Power sprayers for insecticides

[Uechi]

Several members of my orchid club use and recommend paint power sprayers like the Wagner line for dispensing insecticides, fungacides etcetera for orchids. Any forum members tried this? What makes or models would you recommend? How effective are they?

[Tindomul]

Interested to know why you gave it a thumbs down? I have never heard of this, but it sounds convenient.

[camille1585]

Just out of curiousity, why would you use paint power sprayers when there are sprayers meant for fongicides/insecticides? I have a small 3.5 Liter one that I use to treat my plants and garden. All I have to do is pump the handle to build up pressure and then spray.
Here is the one I have:
Pulvérisateur Casto

[Uechi]

No thumbs down, just wondering how well it works. The hand pump sprayers and water sprayers do not give even and intense coverage. Supposedly motor drive pressure sprayers provide better more thorough coverage and because you can generate a high pressure mist you can get total coverage on the plant including the underside of the leaves. There are commercial pressure pump sprayers, but they are expensive. It appears you can get the same effect with a power paint sprayer. How important its' use is on a small collection I don't know. I would assume if you have a larger collection and or a greenhouse it might be a help. I was looking for someone with actual hands on experience.

[Mark321]

What novel idea. That goes to show you that there isn't an angel of growing, breeding, porpagating... orchids that someone isn't thinking about.
When these paint sprayers first came out (about 20 years ago) I used one to paint a house inside and out plus stain a privacy fence. I mean I UL tested it, wore it out. Worked pretty good, not an airless, but home owner good.
Since we don't use pump up sprayers to paint a house, (at least I don't) I think the coverage would be much better. I will look into these to see if I really need one. For my small collection a cordless would be kinda cool.
Also with this method I think you would have to be more carefull/observant of what you are breathing when spraying.

[Uechi]

None of the insecticides are good for you, most are organophosphates. This is same types of materials as nerve gases, but very diluted. I don't care what kind of sprayer you use get a painter's mask ( cartridge respirator ) available at Lowes, Home Depot etc and use it when you spray. Wear some sort of rubber gloves and eye protection. All these nasties can be absorbed thru the skin. I would also wear a long sleeve shirt and paints. When done wash them in hot water with some bleach. Sounds like a lot,but you don't spray every day and your health is certainly more important than a plant.

[Grandma M]

I use a 4 gallon battery operated sprayer. It came with a charger but a charge lasts a long time. I never need to recharge it while I am working with it although I have never used it completely full. Mine is on wheels, is not too heavy to carry, if nessary, and I paid 135.00 for it a couple of years ago.

Marilyn

[Dollgoldii]

I like the idea of a power sprayer. I need to drench my plants with Physan 20 for fungus control (thanks to Ross's advise). I did a little research on power sprayers and I found the 4 Gallon Neverpump by Hudson quite amazing. Compare prices first before you buy.