I have been airbrushing for 5 years, using a Badger single action. I have been struggling, literally using cans of compressed air. I started a 1:35 Hornisse today and had about a dozen sprues worth of big parts that had to be painted the same mix of 50:50 desert yellow and white. I started with a new can and it kept clogging ( I thought) and I kept taking the brush apart to clean. Five times I cleaned the stupid thing and every time, splotches of paint, no coverage. So, last night I sat and hand painted everything, 1 to 2 coats. But, expensive model, gift from my son, I want it lookin good. There were conspicuous brush strokes and granted it is a tank, but, I wanted it looking great. So, I remembered posts in the past and I tried something. I put the can of propellant in warm water. Wallah, when I sprayed the first time, it about took my hand off with chilled cold spray. I then figured it out, waited a minute, and unbelievable, fine spray, continuos spray for 5-10 minutes. I did the entire series of sprues with a gorgeous even coat of paint. Wow, I made a discovery that you all told me about time and time again. I never, in one sitting, used up an entire bottle of mixed paint, today I did and now I am ready to assemble. Wow, I was stupid, I now see the light, I mean the warm water bath!!!
cool! good to see it worked for ya!!
Hey there friend, given that you’ve been using the trusty Badger with rattle cans for 5 years now, have you considered going to a compressor? It certainly would save you a packet and you won’t believe the difference a compressor will make to your work.
Just a thought.
Compressed air cans for 5 years?
You have probably spent enough to buy a silent compressor by now. [:O][;)]
If not wanting to go to a compressor, find an old tire (you’ll need a hose adapter), or an “air pig”. Both of which you can take to a gas station and air it up for free.
Recommend a watertrap and/or a pressure regulator, however. Not expensive, and when you upgrade to a compressor, you’ll already have bought them!