How to Choose the Right Nozzle for Your Paint Sprayer: A Beginner’s Guide

Choosing the right nozzle—also called a spray tip or aircap—is crucial to achieving professional-quality results with your paint sprayer. The nozzle controls:

1.Fan width – How wide the spray pattern is

2.Orifice size – How much paint is released

Use the wrong nozzle, and you’ll experience uneven coverage, runs, or wasted material. This guide from Spravik will walk you through everything you need to know.

1. The Importance of Nozzle Selection

The nozzle acts like the brain of your sprayer, controlling paint flow, pattern shape, and thickness. Using a nozzle that’s too small for heavy coatings results in clogs or slow application. Using one that’s too large wastes paint and creates drips. The right nozzle optimizes speed, finish consistency, and efficiency.

2. Decoding Nozzle Size Numbers

Most airless tips use a three-digit code like 517:

First digit (“5”) × 2 = fan width in inches (10″)

Last two digits (“17”) = orifice size in thousandths of an inch (.017″) 

Example:
A 517 tip produces a 10‑inch fan with a .017″ orifice.
Switching to a 317 yields a 6‑inch fan with the same orifice.

3. Match Fan Width to Your Project

Wide fan (8–24″): Ideal for walls, ceilings, fences 

Narrow fan (2–6″): Best for trim, cabinets, furniture, and detailed work

Choose the width that best covers your surface area efficiently without overspray.

4. Match Orifice Size to Your Paint

Use these general guidelines based on the paint’s viscosity 

Start in the .013–.017 range for common DIY projects like interior paint or cabinetry 

5. Practical Nozzle Recommendations

a. Fine Finish (Thin Coatings)

Use orifice .009–.013, ideal for stains, lacquers, and fine millwork.

b. General Purpose

Use .015–.017 for most interior/exterior latex or enamel paints.

c. Heavy Coatings

Use .019–.023+ for primers, epoxy, elastomerics, block fillers, stucco, or masonry.

Always reference manufacturer’s spec sheet for coating compatibility 

6. Airless vs. HVLP & Other Sprayers

Airless sprayers: Use coded tips like 517, delivering high pressure atomization 

HVLP sprayers: Nozzle diameters in mm (e.g., 1.2 mm for fine finish, 2.0–2.5 mm for latex) 

Conventional spray guns: Tip choice depends on material and desired fan shape (flat, hollow cone, round)

Understand your sprayer type before choosing a nozzle.

7. Reversible Tips & Low-Pressure Options

Reversible (RAC) tips: Simplify cleaning via reversing the tip to clear clogs 

Fine Finish tips: Produce smoother finishes, ideal for furniture and cabinets 

Low‑Pressure (HEA) tips: Reduce overspray and pump wear while maintaining finish quality

These advanced tips offer flexibility and quality improvements.

8. Avoiding Tip Wear & Ensuring Longevity

Spray tips wear over time from abrasive coatings. As the orifice widens:

Fan narrows

Paint becomes thicker per pass

Overspray and waste increase 

Maintenance tips:

Use lowest pressure that yields a good pattern

Clean after every session—don’t use metal tools on nozzle

Replace tip after recommended volume (e.g., 15–40 gal latex; 35–60 gal oils/stains) 

9. Step-by-Step Nozzle Setup Process

1.Select nozzle by coating & project size

2.Strain paint to avoid debris clogging 

3.Thin if needed per paint/sprayer instructions

4.Install nozzle, adjust pressure to produce a clean fan

5.Test spray on scrap board; check fan width, edge definition

6.Spray perpendicular, hold 6–12″ from surface 

7.Overlap passes ~50% for uniform coverage

10. Common Beginner Mistakes

Incorrect nozzle size: Leads to poor coverage or clogging

Spraying too close/far: Results in runs or misting

High pressure: Causes waste and accelerates tip wear

Skipping straining: Leads to blockages

Incomplete clean-up: Destroys tip accuracy over time

Avoid these by following nozzle guidelines, proper setup, and maintenance routines.

11. Tips for a Pro Finish

Use drop cloths to catch overspray

Work indoors or in calm conditions

Keep a wet edge—don’t spray stationary

Label paint cups after finishing

Maintain consistent speed and distance during spraying

12. When in Doubt: Test and Adjust

Start with a middle-range nozzle like .015–.017 and adjust based on results. Test on scrap until:

Fan width matches project

Paint flow is even with no clogging

Finish is clean and drip-free

13. FAQs

Q: Can I use the same nozzle for primer and top coat?
A: It depends. Primer is thicker—use larger orifice (.019+). For top coat, switch to .015–.017 for finer finish.

Q: When should I replace the nozzle?
A: After tip wear reduces pattern or as recommended by manufacturer (e.g. 15–40 gallons for latex) 

Q: Do I need to thin latex for a sprayer?
A: Often yes—follow sprayer manual. Thin to prevent splatter and clogging.

14. Final Takeaway

Choosing the right nozzle is more than just matching numbers—it’s about understanding how fan width, orifice size, and coating type work together. By starting with proper nozzle selection, testing thoroughly, and maintaining your equipment, you'll elevate your finishes and work like a pro.

At Spravik, we’re here to help you pick the right nozzle and sprayer combo, so your next painting project is smooth, efficient, and beautiful. Browse our curated sprayer selections and accessories—and paint with confidence.