When it comes to choosing the proper nozzle tip size for your high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) paint gun, it is important you pay attention to the charts to ensure that you follow the specific requirements. This is one of the most crucial aspects of achieving a quality paint job.
In most cases, going for larger tips or needle sizes is necessary with thicker materials. However, using a tip that is too large will leave an orange peel finish and could lead to more problems later on.
When considering choosing a tip for your HVLP paint gun, you should take the following considerations.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Tip Size for Your HVLP Paint Gun
1. Surface area
When selecting a needle size for your project, it is important to consider the surface area you will be working on. For larger open surfaces, a needle with a wider fan is necessary to cover a larger area effectively.
On the other hand, a smaller needle is better for reaching tight spots or creating a more focused application. While the material you are using should be the primary consideration when choosing a needle size, if the product allows for a range of sizes, you may opt for a larger needle when working on a large, open surface.
2. Compatibility
When shopping for a paint gun, consider whether it is compatible with the needle size you need for your project. Some guns may not come with the specific size you require but may have the ability to use needles of different sizes that can be purchased separately.
Alternatively, you may opt for a paint gun that includes multiple needles of various sizes, although this may come at an additional cost. Keep in mind that having a range of needles available may be beneficial if you plan on using a variety of products, but may not be necessary if you only plan on using a specific product with a set needle size.
3. Flexibility
When deciding on the right nozzle tip to use, consider the amount of flexibility it allows for thinning or diluting. Some products may have specific mixing instructions, while others allow for more variation. It is common to adjust the consistency of a product to achieve different results, such as thinning down a final topcoat to increase gloss.
In industrial painting, clear coats are not often used, so this technique is often employed to enhance the gloss of a finish. Nozzle tips with a size of 1.3 or 1.4 mm are considered very versatile and can be used with a wide range of materials in industrial settings.
4. Tiny details
Before starting your project, take the time to thoroughly review the products you will be using. The product label or accompanying documentation may list the optimal nozzle tip size or range for the best results. If you are unsure about the appropriate size, don’t hesitate to contact the supplier for recommendations.
Many suppliers are knowledgeable about their products and can offer helpful tips and advice for achieving the best results. However, it is important to note that for liability reasons, suppliers may not offer guidance on using their products for applications outside of those for which they are intended.
HVLP Spray Gun Tip Size Chart
| Material Type | Tip Size | Material Thickness |
| Clear Coat Lacquer | 009 – 011 | Thin |
| Varnish, below low VOC | 009 – 011 | Thin |
| Shellac | 009 – 013 | Thin |
| Transparent Stain | 009 – 013 | Thin |
| Water Sealers | 009 – 013 | Thin |
| Water borne Lacquer | 012 – 014 | Medium |
| Clear Acrylics | 012 – 014 | Medium |
| 100% Acrylic for Interior, Latex | 013 – 015 | Medium |
