Hi all!
Take a look at this picture:
This is from a brand new Paasche VL. The black line at the top of the pictue is approximately 1 inch (added via Photoshop).
No matter what I do, I can't eliminate the splatter around the paint stream. I can't get a fine, sharp line at all! Now, I am not entirely new to airbrushing and I've checked the needle - it's fine. No bends or hooks. In fact, I've used three different needles, all checked and all brand new. Same thing. I've used 1, 3, and 5 needles (also new and checked). I've checked the nozzles and caps, all fine, no cracks, burrs, abrasions, also all brand new. I've thinned the paint up to almost 4:1 and have tried with no thinner at all (note: for this test the paint sample was always ModelMaster Sandgelb). I've tried air pressures from about 8 psi to 40 psi. I've tried up close and personal (1/2 inch or so) and back off in the distance (4-6 inches). Same thing.
You can see some of these experiments on the attached pic....but not all of them. Some results were *slightly* better but not by much. I can't get rid of the splatter around the stream. This is consistent with other colors and glosses too.
Anyone have a helpful hint?
I appreciate it!
-Ro