I’m a bit at my wits end on this so i figure I ask: but why do my airbrush blasts come out so…splattery and not smooth like others I see? I use a Paasche H 0.5mm nozzle at 50 PSI, I mix my own colors at the moment and i am thorough in mixing them (I’m pretty sure) so what am I doing wrong per-se? Any advice helps!
Examples
Also, I do clean out my airbrush nozzles and feeders! I actually thoroughly cleared them out using lacquer thinner in the hope that 100% cleaning would fix this but nope!
Lacquer thinner only goes so far for cleaning and sometimes I find can make it worse. Lacquer thinner will loosen the latex but not liquify it, causing latex boogers to build up in hard to reach places. Lacquer thinner can also damage the rubber seals, causing airflow problems (sputtering).
Could be a number of things, really. As mentioned, a bad seal or leak somewhere else. Could be the needle is retracted causing it to get too much airflow. Could be that the needle is bent or the needle opening is damaged. Maybe the bottle stem is clogged and it’s not the brush at all.
I find it much easier to replace my brush every few months rather than bother with rigorously cleaning it. Do you have a Harbor Freight near you? Their airbrushes cost $22, and for $5 more you can get a guaranteed replacement plan. They will exchange it for free for any reason within 90 days. After 90 days, they will still exchange it for free, but you have to pay the $5 again to put the plan on the new brush. In short, I get a new airbrush several times a year for free or, at most, $5.
Also, are you painting flesh on top of white? Hard to tell due to the splattering, but if so, I’d highly recommend doing the opposite.
I thinkthat spattered look looks good.Looks like a rattle can spray
1.) Okay that’s a good point, I’m still trying to figure out what is the best way to unclog and get that stuff out with the cleaning sticks. Though it was sputtering before i started using LT to clean out my stuff.
2.) My connector does leak a bit so it’s not a full 60 PSI, but the splatter was happening with the older compressor at 30 PSI.
3.) They did and I guess I got their last one and I used it every so often but not as much as the Paasche H now. I still have it as a side. The ones close to me do not have them anymore which sucks. It has the two gold nozzles and the siphons right?
4.) Normally I do white on top of flesh, but this flesh over white then white over flesh method was me experimenting after cleaning out the brush parts thoroughly on “dummy 2.”
It does, def a unique looks but a problem for masks that aren’t the H1/H2 maybe!
Based on what you said, I think the best bet is the air leak at the connector. Makes sense that the previous compressor would also splatter as 30PSI is too low for thickness of the paint, and you’re also probably working with too low PSI now due to the leak.
I think the airbush you are referring to from Harbor Freight is the cheaper model. They have two different options.
I wish I knew how to make the leak stop, I’ve tightened the connector and adaptor omega tight but it’s like they don’t want you to use that deliberately so you have to use the airbrush it comes with already.
The airbrush it came with worked beautifully once and never again, I legit don’t know what happened LMAO
It was the cheaper one, but my HF is now only selling the full airbrush kits instead of JUST the brushes, which is causing me a major headache.
1, I would suggest taking the airbrush apart to clean it properly, you can find videos on YouTube to help you if your unsure as there are a lot of parts in some airbrushes.
2, invest in some airbrush cleaner, thoroughly flush the airbrush through with water and then flush some airbrush cleaner through it. (I do this after every color change and once finished).
3, Lastly I would suggest thinning down your paints with distilled water as thick paints can give this splattering effect, you want a somewhat milky consistency. Always test the airbrush on paper first rather then the piece your working on.
I have been running the same airbrushes for over 5 years now with the right care they will last. If you invest in a new airbrush I would suggest the Paasche-H, it’s a true workhorse and easy to clean. All the elite SFX guys use it and it’s one of the best for latex paints with an adjustable nozzle and changeable tips.
Hope this helps.
-7s
It’s insane I got a reply from s7, good gravy lmaoooo
I actually have a Paasche H brush! The connector/hose is compatible with the compressor via adapters I use yet it isn’t in that it leaks a little bit and I’ve tried to tighten it as humanely possible and patch it but to no avail!
I make sure to thin my paints so they get that consistency, which can be a bit hard but I’ve gotten pretty solid at it. Or, well, maybe a bit more water was needed!
I will definitely invest in airbrush cleaner, for sure!
I’ve taken apart the other airbrush I had and couldn’t make heads or tails of why it’s not working ideally.