster mixture from the tank.
2. Bleed the air from the hose, then disconnect the tool from the hose.
3. Loosen the clamp, disconnect the tank from the nozzle.
4. The nozzle and tank are washed with water, to which you can add special agents.
5. To clean the nozzle, unscrew it from its socket.
6. Apply a few drops of oil to the trigger of the drive.
7. Check the integrity of the gaskets. If necessary, they must be replaced.
8. After drying the parts, do not assemble the tool and store it disassembled in a dry place, protecting it from dust.

Feature	Description
Device	The cartouche gun is designed to apply plaster evenly. It consists of a container for the plaster mixture and a nozzle for precise spraying.
Selection	When choosing a cartouche gun, consider the nozzle size, which affects the thickness of the applied layer, and the material quality for durability.
Usage	The tool is ideal for detailed work, such as corners and edges, providing a smooth finish in hard-to-reach areas.

A useful tool for plasterers and do-it-yourselfers alike, the cartouche gun provides a rapid and effective method of applying plaster to walls and ceilings. Because of its simplicity of use, even people without much experience with traditional plastering techniques can use it.

It’s crucial to take into account aspects like nozzle size, material compatibility, and cleaning ease when selecting a cartouche gun. These elements will affect both the overall effectiveness of your work and the quality of the plaster application.

Adding a cartouche gun to your arsenal of plastering tools can expedite the procedure and yield a smoother finish with less work. You can achieve professional results without the steep learning curve associated with other plastering techniques by choosing the model that best suits your needs.

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