air brush problems

Hi Lene,

I think we need  a little more data.

If you put plain water in the cup or bottle, set the air pressure to about 15psi or 1 bar, and press down on the trigger, do you get bubbles in the cup or bottle?

If you don't get bubbles, what happens when you pull back on the trigger? Does it spray water?

If it sprays, pull the trigger slowly all the way back.  Does it continue to spray or does it pulse on and off?

Don

On my Badger 360 (same nozzle/tip setup as yours) I've found that if the needle tip (the conical piece that the needle passes through) is not seated perfectly, or if the head is not screwed down tightly, I'll get bubbling in the cup and from behind the head as you describe. I have to be sure I hand tighten thoroughly. Also, I suspect that since the needle tip and the area in the body where it seats make a metal-to-metal seal, there's not much room for error when you assemble the brush. I would double check that you have a proper seal in that area.

If you do try tightening the head assembly, remember to back the needle out a little before you do so and re-seat it afterwards.

I've got a Badger 360 and after spraying some Vallejo Acrylic primer its never been the same. I disassembled, soaked, clean pin holes in head, re-seated head and needle tip over and over but I can't get it to spray smoothly as it did prior to use.  I'm sending it in to Badger for repairs.

@ Hokey --  You might want to pick up a new needle and tip.  It's probably one of these, and it's nice to have spares anyway for when a problem like this comes up.

Don

OK will do. What would have caused the issue with either of the current pieces?

Hokey --

When it comes to smooth spraying, the spray regulator, the tip and the needle are the key parts.  Everything else is just there to supply air and paint.  The spray regulator is pretty tough, but the other two parts are fragile.  A tiny split or spec of dirt in the tip, or a tiny burr on the needle can have a big effect.  If you have a good magnifier (every airbrush user should have one) examine the tip closely.  Then, hold it up to the light and look in the big end.  You should see a smooth surface with no crud.  Run your fingernail along the needle and feel for a burr.

You might want to rub a little bees wax or Chapstick around the hole in the body that the tip seats against.  A leak here will mess you up too.

You don't say what kind of paint you are trying to spray since using the Vallejo, but hopefully it's fresh and doesn't have lumps.  You could try plain water.

I hope that helps.

Don

Don thx for helping!  I only tried to spray water - saving my paints! - and it bubbled a bit in the bowl and didnt seem to spray evenly.

Is this real common? (I'm a NOOB!)  DO I need to plan on buying new needles etc. monthly - yearly - hourly - or what?? :)

Hokey --  Bubbling in the bowl could mean a split tip, a loose head, or a poor seal between the tip and the body.  Have a look at this page.  There is a picture and explanation. Yes, that is a very common problem.

Unless you are a pro using the brush every day, the needle and tip should last for years with care.

Don

I wonder if the OP solved his problem.

Don - Thx again for all that work! We NOOBs really appreciate the "Pros" taking the time to elaborate and provide FAQ type help info.

I sent the brush back to Badger yesterday. They will fix for only $8 return shipping fee.  I almost look forward to having the same problem sometime just so I can really resolve the issue.