Airbrush problem

[DickJones]

Recently I went to paint an AFV as I usually do, using my Expo AB602 compressor (and the brush that came with it) with my usual mix of Tamiya acrylics/thinner, at around 18 PSI. The paint came out of the brush watery and spitting globs of mini paint. It would then run and pool and was pretty much a mess. I spray my models in the garage, which isn't heated, however I've been painting my things out there all winter without a problem.

I decided to clean the brush - thoroughly, then try again. Same problem. Figuring that my brush was beat, I bought a new one. With a whistle-clean airbrush I attempted it again and got the same problem, spitting with a watery/running effect.

I figured I'd better let the moisture trap run by itself and after an hour only a few bubbles of water accumulated inside. To be doubly sure I wasn't having some kind of humidity problem I took the compressor inside and heated it for a few hours near a heater.

After this I tried again (in the garage), same problem. Right now I am at a loss?

What comes out of the nozzle is barely paint, almost like a filter/mist. Only when you take it point blank towards a surface does it show a little colour.

Edited January 21, 2015 by DickJones

[gcn]

Painting in the garage at this time of year can be quite problematic due to the moisture in the air.

I have a moisture trap on my compressor and one attached to the airbrush and that stops most of my issues, although they still need regular drainage to avoid spitting.

[DickJones]

How does the trigger mechanism work if connected at the airbrush end as well?

[little-cars]

The Expo AB602 is a faily basic unit. The moisture trap is on the brush , so moisture can build up in the hose.

Have you tried checking the hose?

I would try emptying out any water and putting it somewhere warm for a couple of days.

Paul