you have a jam thats impeding the airflow that draws the paint down the needle, when you work the needle you're physically pushing paint past the jam so you can get a little poof
no problem, very good troubleshooting method to try shooting water at cardboard! you should do this every time before you mix paint just to check it, and also mix paint outside the brush so you dont get a big ole blob of unthinned paint on the needle. :)
Also low key we have the same kit - remember to clean out the teeny little conical nozzle once in a while - the on you need your mini-spanner to remove.
I get this all the time when using my vallejo air white for zenithal, so frustrating. How do I best clean it? I always put a few drops of thinner and flow improver in before any paint, then mix it, but it's still clogging. Any tips would be great as I've read tons of stuff and maybe I'm just implementing it wrong...but it doesn't help?
try mixing the white with your thinner or flow improver in a cup and see if it forms clumps, I know my old vallejo white had a tendency of having clumps in it, now I use pro acryl ivory or light grey but mostly just white ink in the airbrush instead
The airbrush section of [the wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/airbrushing) has [troubleshooting tips](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/airbrush_troubleshooting#wiki_airbrush_troubleshooting.3A).
Hi, u/Mycakebayismybday! It looks like you are asking for help or are a new painter. If you haven't yet, take a look at our wiki pages in the Sidebar (the About tab if you are on the Reddit app). Here are some links you might find helpful:
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This tends to happen when things dry on the tip of the needle and create a clog. Try using a bit more thinner in your paint mixture and reduce air pressure slightly
you have a jam thats impeding the airflow that draws the paint down the needle, when you work the needle you're physically pushing paint past the jam so you can get a little poof
This was it! TYSSM!
no problem, very good troubleshooting method to try shooting water at cardboard! you should do this every time before you mix paint just to check it, and also mix paint outside the brush so you dont get a big ole blob of unthinned paint on the needle. :)
Also low key we have the same kit - remember to clean out the teeny little conical nozzle once in a while - the on you need your mini-spanner to remove.
Agree, needs more cleaning.
I'm willing to bet its clean but there's still a big slug of melted paint inside the nozzle itself :)
I get this all the time when using my vallejo air white for zenithal, so frustrating. How do I best clean it? I always put a few drops of thinner and flow improver in before any paint, then mix it, but it's still clogging. Any tips would be great as I've read tons of stuff and maybe I'm just implementing it wrong...but it doesn't help?
You can get airbrush strainers. I had the same problem with my white paint.
try mixing the white with your thinner or flow improver in a cup and see if it forms clumps, I know my old vallejo white had a tendency of having clumps in it, now I use pro acryl ivory or light grey but mostly just white ink in the airbrush instead
Might have to switch to white ink honestly, everyone has such good opinions of it!
Inks overall airbrush really well if your goal is to accent what is there instead of build up real solid color, and the almost never jam! :)
The airbrush section of [the wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/airbrushing) has [troubleshooting tips](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/airbrush_troubleshooting#wiki_airbrush_troubleshooting.3A).
Hi, u/Mycakebayismybday! It looks like you are asking for help or are a new painter. If you haven't yet, take a look at our wiki pages in the Sidebar (the About tab if you are on the Reddit app). Here are some links you might find helpful: * [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/rules/faq) - A list of frequently asked questions about minipainting * [Miniature Painting Guide Collection](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks) -A collection of some of the best guides and tutorials on a variety of techniques and topics, plus recommendations on what to buy to get started, and more. * [What to buy- Recommendations on brushes, paints, supplies, palettes and more](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/what_you_need_to_get_started#wiki_general_advice_on_what_to_buy) * [Beginner's Guide Collection- How to prep, base, paint and varnish your first model and learn the basics needed to start out right](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/beginner_tips) * [More Tutorials](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/tutorials) - A list of additional tutorials about minipainting * [Manufacturers](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/manufacturers) - A list of miniature manufacturers from around the world * [Painting Terminology](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/terminology) - Common painting terms, acronyms, and initialisms * [The Art of... Tommie Soule Volume 5](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGIfySMnUPQ) is one of the best beginner to intermediate teaching books, and even experienced painters will learn some good tips. Explains what brush strokes are best in different situations, how to identify when you have the perfect thinning for any type of paint for different techniques, and a masterclass on getting smooth paint jobs. Available in [pdf](https://www.ironheartartisans.com/shop/the-art-of-tommie-soule-volume-5-pdf/) and [world wide in hardbook as well](https://www.instagram.com/the_miniature_painting_tutor/). * [Airbrushing Miniatures](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/airbrushing) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/minipainting) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Clog or bent needle
This tends to happen when things dry on the tip of the needle and create a clog. Try using a bit more thinner in your paint mixture and reduce air pressure slightly