Airbrush problems

Vetter · Post by **Vetter** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 2:18 pm

I have a paasche vsr 90 (gravity feed, dual action) that "sputters" and blows air into the cup, even with water. The nozzle cap is snug and everything seems clean. I'm trying to use a paint that clogs up my Iwata and this has a larger needle and tip. Yeah I know use another paint but I'd like to get it working. Any help would be appreciated.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 2:26 pm

Let me guess... a metallic?

Or it could be that indeed it isn't clean enough and causing blow-back into the cup.

photoguy · Post by **photoguy** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 5:01 pm

Sounds like there is something in the nozzle. It could be a loose bit of dry paint or a metallic flake fluttering around in there. This would cause all sorts of sputtering on the business end, and create backpressure causing your color cup to bubble.

Take the head of your brush apart and clean it completely with Windex, Q-Tips and a Paper towel. Make sure the needle is completely smooth and clean. Even the smallest bit of grit can cause a spattering problem.

Vetter · Post by **Vetter** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 8:46 pm

Don't know how I didn't see it but I found the back of the nozzle cap wasn't totally smooth any more. Some gentle work with a file looks like it took care of the air backing up into the cup. It still sputters a bit but not as bad. Guess I'll let the body and nozzle cap soak if I can get the packings out.

photoguy · Post by **photoguy** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 9:51 pm

Remember - The air/paint flow surfaces must be completely smooth in order to maintain peak performance of your brush. They make parts out of triple chrome plated metal and stainless steel for a reason. Go get a new nozzle/needle assembly. I doubt filing did it a lot of good. You're going to get a higher volume, but not necessarily better quality spray pattern.

ajmadison · Post by **ajmadison** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 1:31 pm

No one mentioned checking the needle. I was having performance issues with my A/B. Then I checked the needle. It looked like a crochet hook. I straightened the needle out, and the issues stopped.

Vetter · Post by **Vetter** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 2:41 pm

I ordered some new parts. It's usable except for the fine control stuff.

psytce · Post by **psytce** » Mon Mar 22, 2010 1:56 pm

Sometimes having a bad nylon washer could be the culprit. It is located in the body of the airbrush and is suppose to keep the air going forward instead of backwards....