| Oil-based Enamels | 013 – 015 | Medium |
| Polyurethane | 013 – 015 | Medium |
| Solid Stain | 013 – 015 | Medium |
| Low VOC varnish | 013 – 015 | Medium |
| Interior Latex | 015 – 017 | Medium |
| Primer Latex | 015 – 017 | Medium |
| Exterior Latex | 017 – 019 | Medium |
| Primer Oils | 017 – 019 | Medium |
| Elastomerics, smooth only | 021 – 025 | Heavy |
| Heavy Latex | 021 – 025 | Heavy |
| Elastomerics | 025 – 039 | Very heavy |
| Block Fillers | 025 – 039 | Very heavy |
| Intumescents | 017 – 039 | Heavy to very heavy |
Airless TradeTip3 Size Chart
The Airless TradeTip3 from Wagner is one of the best options for DIY enthusiasts and commercial painters. Below is a chart on the tip size, spray angel as well as jet width of this specific tip model
| Application | Nozzle marking | Bore
(in inch / mm) |
Spray angle (in °) | Jet width (in mm¹) | Gun filter² | Art.-No. |
| Water-thinnable and
solvent-based enamels and paints, oils, mould release agents |
107 | 0.007 / 0.18 | 10 | 100 | red | 553107 |
| 207 | 0.007 / 0.18 | 20 | 120 | red | 553207 | |
| 307 | 0.007 / 0.18 | 30 | 150 | red | 553307 | |
| 407 | 0.007 / 0.18 | 40 | 190 | red | 553407 | |
| 109 | 0.009 / 0.23 | 10 | 100 | red | 553109 | |
| 209 | 0.009 / 0.23 | 20 | 120 | red | 553209 | |
| 309 | 0.009 / 0.23 | 30 | 150 | red | 553309 | |
| 409 | 0.009 / 0.23 | 40 | 190 | red | 553409 | |
| 509 | 0.009 / 0.23 | 50 | 225 | red | 553509 | |
| 609 | 0.009 / 0.23 | 60 | 270 | red | 553609 | |
| Synthetic resin varnishes,
PVC enamels |
111 | 0.011 / 0.28 | 10 | 100 | red | 553111 |
| 211 | 0.011 / 0.28 | 20 | 120 | red | 553211 | |
| 311 | 0.011 / 0.28 | 30 | 150 | red | 553311 | |
| 411 | 0.011 / 0.28 | 40 | 190 | red | 553411 | |
| 511 | 0.011 / 0.28 | 50 | 225 | red | 553511 | |
| 611 | 0.011 / 0.28 | 60 | 270 | red | 553611 | |
| Enamels, undercoats,
base coats, fillers |
113 | 0.013 / 0.33 | 10 | 100 | red | 553113 |
| 213 | 0.013 / 0.33 | 20 | 120 | red | 553213 | |
| 313 | 0.013 / 0.33 | 30 | 150 | red | 553313 | |
| 413 | 0.013 / 0.33 | 40 | 190 | red | 553413 | |
| 513 | 0.013 / 0.33 | 50 | 225 | red | 553513 | |
| 613 | 0.013 / 0.33 | 60 | 270 | red | 553613 | |
| 813 | 0.013 / 0.33 | 80 | 330 | red | 553813 | |
| Fillers, anti-corrosive
paints |
115 | 0.015 / 0.38 | 10 | 100 | yellow | 553115 |
| 215 | 0.015 / 0.38 | 20 | 120 | yellow | 553215 | |
| 315 | 0.015 / 0.38 | 30 | 150 | yellow | 553315 | |
| 415 | 0.015 / 0.38 | 40 | 190 | yellow | 553415 | |
| 515 | 0.015 / 0.38 | 50 | 225 | yellow | 553515 | |
| 615 | 0.015 / 0.38 | 60 | 270 | yellow | 553615 | |
| 715 | 0.015 / 0.38 | 70 | 300 | yellow | 553715 | |
| 815 | 0.015 / 0.38 | 80 | 330 | yellow | 553815 | |
| Anti-corrosive paints,
latex paints, emulsions |
117 | 0.017 / 0.43 | 10 | 100 | yellow | 553117 |
| 217 | 0.017 / 0.43 | 20 | 120 | yellow | 553217 | |
| 317 | 0.017 / 0.43 | 30 | 150 | yellow | 553317 | |
| 417 | 0.017 / 0.43 | 40 | 190 | yellow | 553417 | |
| 517 | 0.017 / 0.43 | 50 | 225 | yellow | 553517 | |
| 617 | 0.017 / 0.43 | 60 | 270 | yellow | 553617 | |
| 717 | 0.017 / 0.43 | 70 | 300 | yellow | 553717 | |
| 817 | 0.017 / 0.43 | 80 | 330 | yellow | 553817 | |
| 219 | 0.019 / 0.48 | 20 | 120 | white | 553219 | |
| 319 | 0.019 / 0.48 | 30 | 150 | white | 553319 | |
| 419 | 0.019 / 0.48 | 40 | 190 | white | 553419 | |
| 519 | 0.019 / 0.48 | 50 | 225 | white | 553519 | |
| 619 | 0.019 / 0.48 | 60 | 270 | white | 553619 | |
| 719 | 0.019 / 0.48 | 70 | 300 | white | 553719 | |
| 819 | 0.019 / 0.48 | 80 | 330 | white | 553819 | |
| 919 | 0.019 / 0.48 | 90 | 385 | white | 553919 |