New to airbrushing

L

lkey76

Guest
Hi,

I purchased a purchased a TPC starter kit with the following
  • Master Airbrush Model G22 Airbrush Set - Master performance multi-purpose high performance dual-action airbrush with a 1/3 oz. Gravity fluid cup and a 0.3mm needle & nozzle
  • Master Airbrush Model S68 Airbrush Set - Master performance multi-purpose precision dual-action siphon feed airbrush with a 0.35 mm needle/nozzle
  • Master Airbrush Model E91 Airbrush Set - Single-action external mix siphon feed airbrush set with a 0.8mm tip, 2 - 3/4 oz. siphon bottles
  • Master Airbrush Air Compressor Model TC-20 - Professional high performance single-piston airbrush air compressor with air pressure regulator with gauge & water trap filter
I am wanting to use it for body and face painting and occasionally for painting clothing to be used in costumes. I am pleased with the size and relative quietness of the compressor, but I'm really having trouble with the basics. It doesn't seem to be working (compressor works, but no paint, or very little paint, comes out), so I'm here primarily to determine if there's something I'm doing wrong, or if I bought a piece of junk. I've done everything I know to do, so it would be great if there's someone in my area who could take a look.

I have had other people apply body paint before, and it looked great. I love putting together costumers for Halloween/Mardi Gras, so it made sense to get a kit and do it myself. Hopefully, I can get past this problem and get some use from this kit.
 
Welcome aboard,

I'd initially be checking the regulator, maybe its not set high enough for the paint to flow properly. What paint are you using ? that will determine what sort of PSI you will need. As its a tankless compressor, don't be surprised if you get a little pulsation in the process of painting and if it is constantly running in order to keep up with the air requirements then it will likely burn out reasonably quickly.

@DaveG is our guru for the most of the Generic brushes out there and may be able to shed some light on potential issues with the brushes you've mentioned......... that's right Dave, I'm shouting your name again :D
 
Indeed, welcome aboard! Before we get into trying to diagnose your brushes, and compressor set up, I am going to ask what kind of paint you are using? I will look up the compressor, but in the mean time, does it have a pressure regulator? If so, what pressure are you suing with your paint. If not, no worries... My initial guess here is that your paints are too thick, and need to be reduced. They should be around the consistency of milk in order to spray correctly. I will also mention that the G22 in particular, has a fine nozzle and needle, and some paints are going o have pigments larger than it wants to spray. Till we know more, lets not worry about that though - really, the majority of issues people run into when starting is based on paint consistency, and the need to reduce paint to work properly. Takes some experimentation, but you will pick up on it as you go along.
 
OK, I took a look at your tools - the G22 is capable of producing some very good results. The bottom feed I am not very familiar with, and the single action external mix is one I have been using for about 45 years. Not that exact one, but one(s) close enough to it. I have used a compressor similar to that one in the past, and they are not known for being power houses. So, with a limited volume of air being produced, your paint consistency is gonna be VERY important. Once you reduce the paint I am sure things will improve - but will require some time to get accustomed to. With the thinner paint, you are going to have to learn to work in layers, applying a light coat of color at a time, and allowing to set before hitting it again - you will pick it up with so practice, I am sure.
 
Welcome. Paint reduction is paramount, things will get better if you keep trying and learn from the wonderful folks here.
 
Welcome from the UK. Make sure you have the right paint, mess around with reductions, takes some experimenting, and make sure your nozzle is spotless and you'll be good to go.
 
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