The Right Tip for the Graco GX 19: How to Choose Size, Fan & Pressure
The tip is the heart of your airless sprayer. The wrong choice leads to overspray, an uneven finish, or clogs. This guide decodes the tip identification, explains the impact of size and fan width, and shows with practical tables which setting is ideal for your material.
📏 Tip Size
Determines the material flow. Too large = too wet, too small = uneven. Maximum 0.019" for GX 19.
🌀 Fan Width
Determines the width of the spray pattern. Wider = faster working on large surfaces.
⚙️ Material & Pressure
Thin stains need little pressure, thick latex paints more. The right combination is crucial.
The Tip Code Decoded: What does 413, 517, or 819 mean?
Graco tips have a multi-digit code (e.g., 221413). The last three digits are the most important and reveal the fan width and orifice size.
Practical Rule of Thumb: A 517 tip therefore has a fan approximately 10 inches (25 cm) wide (5x2) and an orifice size of 0.017 inches. The fan width applies at an optimal working distance of 12 inches (30 cm).
Tip & Pressure Table: The Optimal Setting for Your Material (Guide Values)
This guide value table is based on recommendations in the Graco manual. The maximum tip size for the GX 19 is 0.019 inches (0.48 mm).
| Material Type | Rec. Tip Size | Pressure Setting* | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stains, Thin-coat Varnishes | 0.011" – 0.013" | LOW SPRAY | Small tip, low pressure prevents misting and too thin an application. |
| Acrylic/Emulsion Paints (Interior) | 0.015" – 0.017" | HIGH SPRAY | Good balance of coverage and workability. Fan width 10-12" ideal for walls. |
| Façade Paints, Thick | 0.017" – 0.019" (max!) | HIGH SPRAY | Only use with max pressure performance. If problems occur, thin material slightly (follow manufacturer instructions!). |
| Primers, Opaque | 0.015" – 0.019" | HIGH SPRAY | Larger tip for higher material application. Ensure thorough pre-cleaning of the surface. |
*Note on Pressure Setting: "LOW SPRAY" and "HIGH SPRAY" are ranges on the pressure regulator. ALWAYS start at the lowest setting that yields a full, even spray pattern and increase only minimally if necessary. This saves material and reduces overspray.
The Right Tip for Your GX 19
Secure the optimal accessories for your project. From standard to fine-finish tips for perfect results.
Discover Tips & AccessoriesFine Finish Tips for Demanding Surfaces
For particularly smooth surfaces such as polyurethane lacquers, clear coats, or acrylic lacquers in furniture making, Graco offers special Fine Finish (FF) tips. They have an additional orifice that ensures finer atomization.
| FF Tip Size | Suitable for e.g. | Pressure Setting |
|---|---|---|
| 0.010" – 0.012" | Clear coats, PU lacquers, Stains | LOW SPRAY |
| 0.014" – 0.016" | Acrylic lacquers, opaque furniture lacquers | HIGH SPRAY |
Caution: The GX FF is a separate device model. Standard GX 19/21 units can use Fine Finish tips but may not achieve the identical fine atomization of the specialized FF model.
Practical Questions about Tip Selection Answered
"Should I choose a larger or smaller tip?"
It's better to start one size smaller. Tips wear out due to abrasive materials and enlarge slightly. A new 0.015" tip will perform like a 0.016" tip after a few gallons. This extends the service life and keeps you within the performance range of your GX 19.
"Wide fan (e.g., 12 inches) or narrow fan (8 inches)?"
Large, flat surfaces (walls, ceilings): Wide fan (e.g., 411, 511) for faster working.
Edges, railings, detail work: Narrow fan (e.g., 311, 411) for better control and less overspray.
"My tip keeps clogging – what can I do?"
1. STRAIN the material! This is the most common cause.
2. Use the Tip Guard and the reversing function: If clogged, lock the trigger, turn the tip to UNCLOG, and briefly trigger.
3. Clean the gun filter and InstaClean filter regularly.
4. For solvent-based materials, flush immediately after a break.
Checklist: How to Find Your Perfect Tip
- Check Material: How viscous is it? Thin like stain or thick like façade paint? (See table above)
- Determine Size: For thin materials, use a small tip (0.011"-0.013"); for thick materials, use a large tip (0.015"-0.019"). When in doubt, start smaller.
- Select Fan Width: Large area = wide fan (e.g., 12"). Detail work = narrow fan (e.g., 8").
- Form Tip Code: Fan digit (e.g., 4 for 8-10") + orifice size in 1/1000 inch (e.g., 15) = Tip 415.
- Test & Adjust Pressure: Spray on a test surface. If there are gaps in the spray pattern, increase pressure slightly. If there is too much overspray or a wet film, reduce pressure or use a smaller tip.
- Document: Note which tip worked optimally with which material – saves time next time.
Perfect Finish Starts with the Right Tip
Turn your Graco GX 19 into a precision machine for every project with the optimal tip.
To the GX 19 with Accessories View All Replacement TipsConclusion
Choosing the right tip for your Graco GX 19 is not a mystery, but a clear decision based on material, desired fan, and pressure. Use the reversing function against clogs, always start with a lower pressure setting, and remember: a slightly smaller tip extends the service life and keeps you in the optimal performance range of the device. Armed with this knowledge and the attached table, you are well-equipped to achieve the perfect finish for every project.
