Operating instructions for Airbrushcity Dual Action Airbrush Kit             
  1. Attach hose to air supply (CO2 Tank, compressor, or aerosol propellant can). Then holding air hose in hand, attach air-brush to air hose by gently turning in a clockwise motion on to the fitting.
  2. When air is regulated, pressure should be between 15 to 50 PSI. Normal operating pressure is 30 PSI. We recommend a pressure gauge and/or a water trap in conjunction with compressor where humidity is a problem. A compressor or CO2 Tank is more practical for larger jobs and prolonged spraying.
  3. Attach jar by inserting stem into the hole at bottom of air-brush near head. Twist the stem in firmly. Hold the air-brush perpendicular to the work. Unscrew jar and add paint. Paint should be quite thin, about half as thick as that used with a brush. (see: MIXING PAINT)
  4. Press trigger down while easing backward to release desired amount of paint. when working very close use less air pressure. Finer spray is obtained by working close to surface - increase distance for wider spray. Spray regulator has been factory set for FINE LINE SPAY (best spray pattern).
RUNS AND SNAGS
 Runs and snags are caused by one or more of the following problems
  1. "Freezing" or forgetting to release trigger at end of stroke.
  2. Holding air-brush still or moving to slowly.
  3. Holding air-brush to close to surface.

PAINTING PROCEDURE FOR 3 DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS

  • Prepare object to be painted, masking off any area that should not be painted. (Be sure object is clean and free of dust, grease, etc.) Small objects such as models, etc. should be hung or placed on a pedestal so all areas to be sprayed can be easily reached. (A stand may be fashioned from an ordinary wire coat hanger, or bottle, etc.) Hold nozzle of air brush about 6 inches from surface. Use short strokes, moving air-brush constantly at a steady rate parallel to the surface. Don't spray to heavy; rather apply a light coat, let dry, then another coat, let dry, etc., until desired coverage is achieved. 

MIXING PAINT

You can custom mix any color combination you wish. Remember, paints must be compatible that is, mix enamels with enamels and enamel solvents,; lacquers with lacquers and lacquer thinner, etc. Paint is applied to the color cup by means of a bristle brush. The paint consistency is softened and prepared in the palette and transferred to the color cup. The consistency should be such that it will tint the brush, but not color the brush with solid color. The paint should stick to the sides of the cup, but not thickly color the sides. Be sure to buy a top grade brush for mixing your paint. An inexpensive brush will lose its bristles and clog your air-brush. We recommend a number 4 through number 7 red sable brush. 

TROUBLESHOOTING                                                  
1. Grainy Spray  Caused by paint being too thick, and water sparingly to the mixture. Check the needle and regulator tip for dried paint. Check air supply.
2. Buckling paper   Paint may be too thin. Add pigment to thicken the mixture. Do not air-brush as heavily in one area. Move more rapidly, or lessen your spray.
3. Paint blobs at end of stroke   You are spraying paint before moving your hand and stopping the movement before shutting off paint flow.
4. Flared ends   Caused by turning the wrist while air-brushing. The entire forearm should move horizontally across the paper. 
5. Centipedes   Caused by spraying to much paint too close to paper. If a fine line is desired, lightly pull back on the front lever.
6. Splattering   Caused by permitting the needle to snap back into tip. Always release the lever gently. Check for dried paint on needle or tip.
7. Curved stroke   Caused by arcing arm too close to the paper. Arm should always be parallel to work, unless this effect is desired.
8. Restricted spray   Can be caused by spray regulator being screwed too tightly into head; open a turn or two.
9. Bubbles through color cup   The spray regulator might be turned out to far; turn it back a few turns. Color cup stem may be clogged.
10. Color spray cannot be shut off   Tip may be clogged. This is recognized by a "spongy" feel when needle is set into tip. A reamer can be used to clean out dry, gummy color in tip by gently pushing into tip, slowly remove and rotate at same time, removing the reamer gently; turning the reamer, and pushing it back into the tip. Repeat until residue is out of the tip. Run clear water through the air brush, and take extreme care throughout this operation. Be sure to dry and remove all moisture after cleaning.
11. Spitting   Caused by residue on the needle or in the color cup. Paint may be too thick to operate properly.