there's gotta be...

[Digit_Air63]

Hi Everyone,
.... An answer!! I have almost come to wits end with Acrylics. I must have spent 2 mortgages worth on the stuff and cant seem to get the paint to cooperate with me.
The problem? It dries too fast just before it leaves the airbrush. I have an double action airbrush (Paasche VL) that I am sure works very well. That is if I can get the paint to dry on the item I am painting rather than the inside of my airbrush. I use Acrylic thinner but no matter how thin I get the paint to go, within 5 minutes (or less) it starts to clog the tip.
I also use the proper needles and tip combo as recommended by the Manufacture.
I really don't think people have this many problems with thier airbrush + paint as I do!
Frustraited,
William (Digit_Air63)

[Saint]

That's sort of the 'nature of the beast'.
With acrylics, you pretty much have to keep an eye on your needle for buildup. And you're right, it doesn't have anything to do with the condition of your airbrush.
You might try a retarder to slow the drying.
What brand are you using?




Saint

[Clinton]

Yep need some more info, what brand of paint are you using. Most Acrylics don't have a "thinner" just and extender or retarter and clear medium. They usually are thinned with water or the airbrush medium.

[corey]

It can be very discouraging when first starting to use acrylics. Tip dry is a monster. i stuggled with createx and aa for nearly six months before i finally found the right combonations of reducers. Yes i did use the 50/50 fantastic and water mix for the aa paints. Then they came out with their new reducer which was supposed to be so awesome. Not to change this thread to a paint brand debate but I would suggest on your next order (when ever that may be) you try brands like E"TAC or Golden and Aqua flow.
Figure out the right viscosity and pressure for the paints you have now. You never know once you get those figured out you might not want to change.

[zackarybancroft]

I use Com-art acrylics. I've noticed the opaque colours are more likely to have tip build up (dry tip), then transparent colours. Because the opaque has some white in them. I flush my AB every 5 mins or so to get rid of drying paint. Also you can buy a paint picker air cap which allows quick removal of dry paint on the tip & needle.

[Dream Weaver]

Hi William
DON't give up bro . Everybody here is right , It is the nature of acrylics, but there are ways around. Clinton is right on more info needed , like paint thickness, air pressure, needle combos. For myself , I have been using Golden fluid acrylics for the past 18 years and as much testing as i did still get some tip clogging. I use a crown cap on my iwata, and on occasion take like a address card to knock off the dried paint from the tip .Sadly william you will never be able to paint for any extended period with acrylics with out clogging the tip.

[Whit]

The "Paint Picker" cap is the way to go on a VL !!!
There is a thread in the forum that deals with
that very subject,, and how to modify yours as well !!!
It's a constant thing,, removing "tip dry",, but you
might try just a tad (coupla drops) of vinegar to
your paint for a retarder (slow the drying) but then
you take a chance of smelling like pickles:partyalone:
Good Luck on it !!!
(here's a pic of a "Paint Picker" cap)

[Primo Customs]

What air pressure, With T paint you have to use higher pressure. I use 50 to 60 psi.. it will just blow it off. plus look at your needle, a slight bend will cause all sorts of build up on the needle... Check that out... Plus have a blow out paper towel of cloth next to the shirt you are working on... 2cents, Rick

[sharonsstudio]

Dry tip sucks!! whit I never heard of using vinegar I''ll have to try it .

[Clinton]

Dry tip sucks!! whit I never heard of using vinegar I''ll have to try it .

You can also use any kind of clear alcohol, white rum works well:wink2: . It sounds funny but it works.