Graco Truecoat 360 Tips Is The Fine Finish Tip Really Worth It Or Just Hype

The Graco TrueCoat 360 is one of the most popular airless paint sprayers on the market for DIYers and professionals alike. It’s known for its ease of use, portability, and ability to deliver smooth finishes without the complexity of industrial-grade units. But among the many accessories available, one stands out: the Fine Finish Tip. Marketed as the solution for ultra-smooth results—especially on trim, cabinets, and furniture—the Fine Finish Tip promises professional-level finishes with minimal effort. But does it live up to the promise, or is it just another upsell gimmick? Let’s take a deep dive into performance, practicality, and real-world results.

What Is the Fine Finish Tip?

The Fine Finish Tip is an optional spray nozzle designed specifically for the Graco TrueCoat 360 series. Unlike standard tips that range from 0.015” to 0.019”, this specialized tip uses a smaller orifice—typically around 0.013”—to produce a finer, more controlled mist. This allows for thinner lines of paint deposition, reducing overspray and minimizing texture buildup. The result, in theory, is a glass-like surface ideal for detailed work where brush marks or orange peel are unacceptable.

Graco markets this tip as perfect for cabinetry, doors, furniture, and interior trim—projects where finish quality matters more than speed. It works best with thinned latex paints, enamels, and stains, especially when using lower viscosity materials.

Tip: Always strain your paint before using the Fine Finish Tip—its small orifice is prone to clogging if debris is present.

Performance Comparison: Standard vs. Fine Finish Tip

To assess value, we need to compare actual outcomes. A team of contractors and finish specialists tested both the standard 0.017” tip and the Fine Finish 0.013” tip across multiple surfaces using the same paint (Behr Premium Plus Ultra), pressure settings (1,800 PSI), and distance (10–12 inches).

Feature	Standard Tip (0.017”)	Fine Finish Tip (0.013”)
Finish Smoothness	Good – minor orange peel	Excellent – near-brush-free
Spray Pattern Width	10–12 inches	6–8 inches
Coverage Speed	Fast – ideal for walls	Slow – better for detail
Overspray	Moderate	Low – excellent control
Clogging Risk	Low	Moderate – requires thinning & straining
Best Use Case	Walls, ceilings, large surfaces	Cabinets, trim, furniture

The data shows a clear trade-off: precision over productivity. While the Fine Finish Tip delivers noticeably smoother results, it sacrifices coverage area and speed. For whole-room painting, it’s inefficient. But for high-detail projects, it excels.

Real-World Example: Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing

Consider Mark T., a homeowner in Portland who recently refinished his oak kitchen cabinets. He used the Graco TrueCoat 360 with the standard tip first on two upper cabinets. Despite proper prep and two coats, he noticed slight stippling under direct light. After switching to the Fine Finish Tip (and thinning his Sherwin-Williams ProClassic water-based enamel by 10%), the next set of cabinets showed a dramatic improvement. The surface was significantly smoother, with no visible spray texture—even at close range.

“It took about 40% longer,” Mark noted, “but I didn’t have to sand between coats as much, and the final wipe-down revealed a finish that looked sprayed in a shop, not my garage.”

This case illustrates the tip’s niche: it’s not for every job, but for projects where finish quality is paramount, the extra time pays off.

“On cabinet work, the difference between a good DIY job and a pro-level finish often comes down to equipment details. The Fine Finish Tip reduces texture enough that you skip the labor-intensive hand-sanding step.” — Derek Langston, Residential Painting Contractor, 12 years experience

When the Fine Finish Tip Shines (and When It Doesn’t)

The key to determining value lies in matching the tool to the task. Here’s a checklist to help decide if the Fine Finish Tip is right for your project:

• Use it when:
• You’re spraying cabinets, doors, or furniture
• Paint sheen is satin, semi-gloss, or gloss (texture shows more)
• You want to minimize post-spray sanding
• You can afford slower application speed
• Avoid it when:
• Painting large wall areas or ceilings
• Using un-thinned or heavy-bodied paints
• Working in dusty environments (clogging risk increases)
• Speed is a priority over finish perfection

Tip: Pair the Fine Finish Tip with a 515 or 517 spray pattern for balanced width and control—too narrow limits efficiency, too wide risks uneven edges.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Fine Finish Tip Effectively

Even the best tools fail without proper technique. Follow these steps to maximize results:

1. Thin your paint appropriately: Add 10–15% water to latex paints or use manufacturer-recommended thinner for enamels. Test flow through a funnel to ensure it’s not too thick.
2. Strain the paint: Use a 180–200 micron filter to remove lumps and debris that could clog the small orifice.
3. Set correct pressure: Start at 1,600–1,800 PSI. Too high causes splatter; too low leads to spitting.
4. Maintain consistent distance: Hold the gun 10–12 inches from the surface. Closer increases build-up; farther reduces adhesion.
5. Overlap passes by 50%: This ensures even coverage without lap marks.
6. Clean immediately after use: Flush the system with water (for latex) or appropriate solvent. Back-flush the tip to prevent dried residue.

Skipping any of these steps can undermine the tip’s advantages. Precision demands preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Fine Finish Tip with all Graco TrueCoat 360 models?

Yes, the Fine Finish Tip is compatible with all TrueCoat 360 series sprayers, including the 360, 360 DS, and 360 PCS models. Ensure you purchase the correct version (usually labeled “FF Tip” or “Fine Finish” by Graco).

Does the Fine Finish Tip require special maintenance?

Yes. Due to its smaller orifice, it’s more prone to clogging. Clean it immediately after each use, and consider using a tip cleaning tool or soft brush. Store it in a sealed container to avoid dust exposure.

Is the Fine Finish Tip worth the $30–$40 price tag?

If you're doing detailed finish work, yes. For occasional users tackling cabinets or built-ins, the investment pays off in reduced labor and higher-quality results. For general wall painting, it’s unnecessary.

Final Verdict: Hype or Help?

The Fine Finish Tip isn’t magic—it won’t turn poor prep into a flawless finish. But it is a legitimate upgrade for specific applications. It reduces texture, improves control, and minimizes the need for post-spray sanding, which saves time and effort on precision jobs. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its benefits come with trade-offs: slower application, stricter prep requirements, and higher sensitivity to paint consistency.

Calling it “hype” undersells its real utility in the right context. Conversely, expecting it to revolutionize every paint job sets unrealistic expectations. Think of it like a scalpel versus a butter knife—one isn’t better overall, but each has its place.

“The Fine Finish Tip doesn’t make you a better painter, but it gives you the tools to achieve results that look like you are.” — Lisa Nguyen, Home Renovation Specialist

Take Action: Upgrade Your Finish Game

If you’ve been frustrated by subtle texture on your sprayed cabinets or trim, the Fine Finish Tip is worth trying. Buy it, test it on a sample board, and compare side-by-side results. You might find that the extra smoothness—and the confidence it brings—is exactly what your next project needs. Don’t just spray to cover; spray to impress.

💬 Have you tried the Fine Finish Tip? Share your results, tips, or frustrations in the comments—your experience could help someone decide!