SELECTING THE CORRECT PUMP
Airless spray pumps were designed as the ever-growing need for transfer efficiency increased. Airless pumps have proven to be extremely
How to Choose the Right Airless Spray Tip Size
Selecting the correct spray tip is one of the simplest things you can do to guarantee a good result – but it trips up a lot of operators. Once you understand three things – orifice, angle, and how they match your sprayer – the guesswork disappears. We stock two tip ranges to suit different budgets and jobs: TriTech, our premium imported American tips, and RAC5, our economical house-brand range. The sizing principles below apply to both.
1. Orifice size - how much paint comes out
Start with the data sheet for the product you’re spraying. It will specify the recommended orifice size, measured in thousandths of an inch.
Both our TriTech and RAC5 tips use the same industry-standard three-digit numbering system – 0XX – where the last two digits tell you the orifice size:
- 017 = 0.017″
- 023 = 0.023″
- 029 = 0.029″
The bigger the orifice, the more paint sprays out, and the thicker your coat will be.
As a General Guide
| Coating Type | Typical Orifice Size |
|---|---|
| Thin coatings — lacquers, stains | 0.009" – 0.013" |
| Standard enamels & oil-based paints | 0.013" – 0.017" |
| Latex & general-purpose paints | 0.015" – 0.021" |
| Heavy coatings, elastomerics, texture | 0.023" – 0.035"+ |
Always confirm the exact orifice size against your product's data sheet — this table is a starting point.
2. Spray angle - how wide the fan is
The angle (or “fan width”) depends on your surface. As a rule of thumb:
- 10° – 30° for structural steel and narrow or detailed work
- 40° – 80° for flat, open surfaces
Wider angle = thinner coat, spread over a bigger area. Narrower angle = thicker coat, more concentrated.
On both tip ranges, the first digit sets the angle – multiply it by 10 to get degrees:
- 117 = 10°
- 217 = 20°
- 517 = 50°
3. TriTech or RAC5 - which should you choose?
Both ranges cover the same size and angle system, so the decision usually comes down to job type and budget, not compatibility.
- RAC5 – our house-brand reversible tip. Tungsten carbide nozzle with a stainless steel body, large raised size markings that stay legible even under paint build-up. A solid, dependable choice for general residential, commercial, and maintenance work where value matters.
- TriTech – imported from the USA, machined from tungsten carbide, and built for extended fan-pattern life – up to 75% longer than standard tips. Worth the upgrade on high-volume commercial jobs, where tip wear-related touch-ups and paint overspend add up fast, or where a consistent finish is critical.
If you’re not sure which suits your job, give us a call — we’ll help you weigh it up against your paint volume and finish requirements.
4. Match the tip to your sprayer
It’s not just about the product – your sprayer has to be able to drive the tip you choose. Every airless pump has a maximum tip size it’s rated for, based on its motor and pressure output. Fit a tip that’s too large for your machine and you’ll struggle to atomise the paint properly, giving a patchy, “tailed” spray pattern instead of a clean fan. If you’re running more than one gun off the same pump, this matters even more, since the combined tip size across all guns needs to stay within your sprayer’s rating. Check your pump’s spec sheet, or give us a call – we’re happy to match a tip to your specific machine.
5. Watch for wear
As a tip wears, its orifice widens and its angle narrows – which quietly thickens your spread rate and increases how much paint you use for the same job. If your fan pattern starts to look uneven, or your coverage rate creeps up without anything else changing, it’s a sign the tip needs replacing – whichever range you’re running.
The bottom line: the spray tip is the smallest part of your airless setup – and one of the parts with the biggest impact on your result and your budget. Get the orifice and angle right, choose the range that suits your job, and keep an eye on wear, and you’ll get consistent, cost-effective coverage every time.
Not sure which tip suits your job or your sprayer? Contact our team and we’ll help you get it right the first time.
FAQS
What's the difference between TriTech and RAC5 spray tips?
Both use the same sizing system and are made from tungsten carbide, but TriTech is our imported premium range built for extended fan-pattern life, while RAC5 is our house-brand economical option – a dependable choice for everyday jobs where budget is the priority.
Can I use a RAC5 tip on any airless sprayer?
RAC5 tips use the industry-standard reversible-tip fitting found on most airless guns, but always check your gun’s compatibility and your sprayer’s maximum tip rating before buying.
How do I know what size tip I need?
Check the data sheet for the paint or coating you’re using – it will specify a recommended orifice size. Match that to the surface you’re covering using the angle guide above.
How often should I replace a spray tip?
There’s no fixed timeline – it depends on how abrasive the coating is and how many litres you’re pushing through it. Watch your fan pattern: if it starts to look uneven or your coverage rate creeps up without you changing anything, it’s time for a new tip.
Can I switch between TriTech and RAC5 tips on the same gun?
In most cases yes, provided both use the same reversible-tip fitting as your gun. If you’re unsure, send us your gun model and we’ll confirm.
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