Graco Tip Selection Guide For Exterior Painting

Choosing the right Graco tip for your exterior paint project is essential to achieving a professional-quality finish while saving time and money. The key factors to consider are the type of paint and the desired spray fan width. Graco tips are identified by a three-digit code, with the first digit indicating half of the fan width and the last two digits representing the size of the tip opening in thousandths of an inch. For exterior paints, which tend to be thicker, a larger tip size is generally recommended. The Graco TrueCoat Reversible Narrow Spray Tip with a 311 or 315 tip size is a popular choice for small projects and thin coatings, while the Graco RAC-X Fine Finish Low-Pressure Tips offer a wide range of tip sizes for fine finish applications and large surfaces. It's important to consult the paint manufacturer's recommendations and the sprayer manual to ensure compatibility and optimal results.

Spray tip numbers: the first digit is half the fan width, the last two digits are the size of the tip opening

When it comes to spray tip numbers, the first digit is half the fan width, and the last two digits are the size of the tip opening in thousandths of an inch. For example, a spray tip with the number "517" has a fan width of 10 inches (5 x 2 = 10) and a tip opening of .017 inch ("17" as the last two digits).

The width of the spray fan is important for the type of project you're spraying. For instance, a wider fan width is suitable for large surface areas, while a narrower fan width is better for precision work or smaller projects.

The size of the spray tip opening, on the other hand, relates to the thickness of the material you're spraying. A larger tip opening is suitable for thicker materials like exterior paints, latex, and oil-based paints, as it allows for a higher flow rate. Conversely, a smaller tip size is more appropriate for thinner materials such as stains and enamels.

It's worth noting that the spray tip number also affects the speed of your work. A larger tip opening will result in the material leaving the gun faster. For example, a 313 tip sprays faster than a 311 or 411 tip.

Additionally, it's important to consider tip wear. Spray tips will wear out over time due to abrasion from solids in the coatings. This results in an increased orifice size and a decreased fan width, leading to more paint being used and a slower completion rate. Therefore, it's recommended to replace the tip regularly to maintain a precise spray pattern and maximum productivity.

Use a larger tip size for thicker materials like exterior paint

When it comes to painting, choosing the right equipment is essential for achieving a professional-quality finish. This is especially true when it comes to selecting the appropriate spray tip for your Graco paint sprayer. The spray tip plays a crucial role in determining the amount of paint released from the gun and the width of the spray fan.

To ensure a high-quality finish, it is important to use the correct tip size for the material you are spraying. For thicker materials like exterior paint, latex, and oil-based paints, it is recommended to use a larger tip size. This is because the size of the tip opening is directly related to the thickness of the material being sprayed. By using a larger tip, you can achieve the desired spray pattern and flow rate for your project.

The Graco spray tips are designed to make it easy to identify the appropriate tip for your needs. They use a three-digit code system to indicate the fan width and tip opening size. For example, a 517 tip will result in a 10-inch spray fan width (5 x 2 = 10) and a tip opening of 0.017 inches (17 thousandths of an inch). This particular tip is suitable for spraying thicker materials like exterior paint.

It is worth noting that the spray fan width also plays a role in the thickness of the coating. A wider fan width will result in a thinner coating, as the same amount of paint is dispersed over a larger area. Therefore, when selecting a spray tip, it is important to consider both the orifice size and the fan width to achieve the desired coating thickness.

By choosing a larger tip size for thicker materials like exterior paint, you can ensure a smooth and efficient painting process. Graco's spray tips, combined with their high-quality standards and SoftSpray Technology, will help you achieve a professional finish for your project.

Graco tips are easy to identify so you use less material and finish projects faster

Graco tips are easily identifiable, helping you use less material and finish projects faster. The three-digit code on each tip provides key information about the tip's function. The first digit, when multiplied by two, indicates the fan width of the spray in inches when sprayed from a distance of 12 inches. For example, a "5" in "517" equals a 10-inch spray fan width (5 x 2 = 10). This allows you to choose the right tip size for your project, ensuring you don't use more material than necessary.

