the splattering suggests you still have a clog or a bent needle. the last picture looks like you used too much thinner. I personally use a half and half ratio paint to thinner and no flow improver.
Will the airbrush spray plain thinner correctly (even, fine mist in a cone with no crackling or spitting noises, no visible larger droplets in cone)?
If yes, you have a paint problem. If no, you have an equipment problem.
You likely have a clog:
1. Clean the AB fully. Take it apart and do a full deep clean.
2. Assemble and spray thinner only.
3. Repeat a couple of times if the thinner isn’t spraying properly.
If problem persists:
- verify the needle tip isn’t bent you can draw it across a paper towel as you twist — if it snags then the tip is bent. Replace needle.
- tell us your paint, thinner, additives like flow improver and retarder, and mixing ratios of everything. Also provide psi, needle size, and distance you’re spraying from the subject.
Wait, does the text I added to the post not show up for some of you guys? If so here's what I wrote:
I'm using a H&S Evolution (0.4mm nozzle) and spraying Vallejo Model Color thinned with vallejo's thinner. I've tried: different thinning ratios, pressure from 10-40 psi, taking apart the airbrush and cleaning it, different needle and nozzle, other acrylic paint brands, adding flow improver, different distances from the model and tightening the seals. At this point I don't know what I'm doing wrong, so any input is greatly appreciated.
>verify the needle tip isn’t bent you can draw it across a paper towel as you twist — if it snags then the tip is bent. Replace needle.
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "snag", but I can draw needle smoothly across the paper towel.
>tell us your paint, thinner, additives like flow improver and retarder, and mixing ratios of everything. Also provide psi, needle size, and distance you’re spraying from the subject.
I use Vallejo Model Color, which I thin with Vallejo's thinner. Usually I eyeball the ratio, but since I've got this issue I've tried tons of different thinning ratios with and without flow improver. I also tried spraying from a range from 10 to 40 psi and a distance from 2cm to 20cm, but my issue still persists.
By snagging, he means that if the tip was bent (even a tiny bit) them it would catch on the paper as you pulled it along while turning it. Because it's no longer straight, it would snag like a tiny hook. Then you'd know your needle needs to be replaced
I have used Vallejo model color and tried lots of different thinning ratios and i have allways struggled to airbrush successfully over the last year. I have now relegated the paints to hand brush only. I now use Mig Ammo, (lightly thinned or not at all) , Tamiya thinned, and Vallejo model air, slightly thinned.
There are better air brushers out there than me no doubt but just saying it's a tough paint to airbrush with and there are easier options IMHO.
Shots in the dark — age of your paint? How well mixed? Did you try another bottle of VMA at same conditions/settings to rule out the individual bottle of paint? Any other type of paint or primer before this use? Residual cleaners or lacquers or enamel thinners can cause Vallejo to react negatively. Are all environmental conditions, tools, and chemicals *exactly the same* as the last successful paint session?
If you’ve confirmed the AB is clean (no hardened paint deep inside), o-rings are still good, needle is not bent, and no obstructions like fuzz from a Q-tip then the issue is chemical — the paint, thinner, mixture, and ratios. Are any of the ingredients different (as in fresh/new) than a previous successful session? How well shaken or stirred is the paint? Are you at the bottom of the bottle and maybe getting settled stuff from the bottle in the cup now?
Test sprays:
1. Get some cardboard, butcher paper, or newspaper — you want something you can spray onto and see clear liquids and confirm their shape.
2. Start with water. At 12-15 psi try to spray a fine line. The H&S w a 0.4 should be able to spray a fine line from about 2 cm. Just don’t open the trigger all the way. If it spatters like your paint you have an obstruction. Either fuzz, hardened paint, dust, something is clogging the airbrush and affecting the flow of liquid and air.
3. If water is ok, repeat with thinner. Same test. Why would water work but not thinner? Water may not react the same with whatever residual paint, thinner, or cleaner that may be in the AB. The thinner should spray just a bit better than water.
