I bought a new compressor that has a higher psi and I noticed the paint is watery and runs down the model and pools I use water based paint and paint at around 25-30 psi.what am I doing wrong? rambo1…
Is this your first try at airbrushing? Your paint should be the consistency of milk. Put on a very light coat at a time.Kep the airbrush moving, don’t load too much in one spot. Then let it dry…if it’s water based an hour os so should do it. Then repeat. 3-4 light coats should do it. That’s what I do. Don’t get too close . Gotta go now and airbrush a model in my basement. Good luck, Tom
When you say that the new compressor has a higher psi, is it correct to assume that you were airbrushing before with a lower psi compressor and did not have a problem? If this is the case, the fact that the new compressor is capable of a higher initial pressure should not be an issue, assuming (again) that you have a pressure regulator and air/oil separator between the compressor and the airbrush.
Airbrushes draw paint via the vacuum created by the air-flow. Try lowering your pressure to about 10-15 PSI. Also, try getting a little further from the surface you’re painting (in airbrish vernacular that surface is called the “ground”).
My airbrush has a little knob right behind the trigger that lets me set the maximum movement of the needle. It can be used to set a maximum paint flow, regardless of the pressure.
15 PSI max unless you are pumping up a car tire . In fact your paint should almost be dry when it hits the surface. And like said before open up the needle a little. Whay kind of brush is it?
Hi Rambo.
First things first, let’s slow down a bit here.
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What brand paint are you using? Pollyscale? Modelflex? MM Acryl?
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What are you thinning your paint with? Distilled Water? Alcohol/water mix? Paint Brand acrylic thinner?
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How much are you thinning? 10%? 20%?
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Do you have an air pressure gauge/ regulator attached next to the air brush connection or on the compressor?
We might be better able to help you with some details.
[;)]
The paint I am using is badger model and the compressor I used before went to about 15 psi and the paint would not come out even with a clean brush a badger 350. rambo1…
sorry antiono I use water to dilute the badger paint maby to much? I don’t know rambo1…
to antoino the compressor that I bought is a 1gallon tank with no pressor regulator can I use the valve under the tank that removes water? rambo1…
I do a lot of scale modeling and one thing I have learned about water based paints like the badger is they are not very forgiving if your ratio is wrong. You probably have to much pressure going through the air brush which is pushing much more paint out at a time. More than you are used too. Do you have a regulator on your compressor? You can get a fairly inexpensive one at any crafts store like Hobby Lobby. If your are using a larger compressor Home depot has the same thing for less than ten bucks. You could compensate some by using less water to paint and moving your brush back some. I never could get paint thinned with water to spray evenly. If I use water based paint I will use either Testor’s Acryl thinner or windex.
SB
Rambo,
Badger Modelflex comes already thinned. No need to thin it anymore, otherwise you will get a runs if you’re applying it for a normal paint job. (for weathering, thinning slightly is helpful).
Opinions will vary, but normally I and some of the modelrs I know apply acrylics,such as Badger Modelflex, at an average air pressure of 20-25 psi.
Sounds like the compressor that you have is adequate.
Drain Valve:--------No, unless it’s designated as an auxilary air outlet, the drain valve or plug is just that…a drain. A compressor’s action produces heat and friction, which in turn creates moisture that will be expelled through your air hose. Hence, the need to regularly drain the tank. Even if you’re using acrylics, you don’t want any additional mositure mixed in with your paint.
If you’re going to be painting and weathering regularly, **YOU DEFINiTLY SHOULD invest in a water trap (**they’re not expensive) and a decent **air regulators (**OK, a little more money). Believe it or not, Auto Body supply stores usually sell these items cheaper than many hobby shops.
If there is one in your town, Harbor Freight Tools (nationwide chain) has accessories for air compressors. It’d be worth it to shop around. At this time of the year, you may find some decent sales.
http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=air+regulator&Submit=Go
Here is what I use. A moisture trap with air regulator. I proberly should still have an inline dryer / filter, but haven’t had any problems without one.
The orange hose comes off my compressor, and the smaller black and blue hose goes to my Badger airbrush. I regulate the air down to about 25psi.
Use the Model Flex paint as is, no thinning necessary.
Try to put on really thin coats of paint, as someone mentioned the paint should be almost dry once it is on the model.
Are you using an external mix or internal mix airbrush?
BasementDweller,
Two in one combo (mine are separate).
Very good set up! [8D][tup]
The airbrush i s a badger 350 rambo1…
Rambo,
The suggestions above given by the other modelers are good too. Don’t just take my word for it; experiment and see what works best for you.
The Badger 350 is a decent external mix airbrush. Tends to spray a little heavier than the units I normally use ( Badger 360 and Paasche VL). For painting HO and N scale models, the fine needle/nozzle combo ( 3 mm) works well.
As always, to avoid clogging, flush out your airbrush immediately after finishing spray jobs with acrylics.
Do you think that the regulator/water trap unit mentioned above will help solve your current situation?
And strain the paint! (nylon stockings work well).
Everybody is absolutely correct as far as the paint supply goes but no one has mentioned that the parts you are painting are free of grease and oils applied during the extrusion process. Dish detergent, a brush and a little gentle scrubbing is all that is necessary. I am assuming you are trying to paint plastic.