The last two digits indicate the size of the tip opening, or the orifice size, in thousandths of an inch. In the example of "517", the tip hole size is 0.017 inches. This is important because the size of the tip opening relates to the thickness of the material you're spraying. For instance, thinner materials like stains and enamels require smaller tip sizes, while thicker materials like exterior paints need larger tip openings.

Additionally, Graco's TrueAirless Spray Tip with SoftSpray Technology delivers a softer spray pattern, making it easier to achieve a professional-quality finish. This technology provides greater control and reduces overspray, allowing you to work with a wide range of coatings, from stains to exterior paints.

The NAR311 TrueCoat Reversible Narrow Spray Tip is another example of Graco's innovative design. This tip is optimized for use with ProSpray Technology and features a reversible design that easily clears tip plugs with a simple turn of the handle. It has a narrow fan width ranging from 4 to 6 inches, making it ideal for spraying thin stains, semi-transparent, and clear coats.

By choosing the correct Graco spray tip, you can achieve the desired finish for your project while also optimizing your time and resources.

TrueAirless Spray Tips: deliver a softer spray pattern, greater control and less overspray

Graco's TrueAirless Spray Tips are designed to deliver a softer spray pattern, giving you greater control and less overspray. This makes it easier to achieve a professional-quality finish on different surfaces, from stains to exterior paints. The SoftSpray Technology used in the TrueAirless Spray Tip range ensures a softer spray pattern, resulting in a superior finish.

The TrueAirless Spray Tips are ideal for a range of projects, from small to large. For example, the TrueCoat Narrow 311 6.5-inch Tip is perfect for small projects and thin coatings, while the TrueAirless 519 0.019 Paint Sprayer Tip is designed for larger projects like exterior houses, fences, or decks, and thicker materials like latex paint.

When choosing a spray tip, it's important to consider the width of the spray fan and the size of the spray tip opening. The width of the spray fan is crucial for the type of project you're spraying, and the size of the spray tip opening relates to the thickness of the material you're using. For instance, a smaller tip size is recommended for thinner materials like stains and enamels, while larger tip sizes are suitable for thicker materials like exterior paints, latex, and oil-based paints.

By understanding the numbering system of the spray tips, you can easily select the right one for your project. The first digit of the spray tip number represents half of the fan width. For example, the "5" in "517" indicates a 10-inch spray fan width (5 x 2 = 10). The last two digits represent the size of the tip opening in thousandths of an inch; in the case of "517", the tip hole size is 0.017 inches.

Tip wear: when a tip wears, the orifice size increases and the fan width decreases, causing more paint to hit a smaller area

When it comes to exterior paint jobs, selecting the correct Graco spray tip is crucial to achieving a professional finish. But what happens when a tip wears out?

Tip wear is a common issue with spray tips, and it can negatively impact your painting projects. As a tip wears, the orifice size—which determines the flow rate of the paint—increases. At the same time, the fan width—which controls the spray pattern's width—decreases. This combination results in more paint being concentrated on a smaller area. In other words, instead of a nice even spray pattern, you'll end up with too much paint in certain spots, leading to an uneven finish.

This issue has several consequences. Firstly, it wastes paint, as more paint is used to cover the same area. Secondly, it slows down your work, as you'll need to spend extra time ensuring an even coat and addressing any areas with excessive paint. Finally, the end result may be a poor-quality finish, detracting from the overall appearance of your project.

To avoid these problems, it's essential to replace worn tips promptly. By doing so, you'll maintain a precise spray pattern, maximize your productivity, and ensure a high-quality finish. Remember, taking care of your equipment is just as important as choosing the right tools for the job.

Additionally, you can minimize tip wear by adjusting the spray pressure. Lowering the pressure while maintaining a good spray pattern will not only reduce overspray but also prolong the life of your tips and pump.

Frequently asked questions