If you’re working on a home renovation, or professional painting, you know the value of a good paint sprayer. While a critical aspect of achieving optimal results with a paint sprayer lies in choosing the right spray tip. In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know about spray tips for paint sprayers – from their types to their impact on the final outcome.
Basics of Spray Tips
Spray tips hold immense importance within a paint sprayer setup. They are pivotal in dictating the paint spray’s pattern, angle, and volume. The tip itself is composed of multiple elements, including the orifice (the exit point of the paint), the adjustment for the fan pattern, and the filter. The orifice’s dimensions significantly influence the regulation of paint quantity.
Airless Spray Tip Selection
The choice of your spray tip can significantly alter the ultimate result of your project. Opting for a narrower tip yields a more refined and controlled spray pattern, which proves optimal for intricate tasks. Conversely, broader tips facilitate quicker coverage of larger areas. The fan pattern adjustment empowers you to direct the spray’s configuration – be it horizontal, vertical, or circular. The table below demonstrates the differences in how spray tip effects paint application.
Size of Spray Tip
The size of the spray tip is indicated by a set of three numbers. Take the initial digit, multiply it by two, and this calculation will provide you with the width of the spray fan in inches. Taking 515, which is a common tip type, as an example, the table below explains the meanings behind the numbers.
| The first 5 | It indicates the width of the fan pattern that the airless tip can create when positioned approximately 12 inches away from your selected surface. However, you need to double this initial digit to obtain the actual fan width of the tip. Thus,5x 2= 10 inch fan width= 25 centimeters | ||
| The last two digits （15） | The last two digits indicate the fluid flow rate within the tip, known as the orifice. This aperture regulates the volume of fluid passing through the tip. Additionally, the pressure at which you are spraying also impacts the flow rate – The higher pressure results in increased fluid flow. Thus, a 515 tip signifies an orifice with a diameter of 15 thousandths of an inch. | ||
The first digit also indicates the angle of the spray fan when you hold the gun perpendicular. Simply add a zero to the digit. For example, if the digit is 1, the angle becomes 10 degrees; if it’s 2, the angle is 20 degrees; for 5, it corresponds to 50 degrees, and so forth.
Commonly Used Spray Tips
The corresponding information for commonly used spray tips on the market can all be deduced.
| Tip Size List | Fan Pattern Width (inches) | Orifice Size | Spray Angle (degrees) | Corresponding Prject Type |
| 111 | 2 | 0.011 | 10 | Narrow surfaces like cabinets, trims and doors |
| 211 | 4 | 0.011 | 20 | |
| 213 | 4 | 0.013 | 20 | |
| 215 | 4 | 0.015 | 20 | |
| 217 | 4 | 0.017 | 20 | |
| 311 | 6 | 0.011 | 30 | |
| 313 | 6 | 0.013 | 30 | |
| 315 | 6 | 0.015 | 30 | |
| 411 | 8 | 0.011 | 40 | Interior Paint |
| 413 | 8 | 0.013 | 40 | |
| 415 | 8 | 0.015 | 40 | |
| 515 | 10 | 0.015 | 50 | Exterior Paint |
| 517 | 10 | 0.017 | 50 | |
| 519 | 10 | 0.019 | 50 | |
| 521 | 10 | 0.021 | 50 | |
| 535 | 10 | 0.035 | 50 | |
| 619 | 12 | 0.019 | 60 | Industrial Projects |
| 623 | 12 | 0.023 | 60 |
In summary, opt for sprayer tips featuring slender fan widths (like 3xx, 2xx, and 1xx) when aiming to coat narrow surfaces such as fences, cabinets, trims, doors, and staircase railings.
Select sprayer tips labeled with numbers such as 6xx and 5xx when dealing with more extensive surfaces like exterior and interior walls and lager industrail projects.
Material you’re applying via spray
Besides, the appeal of airless sprayers lies in their versatility, complemented by the extensive array of available spray tips. This combination enables you to effectively apply a wide spectrum of coatings, ranging from extremely thin to the most densely viscous.
| Orifice Size Range | Suitable Materials |
| .009 – .011 | Thin materials: clear coat lacquer, varnish |
| .009 – .013 | Thin materials: shellac, water sealers, transparent stains |
| .012 – .014 | Medium thickness materials: clear acrylics, water-borne lacquers |
| .013 – .015 | Medium thickness materials: solid stain, polyurethane, low-VOC varnish, oil-based enamels |
| .015 – .017 | Medium thickness materials: interior latex, primer latex |
| .017 – .019 | Primer oils, exterior latex |
| .021 – .025 | Heavy materials: smooth elastomeric, heavy latex |
| .025 – .039 | Heavy materials: block fillers, rough elastomeric |
| .017 – .039 | Heavy to extremely heavy materials: intumescents |
Introducing Inokraft Spray Tip
After thousands of productand and user researches, a generally accepted evaluation of a good spray tip includes the following dimensions:
- Spray Pattern and Orifice Size as above shown
- Proper Material Atomization
The spray tip should atomize the coating material into fine droplets, facilitating smooth application and minimizing overspray. - Minimal Drips and Runs
A well-designed tip helps minimize drips, runs, and uneven application, leading to a professional finish. - Compatibility
The spray tip should be compatible with the specific coating or material you intend to use, taking into account its chemical composition and properties. - Easy Maintenance and Use
A good spray tip is user-friendly, making it easier for both beginners and experienced painters to achieve desired results. Additionally, it should be easy to clean and unclog, which helps maintain its performance and extends its lifespan. - Durability
High-quality tips are made from durable materials that resist wear and corrosion, ensuring consistent performance over time.
To achieve and meet these requirements, Inokraft was created. It offers a comprehensive range of Spray Pattern and Orifice Size options, allowing it to complete the majority of interior and exterior paint projects.
Moreover, it incorporates revolutionary technology that enables users to resolve clogging issues within a few simple steps, while also simplifying the installation and removal processes to the fullest extent. Of course, when paired with Inokraft paint sprayers, an optimal result is ensured, providing everyone with spray-related needs a perfect experience.
