Chemical Compatibility Guide
The chemical you spray decides which sprayer and seal you need. Dilute acids and petroleum solvents need VITON (FKM) seals, in two different builds. Alkalis, bleach, glycol brake fluid and methanol need EPDM. The wrong seal perishes, the sprayer leaks, and you have a chemical hazard on your hands. Get it right and the same unit lasts for years.
This guide is the quick way to match your chemical to the right sprayer. Use the tool below or read the table. Every rating comes from a named manufacturer document, and where our sources do not rate a chemical we say ask us. See the full chart of 87 chemicals, dataset v2.0.3, reviewed 19 October 2026. Working out a mix? The Dilution Calculator turns the rate on your label into mL of concentrate and water.
Safety note. Guidance only. Compatibility depends on the exact product, its strength, the temperature and how long it stays in the sprayer. Check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and ask us before you buy.
Free tool
What are you spraying?
Find the right seal and the matching range for your chemical.
General guidance. Compatibility also depends on concentration, temperature and the exact product. Always confirm against the SDS.
Quick compatibility table
| What you spray | Sprayer and seals | Limits | NORA PRO range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dilute acids: descalers, aluminium brightener, brick and concrete acid wash | Acid resistant sprayer, VITON (FKM) seals | Hydrochloric acid up to 10% on every source (25% on some). Sulphuric acid up to 10%. Phosphoric and citric acid up to 30%. Strong acids: ask us. | Acid-resistant |
| Petroleum solvents and fuels: xylene, mineral turps, diesel, kerosene, petrol, brake cleaner, degreasers | Solvent resistant sprayer, VITON (FKM) seals | Toluene up to 40%. Not for acids, alkalis or acetone. | Solvent-resistant |
| Solvent based concrete, tile and stone sealers | Solvent resistant sprayer, VITON (FKM) seals | Not for acid or alkaline products. Water based sealers: ask us. | Sealing |
| Bleach and chlorine | Alkaline resistant sprayer, EPDM seals, or a model rated for bleach | Chlorine up to 12.5%. EPDM is the manufacturer’s rule for bleach, chlorine and caustics. | Bleach-resistant |
| Caustic soda, caustic potash and ammonia | Alkaline resistant sprayer, EPDM seals | Caustic soda up to 50%, caustic potash up to 30%, ammonia up to 10%. | Alkaline-resistant |
| Glycol brake fluid and methanol | Alkaline resistant sprayer, EPDM seals | Glycol type brake fluid only. Not for petroleum solvents. | Alkaline-resistant |
| Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol | Any of the three standard sprayers | Rated for the acid, solvent and alkaline builds. | Chemical-resistant |
| Acetone, MEK, acetates and strong solvent blends | Ask us. Specialist models | Klager Master Clean+ and Master Solve+ are rated for these. Standard sprayers are not. | Ask us |
| Hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, quats and termiticides | Ask us | None of our manufacturer sources rate these, so we do not guess. Send the SDS. | Ask us |
Seal materials explained
VITON (FKM) comes in two builds. The acid resistant build, with a polypropylene pump, suits dilute acids. The solvent resistant build, with a nylon pump, suits petroleum solvents, fuels and many alcohols. Klager's own list rates each build as not recommended for the other's chemicals, so a list of acids and solvents needs two sprayers.
EPDM is the alkali and bleach material. Klager rates its EPDM build for caustic soda, caustic potash, ammonia, methanol and organic acids such as acetic, formic, citric and phosphoric acid. It is not recommended for petroleum solvents, fuels, or sulphuric and nitric acid.
Nitrile (NBR) in Klager's range is the build for water based liquids, such as neutral cleaners and typical plant protection products. It is not rated for hydrocarbons, acids or alkalis.
Specialist models cover what the standard builds do not: Klager Master Acid+ for hydrochloric acid up to 30%, and Master Solve+ and Master Clean+ for pure acetone, MEK, acetates and strong solvent blends. Ask us, or ask about a custom designed applicator.
How to choose, in four steps
- Identify the chemical and its strength. Read the label and the SDS. Strength and temperature change the answer.
- Check the temperature. Klager says do not fill liquids hotter than 30 °C into its sprayers. Ask us about warmer liquids.
- Match the sprayer. Use the tool above or the table. Dilute acid or petroleum solvent, a VITON sprayer (acid build or solvent build). Alkali, bleach, glycol brake fluid or methanol, EPDM. Not on the list, ask us.
- Match the format and capacity. See the Sprayer Selection Guide.
How many sprayers do you need?
One sprayer serves several chemicals only if every chemical is rated for the same build. Hydrochloric acid and xylene need two VITON sprayers. Bleach and hydrochloric acid need an EPDM sprayer and a VITON sprayer. Keep each chemical in its own sprayer, rinse between uses and never mix chemicals in a tank. The tool above works out the number for your list.
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.
Seals swollen, or a sprayer leaking or losing pressure? The Sprayer Troubleshooter finds the likely cause and the fix, and the right seal for your chemical.
Where the ratings come from
The ratings come from Klager's resistance list (February 2026), its pH chart, Masterpiece Line page and operating instructions, the Bravo and Gloria data sheets, and the NORA PRO Klager catalogue (October 2026). Where two sources differ we follow the newer manufacturer document and say so. The strength limits, notes and every source are on the Sprayer Seal and Chemical Compatibility Chart, which you can print or download as a PDF.
Common questions
What makes a sprayer chemical resistant?
The seals, plastics and springs must all resist your chemical, which is why manufacturers sell separate builds for acids, petroleum solvents and alkalis.
VITON or EPDM, which do I need?
VITON for dilute acids and petroleum solvents, in two different builds. EPDM for bleach, chlorine, caustic soda, ammonia, glycol brake fluid and methanol. Acetone and strong solvent blends need a specialist model, so ask us.
Can one sprayer handle multiple chemicals?
Only if every chemical is rated for the same build. An acid sprayer is not rated for petroleum solvents and a solvent sprayer is not rated for acids, even though both use VITON. Alkalis and bleach need an EPDM sprayer. Our list tool shows how many sprayers your chemicals need, and you should always rinse between chemicals.
Is VITON good for bleach?
EPDM is the manufacturer's rule for bleach, chlorine and caustics, so it is the usual starting point. Whatever the seal, choose a sprayer rated for bleach and tell us your concentration, and we will confirm the model.
What seal do I use for hydrochloric or sulphuric acid?
A VITON acid resistant sprayer, within the strength limits: hydrochloric acid up to 10% on every source we hold (25% on some data sheets) and sulphuric acid up to 10%. Stronger acids need a specialist model, so ask us. Confirm against the SDS.
What seal do I use for acetone?
Ask us. Klager's current list does not recommend any standard sprayer for pure acetone. It names its specialist Master Clean+ for pure acetone and MEK, and Master Solve+ for solvent mixtures with 20 to 50% acetone. A VITON solvent sprayer is not for acetone.
Is there a temperature limit?
Klager says do not fill liquids hotter than 30 °C into its sprayers. If your liquid is warmer, ask us before you buy.
What if my chemical is not on the chart?
Send us the Safety Data Sheet or a small sample and we will check it against our database before you order. We do not guess a rating.
Do you supply replacement seal kits?
Yes, genuine VITON and EPDM seal kits for the brands we carry.