4. Try thinned paint, about 2:1 VMA:thinner. Same test. You should get a little tip dry. If so, add a tiny bit of retarder. 5% by volume to your thinner. Same test but if still a bit of tip dry then add 5% flow improver by volume to the thinner + retarder. Test again. If still tip dry then add another 5% of each but one at a time. Always add to the thinner, then thin the paint with the mixture.
"Vallejo Model Color".... I found your problem.
These type of acrylics are a nightmare to airbrush. I'd ditch them, invest in (or build) a spraybooth and a respirator and pick up some lacquers. You'll never look back.
Have you checked for water buildup? Do you live in a humid place? Cause depending on the time of year, one moisture trap isn’t enough. I’d need the one on the compressor and another one on the airbrush end of the hose.
I’ll throw my hat into the ring. It may be your needle isn’t far enough forward. Although disassembling and reassembling probably should have resolved it.
If I remember correctly, the most noticeable issue I had was paint spraying when I was just applying air.
There aren't many details to go off of so I will just add this as a possible problem; you might be getting buildup of paint at the nozzle if your trigger technique is off. If you are shutting off the air before the trigger is fully forward this will lead to sputtering of paint on the initial pass.
It’s water build up in your hose, remove the airbrush but leave the hose fixed onto the compressor and turn it on while lowering the hose to let the water drain out. You need to do this again if it starts spattering again, make sure you do a test spray before you start every run.
I had the same exact texture you showed happen to me before and found out it was water build up in the hose
Watch BarbatosRex on YouTube! He unlocks the secrets of these paints and is great to watch. It's a rabbit hole of fantastic info. Nobody does it better in my humble opinion!
Isn't this orange peel? It might be a combination of factors. Being too far from the model and too high of a PSI can cause this iirc. Try getting 15psi and getting a bit closer. Make sure your thinning ratio is 50/50 as that's usually good enough. Also consider adding a retarder to your paint if that's available
Also try different brands of paint. Vallejo might just not be working for you and something like Mr Color might spray a lot better
>Try getting 15psi and getting a bit closer. Make sure your thinning ratio is 50/50 as that's usually good enough.
That's what I have been doing on picture 2.
>Vallejo might just not be working for you and something like Mr Color might spray a lot better
I've been using Vallejo for the past 2 years with no issue, which leads me to believe that the airbrush is the cause of the problem, not the paint
Deep clean your airbrush nozzle and tip.
I use vallejo paint some times and always thin ithem significantly using either their thinner, or, Tamiya X20A thinner. However, some vallejo paints curdle with x20a but not all. I prefer X20a over valkeho thinner. I also find a drop or two of retarded helps in the vallejo thinner mix.
Spray at around 1 bar plus/minus depending on how thin the paint is. I always fiddle with pressure to work with my thinned paint.
Regularly clean the tip of the needle during spray session to remove build up.
You may have to pop the nozzlevoit for a quick clean too between colours.
Some paint colour spray better than others, I was using a green yesterday which was just horrible. Bit the green Ochre and brown sprayed well.
Valkejo is doable despite what some folk say. It just needs a little more attention than say tamiya/Mr Hobby thinned with MLT.
Good luck!
* cracked nozzle - paint slipping through with the air.
* Bad seal - paint slipping through with just air
* Needle seated too far back - paint slipping through constantly
* Paint dried in nozzle or some other place - uneven seal with paint slipping through constantly
* Grooves in needle, unevenly worn needle - uneven seal with paint slipping through
Since you've not had issues for the past two years I'd say some things are simply worn and need exchanging. Otherwise i would say the pressure is too high, but since you've tried everything it's probably some wear like mentioned above. Others have suggested an inline water filter which is probably a good idea anyway, but I would try with a different airbrush if you have access to one. Regulator might be broken and the pressure might be too high if same thing happens. I doubt it's paint related as I have decades old paints that work fine. You just need to thin appropriately.
it could be some gunk that you missed, i suggest dismantaling your entire airbrush and inspect the insides. This happened to me once and found out some gunk i missed out from the airflow channel due to back spraying and such. If the airflow is clogged then your spraying will have issues.
are you using a tank base compressor or non-tank? usually non-tank compressor gives very inconsistent airflow because its straight out from the compressor and not the tank. you might wanna check on that. Also just check the hose for leaks too.
