airbrush troubles!!

[krebs128]

alright, i think my airbrush is broken, but before i go out and spend big bucks on a new, good airbrush, i wanna know if my current one is fixable. i have the testors detailing airbrush, http://www.testors.com/catalog_item.asp?itemNbr=1200, nothing great, but it did the job, sometimes. the problem is that the paint doesn't come out of the nozzle. it will work fine for about 30 seconds, then, only the compressed air will come out, no paint. it will then begin to leak out somewhere, god knows where, and get all over my hand. after every use, i clean it out thoroughly, i've bought new nozzles, but nothing seems to fix the problem. help!!!

[Vric]

The Nozzle is dead, a new one cost 9.99$ plus shipping

I had a similar airbrush Double action Aztek (testor) and the same thing happened. But since I couldn't find any Nozzle near me, it would cost about 25$ with shipping for a nozzle. Insted I got a Badger Anthem for 50$

[God|Zilla168]

Originally Posted by Vric

The Nozzle is dead, a new one cost 9.99$ plus shipping

I had a similar airbrush Double action Aztek (testor) and the same thing happened. But since I couldn't find any Nozzle near me, it would cost about 25$ with shipping for a nozzle. Insted I got a Badger Anthem for 50$

Just like Virc said it could be that the nozzle is dead but before I even go ahead and get a new one go take the air brush apart and put the parts in airbrush cleaner (depending on the type of paint you use) let it sit for a day and then clean it back up and use water to see if it is working. If so it means that it was just clogged up and that you need to thin your paint even more.

[krebs128]

i've bought new nozzles, and still have the same problem... but i'll take it apart, let it soak over night, and see if it works. i could just buy another nozzle, try it again, because they're not that expensive. thanks for the feedback.

[Vric]

strange. Mine was becose the nozzle melted a bit becose of lacquer thinner (those airbrush don't like Lacquer)
Beside that, it could be your color jar, is the hole filled (where the air should enter) or maybe the regulator of your compressor ?

[krebs128]

i have only used testors acrylics with the airbrush. and for air, i use one of those compressed air cans-look like cans of spray paint. but what do you me about the color jar? air entering what hole?

on the subject of those air cans, is it bad when the can gets really cold and ice starts to form on the outside of the can?

[mike@af]

Originally Posted by krebs128

on the subject of those air cans, is it bad when the can gets really cold and ice starts to form on the outside of the can?

Yes, keep them warm, they last longer.

[JTRACING]

sounds like something is broken inside and the paint is going to the broken part and not the nozel. i think its time for a new airbrush

[krebs128]

Originally Posted by JTRACING

sounds like something is broken inside and the paint is going to the broken part and not the nozel. i think its time for a new airbrush

that's not what i wanted to hear, but it's probably the truth. now, any suggestions on good airbrushes, but nothing outragiously expensive? if i get a new airbrush, i'll probably get an aircompresser too instead of buying more and more air cans.

[Vric]

on the cap of the jar you use with your paint, there is a black cover for siphon. look on it, there is a small hole that let air enter the jar )not the one you connect to your airbrush, there is a smaller one on it), if it's filled, that could explain the problem. If the air can't enter, the paint will not go to the airbrush (air will not "s*ck" the paint (sorry I don't have any word for that)

[krebs128]

oh, yea, there's a hole in the black thing that goes on the cup. ok, i understand, the whole pressure thing, but that's not the problem. looks like i get to go shopping tomorrow!!!

[Vric]

Well I can't understand why then.. Before spending big buck on this, be sure to look for "real" dual action airbrush. on the web site you give, it say this airbrush is 49$. For that price you can have a very nice airbrush from Badger or Paasche

[Martbee]

Originally Posted by Vric

Well I can't understand why then.. Before spending big buck on this, be sure to look for "real" dual action airbrush. on the web site you give, it say this airbrush is 49$. For that price you can have a very nice airbrush from Badger or Paasche

Couldn't agree more my friend... Badger Universal 360 or Anthem 155 are two great dual action airbrushes (in fact Iwata are the best but it would be like buying a bazooka to kill a fly... more for a fine art kind of guy) ! But if you want a single action, Paashe or Badger with is 350 or even the 250 (14$) is Ok for that kind of job. I use mine pretty often because they are fast to clean and the price is right ! Just go buy a fine compressor... It's for the rest of your life if you drain it like you should.

For the airbrush you have now... try to vaporise water with it... just for fun... and for a while... If the problem is related with you pressure (stupid can), you'll have the same problem (ice on the can cause a fall of pressure that can be enough to stop the paint to go up the straw) but if no problem occured with water... it's probably a paint problem... maybe it's not dillued enough or dry too fast cloging the airbrush and creating problems (build up, spitting or no paint at all) of it's own. If nothing happened or if you have a funny spray...: nozzle. Check it more than one time, is it plugged by dry paint.... ? Check the air nozzle, it should be cleaned too... well, once every few spraying session.

Go ahead try it...

[Martbee]

If the test fail...

http://www.dixieart.com/
A good site for fine art... and for modelers at the same time... see, we get along !