having AB problems - irregular paint flow, paint coming out in "spurts"

Perry, sounds like a clog somewhere. Hard to say not know what airbrush you have...

its an Iwata eclipse, so you think its a clog?

 

Perry

What type of paint?
Did you thin the paint, if so to what consistency?
What air pressure are you spraying at?
Have you used the airbrush before and properly cleaned it out?

It could be:
A paint clog (dirty AB or pickup tube),
Thick paint,
Low air pressure and you're seeing the pulsation from the compressor

Try doing:
Clean the AB real good.
Thin the paint to 2% milk consistency.
Turn up the air pressure to 25 psi.
Let us know how you made out.

Ditto all comments regarding proper cleaning of the airbrush. I have the same airbrush and have found that most problems can be related to a dirty nozzle so soak that in lacquer thinner and polish with a pipe cleaner. I also take 0000 steel wool and polish the needle. Another problem may be related to the paint itself. Proper thinniing is key, however, the paint you are using might have some small lumps in it which might be causing your problem. To test this, pour your paint through a filter element such as ladies nylon hose to remove any possible clumps.

Let us know how you are doing.

Mike

ill give it a shot and get back with you guys tomorrow, thanks!!

 

Perry

hey guys,

 

Its working fine now, I gave it a good cleaning and that did the job. I got up in there with a toothpick and got some gunk out. Thanks!!

 

Perry

Glad to learn that you solved the problem. I am guessing the problem was nozzle related so what you might want to do, at the end of your painting session, is to soak the nozzle in lacquer thinner overnight and this should take care of most problems.

Also remember that letting paint sit in the airbrush for any length of time causes these problems also.
Ken at Badger recommends you spray thinner through the airbrush if it is going to set for 5-10 minutes before being used again and I agree.

MikeV wrote:

Also remember that letting paint sit in the airbrush for any length of time causes these problems also. Ken at Badger recommends you spray thinner through the airbrush if it is going to set for 5-10 minutes before being used again and I agree.

Ditto that !  I keep a bottle of thinner w/ siphon tube in it close at hand.  As soon as I stop painting, I remove the paint bottle w/tube from the airbrush, and replace it with the bottle containing the thinner and spray the airgun until it produces a clear stream.  This keeps the airbrush clean and give you time to make adjustments, change paints, (use the restroom) or whatever. It's a snap then to put the paint bottle back in place and resume painting.

Larry