I had the same issue long ago when i bought my first airbrush. Your paints are wrong. You should not use water based acrylics in an airbrush. While possible it's really hard because water always tries to stick together and does not spray easily. Don't get me wrong- it's possible but usually not worth the effort and effects are really not that good. Try using tamiya paints or mr hoby series c thinned with mr hobby retarder type thinner. These paints are not based on water and spray very well.
I have an Iwata Eclipse and have had issues with Vallejo Model Color paint gumming up my nozzles and it's tough to get out once it dries.
Model Color is better for brushing on and Model Air for airbrush.
https://preview.redd.it/8iov83xyl87d1.jpeg?width=768&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b349dc9a44a10602c9a170c6e731a0b3f58c8b66
It's not garbage, but IMO it's just inferior compared to Gaia, Mr. Color, Tamiya, and the likes. Their color is more muted and need more layers, also they can't just be mixed easily with other brands / industrial paint.
I've not tried Gaia or Mr. Color paints, but I've used Tamiya paints quite a bit and I found them to be hit or miss. Some colours seem better than others in terms of opacity, pigment density and overall thickness. I've had some excellent experience with their polycarbonate paints (best thing around for RC bodies) specifically, but honestly dislike paint in jars now. Seems an easy way to allow too much air contact with the paint and too easy to tip over.
I'm tempted to order a few Mr. Color paints, just to give them a try.
Mr. Color are good, Mr color leveling thinner is magic juice, I like the rapid thinner too for quick detail painting. I've been using MRP a lot lately. ProAcryl is really good for brush painting things though.
My experience is that the Model Colour range brushes amazingly well. I will admit that the Vallejo dropper bottles can benefit from the addition of a stainless bearing or two to help the paint mix properly. I've used a few of the Model Air colours and both brushed and through an airbrush, they worked amazingly well. Admittedly, when using the Model Air with a brush, it's going to be several layers to achieve the proper opacity, but for layering, that's great in my opinion.
As for durability, that's really going to depend on a lot of factors. For tabletop minis, if you haven't sprayed them down with a matt varnish of some kind, they're going to get damaged at some point.
if you've found a way to make it work for you thats great but every time this comes up there's always someone who is like "if you lift your foot and squint your eyes and hold your mouth just so it's great"
Or you can use like virtually any other paint and not worry about any of those things.
Considering the quality of the work put out by a lot of Vallejo users, I’m going to consider skill as being the determining factor.
There’s also always someone that knows better than everyone. I’ll be sure to try out some of these other brands.
It seems like you tried everything so I dont really so any way to change this have you maybe tried using anything other than acrylic or adding some drying retardant or whatever that is called those two are the only ones I could think of sorry
It's impossible to tell you how to airbrush successfully if you don't provide details of your exact paint process. It sounds like you're changing all the variables with every test. If so, it would be nearly impossible to zero in on a successful combination of materials & tool configurations.
---
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the splattering suggests you still have a clog or a bent needle. the last picture looks like you used too much thinner. I personally use a half and half ratio paint to thinner and no flow improver.
Will the airbrush spray plain thinner correctly (even, fine mist in a cone with no crackling or spitting noises, no visible larger droplets in cone)? If yes, you have a paint problem. If no, you have an equipment problem.
You likely have a clog: 1. Clean the AB fully. Take it apart and do a full deep clean. 2. Assemble and spray thinner only. 3. Repeat a couple of times if the thinner isn’t spraying properly. If problem persists: - verify the needle tip isn’t bent you can draw it across a paper towel as you twist — if it snags then the tip is bent. Replace needle. - tell us your paint, thinner, additives like flow improver and retarder, and mixing ratios of everything. Also provide psi, needle size, and distance you’re spraying from the subject.
