Painting with a airbrush

[WHM]

I've been using a Badger Model 200/Bottom Feed and have some questions.

First is, the brush "pulsates". Instead of a steady spray such as what you see from a spray can. I have cleaned the airbrush by spraying cleaner through it but no difference. Second, I can't get a fine spray. It always seems to be a wide pattern.

I'm using acrylics and using Ritter's instructions as a guide. Modified of course for the difference in paints that are used.

Specifically I'm painting Syrian Army T-55s 1973, Soviet Army green oversprayed with sand. I experemented using the base color as sand and oversprayed w/the green. Did this because of some SU-100s I did previously. The oversprayed color "mists" onto the model. If you look at Ritter's pictures of the Panther he did you see the over sprayed green as a fine line. I have experimented rotating the needle, but still no fine line.

When all is said and done I am not sure the result looks all that bad (Being my own worst critic). I like the uniformity of coverage of the paint, but not sure I like the "spray misting effect" of the overpainted color.

Insights and comments?

[av8rmongo]

I had a Badger 200 many years ago so my information is dated but as I recall it could be fitted with two or maybe three different nozzles, which dictated the width of the finest line the brush would paint. If you look closely at the nozzle there should be a stamp on it that will tell you what kind of nozzle it is. Its possible you have one that is not the "finest" width.

The other issue you could have is that the needle has been driven so far forward by overtightening the adjustment screw that it has enlarged the opening of the nozzle - if that happened there's not much that can be done.

As for the pulsing flow there are a couple of questions that might narrow down your problem. Are you using a compressor or "canned" air? If using a compressor does it have an air resevoir? A filter or water separator? If you use a compressor without a resevoir it can pulse with the diaphragm inside the compressor, a resevoir smoothes out the pressure/flow from the compressor.

Hope that helps.

Paul

[dougeagle]

I do believe that Ritter uses a double action airbrush on his tutorials, thus the reason for the thin lines as with a DA airbrush you can control paint and air flow at the same time. I myself have been using a double action for just around a year and still haven't got a thin line, but hey, I'm still trying

[jb]

These are of course not done yet,but just to show the Technique of the airbrush. Aztek dual stage.

[av8rmongo]

One other thought. How long have you been using your airbrush - how familiar are you with it? If you are not that familiar with it try this (if you are then my apologies, don't read any further).

The Badger 200, and I guess most single action airbrushes, has two knurled knobs at the back end of the airbrush. The one closest to the barrel of the body, the larger one, moves the needle back and forth within the barrel controling the width of the spray pattern. The smaller one holds the needle in place within the larger knob and allows you to vary the positioning of the needle in relation to the spary adjustment screw. It could be that the needle is not properly positioned within the airbrush such that even though the spray adjustment knob is full forward the needle is not and therefore never gets down to a fine spray. Just a thought.

I check the Badger website. The 200 has three nozzles but even the largest one still claims 1/16" lines which should be plenty small even at this scale. Good Luck!

Paul

[dougeagle]

Yep, those are definatly looking good.

[jb]

First is, the brush "pulsates". Instead of a steady spray such as what you see from a spray can. I have cleaned the airbrush by spraying cleaner through it but no difference. Second, I can't get a fine spray. It always seems to be a wide pattern.
Insights and comments?

Its my understanding that the tip or nozzle determines the size and pattern of the spray. You might need a different tip or nozzle to get the desired spray. Don't know for sure,just going by what you wrote.

[WHM]

It could be that the needle is not properly positioned within the airbrush such that even though the spray adjustment knob is full forward the needle is not and therefore never gets down to a fine spray. Just a thought.

Paul

To get the brush to spray I have to turn the needle fairly far out to allow air/paint to flow.

Right now I have the brush disassembled sitting in cleaner in a coffee can to see if that will clean it. Frankly I don't think it really needs it since what I've read on line says all that needs to be done is spray cleaner through it.

As for those tigers, yea! THAT'S what I'm trying for!!

[WHM]

Did some further checking and the pump is a diaphram model.

I did not mention earlier when I said it pulsated as opposed to a continual spray I meant to say when a liquid is flowing through (paint, water, cleaner). Otherwise when its just air it is continuous.

Another question, can turpentine be used as a cleaner?

Thanks

[av8rmongo]

How old is your airbrush and how long have you had it? In other words, did you buy it new? Same questions for the compressor.

Have you tried airbrushing with water? If so, does it still pulsate? If it doesn't pulsate when using water then there is a point where the viscosity of the paint is too much for the compressor to handle smoothly. Or if your compressor is old that might be the answer.

Paul

[Pitfall]

You might want to try thinning your paint more and adding a drying retarder if you're using latex paints. I use a commercial product called Floetrol, but I think there is one called Flow-tex or something that you can pick up at the hardware store.

[Hetzen]

Hi there.

The diaphram compressor will give you that pulsing you're experiencing. An air resservoir will give you a continuous flow, the compressor will have a tank attached if it is.Don't bother with compressed air cans, waste of money.

Also, it's a good idea having a moisture tap which collects the moisture in the air, and stops that interfering with your paint, which looks like a spirit measure you get in pubs.

Here's a link that was posted recently somewhere, with some helpfull advice on using an airbrush in Flash animation.

http://www.fichtenfoo.com/02GiantRobots/02c.htm

[WHM]

The compressor per its label is made by Thomas Industries Sheyboygan, Wi. I took the model number off the label and l;ooked it up via their web site.

Its been a few months since I last used the brush and I recall it sprayed continuosly.

I called Badger and spoke with one of their people and after explaining the problem she said the problem was the head assembly being bent could cause it to "spit", as she called it. Spit, well yeah, the term seemed to fit so she gave me a web site and part(s) number(s) to ask for. Still trying to paint those neat lines. Badger she said dosen't sell through their website. She even gave me the number to call.

Cool.

Well, I called their number, but instead of some one answering I got a "leave a number and we'll call back". Those who tout customer service take note! That ain't good.

Anyway, I ordered the parts throuh a local shop and the expected delivery date sounded good so went with them.

So we shall see.

If that dosen't work will see about buying a new one. The Model 200 I have is second hand, got it from my dad.

[Bruce Morris]

WHM,

Ty this link for parts.

http://www.dixieart.com/Badger_Airbrush_Main.html

I've purchased all my Iwata airbrushes and accessories and recieved great feedback and service.

Bruce

[razor]

Not to be an arse but have you given it a good cleaning? I have a bunch of airbrushes (a couple of badgers too) and have had the pulsating problem. One thing to check is that small white o-ring near under the tip between it and the body (I think #046 & #055 on the parts diagram). I've read on some model sites and airbrush forums that if that gets mushed or too much harsh stuff (like enamel thinner) it can cause air issues and pulsating. I picked up a bunch of these just in case mine gets gonked. I haven't read any way to rehabilitate them, just replace them. One thing I picked up for cleaning was a set of those micro brushes to get in all the nooks and small spots. You might be able to pick up those parts from a well stocked hobby store (luckily I have Greenfield News & Hobby within driving distance). I even resurrected a "broken" one with a good cleaning and some small parts replacement.