The correct airless tip ensures better control and finish and there will be less overspray. Not only will this mean you use less paint which saves on material costs, but you will spend less time doing the job and clearing up afterwards.
The tip size is written on the side of every tip. The first number gives the width of the spray. It matches the angle you are spraying at. If the number is 5, then you are spraying at an angle of 50°. If you multiply this number by 5 this would give you a fan width of approximately 250 mm or 25 cm, if you are holding the gun approximately 30 cm from the surface. With a smaller fan width you work more slowly, but you use less paint and you have more control. With a wider fan width you cover the surface quicker.
The last two numbers show the size of the spray orifice, indicated in thousandths of an inch. The higher the number, the greater the flow of material you are spraying. The greater the flow, the faster you paint larger surfaces, but you will use more paint. For example, a ‘517’ tip enables a greater flow than a ‘311’ tip. Also, higher numbers are better for thicker materials for example a ‘517’ is ideal for emulsion paint whereas a ‘311’ tip is more suited to thinner materials like primers or wood and metal paints.
Once you have practiced spraying with different materials and tip sizes you will have your go-to tip for every type of job, to achieve the perfect finish.
