Spray Like a Pro: Insider Tips for Selecting the Ideal Airless Paint Sprayer Tip

Selecting the right airless paint sprayer tip is like having the ultimate control over your painting masterpiece. It determines the width of your paint fan and the depth of each coat, whether you're aiming for precision or covering vast areas quickly.

But that's not all. Your tip choice also affects paint flow and wastage, impacting the overall cost-effectiveness of your project. Understanding how your tip works can simplify your process and improve your final result.

And here's a fun fact: Did you know that using a worn-out airless spray tip could be costing you up to $100 per hour? Let's discover the art of selecting the perfect tip to boost your efficiency and save big!

Understanding Spray Tip Sizes for Optimal Performance

Understanding spray tip sizes is essential for achieving optimal coating thickness and spray pattern consistency. Spray tips are typically labeled with a three-digit code, each part of which plays a crucial role in determining the performance of your sprayer.

1. Fan Width: The first digit, multiplied by 2, indicates the approximate fan width when sprayed from a distance of 12 inches. This determines the coverage area of your spray pattern.
2. Orifice Size: The last two digits represent the orifice size in thousandths of an inch. This dictates the fluid flow rate and ultimately controls how much material is applied to the surface.

Let’s take a 517 tip as an example:

The first number (5) multiplied by two gives us the fan width (around 10 inches). Then, the second and third numbers (17) represent the orifice size in thousandths of an inch (.017), showing the flow rate (i.e., how many gallons per minute pass through).

And a 317 tip and a 517 tip both have the same orifice size – 17-thousandths of an inch. However, the 517 tip sprays a 10-inch-wide fan, while the 317 sprays a 6-inch-wide fan. Because the same amount of paint leaves the orifice of the spray tip, but is dispersed across a wider fan, the 517 tip delivers a thinner coating with less buildup. This is especially useful for applications where a lighter coat is desired or when covering a larger surface area efficiently.

Choosing the Right Tip Size for Your Project

When choosing the right tip size, it's crucial to consider both the surface type and the coating being applied. Here's a breakdown of how to make the best choice:

Surface Type:

· For expansive areas like walls and ceilings, opt for a broader fan width (8 to 12 inches) to cover more ground efficiently.

· When tackling smaller, intricate surfaces such as deck boards and cabinets, a narrower fan width (4 to 6 inches) offers greater precision.

Coating Type:

· Thinner coatings like clear coat lacquer and water sealers require a smaller orifice for optimal application.

· Medium coatings such as clear acrylics and oil-based enamel perform best with a medium-sized orifice.

· Heavy coatings like smooth elastomerics and heavy latex benefit from a larger orifice size.

· Very heavy coatings like block fillers and two-packs demand the largest orifice size for effective spraying.

Always consult the coating manufacturer's guidelines for tailored tip recommendations. Below is a general guide/chart for spray gun tip sizes suitable for various materials.

The Impact of Worn Spray Tips on Your Budget and Efficiency

Did you know that using worn-out spray tips could be costing you both time and money? Let's break it down:

Spray tips, like those from HVBAN , are built tough with super hard tungsten carbide. They can withstand the pressure of painting projects much longer than standard tips.

But even the toughest tips wear out eventually. On average, a spray tip will last for about 300-600 liters of paint before needing replacement. When a tip wears out, it can lead to wasted paint, increased labor, and a lower-quality finish.

That's where HVBAN's durable tips come in. With a hardness level of 93 on the Rockwell scale, they outlast other brands and ensure consistent performance over time.

To make the most of your investment, always adjust the pressure to the lowest level while still maintaining a good spray pattern. This saves paint, reduces wear on the tip, and extends the life of your equipment, saving you money in the long run.

Your Comprehensive Guide of Choosing the Right Spray Tip

Looking for high-quality spray tips? Look no further than HVBAN spray tips. Crafted from durable stainless steel, our tips are compatible with most major brands and models of spray guns, including Graco, Titan, Wagner, HVBAN, and HiSprayer sprayers.

With HVBAN tips, you can enjoy seamless compatibility with Wagner, Titan, Atomex, Spray Chief, and Graco RAC V guns. Check out our guide below for further details.

Name：RAC 5 Tip
Model Number：HB-151
Material：Stainless steel, carbide, poly A Tsuen
Dimension：All sizes
Scope：for all brand
Package：blister packaging
N.W(G)：22
G.W(G)：32.1

Name：tip for Wagner
Model Number：HB-152
Material：Stainless steel, carbide, poly A Tsuen
Dimension：All sizes
Scope：for all brand
Package：blister packaging
N.W(G)：22
G.W(G)：32.1

Name：tip for Titan
Model Number：HB-153
Material：Stainless steel, carbide, poly A Tsuen
Dimension：All sizes
Scope：for all brand
Package：blister packaging
N.W(G)：22
G.W(G)：32.1

Name：XHD RAC tip 
Model Number：HB-154
Material：Stainless steel, carbide, poly A Tsuen
Dimension：All sizes
Scope：for all brand
Package：blister packaging
N.W(G)：16
G.W(G)：30