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There is a wide range of paint spray technology to choose from. Depending on the desired finish quality, transfer efficiency, speed, type of paint being used, type of surface and coating technology that is chosen, it helps to understand the advantages/disadvantages and differences between each technology.

AIR SPRAY

Combining the correct spray tip with your spray gun plays a big role in helping you create the professional finish your spray job requires. Not only does the tip determine how much fluid will leave the gun when you pull the trigger, the spray tip also determines how wide a spray fan the gun will create.

Choose a paint spray tip with an orifice size rated for the paint or coating you’ll be spraying. Light coatings such as lacquers, stains, and enamels require a small tip, while heavier coatings such as texture require larger spray tips. Many paint manufacturers will specify recommended spray tip sizes on the container or product specification sheet so it is always good to confirm with the manufacturer of the coatings.

Recommended Tip Sizes For Common Coating Materials

Although paint spray tips are made out of the highest grade of tungsten carbide inserts – the most abrasive-resistant material available – all spray tips will wear with normal use and should be replaced promptly. All coatings contain solids that are abrasive -- some more than others. Using a worn tip can cost you hundreds of dollars in wasted paint and labor; because when a tip wears the size of the tip orifice increases and the fan width decreases. This forces more passes to cover the surface, more labor, increased overspray, and a substantial waste of paint.