Airbrush problem or am I losing my mind?

hypertex

I agree with Don. You are not losing your mind. In fact, I sometimes splatter the paint as you describe intentionally for certain weathering effects. I just pull the trigger back very quickly so just a drop forms on the nozzle. Then a quick burst of air splatters the paint on the model. If you do this from a low angle, the paint will leave streaks that resemble directional spatter. Way cool.

 

In answer to the OP, I also have the Patriot 105, and absolutely love it.  I will sometimes draw back on the trigger in order to clear the needle of tip dry.  This always results in paint spatter, so I just blow some air through until the spatter is gone.  A better method is to have a Q-tip (Cotton bud for those across the pond) dipped in lacquer thinner or even water to occasionally carefully clean the needle tip (I use acrylics exclusively).  But no, there is nothing wrong with your airbrush. 

Check out Don's website.  Absolutely worth your time.

I agree with Don. You are not losing your mind. In fact, I sometimes splatter the paint as you describe intentionally for certain weathering effects. I just pull the trigger back very quickly so just a drop forms on the nozzle. Then a quick burst of air splatters the paint on the model. If you do this from a low angle, the paint will leave streaks that resemble directional spatter. Way cool.

You should be in bed at 4:30 am. LOL!!!

Yep, that's the way they work.  Pulling back the trigger opens the nozzle.  The sequence should be: press down for air on, pull back for paint, trigger forward to stop paint, trigger up to stop air.

Don