Or maybe I should say "Airbrush USER problem". I have an H-series single action Paasche that I am trying to learn to use. I'm using Polytranspar water-based paints. The problem I have is when I try to paint fine detail or small spots, I'll adjust the paint flow to where I want it, paint a spot or maybe three, then the paint starts to dry on the needle, and either stops the flow altogether, or at least makes it very unpredictable. When I am painting broad areas (higher paint flow), the problem is much less noticeable, but it still happens sometimes. I'm using a small Badger compressor (can't remember the model no right now). I have a filter/water trap that seems to eliminate most condensation (not quite all), but I don't have a pressure regulator.
Does this sound like a problem that reducing air pressure would solve? I have tried thinning the paint quite a bit, but that doesn't seem to help. I am planning to pick up a regulator later today, but just wondered if anyone can tell me if that will solve my problem, of if I might be doing something else wrong.
Thanks!
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Look at your air pressure 25-30 psi. I use and love my single action Paasche. The number they have 1-5 also will have a impact the smaller the number the possible smaller line see manufacture. Lower pressure first. Then make sure the paint is shook up and I screen everything going into my gun. The water base quick flash point is a plus when adding your next layers. Take your time and don't freak your going through a learning curve. Good luck
I use a paasche VL and still get that problem after a while. I point the brush away and spray a good blast of paint to clear the tip and get things flowing again when it happens. I don't know how convenient that would be with a single action brush, but definitely get some retarder; that will help
Neil,I personally have found that higher air pressure and thinning with retarder stops a lot of your problems.I like 60 to 80 lbs. pressure and I prefer a double action airbrush,air and paint control is much easier.
I'll give them a try tonight. You guys are quick with the answers!
I use the Polytranspar WA paints also but I take my main colors and get a new bottle and add about 40% paint, 40% 90% alcohol and 20% retarder. I use double action brushes but I think it will work for you. I use about 20psi on my air. I would not think of using an airbrush without a pressure regulator with a guage.
Neil this never hurts either. Buy a cheap artist brush and cut off half of the tip. Then have a little baby jar with a nail hole in the top and fill 1/4 full with airbrush cleaner. When the tip cloggs dip the brush and insert it into the tip and give a twirl. Then open it up and test on paper on the side to blow it out then dail it back down where you want. Big thing seems to be when you get going try not to stop. Good luck.
Wasn't able to get my hands on some retarder before last night, but I did add the regulator, and thinned the paint some more. Results were 100% better. If, when I get the retarder, things improve again by that much, I just may start to enjoy painting! lol.
Seemed like about 30 psi worked well for the amount of thinning I was doing. Still had some clogging now and then, but your tip for cleaning with a brush sounds good, Joe. I'm gonna try that. And if I keep going, as you say, it does help.
mrdux, you say "40% 90% alcohol"; what kind of alcohol are you using? May be a dumb question, but if I don't ask, I'll stay ignorant, lol.
I use plain rubbing alcohol available at CVS, WM, etc. I personally use 90% but 70% will work fine.
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Try thinning your waterbased paint with windex, it works
extremely well.