Airbrush propelent .

[rambo1]

Good morning to all. I am planning to use my airbrush for the first time. Is it normal for liquid to come out from the propelent can? rambo1........

[bcammack]

Not if it's sitting upright, no. Could it be moisture condensing inside the air line? Is it very humid where you are using it? If you really discover you love airbrushes, move to a small compressor as quick as you can. Those propellant cans will bankrupt you. [:)]

[Anonymous]

I'll agree with Brett. A compressor will quickly pay for itself after about a dozen box cars. You also never have to worry about running out of propellant half way through a project (which always happens late on a Sunday night when everyplace is closed!). I've had my compressor (the small badger one) for about 15 years now and consider it one of the best model railroader purchases I've made.

[tomwatkins]

I completely agree. The propell cans tend to be unreliable. The pressure varies and they can run out right in the middle of a job. A good small compressor with a regulator and water trap is one of the best investments you can make.
Have Fun,
Tom Watkins

[Anonymous]

I agree with all of the above. The air (?) coming out of the cans cools down as it comes out of the can and can cause condensation to form. That's probably what you are seeing. Go and get a compressor ASAP. Also if you want to save money (and who doesn't) go to a place such as Wal-Mart or K Mart or even the big box home inprovement store and look around for a small Campbell Hausfield compressor with a tank. The name I have on my unit is Quiet Air. You can find them on sale for less than $75.00. They come with a built in regulator for controlling the pressure on the line. The pump will fill the tank and shut off when the tank gets to about 75-80 PSI. With a tank, you'll get a nice even pressure and this unit costs much less than smaller compressors that don't even have tanks sold at hobby shops.

[Anonymous]

What you are seeing is either condensation or the propellant itself in liquid form coming out of the brush. If it is the propellant, it is either the can is not upright, or you have your can elevated above the level you are spraying. I had this happen to me on more than one occasion in my days of building plastic model cars, I would have the can sitting on the shelf above my workbench and the work area was below it. Sounds weird, but weird stuff can and will happen. I agree with everyone here, get a compressor. It will save many headaches in the future, including the one ya get from breathing in propellant that seeps out of a can that has an improperly mounted or bad fitting on the hose. Oh, I should add, if ya stay with the canned gas, put the can in a bowel of warm (NOT HOT!!!!!) water while ya use it. Fill the bowel til it has enough water to cover the bottom 1/4 of the can. This actually helps cut down on condensation build up and will prevent frost from forming on the outside of the can.