What air pressure do you use?

[FJ and G]

I read my instructions and I seem to recall 20 to 30 psi (for airbrush).

I layed my instructions down on the floor and went to experiment with the brush. While I was occupied, BB read the instructions and when she was finished she chewed them up (BB the beagle).

[Jim Duda]

I cut mine down to LESS than 10 lbs/in...Viscosity of your paint has a lot to do with it, too. Best to practice on a can or anything with a vertical surface - if you can get the vertical surface the way you want without a paint run, you're there!

[locomutt]

Oh,so the dog is paper trained?[:)]
Depending on the air-brush you are using,20-35psi is about right.

[locomutt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jim Duda

I cut mine down to LESS than 10 lbs/in...Viscosity of your paint has a lot to do with it, too. Best to practice on a can or anything with a vertical surface - if you can get the vertical surface the way you want without a paint run, you're there!

Jim,I've got to agree about the 'thickness' of the paint and the practice,and I realize
we're not talking 'spray cans' here,but aren't most of them over 10psi?

[nitroboy]

I set mine to between 12 and 15 PSI for my Aztec model airbrush. Just follow the recommendation from the manufacturer and you should be good.

[Jim Duda]

I use either a Paasche single action or a Binks Wren B. Most of my stuff is painted with Floquil RR flat paint mixed 30% - 50% with lacquer thinner...so it's pretty thin.

Now, if I were shooting either a 1 stage or 2 stage polyurethane enamel and really trying to gloss it out, I would lay it on a lot thicker and up the pressure to 15-20 lbs.

Bottom Line: Find what works best with your gun / paint / thinner and go from there.

[ChiefEagles]

David and Jim, what ever is in the can. [;)] No joke. I use both with great results. Like you said, best to test it and then spray. Viscosity is a key player. Believe it or not, I hand brush somethings. You've seen the CN UBoats and F3's and rolling stock with CN. They were all hand brushed and/or sprayed from can. Did not own an airbursh back in the late 70's and early 80's when they were done. Airbrush is faster.

[dougdagrump]

Kinda off topic but did anyone else catch "Rides" on TLC network last nite. They had a guy on painting fire, no just flames, on a 34 5 window coupe and he is a true ARTIST with an airbrush and a card board french curve stencil. Absolutely beautiful work. Would love to have him do my wife's PT Cruiser but Lord knows what he charges. [^]
If you want to see some of his work go to:
www.killerpaint.com and click on "true fire" on the left hand menu.

[Jim Duda]

The real airbrush pros use a "double action" brush...where they control the amount of air AND fluid. On the Paasche you press down on the plunger and rock it forward or backward for precise control. I could never get the hang of it so I never use that model brush.

I really respect those folks that are true artists. I think that Justin dude who paints the American Chopper Theme bikes is an artist!!! His work blows me away!