How to Use the Qwik Spray System (W/ Pictures)

The Qwik Spray System is VFI’s exclusive applicator gun and cartridge system used to help businesses with entry-level or low-volume applications of polyurea hybrid and polyurethane coatings. It is a cost-effective option that provides the same quality finish as high- or low-pressure spray equipment.

The gun is easier to operate than other systems as it requires no special training to use. It also automatically mixes the material in the static mix tip during the spray process and offers increased portability. There is minimal overall equipment maintenance, and cleaning after use is easy since cartridges can be thrown away once they are fully used.

Importance of Surface Preparation

All surfaces to be sprayed must be properly prepared beforehand to ensure coating adhesion. Remove debris, oil films, or detergents, and make sure the surface is dry before spraying. You can use a vacuum or compressed air to remove dirt and particles. Surfaces cannot be damp, as these coatings may be sensitive to moisture and will bubble if exposed. Some surfaces should be sanded and primed to create proper adhesion. Cover surrounding areas you’re not spraying to ensure there is no chance of overspray. If you are working with foam, allow the foam to age a minimum of 30 days before coating. This allows any gas from the manufacturing process to escape.

How to Set up the Applicator Gun

Equipment needed: VFI-7500 Qwik Spray Gun, air regulator kit with air supply hose, and air compressor (not included, must be capable of 10 CFM at 90 psi)

Note: Make sure the air regulator kit is assembled correctly. There is a small arrow on the regulator. It should be on the opposite side of where the pressure gauge is attached and point in the direction the air will travel through the supply hose. It should not be pointed toward the T-fitting adapter; otherwise, air will come out uncontrolled and provide no pressure.

1. Remove the VFI Qwik Spray Gun from the box and plastic bag. Remove the air regulator and air supply hose from the smaller box. Remove the plastic bag attached to the gun frame that contains instructions, the quick-connect hose coupling, and the gun handle. Read instructions that come with the gun for safe handling.

2. Screw the quick-connect hose coupling (included in the plastic bag attached to the gun frame) onto the bottom of the T-fitting to the right of the air regulator. Then, screw the top of the T-fitting onto the compressed air connection below the trigger handle of the spray gun.

Note: Use Teflon tape on threaded joints if they do not have it.

3. Insert the air supply hose into the push-to-connect fitting on the left side of the regulator.

Note: When disconnecting, press the push-to-connect fitting to release the hose.

4. Attach the provided handle (included in the plastic bag attached to the gun frame) to the blue front plate of the spray gun. There are six different spots to screw the handle into for optimal comfort when spraying.

5. On the rear of the gun, you will find the air pressure regulator that controls the coating flow. Adjust by twisting the knob clockwise for increased flow or counterclockwise for decreased flow. VFI recommends turning the knob all the way clockwise and then twist it counterclockwise about halfway, so the flow is in the mid-range.

6. Also, on the rear of the gun is the forward/reverse switch. A small label near the switch shows which way moves the stabilizing plates forward to push the coating out of the cartridges. The switch should be set in the forward position before spraying. Switch it in the opposite direction to move the stabilizing plates backward to remove empty cartridges.

7. When you’re ready to spray, connect an air compressor hose to the quick-connect hose coupling.

How to Use the Qwik Spray System

Equipment needed: VFI-7500, 750×750 ml disposable cartridges, and static mix tips (If you are using GS-15 mix tips, they are 11 inches long with a clear atomizing nozzle. If you are using GS-10 mix tips, they are 8 inches long with a black atomizing nozzle.)

1. Remove the cartridge from the box and individual sealed plastic bag. If material separation occurs, shake the cartridge until uniform. Heat material to at least 75°F for optimal spraying. It should be elevated slowly to operating temperatures. Do not microwave.

Note: Do not store the cartridge nose up for long periods to prevent leaking from the plunger seals.

2. When getting ready to load a cartridge into the gun, keep the cartridge nose up to prevent the components from mixing.

3. Remove the red safety cap from the threading.

4. Slowly remove the white anti-separation cap. (The material may come out if the product is too warm or heated unevenly.)

5. Take one of the provided static mix tips and place it on the plastic threading. Ensure the top of the static mix tip is flush with the atomizing nozzle. Hand-tighten the attached nut to the base.

6. The static mix tip should sit snug on the threading with no gaps and without cross threading.

7. Keep the label face up when loading the cartridge into the gun frame. If you load the cartridge label side down, you’ll have to cut the label, so it sits firmly against the support bar. Place the rear of the cartridges over the stabilizing plates and lower the front of the cartridges into the front plate of the gun.

8. Keep the cartridge and applicator nose up so the static mix tip stays vertical. This will prevent the A and B side material from crossing and flowing in the static mix tip before spraying. (If using joint filler material such as VFI-5011, skip steps 9 & 10.)

