One thing about airbrushes is that they must be kept clean! Last night I scrubbed down all of my airbrushes, which took a bit longer than might be thought. However none were working properly, maybe some pulsating, or slightly uneven spray patterns. Whilst usable, I like my equipment to be perfect!
My favourite airbrush is my Iwata HP-C. It was my first airbrush, other than some Aztec basic ones I’d destroyed (the A320). Iwata make excellent airbrushes, and this one is one of their most popular items. The HP-C is not made anymore, but there are better newer versions around. It’s a double action gravity feed, with a medium sized bowl.
There are also Badgers I bought new: a 200GF, a single action gravity feed, with a small sized bowl; a 100GF, a double action gravity feed, with a small sized bowl (in effect the previous airbrush, but double action); and a 150F, a double action suction feed.
All 4 airbrushes were stripped down, checked, and cleaned up. Where the paint was really stuck in, I soaked the item in cellulose thinner (from a car factors shop). However, I made sure that the last cleaner was brake cleaner, also from the same shop, as it leaves a slight oil residue (cellulose thinner strips all oil). The Iwata was soaked entirely in cellulose thinner, which caused the o-rings to expand. This meant I had to wait a while before I could put the air valve back in it’s seat.
Everything worked fine! A real delight to use, with nice movements. However, there is a 5th airbrush, an ancient Badger 200NH, a single action suction feed. I had problems using it, and couldn’t figure out what was wrong, until the internal needle bearing fell out! I tried putting it back in, but, ended up just damaging it. I’ll have to get another one, but, also, arrange for someone to put it in for me. It’s not as easy as it looks! Still, I can wait, having 4 others!
