What's gone wrong now?

[Andy the Sheep]

I'm positive there are no serious compressor leaks as the system holds pressure for at least a week after a session.

Gern, I understand (but I might be wrong :rolling: ) from your explanation that sometimes you don't empty/drain the air tank of your compressor after a painting session. This could lead to air moisture condensing inside the air tank and, subsequently, to rust.
Too damp air and/or rusty water feeding your airbrush could be the cause of your troubles.

[Mark1]

I have the same issue sometimes with vallejo gloss clear,usually its because I've mixed the paint to thick and then put to much on to try and level it out.

[Flip]

Should I go back to that as it was originally created for their paints?

I would have thought MLT would do a better job because of the retarder. Have you tried adding a bit more retarder only?

[Gern]

Gern, I understand (but I might be wrong :rolling: ) from your explanation that sometimes you don't empty/drain the air tank of your compressor after a painting session. This could lead to air moisture condensing inside the air tank and, subsequently, to rust.
Too damp air and/or rusty water feeding your airbrush could be the cause of your troubles.

I've never drained my compressor Andrea. I have an AS-186 which has a clear reservoir under the pressure gauge. Is that where moisture is supposed to collect? There's a spring loaded plunger at the bottom which I assume is to let out any moisture. I've checked and it's bone dry and I can't see anything inside the reservoir.

[Gern]

OK guys, thanks for all the help - again! I've got some new paint and some plastic spoons for testing (Well soaked in warm soapy water and rinsed). I'll be trying things out over the next week and I'll let you know how I get on.

[stillp]

I've never drained my compressor Andrea. I have an AS-186 which has a clear reservoir under the pressure gauge. Is that where moisture is supposed to collect? There's a spring loaded plunger at the bottom which I assume is to let out any moisture. I've checked and it's bone dry and I can't see anything inside the reservoir.

There's a brass tap underneath the black tank at the bottom of the AS186 Dave. Try loosening that, with some pressure in the tank.
Pete

[Gern]

There's a brass tap underneath the black tank at the bottom of the AS186 Dave. Try loosening that, with some pressure in the tank.
Pete

Ooops!



So how often should I drain my compressor?

[stillp]

Well, you won't wear it out by draining too often. Depends on how much you use it, and on the weather - maybe once a week.
Pete

[stillp]

You certainly needed to drain that Dave, but personally I still think that your problem is that the paint is too thick. Try an extra splosh of thinners (either MLT or X60).
Pete

[Tim Marlow]

Looking at that Dave I’d drain that tank every time you use it. You’ve got more than a little corrosion there and personally I wouldn’t want it to get any worse and damage the tank. Don’t think that’s been causing your problems though, as you say, there’s a moisture trap and filter in the air path (the clear reservoir under the pressure gauge) that stops it getting to your airbrush.

[Gern]

Gotta question about MRP. After all the glowing recommendations, I had a look around on t'internet and found a stockist (not as expensive as I thought as they're larger bottles). I figured I might as well look for a red (any bright red gloss will do for what I want) as that's something I may need if I can't get my Tamiya to work.

Found lots of different reds, but none of them mention whether they're matt, satin, gloss or some other finish. Is there any way to tell or do you have to use a varnish to get the finish you want? Due to the seemingly endless list of problems I have, painting is my least favourite part of modelling. There's no way I want to increase the amount I have to do by having to varnish everything to get the finish I want.

[Andy T]

All of the MRP colours I've used are a satin / semi gloss, so yes, you would need a varnish if you want a matt or a full gloss finish.

They dry super quick though so pretty much by the time you've rinsed the colour out of your airbrush, you can go straight on with the varnish if you wish.

An extra step, but not a particularly lengthy one.

[Gern]

All of the MRP colours I've used are a satin / semi gloss, so yes, you would need a varnish if you want a matt or a full gloss finish.

Oh poop!

[David Lovell]

Funnily enough I took the plug out on my holding tank before I started yesterday's priming session got maybe half a egg cup of the brown on a piece of kitchen towel , as the boys said drain it of air after each session sadly now the last cat has popped this mortal coil I forget to do it , mines got a key ring thing you pull that opens a valve and lets all the air out in one noisy hiss making the cat jump ,the dog doesn't give the same incentive he just looks at me good job he can't speak. I also keep a secondary moisture trap directly under the air brush think its called a silver bullet(sparmax?) Neat little thing also makes the airbrush comfortable to hold.

[Gern]

Just a thought. I've tried a couple of AK 3rd Gen paints which seem to work OK. Do they do gloss colours? I only ask 'cos I'm not keen on the idea of having to use extra varnish coats to get the finish I want.