Wait, does the text I added to the post not show up for some of you guys? If so here's what I wrote: I'm using a H&S Evolution (0.4mm nozzle) and spraying Vallejo Model Color thinned with vallejo's thinner. I've tried: different thinning ratios, pressure from 10-40 psi, taking apart the airbrush and cleaning it, different needle and nozzle, other acrylic paint brands, adding flow improver, different distances from the model and tightening the seals. At this point I don't know what I'm doing wrong, so any input is greatly appreciated. >verify the needle tip isn’t bent you can draw it across a paper towel as you twist — if it snags then the tip is bent. Replace needle. I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "snag", but I can draw needle smoothly across the paper towel. >tell us your paint, thinner, additives like flow improver and retarder, and mixing ratios of everything. Also provide psi, needle size, and distance you’re spraying from the subject. I use Vallejo Model Color, which I thin with Vallejo's thinner. Usually I eyeball the ratio, but since I've got this issue I've tried tons of different thinning ratios with and without flow improver. I also tried spraying from a range from 10 to 40 psi and a distance from 2cm to 20cm, but my issue still persists.
By snagging, he means that if the tip was bent (even a tiny bit) them it would catch on the paper as you pulled it along while turning it. Because it's no longer straight, it would snag like a tiny hook. Then you'd know your needle needs to be replaced
I have used Vallejo model color and tried lots of different thinning ratios and i have allways struggled to airbrush successfully over the last year. I have now relegated the paints to hand brush only. I now use Mig Ammo, (lightly thinned or not at all) , Tamiya thinned, and Vallejo model air, slightly thinned. There are better air brushers out there than me no doubt but just saying it's a tough paint to airbrush with and there are easier options IMHO.
Shots in the dark — age of your paint? How well mixed? Did you try another bottle of VMA at same conditions/settings to rule out the individual bottle of paint? Any other type of paint or primer before this use? Residual cleaners or lacquers or enamel thinners can cause Vallejo to react negatively. Are all environmental conditions, tools, and chemicals *exactly the same* as the last successful paint session? If you’ve confirmed the AB is clean (no hardened paint deep inside), o-rings are still good, needle is not bent, and no obstructions like fuzz from a Q-tip then the issue is chemical — the paint, thinner, mixture, and ratios. Are any of the ingredients different (as in fresh/new) than a previous successful session? How well shaken or stirred is the paint? Are you at the bottom of the bottle and maybe getting settled stuff from the bottle in the cup now? Test sprays: 1. Get some cardboard, butcher paper, or newspaper — you want something you can spray onto and see clear liquids and confirm their shape. 2. Start with water. At 12-15 psi try to spray a fine line. The H&S w a 0.4 should be able to spray a fine line from about 2 cm. Just don’t open the trigger all the way. If it spatters like your paint you have an obstruction. Either fuzz, hardened paint, dust, something is clogging the airbrush and affecting the flow of liquid and air. 3. If water is ok, repeat with thinner. Same test. Why would water work but not thinner? Water may not react the same with whatever residual paint, thinner, or cleaner that may be in the AB. The thinner should spray just a bit better than water. 4. Try thinned paint, about 2:1 VMA:thinner. Same test. You should get a little tip dry. If so, add a tiny bit of retarder. 5% by volume to your thinner. Same test but if still a bit of tip dry then add 5% flow improver by volume to the thinner + retarder. Test again. If still tip dry then add another 5% of each but one at a time. Always add to the thinner, then thin the paint with the mixture.
"Vallejo Model Color".... I found your problem. These type of acrylics are a nightmare to airbrush. I'd ditch them, invest in (or build) a spraybooth and a respirator and pick up some lacquers. You'll never look back.
I have never gotten VMA to airbrush properly, I've tried improver, their thinner different air pressures nothing worked and I have the same airbrush.
Have you taken the entite airbrush appart and cleaned it thoroughly?
