What is a cartouche gun and how do they work?

Plastering can be done more quickly and easily with the help of a cartouche gun, a useful tool. Its compatibility with a particular kind of plaster cartridge streamlines the mixing and application procedure. This tool is perfect for both small repairs and larger projects because it is especially helpful for applying plaster precisely and controllably.

Plaster is forced out of the cartridge through a nozzle in order for the gun to function. Plaster flows smoothly and consistently with this method, making application neater and less messy than it would be if plaster were mixed and spread by hand. With less work and waste, you can accomplish a professional finish with a cartouche gun.

Cartouche Gun	A cartouche gun is a tool used in plastering and other construction tasks to apply and smooth out materials like plaster or adhesive. It typically consists of a barrel that holds the material and a trigger mechanism to control the flow.
How It Works	To use a cartouche gun, you load the material into the barrel, then squeeze the trigger to push the material out through a nozzle. This allows you to apply the material evenly and precisely, making it easier to achieve a smooth finish.

Device and principle of operation

Decorative plaster, putty, textured paint, primer, and other building mixtures can all be applied to walls using a texture gun. It’s also known as a crumb thrower, which is appropriate given the final texture. Pneumatic gun sprays plaster onto the walls in the form of crumbs or splashes (granules).

What makes up a pneumatic plaster sprayer is depicted in the diagram:

1. Tap that shuts off the air from the compressor;
2. Handle;
3. Needle for regulating the supply of solution;
4. Spring;
5. The sleeve, turning counterclockwise, moves the needle, increasing the supply of solution;
6. Pin;
7. Trigger for air supply;
8. Washer;
9. Container for plaster solution;
10. Clamp for fixing the container;
11. Washer;
12. Diffuser for expanding the air flow and spraying the mixture;
13. Fixing nut;
14. Nut

This tool works on a very basic principle: the solution is drawn out of the container using a stream of air, and it is then sprayed onto the wall under pressure to create a smooth layer of plaster.

Crucial! The type of plaster, the diameter of the gun nozzle, and the compressor pressure will all affect the wall’s structural pattern.

There are numerous attributes:

• Since the tank with the solution must be held in your hands, it is made in a small volume (usually up to 5 l).
• The air jet is supplied under a pressure of 2-6 atm. Optimum pressure is 3 atm. Air consumption on the compressor should be at least 120 l/m.
• The kit may include several nozzles (diffusers) of different diameters. The choice depends on the consistency of the solution: the thinner, the smaller the diameter can be used.

Advantages of a pneumatic gun

For light tasks, a cartridge gun may not be the most efficient tool. In this instance, purchasing such equipment will be an extra cost that is entirely avoidable.

On the other hand, this tool will be very helpful for larger-scale tasks (like plastering a house), as it will speed up the process and cut down on finishing time.

The following are the key benefits of utilizing this device at work:

• Acceleration of work: processing 150 m2 will take only 1 day.
• Increased layer density due to pressure feed. This will ensure good adhesion and fixation on the surface.
• Saving materials and facilitating the work of plasterers.
• The ability to use the tool for applying decorative plaster of various types (for example, "liquid wallpaper", "American", "fur coat", "shagreen"), as well as for painting surfaces.
• Affordable cost of the device. On the market, you can find both expensive models of European manufacture and more budget ones, which will quickly pay for themselves during the work.

A specialized tool called a cartouche gun is used in plastering to apply and shape decorative patterns, which are frequently seen in wall finishes that are traditional and historical. Plaster or other materials are dispensed via a nozzle, which enables fine control and complex designs. This tool is indispensable for adding distinctive, artistic elements to plastered surfaces because it makes it easier for craftsmen to create intricate patterns.

Applying plaster

Using this tool is very simple. However, a novice should carefully read the operating manual, job recommendations, and safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. Remember that this is dangerous equipment that can have dire repercussions if used improperly or if safety instructions are not followed.

Some fundamental suggestions:

• Before plastering, make a trial mix of the solution and see how quickly you can use it up through a cartridge gun. In the future, prepare the plaster based on your actual consumption and work pace.
• Do not forget about eye protection, use glasses or a transparent shield.
• Adjust the pressure, choose the optimal one for your solution.
• Hold the device firmly.
• Keep your distance, the optimal distance from the surface is 30 cm.
• Do not apply more than 5 mm of plaster at a time. Let it dry thoroughly before applying the next layer.
• Immediately after use, it is necessary to thoroughly clean all parts of the tool from the solution.

