How do you choose the proper tip size when spraying FFLP?
SDS Sheets
If your product calls for a 308 tip (SDS sheets or on the can), you would use a 308 FFLP tip, except you should reduce the pressure to almost half the recommended pressure of the regular tip.
If it doesn’t say what size to use on the can, there are general sizes that are common, such as 308. The 08 orifice size can accommodate most of the coatings we use for cabinets, including lacquer, Milesi and Renner. For primers that are thicker, we would most likely use a 10, and for trim paint, generally a 10 or a 12 would work. For most walls, you would use anything from a 12 to a 16. I’m a cabinet refinisher, almost all of my tips are between 08 and 12.
Mike Danahy, Danahy Design, Cambridge, ON Test, Don’t Guess
I determine my choice based on the viscosity of the coating and the final mil thickness desired. Typically, for lower- viscosity coatings, I use a 306 or a 308. For a higher-viscosity coating, I generally use a 308 or a 310. If you are new to airless and having issues with verticals, a 306 is the way to go. Sometimes you just have to “test, don’t guess.” A 310 puts out more than a 308 or a 306, so you can move faster, but I personally think you get better atomization and a better look versus 308 or 306.
Eric Reason, Eric Reason Productions, Nashville, TN Again… Test It Out
We use the 310 FFLP tip for most of our trim/cabinet jobs. The 310 covers a standard 4 inch base and frames, but if you’re working on a bigger baseboard or trim, you may want to try a bigger tip (410). If you use a small tip with a high paint output, you could apply the paint too heavily; this can lead to runs and having to make a second pass to cover the remaining trim.
If your tip is too big and doesn’t put out enough paint, your surface won’t have the proper coverage, leaving light spots and tracks around the fan of your sprayer. We always recommend testing your sprayer on a piece of cardboard to make sure your pressure is set correctly and the gun is shooting the proper width for your job. Tips are made to be sprayed at a distance of 10 to 12 inch from your substrate. Test your tip to make sure you have the proper width and paint-cover your substrate.
Chad Turpen, Turpen’s Painting, Evansville, INNeed more spray tips? Check out this best tips and tricks video.
