CHAPTER XIV.
Lime and Whitewash Sprayers.
As explained in previous chapters, this type of machine is of an entirely different and much simpler construction than those used for spraying oil paint, varnish, etc. Yet such apparatus is used to a very considerable extent in factories of all kinds as well as for spraying insecticides on fruit trees and other purposes of the agriculturist. By the Factory and Workshop Act of 1901 it is provided that "all walls and ceilings must be limewashed at least every fourteen months, and painted and varnished work must be washed with hot water and soap at the same periods. Special exceptions to this rule may be made by Special Order." Such an order was made in 1911, which was to the effect that "when at least two coats of washable water paint or sanitary distemper is used instead of limewhite the period for renewing with one coat of such paint shall be three years. The paint, however, must be washed at least once in every three months. It is provided in this Order that "If it appears to an inspector that any part of a factory to which the exception applies is not in a cleanly state, he may, by a written notice, require the occupier to limewash, wash or paint the same; and in the event of the occupier failing to comply with such requisition within two months from the date of the notice, the special exception shall cease to apply to such part of the factory. In this Order a washable water paint means a washable paint which, when finished for use contains:—(i) at least half its weight of solid pigment containing not less than twenty-five parts by weight of zinc sulphide as zinc white (lithopone) in each hundred parts by weight of solid pigment and (ii) at least ten parts by weight of oil and varnish to each hundred parts by weight of solid pigment."
It should be stated that the type of machine now under consideration may be used for the application of such paint or distemper provided that it is rendered sufficiently thin by the addition of water. If very thick compressed air will be required as in the case of ordinary oil paint.
An excellent machine for applying limewash, whitewash or distemper is made by Messrs A. C. Wells and Co., Engineers, London and Manchester. It is used to a very large extent by engineers and in factories, breweries, car sheds, cattle docks, etc. Builders, decorators, corporations, etc. also find it of great service for special work. The manufacturers state that over 5,000 of these machines have been sold, and that they are fast taking the place of the old method of limewashing with the brush. The speed with which lime, whiting or cold water paint can be applied is from 10 to 20 square yards per minute. A very distinct advantage of the machine over brushes is that when an irregular surface, such as a brick wall, the joints of which are not by any means perfect, is being dealt with, the lime or distemper is forced in by the spray into the interstices which could not be reached by the brush. These machines consist essentially of a pump with spraying nozzle which is made in various forms, the simplest of which is that shown in Fig. 131.
This machine is designed to stand rough usage. The pump is simple and easily removable for repairs, and the spraying nozzle, which is naturally an important feature, can be regulated to any degree of fineness. A patent filter is provided which prevents clogging. It will be observed by the illustration that wheels are provided which enable the machine to be easily removed from one place to another. A 15 ft. armoured delivery hose and 5 ft. spraying pole for reaching the upper portion of a surface to be sprayed is provided. The capacity is 8 gallons. The machine shown in Fig. 132 is somewhat smaller and cheaper. It contains 6 gallons.