Waltz41 Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 I have a Badger Patriot 105 and I'm using Model Master Acrylics. I recently started having a clogging issue, but what I'm finding is that at the bottom of the cup, once i'm done spraying or i dump out the remainder, there seems to be almost a paper like material down there. It's small little 'globs', but seriously looks like ripped paper. I've tried 3 different bottles and had the same issue. Never had anything like that before, I do thin them a bit, and again, nothing I haven't done before where it worked. Now I also want to mention that the other night, I went to clean it out, and my 2 year old daughter was downstairs with me...well, I got sidetracked for a second, and dropped the tip on the floor....out went the teflon needle bearing, which at the time I didn't know. So at first I didn't realize it, and put it back together and tried to spray again. I got it spraying and then all of the sudden not as much paint coming out and that weird 'gumming' up stuff at the bottom. I ordered another bearing to put in, but I'm just wondering if it's caused by the lack of bearing, or is it just some really bad bottles of the paint? Anyone ever had that? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SteveH Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 I use MM acrylic almost exclusively and have never encountered the problem you describe. Since you've used it before I assume you are using water or alcohol for your thinner? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Phantom ordie Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 Have you cleaned your cup with a q-tip swab? This could leave a residue of the fibers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Triarius Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 What you describe would either be incompatibility between the reducing solvent (thinner) and a paint component, or accumulated dried paint. The absence of the seal/bearing will cause the airbrush to work improperly if at all, but will not cause the paint to behave in such a manner. Unless… You have a compressor that uses oil, and the absence of the seal is allowing aerated oil to mix with the acrylic paint. That would cause the effect you describe. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Waltz41 Posted March 10, 2011 Author Share Posted March 10, 2011 I have used both water and alcohol as a thinner and didn't have the problem. I have not used a qtip either and after I cleaned it out it looked clear and the gunk reappeared. I sprayed last nite w some oily scale acrylic and didn't have a problem. If it happens again I will try to take a picture or something....makes me wonder since no one else really has encountered this. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Triarius Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 You're not the only one wondering. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Keeper Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 (edited) Just a couple of points; you should be using Acryl's proprietary thinner. That should eliminate your residue. If you want to experiment with alternate thinners, try shellac thinner, laquer thinner, auto window cleaning liquid and whatever else you deem suitable till you come up with good results. If you're using water and your local water has a lot of minerals in it, you should try distilled water. Oil in the airstream would usually wind up on the model and would be real noticeable so I don't think that's it. Hope that helps Edited March 11, 2011 by The Keeper Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SteveH Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 (edited) Distilled water, rubbing alcohol (I use ethanol) and windshield washer fluid have all proven satisfactory for me in the past for use with MM acrylics. I would certainly stay away from laquer thinner. (later edit) : I see no reason to spend additional money on proprietary thinners. The ones mentioned above all work fine. Edited March 12, 2011 by SteveH Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kei Lau Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 I tried to thin MM acrylic with Polly S Airbrush Thinner (#546008) one time and it gummed up big time. It became a glob of glue in seconds. Since then, I use only their own brand of thinner on any acrylic paints (MM, Tamiya, Polly S, Gunze Sangyo etc.) Thinner is still much cheaper than paint. Since I use 91% Isopropyl and water for cleaning only, I have not getten into more trouble. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
balls47 Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Just a little tip: I use Paasche airbrushes and I keep extra teflon seals and rubber o-rings on hand. I also keep extra needles and parts that go with them one hand. They don't cost that much, especially when you get them at Hobby Lobby. Also, did you damage the tip when it hit the floor. I did that once with my Paasche H and ruined it. If you still have that "gunk" in the bottom of your color cup, put enough lacquer thinner in the bottom to cover up the gunk and come out the tube. A short soak or two should take care of the problem. Good Luck. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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