Airbrush question

[fullsneak]

I have a Paasche VL double action airbrush.  I can only get the thing to spray a dot of paint about the size diameter of a pea. How can I tighten up the diameter of my spray pattern to do detailed lines and dots?

Thanks!

[Old Fart]

The tip size is what determines how small you can spray. Passche's  #1 tip is .55mm, which is not really a detail size tip.  To do really fine airbrush work you need a tip in the .20mm range, like you can get with Iwata or Badger. Keep in mind, not all Iwata or Badger airbrushes come with tips that small.

[agagne41]

I use all three,   Paashe,  Iwata and Badger.   I find with the Paashe VL series with a #3 needle I can do dots with no trouble by adjusting the paint setting dial in front of the trigger and shooting at about 22 psi..  Look on the end of the needle to see three engraved rings.    The most critical thing I find is to make sure you dilute you paint properly and to add a couple drops of retarder for fine work. I do this in a paper cup so I can make any adjustments if necessary.  It took me awhile to get this right and it was easy to blame the airbrush.   The Paashe VL is a good all around brush.  I like my Iwata and the Badger too.     Good luck.    Al

[Travis Jones]

I have a Paashe VL also and all I use it for is base colors. If you need a detail brush get a nice Iwata or a Badger.

[NOAH@aarrkk]

I've used the VL for years and between thinning and adjusting the air pressure I've been able to do all the 'detail' I need.   As for what's a good air pressure, turn off your compressor and spray 'dots'.  At some point/air pressure, you'll find the 'dots' to be like you want, assuming the thinness and a little retarder is sufficient.

Just my opinion but that's what you were asking for..............right?
jerry

[John C]

Actually the [paint flows from the tip of the needle.

Use a #1 needle and chuck in in a slow drill and polish the hell out of it. final polishing with the drill running should be with 2000 grit wet sand paper, yes wet!!!

Now take a #3 tip and cone. use Teflon tape to seal the threads to the body, then use beeswax to help tighten and center the tip over the #1 cone.

Make sure you have lubed the trigger and the pivot.

Now thinner you paint with retarder, it should be thin as milk.

You air supply has to be dry, so use a moisture trap just before the airbrush hose. this can be a paper cartridge filter.

Now with this setupand practice you can do dots and spots so small  as small as this period .

You may even find you need 50 psi or even 60 psi, because the hose from the compressor with swell and pressure will not be the same at the airbrush as at the tank.

You do have to have a tank air compressor to stabilize the air supply. it also serves to help remove moisture.

[Pescado]

Actually the [paint flows from the tip of the needle.

Use a #1 needle and chuck in in a slow drill and polish the hell out of it. final polishing with the drill running should be with 2000 grit wet sand paper, yes wet!!!

Now take a #3 tip and cone. use Teflon tape to seal the threads to the body, then use beeswax to help tighten and center the tip over the #1 cone.

Make sure you have lubed the trigger and the pivot.

Now thinner you paint with retarder, it should be thin as milk.

You air supply has to be dry, so use a moisture trap just before the airbrush hose. this can be a paper cartridge filter.

Now with this setupand practice you can do dots and spots so small  as small as this period .

You may even find you need 50 psi or even 60 psi, because the hose from the compressor with swell and pressure will not be the same at the airbrush as at the tank.

You do have to have a tank air compressor to stabilize the air supply. it also serves to help remove moisture.

 Much simpler to just buy a detail brush.

[fishdude]

Buy a Renegade and be done with it. I have a pile of old Vl's. My life got much simpler when I went to something good.

[John C]

Comeon guys where is that American Ingenuity?? There is always a simpler way, but when you do things like this with the VL you learn a lot!!!

[Pescado]

.5mm  vs .21mm , just no way to make a .5 spray like a .2 no matter how much you polish the needle. Especially when the .21's needle is tapered to to give a 6 degree linear air flow and is highly polished from the factory.

[Randy Budzynski]

Did you get the new ones in yet Paul?