New to airbrushing and already have a problem..

This may sound silly (please understand I'm not trying to be facetious or patronising here), but you do understand that being a double-action brush, pressing down on the trigger controls the airflow and pulling back on the trigger moves the needle, thus controlling the paint flow don't you?.

However, if you are doing this and not getting any paint flow, then the paint may be insufficiently thinned, or not thoroughly mixed, causing a blockage.

Another thing to check is that the needle lock nut has been tightened properly.  To check the lock nut, unscrew the rear half of the handle, grasp the protruding end of the needle and see if it slides out freely (it shouldn't)  - if it does, then it will be slipping when you pull back on the trigger. Tighten the lock nut, which is the collar at the end of the retention mechanism through which the needle passes.

If this is a brand new airbrush, disassemble it and check the passages for "swarf"—the fine metal fragments and debris from milling. Every once in awhile, not all of this material gets removed after milling, and it only takes a tiny (just barely visible) fragment to create a blockage.

If this is a used unit, disassemble and clean. Clogs from old paint are probably the number one cause of blockage.

Phil, Thanks for the tips....Yes I do know about the double action brush (Don't worry I didnt take it the wrong way, you were jsut stating something that is important),..I have thinned the paint and I see it trying to get up the tube inside the canister....."Ah-ha!!!" she says......the needle was sliding out freely...OK  gonna go give it a try now....Thanks so much..stay tuned!!!

Ok Phil,

Your idea worked!! Thanks so much.....but now I'm out of "canned" air.....aarrghhhh!  I think I'm gonna get a compressor of some kind.  Boy this airbrushing isnt as easy as I thought it would be...but I will persevere(sp)....thanks again.....

Lisa

Good to hear that your 150 is working as it should. I'm also a proud owner of one, and they are terrific all round airbrushes.

Do get a compressor! Canned air doesn't last too long (as you've found out) and is rife with problems in the first place. Uneven air pressure, freezing problems, and they are quite expensive to boot.

One idea for the interim is to buy a truck inner tube and have it filled at the local garage. The air is free, contains more air than a can, and is refillable. You might get some odd looks from the neighbors, but I'm used to that!

Meanwhile research which compressor is right for your use. One excellent source is Dixie Art. I don't know where you bought your airbrush from, but if it wasn't from Dixie Art, then you likely paid too much.

Good Luck!

Hey there Lisa,

Tis great to hear that it's working - glad to be of help There is a bit of a learning curve, but luckily there are lots of guys here who have a wealth of knowledge on the subject of airbrushing, so if you have any questions, you're sure to get the answers here.

cheers,

Phil

Lisa, to the forums & the world of  wackiness You'll be pleased to know that there are many people here who are willing to help out. I recently received help on a Badger  175 that a FSM member passed on & another helped witht he hose.
 After hooking it up I twisted the protective nose cap off & wondered why I wan't getting no paint! Then I realized the cap didn't unscrew but slides off I thought I had a faulty gun but, just a simple prob like yours.