The density of the mixture is an important detail for high-quality work and comfortable use of the apparatus. Initially, a medium consistency mixture works best to help you become proficient with the tool. It ought to be marginally more fluid than the mixture intended for manual application. In the future, nozzles will allow you to modify the work and use different materials.

Work process:

1. Prepare the solution.
2. Pour the solution into the bucket.
3. Raise the gun barrel to the desired level, while holding it perpendicular to the surface at a distance of about 30 cm.
4. Pressing the trigger, move horizontally, covering the wall with an even decorative layer.
5. Raise a little higher and move the back side, slightly layering it on the previous row.
6. After applying to the entire surface, let the plaster dry for at least a day.

The same general strategy applies when processing ceilings, but you should apply it while maintaining a greater distance and a slight diagonal from the application site.

Comparison with a hopper bucket

Apart from the cartridge gun, there’s another comparable product on the market called a hopper bucket (pneumatic bucket). The following are the primary distinctions between these two tools:

• The area of ​​application of the solution and the consumption in the pneumatic bucket are larger, because.. it has several nozzles.
• To operate the hopper bucket, more pressure is required to ensure a uniform spray of plaster through several holes.
• The cartridge gun is used mainly for applying putty and decorative plaster, and the hopper is for quickly throwing the solution when leveling walls.

Examples of manufacturers

The following are a few popular texture gun models:

• Zubr Master. Domestic brand of tools. It has a fairly large assortment and affordable prices. Model mkp 600 has three nozzles (4/6/8 mm), a 6 l tank. Requires a compressor pressure of 4-6 bar and an air flow of at least 220 l / min.
• Fubag decor g5000. Good quality and functionality. Features: has a tap in front of the nozzle to shut off the air; 4.5 l tank; one nozzle for 8 mm, suitable for some types of liquid wallpaper.
• Brigadier Lite. The air gun comes with 3 nozzles, a 6-liter metal tank, and a tap to shut off the air supply. Overall, a good model, but the price is 1.5-2 times higher than its analogues (Swiss brand).
• Graco Hopper Gun (USA) has a large plastic hopper, 4 replaceable nozzles. Suitable for frequent professional work on applying plaster, sealants, and various textured coatings. The price is almost an order of magnitude higher than Chinese air guns, so it is not very common.

Present rates:

How to make it yourself

Use a blow gun to create a homemade compressor air gun for plastering or painting.

Two do-it-yourself manufacturing plans are available online:

• With replaceable nozzles and an upper tank location. Generally repeats the factory design.
• Without changing the size of the outlet. A very simple design of a cartridge gun, when a blow gun is inserted into a canister without a bottom and a hole is cut for the air to come out with the solution.

Let’s examine both approaches in more detail.

Take off the blow gun’s (4) nozzle (1). Attach a nut (2) with a thread size of 3/4 inch to the body. Hold the washer (3) in place using the nozzle; it should slide into the nut. Attach the tee (5) to the nut using a 3/4′′ thread.

Install a fitting with the necessary diameter on the opposite side of the tee, taking into account the plaster and the desired spray intensity. You must choose an adapter for a funnel with a thread or another container to be placed on top of the tee.

There’s an easier way to put together a pneumatic plaster cannon.

Secure a blow gun by inserting it into a canister that has no bottom on one side. Create a 1 cm-diameter hole across from the pneumatic tool’s nozzle on the opposite side. To ensure that the solution does not stay inside the canister, foam the handles.

A craft like this can be put together in 15 to 20 minutes. Ideal for marble chip decorative plasters and thick cement-sand mortar applications.

Gaining an understanding of the functioning of a cartouche gun can greatly improve your plastering projects. These are useful tools for both professionals and do-it-yourselfers because they are made to apply and smooth plaster efficiently. A more uniform and even finish can be obtained with a cartouche gun, which is essential for a polished appearance.

Understanding the ins and outs of this tool will help you get the most out of it, whether you’re working on a big wall or a minor repair. A cartouche gun can simplify your work and raise the standard of your finishes due to its versatility and ease of use with various types of plaster.

In the end, adding a cartouche gun to your plastering toolkit will improve both your productivity and the quality of your finished projects. It’s a useful tool that makes applying plaster easier and contributes to a polished finish, which makes it an excellent addition to any plastering project.

Video on the topic

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