Stippling (dots)
Stippling (coarse or fine dots) can add special
textured effects to artwork. Simply adjust the
air pressure down to the point the paint no
longer fully atomizes. Lower air pressure will
produce coarse dots; higher pressure will
produce fine dots. Paint viscosity affects
stippling, as well.
removing clogs
The cutaway handle (#20) allows the artist to
remove paint buildup from the tip of the
airbrush without removing the handle and
needle. Just grip the exposed needle locknut
(#18) and pull back while pushing down on
the trigger (#13). More paint will flow past the
needle and tip, clearing the clog.
Another method is to keep a second airbrush
nearby that has solvent in the cup and use it
to spray the nozzle/needle tip.
A third method is to increase the air pressure
and spray solvent through the airbrush for a
short period.
Lastly, backflow the airbrush by holding finger
over the crown cap and triggering the
airbrush. This will force air back through the
fluid passage. Do not use this method with the
open 1/4 oz cup.
crown cap
The crown cap (#1) is used to protect the
needle when spraying a fine line and to
prevent paint build-up and spitting when
spraying large backgrounds.
cLeAninG And LuBricAtion
Before each Spray Session
Spray the appropriate solvent or cleaner
through the airbrush to make sure it is
working properly.
to clean Between color changes
Empty the excess paint left in the cup or
bottle. Rinse with solvent and use a paper
towel to wipe out any left over paint. Fill
the bottom of the cup with solvent and spray
it through until the spray is clear. Fill with the
next color. To speed up cleaning, get one
bottle for each color and one for solvent.
After each Spray Session
Increase the air pressure and spray cleaning
solution through the airbrush. This will help
thoroughly clean the paint passages, nozzle,
and needle. Remove the needle and wipe it
clean (see below).
SB-2-056
Wipe down the outside of the airbrush with a
solvent-dampened cloth, and soak the crown
cap, if needed.
Do not soak the airbrush body in solvent
unless the air valve has been disassembled
and removed. The air valve o-ring could swell
and cause air flow problems.
to clean the needle
Remove the back handle, loosen the needle
locknut (#18), and remove the needle (#19).
Using a soft cloth folded over the needle, wipe
the residue off the needle by rotating it.
Inspect the needle. If it is bent or mis-shapen,
replace it.
Holding the trigger down, carefully re-insert
the needle into the airbrush near the back and
push gently until it seats against the nozzle
and is visible through the tip. You should feel
a slight resistance as the needle passes
through the packing (#6). If the needle stops
suddenly, pull it out and check the trigger for
proper positioning, then re-insert the needle.
Release the trigger and tighten the needle
locknut.
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