Understanding Spray Tip Sizes
Here are some things to consider when selecting a paint sprayer tip for your project.
Spray Tip Sizes
Figuring out the spray tip or nozzle size is easy. Typically, there’s a number on the tip that indicates its size. For example, in the image shown, the sprayer tip size is 517. What exactly does that mean? The number can be broken out into two parts. The first digit, 5, is half of the fan width; in this case the fan width is 10 — just multiply 5 x 2. The last two digits represent the size of the tip opening, or orifice, in thousandths of an inch. Here, the tip opening size is 0.017 inches. Once you know what size you need, check to make sure your spray gun is compatible with that tip. Remember, you’ll also need to choose a tip with an opening large enough to handle the thickness of the coating you’re working with. In our spray tip example, the 0.017-inch orifice size would be a good option for spraying thicker materials, like interior paint. Thinner materials, such as stain, would need a spray tip with a smaller opening.
You can find compatibility information in your sprayer’s user manual. Make sure you only use the recommended tip sizes the sprayer can support for the best results and follow all other guidelines to ensure proper use and care of your paint sprayer.
Fan Width
We know that to find out the spray fan width, you multiply the first digit of the tip’s number code by two. In our example, 5 is the first number, so the spray width would be 10 (5 x 2 = 10). The fan width can be as narrow or as wide as you need, depending on the surface you’re spraying. A 10-inch fan width is a great option for spray painting larger surfaces, like walls. For cabinets and other smaller surfaces, a narrower fan width is usually best.
Fan width is sometimes referred to as spray width.
Paint Application: Thickness
The thickness of the paint or stain application is determined by both the orifice size and the fan width. For example, if you have multiple spray tips with the same fan width but different tip opening sizes, the larger opening will spray the material thicker because more paint is leaving the orifice. On the other hand, if spray tips have the same orifice size but different fan width sizes, the smaller fan width will spray a thicker coat because more paint is being concentrated in a smaller area.
Paint Flow Rate
The pressure at which paint flows from the tip is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). Thicker material, like oil-based paint, needs to be sprayed at a higher pressure. For thinner material, a lower pressure works best. PSI can be adjusted on your paint sprayer. Be sure to check the manufacturer instructions for your tip’s maximum PSI rating, and your paint sprayer’s manufacturer instructions for recommended PSI settings to make sure they’re compatible.
Choosing Your Spray Material
The spray tip you’ll use depends on the type of material you’ll be spraying. If you’re using a stain to refresh your deck, you’ll need a tip different from the one you’d use for primer to prep an interior wall for a new color. Stains are thin so they require a small tip size. Thicker materials, such as oil-based paint, require larger tip sizes.
Paint Sprayer Accessories
- Paint sprayer extensions attach to the spray gun and lengthen your reach, making it easier to paint ceilings, high walls and other areas that are hard to get to or may require a ladder.
- Tip guards reduce paint build up, drips and overspray. They also increase safety when spraying at higher pressures.
- Additional hoses can also extend the reach of your sprayer, allowing you to paint longer without moving your sprayer.
- Strainers help remove dirt and debris from paint to prevent potential damage to your sprayer and provide a neater finish.