What are fan tip nozzle sizes?
Fan tip nozzles are interchangeable pressure washer tips color-coded by spray angle and pressure intensity, ranging from 0 degrees (red, most concentrated) to 65 degrees (black, most dispersed).
Pressure washers use color-coded fan tip nozzles to deliver water at different spray angles and pressure levels. Each nozzle color corresponds to a specific degree range that determines how the water spreads and the intensity of its impact on a surface.
The standard nozzle sizes are:
- Red (0 degrees): The most concentrated stream, delivering maximum pressure at a single point. Used only on hardened surfaces like concrete or stone where high impact is needed.
- Yellow (15 degrees): A narrow spray cone for stubborn dirt and stains on resilient surfaces.
- Green (25 degrees): A medium spray angle suitable for most general cleaning tasks on driveways, decks, and siding.
- White (40 degrees): A broader spray pattern that disperses pressure over a wider area, ideal for softer surfaces like wood or vehicles.
- Black (65 degrees): The widest fan angle with the lowest pressure per square inch, used for rinsing, delicate surfaces, or pre-soaking.
Selecting the correct nozzle matters because the wrong angle or pressure can damage siding, strip paint, gouge wood, or fail to remove tough buildup. Pressure washing contractors choose tips based on the specific surface material and the severity of soiling.