Needle in and out - which way?

[stona]

Well everyone has an opinion, just like a you know what

Here's my tuppence worth.

I have been using a couple of Iwata air brushes for the last many years. Day to day I simply pull the needles out through the back and put them in from the back. I rarely remove the whole floating nozzle part, and even more rarely the nozzle itself (except to replace a damaged one).

With routine maintenance and an occasional good clean both work as well today as the day I bought them. The only seal I've ever replaced is one for a head cap that I broke myself.

Cheers

Steve

[Guest]

Just a short follow up to my needle removal. My favourite airbrush is the badger 150 which has three nozzles and three needles the smallest and the one I use the most is the 0.25 which has to be handled very carefully as the lightest of knocks will damage the point hence it must always be inserted from the front of the airbrush.

[stona]

You do need to be careful, whichever way you choose.

My two most often used are 0.3mm and a 0.35mm. I do put them in from the back in my Iwatas, I don't know how tricky that would be in a Badger.

Everyone should do what works for them and what they are most comfortable with, it's not really a question of right and wrong.

Cheers

Steve

[Mickc1440]

This does make an interesting Q&A session. For those who take the needle out through the back obviously the paint is going to come along too? Do you then do a full strip down and clean?

[stona]

I wouldn't withdraw the needle before flushing the brush, as if between colours. There may be some small residue of paint left on the needle I suppose, but it won't get drawn through the needle packing (which is PTFE in an Iwata) as the needle is pulled out.

I would usually then give the brush a quick flush/backflush without the needle in to make sure that the paint way and nozzle are clean before replacing the needle and starting another colour.

I have only ever completely stripped and cleaned my airbrushes when they start playing up, getting a bit sticky etc., or if something goes wrong (damaged or badly blocked nozzle or needle for example). This can sometimes be after months of use and several models when I'm on a roll.

I do use enamel or laquer based paints. I had a brief fling with acrylics a few years ago and was forever cleaning the brushes, adding retarders and flow enhancers etc. I'm happy with what I know best! Maybe acrylics have improved since then too

Cheers

Steve