Airbrush troubleshooting problem

whats the airbrush?

if its siphon feed is the vent hole in the cap open?  (most basic thing to check)

Blowing bubbles means the tip is clogged. Tear down and clean! Or paint too thick, thin it properly.

Tip clogged or the nozzle is loose, strip her down and have a good look around

vent hole is open...its a badger 200...I've taken it apart three times already. Absolutely stumped. I always test with plain water first...it won't shoot that either.

I have the exact same problem with my Passche double action airbrush.  Mine won't even spray water either. I have good pressure and I even replaced the needle and the cone as many have said the cones are notorious for cracking on these airbrushes. I'm totally stumped with mine as well. :(

I hate to ask a stupid question, but can you feel air coming out of it when you press the trigger? If so check upstream, I once got a peice of cotton ball stuck between the cup and the nozzle and no paint would come out but I did get air.

there are no stupid questions in a forum like this.  Air flow is strong and even. Wondering if it's just time for a new one after thirteen years.

If it's bubbling in the cup, it could be the seal between the nozzle (tip) and the body.  If it's an old style 200, this is a threaded connection.  The tip can be resealed with some bees wax, or the entire tip and head can be replaced as a unit.  Another possibility is a worn Teflon gasket behind the head.  If it is a 200NH, the tip is held in place by compression.  It's a metal to metal seal and any dirt or scratch can cause a leak.  A little bees wax can fix it, but you may need a replacement tip.

If all else fails, contact Badger.  They will fix it for parts cost.

Maybe something on this page will help.

Don

If it is a Badger brush, the Teflon washer between the head and body is likely bad.  Keep a supply of several of those on hand- they do need to be replaced occasionally.  Good news is, they are cheap.  Some of the better hobby shops carry those. You can also mail order them from the Badger web site.

Don Stauffer

If it is a Badger brush, the Teflon washer between the head and body is likely bad.  Keep a supply of several of those on hand- they do need to be replaced occasionally.  Good news is, they are cheap.  Some of the better hobby shops carry those. You can also mail order them from the Badger web site.

Don, the "old" style 200 with the 100/150 head uses the body washer, but the later 200NH series does not. We don't know, at this point, which model 200 the OP is using.

Turn the needle adjust knob clockwise till it stops  (ie. needle fully closed) If you press the trigger and you still get bubbles in the cup, it may indicate that (a) the nozzle is not properly seated or (b) there is a split/crack in the nozzle.