Strange airbrush problem

BombMagnet · Post by **BombMagnet** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:03 am

Lately I have been having a very annoying problem while airbrushing...when the paint dries it has a "fuzzy" (not smooth) effect. Some patches of paint (the minority) have a smooth, regular finish like how it should be, but the predominate effect is darker "fuzz." It has already partially ruined two models and will ruin more if I don't fix the problem. (I will be VERY upset if I ruin my USS Iwo Jima!)

I have now observed this happen with both enamel and acrylic paints of all major brands. The applies equally to paint that is pre-mixed for airbrushing, and to paint that requires mixing. It doesn't happen every time I use the airbrush, but it happens often.

My airbrush is a Harder-Steenbeck Evolution (gravity feed) and my compressor is a Revell Master class. I thought maybe the problem could be condense water in the paint, but my compressor has a trap and I religiously empty it until it comes out dry. If it is a water problem, then it still puzzles me because a little water in acrylic paint shouldn't be that big of a deal.

Thoughts anyone?

sgtryan13 · Post by **sgtryan13** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 10:15 am

What PSI are you spraying at? The "fuzz" is often caused by spraying too high, or too far away. Some of the paint particles dry in the air before they adhere to the model, leaving you with a rough texture.

BombMagnet · Post by **BombMagnet** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 1:44 am

I will check it out...

Sean Hert · Post by **Sean Hert** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 11:14 am

I agree, either too high pressure or not enough thinner.

Can you post a close-up image of a painted surface with the "fuzz"?

BombMagnet · Post by **BombMagnet** » Fri Jun 29, 2012 2:49 am

Sorry, been busy lately, I hope to get the PSI stats and a pic on the forum by the end of the weekend.

BombMagnet · Post by **BombMagnet** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 3:21 am

OK, my compressor ran at the following range:
60psi/4.2bar to 40psi/2.8 bar

The generator would kick in when it dropped below the 40psi mark, and would stop when reaching the 60psi mark. Obviously too high. I turned it down to about 30-35psi for now, and strangely enough, the psi now is constant, which is much better.

I have attached a couple of photos for the "fuzz effect." One is a color test on card stock and the other is an airplane I built for someone. (Not one of my best builds!). Hopefully the photos are helpful.

[img]/Users/Marc/Desktop/IMG_7111.JPG[/img]

[img]/Users/Marc/Desktop/IMG_6615.JPG[/img]

Thanks!

BombMagnet · Post by **BombMagnet** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 3:26 am

Can't seem to post pics, sorry.

[img][/Users/Marc/Desktop/IMG_7111.JPG]

[img][/Users/Marc/Desktop/IMG_6615.JPG]

Post by **Timmy C** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 3:37 am

You need to upload them onto the internet first. You can use either of the methods written in this thread: viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1261

BombMagnet · Post by **BombMagnet** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 3:19 am

OK, see if this works for the pics...

Zoomy 1 · Post by **Zoomy 1** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 8:27 pm

Looks like way to much air pressure. Try 20psi or so and expearment with the gun on the flow side. (more paint/lesspaint) Use 30 to 35psi for a gravely effect on vehicle wheels and such. On USAF aircraft brush the fuzz off and you will have an effect that looks real. Most AF paint jobs are crap anyway....at leasd on the Buffs, F4s and earlyer aircraft.

carr · Post by **carr** » Sat Aug 11, 2012 8:42 am

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Strange airbrush problem

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