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If you have bought one of the great value spray guns from us with the multiple fluid tips and are not confident or aware on the correct way to change them, please read on!
This guide is based on the Gti Pro Lite style guns but the theory applies regardless of the gun style or brand. This guide is for when changing the tip size on your spray gun between 1.3 and 1.8.
The needle, nozzle (fluid tip) and air cap are specific to each size even if they look the same. Dont mix them up as they are matched sets.
Ensure your work area is clear, well lit and clean! Quality painting is all about cleanliness! The only tool required for this job is the correct size ring spanner for the fluid nozzle. All other operations are able to be done by hands.
To change them over;
Remove the fluid control knob and spring and set aside
Remove the Needle, squeezing the trigger will move the needle back so you can gently pull it out.
Remove the Air Cap, unscrew the air cap retaining ring and the cap will come off
Next is removing the fluid tip or nozzle. Using the correct size spanner (I recommend using a high quality ring spanner) undo the fluid nozzle. This will be tight. Really tight, it's meant to be. This is why a high quality ring spanner of the correct size is recommended. The fluid tip can be easily damaged with mishandling and this is usually why great spray guns end up "not spraying like they used to". The spanner provided in the tool kit of a spray gun is typically just a courtesy and are basic quality. If you're a car guy you will most likely have a quality ring spanner available, please use it and do so carefully!
Refitment is the opposite of removal;
Screw in the desired fluid nozzle (on some brands there is tiny writing on the side of the nozzle to indicate the size (13 or 18). Screw in finger tight to ensure no cross threading and the nozzle seats against the air baffle correctly.
Tighten using the correct spanner. This should be very tight (not breaking it in half tight or stripping it but very tight. A similar amount of tightness that you needed when removing if you know what I mean)
Lubricate the BACK part of the fluid needle and reinsert the needle into the gun and push all the way in so it seats in the fluid nozzle.
Refit the return spring and fluid control knob, lubricating these also helps trigger feel and response.
Fit the correct air cap for the nozzle size. Screw on to the body ensuring it is seated correctly and air horns are orientated the right way.
Check and adjust spray gun, ensure trigger responds correctly. Spray a test using thinners to check for no leaks or defects.
If your test spray is all good, a decent rinse with quality thinners should see you ready to paint.
If you get fluttering in the spray pattern (ie stop/starting) - Check the fluid tip is tight enough, they require a decent amount of torque.
Correctly adjust and check your settings to suit your style and paint type to ensure consistent results.
Pro tip - ALWAYS REMOVE THE NEEDLE BEFORE UNDOING OR TIGHTENING A FLUID NOZZLE! THIS ENSURES THERE IS NO RISK OF BINDING AND OR DAMAGING EITHER THE NEEDLE OR TIP OR BOTH!