Selecting the right spray tip size is crucial for achieving a professional finish on your painting projects. Here’s how to make the right choice:

1. Consider Your Material

The type of coating you're spraying—whether it’s stain, paint, or lacquer—determines the size of the orifice in your spray tip:

• Stains and lacquers require smaller tip sizes (e.g., 0.009–0.013”).
• Standard paints, like latex, work best with medium-sized tips (e.g., 0.015–0.017”).
• Heavy coatings, such as textured paints, need larger tip sizes (e.g., 0.021–0.035”).

2. Match Your Tip to the Project

For smaller, intricate tasks, such as furniture or cabinetry, a smaller fan width (measured in inches) is advisable. Larger fan widths are ideal for covering large, flat surfaces like walls and ceilings efficiently.

3. Manage Overspray and Atomisation

To minimise overspray and ensure proper paint atomisation:

• Always select a tip designed for your sprayer's maximum pressure capacity. Using a mismatched tip can result in poor performance or excessive overspray.
• Invest in high-quality guards to maintain spray tip alignment and safety.

4. Stay Compliant with Quality Standards

Ensure your spray tip complies with the guidelines of your sprayer manufacturer. Proper maintenance, such as cleaning the tip after each use, also extends its life.

Want a more in-depth guide? Check out our blog on the best Graco spray tips for interiors and pro airless spraying setups.

Atomisation is the process of breaking down liquid paint into tiny droplets to create a fine, even spray pattern. This is crucial for achieving a smooth and professional finish on your spray painting projects. Here’s what you need to know:

1. How Atomisation Works

When paint is expelled through a spray tip under high pressure, it collides with air, transforming into a mist of small droplets. The size and consistency of these droplets, combined with the spray pattern, determine the quality of the finish.

2. Why It Matters

Proper atomisation ensures:

• Even Coverage: Finer droplets result in smoother, more consistent coats.
• Reduced Overspray: Good atomisation keeps paint distribution controlled, minimising wasted materials and mess.
• Professional Results: Whether painting furniture, walls, or intricate surfaces, atomisation enhances the final appearance.

Overspray is a common challenge in spray painting, but it can be minimised with the right techniques and tools. Here’s how to keep your projects neat, efficient, and professional:

Choose the Right Spray Tip

The spray tip plays a crucial role in paint dispersion. Use smaller tips for thin materials like stains to reduce overspray. For thicker paints, opt for medium or appropriately sized tips to ensure accurate coverage.

Adjust Your Sprayer Settings

Fine-tune your sprayer by lowering the pressure to the minimum required for effective coverage. High pressure often leads to excessive overspray and wasted paint.

Practice Proper Technique

Maintain a consistent distance—around 30 cm—from the surface and move the sprayer in smooth, controlled motions. Slightly overlap each stroke to avoid excessive layering.

Invest in Quality Accessories

A high-quality sprayer guard, paired with the right spray tip, helps direct the spray accurately and reduces stray droplets. This small investment can greatly improve precision.

A sprayer guard is a must-have for spray painting projects, enhancing precision and safety. It minimises overspray, reduces waste, and ensures clean edges, making it ideal for detailed work. Acting as a protective barrier, it keeps fingers away from high-pressure spray tips, improving safety. It also ensures proper spray tip alignment for a smooth, professional finish and simplifies maintenance with quick-release designs for easy tip changes