Graco 234237 Instructions Manual page 49

Choosing the right equipment
for your business is essential.
Choosing a quality tip will
determine the quality of your
finish and help you save a
significant amount of time
and money.
Each Graco tip is 100% tested
for flow rate to meet the
tough standards of painting
contractors. These careful
processes ensure you
of the quality you've come to
expect from Graco.
Graco Tips Are Easy To Identify
For example: RAC X LTX-517
1. The first three digits (LTX) are Graco's identification
numbers which differentiate various tip styles.
An LTX is a Graco RAC X SwitchTip. The second
three digits (517) represent the actual tip size (fan
and orifice).
2. The number (5), when doubled, indicates
approximate fan width when spraying 12 inches
(305 mm) from the surface. The fan width on a
517 tip is approximately 10 to 12 inches (254 mm
to 305 mm). All Graco tips are tested 12 inches
(305 mm) from the surface with the same test
material, at the same spraying pressure (LL5 at 6
inches). Different materials and spraying pressures
may slightly change the width of your actual
fan pattern.
3. The last two digits (17) indicate the tip has a hole
size of 0.017 of an inch (0.43 mm). The hole size
is directly related to the amount of paint that will
flow through the tip. Your actual flow rate will
depend on your spraying pressure and the paint
you are using (high pressure equals more flow;
heavier paints equals less flow).
Worn Tips Cost Time and Money
• A worn tip uses 25% more paint
• Produces uneven coverage and inconsistent
mil build
• Reduces production – requires 20% more passes
• Results in a poor quality finish
Some Quick Rules On Selecting
Tip Sizes
• Use smaller orifice sizes when applying lower
viscosity materials such as stains and lacquers
• Use larger orifice sizes for heavier viscosity
coatings such as latexes or oil bases
The 517 indicates the tip size:
• The fan size is double the first digit (5), or 10 inches.
• The orifice size is (17) thousandths of an inch, or .017.
Tip Wear Chart
11 in. 9 in.
12 in.
(280 mm) (229 mm)
(305 mm)
If a contractor is using a worn tip, on average he will spray 25%
additional paint and use an additional 20% of labor.
MATERIALS TO BE SPRAYED RECOMMENDED TIP SIZES
Oil Base Stains, Lacquers and 0.009 - 0.013
Clear Coats*
Oil Base Enamels, Industrial 0.013 - 0.015
Enamels
Latex Paint 0.015 - 0.019
Heavy Latex and Smooth 0.021 - 0.025
Elastometrics
Elastometrics and Block Fillers 0.025 - 0.039
Chart is a guide - actual tip sizes used will vary depending on material
* Fine Finish tip recommended
5.5 in.
(140 mm)
11 11