Chemical Compatibility Guide
The chemical you spray decides the seal material your sprayer needs, and two materials cover most trade work: VITON (FKM) for acids and solvents, and EPDM for bleach, chlorine, caustics and ketones. They are almost opposites, so the wrong seal perishes fast, the sprayer leaks, and you have a chemical hazard on your hands. Get the seal right and the same unit lasts for years.
This guide is the quick way to match your chemical to the right seal. When in doubt, tell NORA PRO the chemical and we will confirm the seal and spec the unit.
Safety note. This is general guidance. Compatibility also depends on concentration and temperature. Always confirm against the chemical's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and the sprayer manufacturer's chemical resistance chart before use.
Free tool
What are you spraying?
Find the right seal and the matching range for your chemical.
General guidance. Compatibility also depends on concentration and temperature. Always confirm against the SDS.
Quick compatibility table
| Chemical type (examples) | Recommended seal | Avoid | NORA PRO range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral acids (hydrochloric, sulphuric, phosphoric, nitric) | VITON (FKM) | EPDM, nitrile | Acid-resistant |
| Descalers, rust removers, acid cleaners | VITON (FKM) | nitrile | Acid-resistant |
| Solvents and hydrocarbons (turps, xylene, toluene) | VITON (FKM) | EPDM, nitrile | Solvent-resistant |
| Solvent-based concrete and stone sealers | VITON (FKM) | EPDM | Sealing |
| Bleach, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine | EPDM | VITON, nitrile | Bleach-resistant |
| Caustic and alkaline cleaners (sodium hydroxide, degreasers) | EPDM | VITON | Alkaline-resistant |
| Ketones (acetone, MEK) | EPDM | VITON | Solvent-resistant |
| Oils, fuels, diesel | Nitrile or VITON | EPDM | Chemical-resistant |
| Very aggressive or mixed chemicals | PVDF / PTFE wetted parts | standard rubber seals | Talk to us |
Seal materials explained
VITON (FKM) is the acid and solvent specialist. Excellent with mineral acids, aromatic and chlorinated solvents, fuels and oils, and it tolerates higher temperatures. Its weak points are ketones (acetone, MEK), strong caustics, and hot water or steam.
EPDM is the alkali, bleach and ketone specialist. Excellent with caustics, sodium hypochlorite, chlorinated water, acetone and hot water. Its weak point is petroleum oils, fuels and hydrocarbon solvents, where it swells and fails.
Nitrile (NBR) is good for oils, fuels and hydrocarbons. Not for strong oxidising acids, ketones or ozone.
PVDF / PTFE gives near-universal chemical resistance for the most aggressive chemicals, used for wetted parts and custom builds.
How to choose, in three steps
- Identify the chemical and its concentration. Read the label and the SDS.
- Match the seal. Acid or solvent, VITON. Bleach, caustic or acetone, EPDM. Mixed or aggressive, ask us about PVDF or PTFE.
- Match the format and capacity. See the Sprayer Selection Guide.
When the seal eventually goes
A perished seal is not a dead sprayer. NORA PRO holds genuine VITON and EPDM seal kits for the brands we carry, so you re-seal rather than replace.
Common questions
What makes a sprayer chemical resistant?
The seals, gaskets, pump and wetted parts must resist your chemical. The tank matters too, but the seal usually fails first. VITON and EPDM cover most trade chemicals between them.
VITON or EPDM, which do I need?
VITON for acids and solvents. EPDM for bleach, chlorine, caustics and ketones like acetone.
Can one sprayer handle multiple chemicals?
Sometimes. A VITON sprayer handles many acids and solvents, but not bleach or acetone. Where chemicals span both groups you may need two sprayers. Always rinse between chemicals.
Is VITON good for bleach?
No. Bleach and sodium hypochlorite need EPDM. VITON degrades with bleach over time.
What seal do I use for hydrochloric or sulphuric acid?
VITON (FKM), within the concentration and temperature limits on the manufacturer chart. Confirm against the SDS for strong or hot acids.
Do you supply replacement seal kits?
Yes, genuine VITON and EPDM seal kits for the brands we carry.