View Full Version : gummed up airbrush


gldnbear93
06-25-2007, 08:58 PM
My badger 155 has been sitting for a couple of months. Took it out to paint a few musky baits last night. I thought I had it cleaned out, but I guess not. It spits and fizzes and won't pull the paint except at a high pressure (40lbs+). I have run the BERNZY mixture through it several times and the badger cleaner as well. I have taken it apart as well. All the channels seem clear. I have a new needle in it. I think it still has old paint residue built up somewhere. Does anyone have any suggestions on cleaning this thing out?

BigFish
06-25-2007, 09:04 PM
Have you checked the nozzle? Take it apart and check to see if the nozzle has excess buildup in it. If so, try soaking it over night in a windex/simple green and water mix 25/25/50 mix.....if this does not work maybe need a new nozzle.

Striperknight
06-25-2007, 09:47 PM
I find the windex/green does not work for the really bad clogs. Createx or badger airbrush cleaner will remove any buildup.

Motor Fish
06-25-2007, 10:10 PM
It may possibly be the paint. I have found that over time, the createx paints tend to thicken up a bit and don't spray very well. Especially when you get close to the bottom of the can. If the paint seems really thick, try adding a few drops of water to thin it out a bit.

Maybe it's me, painting is not my strong point. Just a thought....

Tagger
06-26-2007, 03:29 AM
If you ran Bernzy's mix thru it several times it must be clear.. paint may be snot infested.. for tough dry residue I use a pencil eraser on needle and round wood toothpicks in nozzle and other stuff .. Do you back flush while painting ?

gldnbear93
06-26-2007, 06:26 AM
I don't think it is the paint, because it fizzes even with just the cleaner solution. I flush it with cleaner after each color change and run a 3/4 oz bottle of cleaner through it at the end of each painting session. I have taken the whole thing apart and swabbed out the interior as well. It looks clean, but just does not run clean. I'll take it apart and try soaking it over night tonight.

Smokey14
06-26-2007, 06:36 AM
It's been pretty humid lately. Check your air system for excess moisture. If you are using coiled poly air line that stuff holds water like a sink trap.

The Dad Fisherman
06-26-2007, 07:09 AM
also if you leave air in your compressor it can condensate over time. Fill it with air and empty it a couple of times and see if that takes some of the moisture out.

Bernzy
06-26-2007, 11:19 AM
You might want to use a magnifying glass to check the nose cone/nozzle for a split or a crack near the tip.

Or it could be a split in the plastic tube inside your paint bottle where it connects to the cap.

Bernzy

gldnbear93
06-26-2007, 11:46 AM
Wow lots of suggestions and help here! Thanks everyone.

I'll check w/ the magnifier.I have a tankless compressor for the airbrush and have a moisture filter in the hose. I am positive this is something in the airbrush itself.

Tagger
06-26-2007, 03:29 PM
I don't think it is the paint, because it fizzes even with just the cleaner solution. I flush it with cleaner after each color change and run a 3/4 oz bottle of cleaner through it at the end of each painting session. I have taken the whole thing apart and swabbed out the interior as well. It looks clean, but just does not run clean. I'll take it apart and try soaking it over night tonight.


Backflush ,,is when you hold the brush under water,, holding your finger tight over the nozzle where the paint usaully comes out ,, then pull the trigger wide open .. Contents of brush and air blow out intake hole .. I do this between colors besides running water and a little cleaner thru it ..

gldnbear93
06-27-2007, 08:19 PM
It appears that an overnight soak is all that was required.

Once again thanks for all the suggestions. More painting soon.....