9. Connect the elbow push-to-connect fitting on the air supply hose to the atomizing nozzle on the static mix tip.

Note: When disconnecting, press the push-to-connect fitting to release the static mix tip.

10. Turn on the atomizer by opening the ball valve.

11. Twist knob on the regulator to adjust for the desired texture. VFI recommends starting between 60-90 psi, but the psi can be increased based on the texture you desire. You can leave the setting for spraying future tubes.

Now, you can begin spraying by pulling the trigger on the handle.

Tips for Spraying

• Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE). We recommend using a full-face mask/supplied air respirator, coverall suit or equivalent, and chemically resistant gloves.
• The application area must be well-ventilated, like an approved spray booth, as these materials are hazardous to ingest, inhale, or come into physical contact with. Turn on the ventilation fan before spraying, and do not turn it off until you are finished spraying to remove fumes or particles from the air.
• VFI recommends spraying horizontal surfaces, when possible, to minimize potential coating sag, as this may require post-work (sanding) to get a smooth finish.
• Consider your spray pattern before you start spraying. Once you begin, the entire cartridge must be fully discharged to keep the static mix tip from clogging.
• Stand a minimum of 18-24 inches or 2 feet away from the surface you will be spraying.
• Once you know where you want to start spraying, point the gun with the static mix tip facing a disposable surface. Pull the trigger on the gun handle and start spraying onto a disposable area to ensure the material is fully mixed before transferring to the piece you’re coating. Do not let off the trigger unless you are ready to switch cartridges.
• Monitor the level of material in the cartridges as you’re spraying. When the cartridge is nearly empty, spray off the surface to prevent off-ratio material and then let off the trigger.
  • Be aware of the large bubble in each side of the cartridge. If you start spraying with the gun pointed downwards and gradually lift it up, it can cause spitting, which could cause you to have an off-ratio spot on the surface.
  • To avoid this, you either need to start spraying with the gun pointed up at a disposable surface or not spray on the piece when the bubble hits.
• Begin spraying within the recoat window of the product where you previously stopped to maintain uniform coverage across the entire surface.
• You may apply texture by spraying over but not directly onto the surface until a desired finish is achieved.
• Clean the gun of all coating residue after use with MEK or xylene, and do not soak it in solvent.

Note: You will develop your own feel while spraying. You’ll have to play around with the regulators for flow and atomization to see what works best for you.

How to Switch Out Empty Cartridges

• To quickly switch to a new cartridge while spraying, switch off the ball valve to the atomizer and let go of the trigger.
• Disconnect the air supply hose from the static mix tip by pressing the push-to-connect fitting to release it.
• To remove the cartridges from the gun, you’ll need to switch the forward/reverse switch at the back of the gun to reverse so the stabilizing plates return to the starting position.
• You can then easily remove the cartridge from the gun frame and throw it away.
• We recommend having your cartridges open with static mix tips attached before spraying to stay within the recoat window for ensured adhesion.
• Keep the regulator psi consistent when spraying multiple cartridges for a consistent finish.
• Load a new cartridge into the gun like previously described.

How to Switch Out Partially Filled Cartridges

• If you have to stop spraying before the cartridge is empty, you can do so, but it is not recommended.
• Switch off the ball valve to the atomizer and let go of the trigger.
• Point the gun down with the cartridge still in the frame to harden the material in the tip so that when you point the gun up, partially mixed material does not flow down.
• After, lift the gun up and disconnect the air supply hose from the static mix tip.
• Switch the forward/reverse switch to reverse so the stabilizing plates return to their starting position.
• Instead of throwing the cartridge away, you’ll remove the static mix tip and attach a clean one.
  • Make sure there is no debris or cured material in the cartridge opening before putting on a new static mix tip.
  • The cartridge, whether in the gun chamber, in hand, or on a flat surface, must be nose up to prevent the material from mixing in the static mix tip before spraying.
• When you’re ready to spray again, point at a disposable surface and pull the trigger before spraying onto your desired surface again.
  • Note: you will have less time to spray with partially empty cartridges, so monitor the material closely. When it’s almost empty, spray onto the disposable surface once more to prevent off-ratio material on your piece.

Compatible VFI Materials

The VFI-7500 Qwik Spray Gun works incredibly well with the VFI-6171 70 D Qwik Spray Hard Coat and provides the same quality as any low- or high-pressure system. It is also compatible with VFI’s other cartridge-based systems, including VFI-544 Qwik Spray Bedliner, VFI-5011 80 A Expansion Joint Filler, and VFI-2538 QS 70 D EPS Form Hard Coat. Contact VFI today if you are interested in getting started with our portable, easy-to-use spray system. You can also check out our Qwik Spray instructions in video format by clicking here.