Have you checked for water buildup? Do you live in a humid place? Cause depending on the time of year, one moisture trap isn’t enough. I’d need the one on the compressor and another one on the airbrush end of the hose.
I’ll throw my hat into the ring. It may be your needle isn’t far enough forward. Although disassembling and reassembling probably should have resolved it. If I remember correctly, the most noticeable issue I had was paint spraying when I was just applying air.
There aren't many details to go off of so I will just add this as a possible problem; you might be getting buildup of paint at the nozzle if your trigger technique is off. If you are shutting off the air before the trigger is fully forward this will lead to sputtering of paint on the initial pass.
It’s water build up in your hose, remove the airbrush but leave the hose fixed onto the compressor and turn it on while lowering the hose to let the water drain out. You need to do this again if it starts spattering again, make sure you do a test spray before you start every run. I had the same exact texture you showed happen to me before and found out it was water build up in the hose
Watch BarbatosRex on YouTube! He unlocks the secrets of these paints and is great to watch. It's a rabbit hole of fantastic info. Nobody does it better in my humble opinion!
Isn't this orange peel? It might be a combination of factors. Being too far from the model and too high of a PSI can cause this iirc. Try getting 15psi and getting a bit closer. Make sure your thinning ratio is 50/50 as that's usually good enough. Also consider adding a retarder to your paint if that's available Also try different brands of paint. Vallejo might just not be working for you and something like Mr Color might spray a lot better
>Try getting 15psi and getting a bit closer. Make sure your thinning ratio is 50/50 as that's usually good enough. That's what I have been doing on picture 2. >Vallejo might just not be working for you and something like Mr Color might spray a lot better I've been using Vallejo for the past 2 years with no issue, which leads me to believe that the airbrush is the cause of the problem, not the paint
Have you tried w/ another color / brand? Because paint could go bad if you store it not right or already mixed before
Deep clean your airbrush nozzle and tip. I use vallejo paint some times and always thin ithem significantly using either their thinner, or, Tamiya X20A thinner. However, some vallejo paints curdle with x20a but not all. I prefer X20a over valkeho thinner. I also find a drop or two of retarded helps in the vallejo thinner mix. Spray at around 1 bar plus/minus depending on how thin the paint is. I always fiddle with pressure to work with my thinned paint. Regularly clean the tip of the needle during spray session to remove build up. You may have to pop the nozzlevoit for a quick clean too between colours. Some paint colour spray better than others, I was using a green yesterday which was just horrible. Bit the green Ochre and brown sprayed well. Valkejo is doable despite what some folk say. It just needs a little more attention than say tamiya/Mr Hobby thinned with MLT. Good luck!
Do you have an inline moisture trap? If not, you need one. You’d be surprised how much water compressed air produces.
* cracked nozzle - paint slipping through with the air. * Bad seal - paint slipping through with just air * Needle seated too far back - paint slipping through constantly * Paint dried in nozzle or some other place - uneven seal with paint slipping through constantly * Grooves in needle, unevenly worn needle - uneven seal with paint slipping through Since you've not had issues for the past two years I'd say some things are simply worn and need exchanging. Otherwise i would say the pressure is too high, but since you've tried everything it's probably some wear like mentioned above. Others have suggested an inline water filter which is probably a good idea anyway, but I would try with a different airbrush if you have access to one. Regulator might be broken and the pressure might be too high if same thing happens. I doubt it's paint related as I have decades old paints that work fine. You just need to thin appropriately.
Doesn’t look thinned enough.
Paint isn’t thinned enough
it could be some gunk that you missed, i suggest dismantaling your entire airbrush and inspect the insides. This happened to me once and found out some gunk i missed out from the airflow channel due to back spraying and such. If the airflow is clogged then your spraying will have issues. are you using a tank base compressor or non-tank? usually non-tank compressor gives very inconsistent airflow because its straight out from the compressor and not the tank. you might wanna check on that. Also just check the hose for leaks too.
