Choosing the Right Spray Tip for the Job: A Beginner’s Guide
When it comes to achieving a clean, even finish with your airless sprayer, one of the most important factors is choosing the right spray tip. Whether you’re spraying a thin coating, a heavy material, or something in between, the spray tip determines how much material comes out and how wide the spray fan will be. Using the wrong tip can lead to uneven coverage, wasted product, and unnecessary wear on your equipment. So how do you choose the right one?
Start by identifying the type of coating you’re using. Thinner materials like stains and lacquers require a smaller orifice, which limits flow and helps control overspray. Heavier coatings like fireproofing or epoxy need larger orifices to allow for proper material flow without clogging or straining the pump. The size of the orifice is measured in thousandths of an inch and usually appears as the second and third digits of the spray tip number. For example, in a tip labeled 517, the “17” means the orifice is 0.017 inches. Most products come with an application guide that recommends a range of suitable tip sizes based on viscosity and intended use. For instance, a fireproofing material might suggest using a tip between 0.035 and 0.041 inches to ensure optimal coverage and performance. The first digit of the tip number refers to the spray fan width. You simply double that number to estimate the width in inches when holding the tip 12 inches from the surface. So that same 517 tip would produce a 10-inch spray pattern. A narrow fan is useful for detail work, while a wider fan helps cover larger areas more quickly.
If you’re new to spraying, you may also want to start with a reversible tip. These tips can be quickly flipped around 180 degrees to clear a clog without removing the guard. It’s a small convenience that can save you a lot of time and frustration on the job. It’s also worth noting that tips wear out over time. As the orifice erodes, the fan pattern starts to distort and the sprayer uses more material to achieve the same coverage. Keep an eye on your pattern and replace the tip as needed to maintain consistency and efficiency.
Finally, make sure your sprayer is rated to handle the pressure and flow required for the tip you select. Using too large a tip on a small sprayer can cause pressure drops, inconsistent spray patterns, or even equipment failure. Always refer to the product data sheet or application guide to confirm the correct application parameters, and know the PSI you’re operating at before you begin. If you’re unsure whether your setup is dialed in properly, talk to the team at Spray Pump Services. We’ll make sure you’re spraying safe and spraying smart.