When it comes to placing sand, quartz, vinyl chips, or non-skid granules, contractors traditionally relied on hand throwing. It’s simple, requires no equipment, and works for very small areas. But as projects get larger (or when consistency becomes critical) the limitations show up fast.

That’s where aggregate broadcasters and sprayers come in. Purpose-built for high-volume, uniform placement, these machines take the guesswork out of distributing materials across wet epoxy, cement, or polymer base coats.

So which method is right for your project? Here’s a practical breakdown to help you choose—and avoid the most common broadcast issues on job sites.

Hand-Throwing Aggregate: When It Works (and When It Doesn’t)

Hand tossing can still be effective, especially for:

• Small patch areas

• Edge work

• Tight corners

• Touch-ups after initial broadcast

• Low-volume non-critical surfaces

But beyond those situations, the drawbacks are hard to ignore.

1. Inconsistent Coverage

Hand-throwing produces uneven density – heavy areas next to light patches. That leads to:

• Visible blotches

• Uneven texture

• Poor adhesion of top coats

• More sanding and recoating

This isn’t just cosmetic, it affects system performance.

2. Material Waste

Throwing by hand is unpredictable. Contractors often over-apply material to compensate, driving up costs on every project.

3. Slow Production on Large Floors

As square footage increases, efficiency plummets. Crews fatigue quickly, and coverage suffers.

4. Higher Labor Requirements

Hand broadcast requires more people on the floor, more time, and more cleanup.

For modern resinous flooring and industrial systems, the industry has moved toward equipment-based broadcasting—and for good reason.

Why Contractors Use Aggregate Broadcasters & Sprayers

Aggregate broadcasters do what hand application simply can’t: they deliver consistent, controlled, repeatable results.

Quikspray® manufacturers four primary units used worldwide for chip, sand, quartz, and decorative broadcast:

• Stone Blower™

• Commercial Chip Sprayer™

• Handheld Chip Sprayer™

• Industrial AG-Blower™

Here’s how these machines compare to hand-tossing.

1. Even, Uniform Distribution

A proper broadcaster applies aggregate uniformly across the coating—eliminating:

• Light spots

• Heavy piles

• Wasted material

• Inconsistent texture

This is especially important for:

• Quartz broadcast floors

• Vinyl chip systems

• Non-skid industrial coatings

• Decorative stone finishes

• Pool plaster broadcast

Uniformity is the difference between a professional finish and a floor that looks “patched together.”

2. Faster Application With Less Labor

Aggregate broadcasters move far more material with far less effort.

For example:

• The Commercial Chip Sprayer™ uses a high-volume blower and auger feed to distribute chips across large epoxy floors with minimal downtime.

• The Industrial AG-Blower™ can place 30–45 lbs of sand or quartz per minute—output no crew could match consistently by hand.

This reduces labor hours and speeds up production timelines.

3. Less Chip Breakage and Dust

Hand-throwing often fractures vinyl or quartz chips, creating dust that contaminates topcoats.

Quikspray® equipment controls airflow and velocity to keep chips intact and reduce dust—especially in:

• Resinous flooring

• Industrial safety systems

• Decorative broadcast finishes

Better chip integrity means better color consistency and fewer surface defects.

4. Cleaner, Safer Job Sites

Hand-tossing can scatter material unevenly, creating slipping hazards and extra cleanup.

Broadcasting equipment directs material precisely where it needs to go: reducing waste, mess, and clean-up time.

Which Method Should You Use?

Here’s a simple guide:

Use Hand-Throwing For:

• Very small areas

• Tight corners

• Detail work

• Touch-ups after initial broadcast

Use Aggregate Broadcasters For:

• Anything over ~200–300 sq ft

• Quartz broadcast flooring

• Full-chip epoxy systems

• Pool deck coatings

• Industrial non-skid systems

• Decorative stone wall or panel systems

• Jobs requiring consistent texture and density

If uniformity, speed, and professional results matter, equipment is the clear choice.

Choosing the Right Quikspray® Broadcaster

Each Quikspray® unit is designed for a specific material and application.

Stone Blower™

Best for small stones, coquina shells, marble chips, and decorative aggregate placement.

Commercial Chip Sprayer™

High-volume unit for vinyl and quartz chip systems on large epoxy floors.

Handheld Chip Sprayer™

Lightweight option for smaller areas, touch-ups, or controlled distribution.

Industrial AG-Blower™

Built for sand, fillers, quartz, and non-skid granules at 30–45 lbs/min output.

Final Thoughts

Hand-throwing still has its place, but only in small or specialized situations. For commercial floors, industrial coatings, or decorative aggregate systems, aggregate broadcasters and sprayers are the industry standard for speed, consistency, and professional results.

If you want better coverage, less waste, and a finish your clients can trust, the right broadcasting equipment makes all the difference.