Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Painting, Finishing and Care. => Topic started by: mal73 on November 30, 2007, 08:38:55 pm

Title: Trouble with spray gun
Post by: mal73 on November 30, 2007, 08:38:55 pm
I was given a revell starter kit as a present. At first it was spraying really well with good results. however now it is not working at all. When I use water it works well but as soon as I switch to paint it stops or works very poorly.

Can anyone help??

Cheers

Malcolm
Title: Re: Trouble with spray gun
Post by: Marks Model Bits on November 30, 2007, 09:10:52 pm
Hi Malcolm, could be a few things, is the paint thinned enough, the spray nozzle partially blocked, the vent hole in the top of the air brush blocked, air pressure too low, some bits of old solidified paint being picked up.

hope this helps,

 mark.
Title: Re: Trouble with spray gun
Post by: IainM on December 01, 2007, 12:05:20 pm
Hi Malcolm - know the problem!!
I'd try spraying some full cream milk (not semi skimmed 'cause its too thin) and if this works OK the problem is that paint mix is too thick.
Use the consistency of the milk as a guide for paint thinning, but please make sure you mix the thinned paint thoroughly before putting it near the airbrush.

I agree with Mark also regarding the air pressure.  I presume you are using canned puff with the wee regulator top.  Sometimes these cans don't last long at all so, before you give up on it, make sure the valve is fully open to start with and if that doesn't help, try a new can.

Best of luck .... it IS really worth getting to know how to use an airbrush - the results can be great.

Iain
Title: Re: Trouble with spray gun
Post by: barriew on December 01, 2007, 04:08:21 pm
If you are using a can, it helps to keep the can in a bowl/bucket of warm water - especially at this time of the year.

Barrie
Title: Re: Trouble with spray gun
Post by: mal73 on December 01, 2007, 06:51:44 pm
Thanks very much guys, I will try the cream idea, I think that the problem is the mixture.

Once again, cheers
Title: Re: Trouble with spray gun
Post by: modelman66 on March 08, 2008, 09:45:24 pm
wouldnt use cream just try plain water or thinners if this works then try thinning paint untill it sprays o.k.
Title: Re: Trouble with spray gun
Post by: Stavros on March 08, 2008, 10:32:59 pm
Cor I am impressed someone must have been listening ;)
As everyone has allready said it I have to agree it is the paint mix,did you stirr the paint properly before you put it into the gun,it sounds to me that you didn't,and probably what has happened is that you have used all the thinned paint up first leaving the thicker paint in the gun and it cant pick it up.Defiantly if you are using air brush propellant it will work fine for a bit and then it will play up,if this is the case save youself some grief and buy a small compressor they come on the market sold by Lidl and aldi quite often and cheap as well,good luck any probs just ask


Stavros