How to Choose the Right Airless Spray Tip for the Job – The Complete Guide

Spray tips may seem small, but they play a huge role in the quality of your painting job. Choosing the right airless spray tip is not just a matter of preference — it's about matching the tip to the paint type, surface texture, sprayer specs, and the finish you want to achieve. With so many options available in Australia today, the decision can feel overwhelming.

But don't stress — we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know. This blog explores spray tip selection from every angle: materials, project type, spray pressure, fan width, and brand compatibility. Whether you’re working with a Graco, QTech, Titan, or Wagner sprayer, this guide will give you the confidence to pick the perfect spray tip every time.

Why Choosing the Right Tip Matters

Using the wrong tip can result in overspray, clogging, uneven finishes, and wasted paint. On the flip side, the right tip will:

  • Deliver a smooth, even coat

  • Minimise overspray and mess

  • Save paint and reduce costs

  • Improve job speed and precision

For both professionals and DIYers, selecting the right spray tip is an easy win that pays off big.

1. Understand the Basics of Spray Tip Sizing

Spray tips are labeled with three-digit codes, like 515 or 311. Here’s how to decode them:

  • The first digit x 2 = fan width in inches (e.g. 5 → 10-inch spray fan)

  • The last two digits = orifice size in thousandths of an inch (e.g. 15 → 0.015")

So, a 517 tip sprays a 10-inch fan and has an orifice size suitable for medium-viscosity coatings.

The general rule:

  • Smaller tips (e.g. 211, 311) = thin materials like stains or varnishes

  • Mid-size tips (e.g. 413, 515, 517) = interior/exterior wall paints

  • Larger tips (e.g. 619, 621) = thick coatings like elastomerics or block fillers

2. Match the Tip to Your Coating

Paint thickness (viscosity) is a critical factor when selecting a spray tip. Here's a quick guide:

  • Stains, sealers, varnishes: 209–311

  • Oil-based paints, enamels: 311–413

  • Latex/acrylic paints (walls, ceilings): 415–517

  • Primers, exterior paints: 517–523

  • Elastomerics, fireproofing coatings: 625 and up

Each manufacturer provides a viscosity range on their paint cans. Always refer to that for accurate tip matching.

3. Consider the Surface You’re Spraying

The texture of your surface affects the choice of tip as much as the paint type does.

Surface Type Ideal Tip Range Notes
Cabinets, doors 211–311 Fine detail, minimal overspray
Interior walls 413–515 Smooth coverage, efficient spraying
Exteriors/weatherboards 517–521 Handles larger areas, more texture
Decking/fencing 519–521 Durable coatings, fast application
Concrete/stucco 621+ Heavier coatings, deeper penetration

4. Know Your Equipment’s Limits

Your spray tip must be compatible with your machine’s pressure and flow capacity. Check your sprayer’s specs before choosing a large or small tip.

  • Smaller sprayers (DIY, portable units) may not handle high-flow tips.

  • Commercial-grade sprayers can usually run any tip.

If the orifice is too large for your machine, you’ll experience pressure drops and uneven spray patterns.

5. Pressure Settings and Low-Pressure Tips

Modern sprayers support low-pressure (LP) and fine finish low-pressure (FFLP) tips, which reduce overspray and provide a softer spray pattern — ideal for indoor or precision work.

Top LP/FFLP tip series:

  • Graco RAC X FFLP

  • QTech Fine Finish LP Tips

  • Titan HEA Tips

These are great for:

  • Interior trim

  • Cabinets

  • Doors

  • Tight spaces with limited ventilation

6. Fan Width Considerations

Choosing a fan width affects:

  • Speed: Wider fans = faster coverage.

  • Precision: Narrow fans = better control.

For detailed work like trim or cabinetry, stick to a fan width of 10 cm (approx. 4") or less. For broad walls or fences, use 20–25 cm fans (8"–10") for efficiency.

7. When to Change or Replace a Tip

Even the right tip becomes the wrong one with wear. As the orifice widens, your spray pattern deteriorates and wastes paint.

Signs it's time to replace your spray tip:

  • Fan pattern is no longer even

  • Paint leaks or spits

  • You’re using more paint than normal

  • Finish quality is inconsistent

Pro Tip: Keep track of litres sprayed and inspect tips after each major job.

8. Best Brands and Tips Available in Australia

Graco Tips:

  • Trusted by pros.

  • RAC X FFLP tips are top-tier.

  • Easily reversible for unclogging.

QTech Tips:

  • Compatible with most airless systems.

  • Fantastic for budget-conscious painters.

Titan Tips:

  • Durable and long-lasting.

  • Ideal for high-volume spraying.

Wagner Tips:

  • Great for homeowners and DIY users.

  • Best matched with Wagner Control Pro sprayers.

9. Real Aussie Use-Case: Painting a Rental Unit Interior

Let’s say you’re repainting a 2-bedroom apartment in Brisbane. The previous tenants smoked, so you need primer and two coats of low-sheen wall paint.

  • Use a 517 tip for walls — it’ll give you great coverage with most interior acrylics.

  • Switch to a 311 for doors and trim — clean lines and minimal overspray.

  • Stick with an LP-compatible tip to reduce spray mess indoors.

Result: Efficient coverage, reduced masking time, and a pro finish.

10. Where to Shop for Spray Tips in Australia

You can find high-quality spray tips online or in-store:

  • PaintAccess.com.au – Offers Graco, Titan, and QTech tips with fast shipping.

  • ToolKitDepot – Stocks a wide range of Wagner and contractor tools.

  • Bunnings Warehouse – Good for DIY brands like Wagner.

Check local trade stores if you want hands-on advice or same-day purchases.

Final Thoughts: Get it Right, Every Time

Choosing the right airless spray tip is a small decision with big impact. When matched correctly, the right tip saves time, reduces paint use, and delivers flawless finishes. For painters, decorators, and even serious DIYers, this knowledge is essential to consistent results.

So next time you're lining up your painting gear, don’t overlook the tip. It's the unsung hero of every great paint job.

Need help choosing the perfect spray tip? Our team at PaintAccess is always here to offer tailored advice based on your setup, surface, and goals. Reach out anytime!