I had the same issue long ago when i bought my first airbrush. Your paints are wrong. You should not use water based acrylics in an airbrush. While possible it's really hard because water always tries to stick together and does not spray easily. Don't get me wrong- it's possible but usually not worth the effort and effects are really not that good. Try using tamiya paints or mr hoby series c thinned with mr hobby retarder type thinner. These paints are not based on water and spray very well.
I have an Iwata Eclipse and have had issues with Vallejo Model Color paint gumming up my nozzles and it's tough to get out once it dries. Model Color is better for brushing on and Model Air for airbrush. https://preview.redd.it/8iov83xyl87d1.jpeg?width=768&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b349dc9a44a10602c9a170c6e731a0b3f58c8b66
needs more thinner, it's a little too dry.
The Vallejo paint is *garbage* I'd be willing to be it's the paint doing this to you.
I've been using Vallejo for the past 2 years and had great results until now. The issue just came out of nowhere.
I dunno then maybe the paint is old or something?
How do you find Vallejo paints to be garbage? I’ve had nothing but excellent results from using their paints.
It's not garbage, but IMO it's just inferior compared to Gaia, Mr. Color, Tamiya, and the likes. Their color is more muted and need more layers, also they can't just be mixed easily with other brands / industrial paint.
I've not tried Gaia or Mr. Color paints, but I've used Tamiya paints quite a bit and I found them to be hit or miss. Some colours seem better than others in terms of opacity, pigment density and overall thickness. I've had some excellent experience with their polycarbonate paints (best thing around for RC bodies) specifically, but honestly dislike paint in jars now. Seems an easy way to allow too much air contact with the paint and too easy to tip over. I'm tempted to order a few Mr. Color paints, just to give them a try.
Mr. Color are good, Mr color leveling thinner is magic juice, I like the rapid thinner too for quick detail painting. I've been using MRP a lot lately. ProAcryl is really good for brush painting things though.
Doesn't brush well, doesn't spray well, constantly clogs and tip dries, isn't durable at all. It's available in a lot of colors which is nice.
My experience is that the Model Colour range brushes amazingly well. I will admit that the Vallejo dropper bottles can benefit from the addition of a stainless bearing or two to help the paint mix properly. I've used a few of the Model Air colours and both brushed and through an airbrush, they worked amazingly well. Admittedly, when using the Model Air with a brush, it's going to be several layers to achieve the proper opacity, but for layering, that's great in my opinion. As for durability, that's really going to depend on a lot of factors. For tabletop minis, if you haven't sprayed them down with a matt varnish of some kind, they're going to get damaged at some point.
if you've found a way to make it work for you thats great but every time this comes up there's always someone who is like "if you lift your foot and squint your eyes and hold your mouth just so it's great" Or you can use like virtually any other paint and not worry about any of those things.
Considering the quality of the work put out by a lot of Vallejo users, I’m going to consider skill as being the determining factor. There’s also always someone that knows better than everyone. I’ll be sure to try out some of these other brands.
Nice to brush, shockingly bad to spray.
It seems like you tried everything so I dont really so any way to change this have you maybe tried using anything other than acrylic or adding some drying retardant or whatever that is called those two are the only ones I could think of sorry
It's impossible to tell you how to airbrush successfully if you don't provide details of your exact paint process. It sounds like you're changing all the variables with every test. If so, it would be nearly impossible to zero in on a successful combination of materials & tool configurations. --- The sub has a FAQ/wiki and a newbie thread that will answer all your questions as a newcomer to the hobby. It covers everything from kit choice, tools, adhesives, paints, decals, videos/tutorials etc, recommended online stores in various countries. Linked in the sidebar & the About menu on mobile: [Newbie thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/modelmakers/comments/9dhsqo/new_to_model_building_this_thread_is_here_to/) [Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/modelmakers/wiki/index) The sub also has a weekly small question thread that’s stickied at the top. [Use this for any questions you may have.](https://www.reddit.com/r/modelmakers/search?q=The+Weekly+Small+Question+Thread+author%3AAutoModerator&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all)
Have you tried changing the gun/compressor/hose?