outside
the box DESIGN/ TECH SOLUTIONS
PUMP UP YOUR SPATTER TECHNIQUE The Garden Sprayer 2.0
by Matthew Stratton
A
s a theatre artisan, I have found that spattering adds depth, texture and
color-changing opportunities to scenic elements. When I need to lay down paint droplets on larger surfaces, I often use a garden sprayer to add quick texture, soften scenic edges or add depth over large areas. However, this tried-and-true method – which involves pressurizing the tank, depressing a lever and adjusting the spray Matthew Stratton
nozzle to the desired droplet size – has its challenges. Chief among them is the need to stop often to pressurize the tank. The tank’s pressure is a factor in determining the droplet size. To avoid getting paint on the work surface or accidentally spraying the set, the equipment must be moved off
A bike pump-powered garden sprayer was used to create the spattering effect in this April 2022 production of Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery at the University of Alabama.
the work surface to pressurize the tank, which must be done repeatedly, utilizing
for the garden sprayer. To use this method,
the built-in pump system. The frequent
you will need to purchase any items in the
bending down to pressurize the tank can
“Materials” box that you don’t have in stock
also be exhausting for your back.
and follow the step-by-step instructions.
I often pondered how to improve the
Step 1: Remove the pump handle,
use of the garden sprayer, particularly
determine the best location for the valve
ways to minimize stopping to add pres-
stem, and mark it. This mark needs to be
sure to the tank. However, each potential
above the max fill line on the sprayer. Be
solution required specialized parts, such
sure to avoid the extreme curve, the seam
as CO 2 tank adaptors, regulators and high-
of the molded tank and the pressure relief
pressure tanks or cartridges, and the cost
valve areas of the tank.
The pump sprayer in action.
Step 2: Use the drill bit gauge to find
Step 4: Moving forward, be sure to
Finally, I used my guilty pleasure of
the needed hole size for the valve stem.
follow the safety guidelines outlined in the
Amazon searching, combined with my
Select roughly four bits to step up the hole
garden sprayer manual and use the proper
need to tinker, and came up with a solu-
size or mark the final width on the step bit.
personal protective equipment. Determine
tion that costs less than $60 for most shops
Carefully drill the hole.
the maximum pressure of the tank by
quickly added up.
(assuming you already have the sprayer
Step 3: Fish a wire through the hole
pumping the handle. After reaching max
and the proper drill bits). This solution
and feed it out of the pump handle hole.
pressure, check for leaks and use the tire
reduces the potential for accidental spray-
Next, tightly wrap the wire around the
pressure gauge to measure the tank’s
ing while pressurizing the tank and is easy
valve stem and pull the valve back through
pressure. Write the max pressure on the
enough to manufacture that you can have
the tank and into the drilled hole. Support
tank and make sure never to exceed that
multiple sprayers ready for quick use.
the valve from inside the tank, remove the
pressure.
Powering paint instead of a bicycle
wire, add the washer and nut, and snug
Step 5: Review the directions for the
the valve to the tank using the adjustable
rechargeable pump, and be sure to charge it
wrench.
fully. After adding water to the tank, adjust
My solution? Using a rechargeable bicycle tire pump to pressurize the tank 6 x Southern Theatre x Spring-Summer 2022
