Help with new Badger Patriot

I use a Patriot with MM Acrylics, if you are using MM acrylics aswell, you need to add some kind of retarder to the mix, or you will get spatter and dry tip real fast with them. I used them through an Aztek without any of those problems, but for the Patriot, retarded is a must.

I am using MM enamels.

TimR

I have just bought a new Badger Patriot airbrush and I am having splatter problems.  so far I have used it three times and all three times I am getting splatters on my paint job.  I am using MM paints, thinned with paint thinner.  I did the same thing with my Pasche H with no problems with paint splatter.

My compressor doesn't have a regulator, so I am wondering if that may be the problem,  I am also new to a dual action airbrush, so I am wondering if that is contributing as well.

Any suggestions?  Thanks for looking.

FSM used to have an ariticle "ABCs of Airbrushing" by Paul Boyer that was the favorite of many of us. But it seemed to have disappeared. I did a search of the title and could not find it either. Here is what the article said about splatter:

Spatters. Little spatters around fine lines are usually caused by a damaged needle or nozzle. Paint blows off the distorted tip and lands outside of the intended area. Sometimes, low air pressure also can cause this.

Examine the needle and nozzle with a magnifying glass. If the nozzle is cracked or splayed open, replace it. If the tip of the needle is bent, you can carefully straighten it out. Single-action needles are relatively sturdy and you can persuade the bent tip by pressing it against a hard surface. Go easy: press, check, press some more, check again, and so forth.

The fine needle of a double-action (or a hybrid) airbrush is more delicate. You may not be able to see the bent tip, but you’ll be able to feel it. Remove the needle from the airbrush, and drag it lightly over your fingertip. Roll the needle as you drag, and you’ll feel the hooked side catch as it goes along your finger.Make note of the direction of the hook, then drag the affected side of the needle on fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding stick. Check it again on your finger and repeat if necessary.

If you have a small compressor, check for sufficient pressure using a fresh (new) aircan. Replace the compressor with the aircan and turn it up. If the splatter disappear, you need a more powerful compressor.

If not, send the airbrush back to Badger customer service for trouble shooting.

How thin is your paint? Your Badger Patriot will require thinner paint than you're used to with your old Paasche H.

I'll second what Phil said. I haven't used an H but the Patriot will require you to thin more than you may be used to. Mine is kinda temperamental. I guess like firearms and other things each one is a little different but the one I have requires the paint to be thinner than what my 100LG needs and it uses a smaller tip and needle than the Patriot, .30mm vs .50mm. But then I have another brush with a .30mm needle and tip and it needs the paint to be thinner still.

So, don't hesitate to keep thinning till it works.

Tony

If thinning is an issue, it is very easy to test it out with ink. Any color will do.

I have both the Paasche H and the Badger Patriot 105F with the fine needle. I am not sure that the Patriot needs more thinning than the H. I found the Patriot to be very forgiving with paint thinning and can shoot many colors of Model Master acrylics without thinning. But I cannot do the same (without thinning) with the Iwata or the H&S.

But I am used to the Iwata HP-CS and H&S Evolution before I tried the Patriot. Yes, it is always prudent to thin acrylic for airbrush. Start with 1:1 for the Patriot and thin more if you have tip dry issue.