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Airbrushing Problems

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  • Member since
    January 2015
  • From: Katy, TX
Airbrushing Problems
Posted by Aggieman on Thursday, April 22, 2004 1:12 PM
I'm using an Aztec 470 (I think that's the model) with Model Master Acryl paints to do the exterior of my current project, a F-105D Thunderchief. I've set my air compressor to 20 PSI. I get my paint mixed (a light gray) for this bird's underside. I start to paint. The spray seems to be ok, but when it hits the plastic, it's as if it is not even there. I figure that I've thinned the paint too much, so I abandon that light gray for a light gull gray, this time not thinning the paint at all. Again, the coverage is so light that it has not even covered any of my puttied seams or some overspray coming out of the wheel well areas.

Anyone have any idea what may be causing this problem? These bottles of paint are new, just purchased them last week. The paint appeared to be quite thin while in the bottles, however. How does one thicken paint?
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: USA
Posted by MusicCity on Thursday, April 22, 2004 1:45 PM
Is any paint even coming out of the airbrush? If there is no paint or no air you probably have something clogged in your airbrush. I don't a thing about Azteks so I can't help you there.

If the paint actually is that thin, let it sit out for a while with the cap off and the solvent will evaporate effectively "Thickening" it. Acrylics dry so quickly that you need to keep checking it frequently Smile [:)].
Scott Craig -- Nashville, TN -- My Website -- My Models Page
  • Member since
    June 2003
Posted by Antagonist on Thursday, April 22, 2004 2:25 PM
Maybe a silly question, but did you wash the model, maybe releasing agent on it??
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, April 22, 2004 5:55 PM
How much have you thinned the paint????? Modelmaster acrylics are notorious for clogging Azteks.. I use Tamiya paints and try to stay away from modelmaster acrylics.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, April 22, 2004 5:59 PM
maybe its the nozzle, or its a sign you should buy a badger Wink [;)]
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, April 22, 2004 6:32 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by 1337

maybe its the nozzle, or its a sign you should buy a badger Wink [;)]


As 1337 is saying badger is fine if your in a tight in you budger but if not, Iwata is better. Smile [:)]
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, April 22, 2004 11:24 PM
Could be that the paint is too thick (for the pressure you are using). Sure way to see is to pump the air pressure right up and see if more paint is realeased. If so, you need to thin the paint right down
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 23, 2004 2:13 AM
try increasing the air pressure. this always happens to me with my 155.
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: South Australia
Posted by South Aussie on Friday, April 23, 2004 3:12 AM
If you use acryilic paint it pays to purchase the one of the Aztek acrylic nozzles. They have been designed to handle the thicker pigments of the Acrylic paints.

One other problem you could be having is the needle setting of the brush, this is the thumb wheel near the rear of the brush, try changing the setting to see if it makes any difference.
Wayne I enjoy getting older, especially when I consider the alternative.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 23, 2004 4:51 PM
badger = iwata= good. therefore, badger is iwata, in a way

iwata= costs money.
money = power
power = corruption
corruption = evil
therefore
iwata = evil. badger on the other hand...

badger = cheap
cheap = thrifty
thrifty = more money in your pocket
more money in your pocket = more airbrushes
therefore
badger = more airbrushes.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 23, 2004 6:57 PM
1337, Sign - Dots [#dots]Sign - Dots [#dots]Sign - Dots [#dots]
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Posted by maddafinga on Saturday, April 24, 2004 11:49 AM
Leet is the Duke of Segue!
Madda Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle. -- Leonardo Da Vinci Tact is for those who lack the wit for sarcasm.--maddafinga
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 24, 2004 2:00 PM
sigman, LOL.

but seriously, ask MikeV if iwata is better than badger, and the cost to performance ratio. he will set you straight Wink [;)]
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 24, 2004 3:20 PM
I use a cheap Testor's AB (single action, internal mix, though) which uses the Aztec nozzles.

At one point mine wasn't spraying, at least until I got a compressor. I thin my paint very thin; (2% low-fat milk consistency) I have to spray at at a higher psi;(I think I go about 40, but I'm not sure, I just test it out till I like the flow) and I have to take the nozzles apart to clean them thoroughly after every use. Mine wouldn't spray because it was clogged with paint . The propellant cans were useless because the psi wasn't strong enough to do anything. I hope this helps you a bit. -Cheers
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