Can you take a picture of what the spatter looks like.Water in the air line looks like spit on top of your surface.Spatter of a clogged tip looks like a orange peel.My experience on thinning paint. As much as it bothers me to say this,use the mfg’s thinner.Formula’s do vary.Even though the paints are water based it doesn’t mean use water as a solvent.
Another thing to think about; how long have you been using your current needle and tip? With my Badger airbrushes, I get splatter or uneven spray field when the tip is worn. I usually have to buy a new tip and needle about once a year.
Going to set up and do some brushing tonight based on the advice given here. To answer the questions, I have a relatively new needle and tip - they’re definitely not worn. And the splotches look like spit, so to speak, rather than orange peel texture.
I think the thinner issue and the moisture trap are two things for me to take a look at. Thanks for all the advice here, helpful plus it picked up my spirits some. It’s a bummer when a paint job comes out bad after all that work on a model. So thank you all. Will report back if I’ve found the culprit!
I agree. The origin of using window cleaner started as using windshield washer fluid that is mostly alcohol and it was used to clean the airbrush. It has somewhat been confused to the point that people are now using Windex and associated knockoffs.
Dan