Newbie using an airbrush and compressor - Iwata airbrush gets clogged after a few seconds of use

Don Wheeler

I think Blacksheep and Chris have given you good advice.  If it sprays plain water OK, you probably have a paint problem.

The SmartJet Pro has a real regulator.  But, from the way you describe yours, it sounds like you have a bleeder instead.  Have a look at this page and see the difference.  With the bleeder type, be sure to set the pressure with the airbrush trigger pressed.

Don

 

Thank you for the help guys.  It does seems like it is an issue with the primer being too thick as I have put back the needle chuck, inserted water into the airbrush bowl, and now the brush is spouting out water.  That said, what is a good ratio to use mix the Vallejo primer with thinner, and what thinner to use?  I have a Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, Mr. Color Thinner, and a Mr. Color Leveling Thinner.  In addition, I have a Mr. Surfacer 1200, which I may want to use as a primer as I want to paint my Gundam models using laccquer (whereas I plan to use the Vallejo primer for tabletop miniatures.

Don Wheeler

I think Blacksheep and Chris have given you good advice.  If it sprays plain water OK, you probably have a paint problem.

The SmartJet Pro has a real regulator.  But, from the way you describe yours, it sounds like you have a bleeder instead.  Have a look at this page and see the difference.  With the bleeder type, be sure to set the pressure with the airbrush trigger pressed.

Don

 

Thank you for letting me know and from reading your article, it does have a bleeder, but when checking out the Iwata site, it mentions a regulator in addition to a bleeder:

• Moisture filter with Air Regulator and Gauge (also prevents pulsation)
• Bleed valve adjustment to release moisture

http://www.iwata-medea.com/products/compressors/smart-jet-pro/

I will take a picture of my compressor.  I am also reading your site and it is helpful - I might have no tightening the needle chuck after pouring the primer without thinner in it (this was when I cleaned out the airbrush nozzle and tested the airbrush afted I made my initial post), which could explain why water didn't come out after I tested this

jelliott523

One question, regarding your paint. I see that you stated that you had used Vallejo in the airbrush with thinner and then water, what thinner did you use? This could be a reason for the clogging. If the thinner contained alcohol, this could be contributing to the problem. Vallejo paint and alcohols do not mix...you get a snotty mess that can be difficult to remove. There have been several postings about this over time. I'm not saying that this IS the issue, just a possibility. LIke Temlar1099 wrote, definitely check out Don Wheelers site. I wouldnt be surprised if Don himself replied to your issue. I've seen him popping up here quite a bit recently. His knowledge is extremely helpful!!!

 

Honestly, I think you are right in that I originally used alcohol first - either that or water since I watched a youtube video on that.  As for thinner, I used Mr. Hobby thinner and later, the Vallejo thinner.  However, the brush was clogged by the time I used those I believe as I watched a video on removing the tiny nozzle with the Iwata wrench/spanner and cleaned up a good portion.  This was all before my post was approved here.

Anyway, I watched several airbrush videos that said it was okay to use the primer as is, which I did and boy it dried up fast!  It actually worked a bit because I cleaned with by removing nozzle.  It obviously stopped as after 8 seconds due to using the primer as is.  I cleaned it again and tried to squirt water out of it, but no dice.  I will attempt to clean the airbrush again and let you guys know.  Thank you for the help.

I think Blacksheep and Chris have given you good advice.  If it sprays plain water OK, you probably have a paint problem.

The SmartJet Pro has a real regulator.  But, from the way you describe yours, it sounds like you have a bleeder instead.  Have a look at this page and see the difference.  With the bleeder type, be sure to set the pressure with the airbrush trigger pressed.

Don

I agree with Blacksheep. I have the HP-C and it really likes thin paint. The nozzle size is really too small for my liking, but I was inexperienced when I bought it. Anyway, You should never be spraying model paint at 40psi. I am usually around 12-15 and thin my paint accordingly. I also use the Iwata eclipse now with the .35mm nozzle set up. The pigments aren't fine enough IMO to get fine detail with the HP-C without experiencing what you are explaining. You can model with an HP-C, but it is finicky.

Sounds like you're not thinning your paints.

One question, regarding your paint. I see that you stated that you had used Vallejo in the airbrush with thinner and then water, what thinner did you use? This could be a reason for the clogging. If the thinner contained alcohol, this could be contributing to the problem. Vallejo paint and alcohols do not mix...you get a snotty mess that can be difficult to remove. There have been several postings about this over time. I'm not saying that this IS the issue, just a possibility. LIke Temlar1099 wrote, definitely check out Don Wheelers site. I wouldnt be surprised if Don himself replied to your issue. I've seen him popping up here quite a bit recently. His knowledge is extremely helpful!!!

Not real experienced with Iwata but check Don Wheelers' site,' donsairbrushtips.com'. If its clogging shooting water,and after multiple cleanings, it sounds like the compresor is spitting material into the line. Check him out.