How to fix your common airbrush issues

Problem

Solution

Loose nozzle cap or air cap (Eclipse series)

Make sure nozzle cap is finger tight and/ or tighten air cap with wrench (Eclipse series only)

Improper nozzle to body connection

Remove and reinsert nozzle. For older airbrushes, try applying Medea Thread Sealer to the nozzle threads if there are scratches where the nozzle meets the body

Cracked or damaged nozzle

Replace nozzle

Dried paint on needle tip

Clean needle with cotton swab dipped in appropriate cleaner

Paint too thick

Thin or strain paint to skim milk consistency

Dirty airbrush

Perform a deep clean (link to cleaning guide)

Cracked or damaged nozzle

Replace nozzle

Loose needle chucking nut

Make sure needle chucking nut is finger tight then look to see if the needle is moving when trigger is pulled

Bottle vent hole is plugged (bottom feed models only)

Use pushpin to unclog vent hole

Improper air pressure

See specific compressor instructions to raise or lower air pressure

Paint too thick

Thin or strain paint to skim milk or light cream consistency

Clogged nozzle

Clean the nozzle

Cracked or damaged nozzle

Replace nozzle

Nozzle threads are stuck inside of the airbrush

Dried paint on needle tip

Clean needle with cotton swab dipped in appropriate cleaner

Paint builds up in needle cap

Clean needle with cotton swab dipped in appropriate cleaner

Air pressure too low

See specific compressor instructions to raise air pressure, also check that nozzle cap is clean and finger tight

Paint too thick

Thin or strain paint to skim milk consistency

Dirty airbrush

Perform a deep clean

Fluid cup is showing discoloration

Don’t worry, this is normal. Depending on the kind of materials you spray and how often, this patina-like effect could show up right away, in a few years or never at all. Either way, what’s important to know is that these changes have no impact on the performance of your airbrush.

Problem

Solution

Compressor is too hot

Compressors do get hot, up to 150°. The thermal overload switch will turn off the compressor before it overheats. Allow unit too cool down. If problem persists, try cooling the unit with a small personal fan

If the unit has a tank, it may already be full of air

Try spraying for a little bit and see if the compressor kicks on

Compressor is not receiving power

Make sure the unit is plugged into a working socket (test with a lamp)

The compressor has an air leak

1. Spray all connections with as soapy water solution. Bubbles will indicate air leaks
2. Tighten connections
3. If bubbling doesn’t stop, try wrapping threads with thread sealant tape (max 3 wraps only) or applying Medea Thread Sealer to the threads
4. If the air leak is in the middle of an air hose the hose must be replaced

You are traveling to a country with a different voltage than your compressor is rated for

It is possible to use compressors sold in North America in other countries by using a Power Converter (not the same thing as a plug adapter) with the appropriate wattage rating (greater than the wattage rating on the compressor). However, we do not advise using compressors designed for use in North America in other countries as selecting the wrong type of converter could damage your compressor and void the warranty due to misuse. The ideal situation is to purchase the appropriate compressor for your country through a local distributor.

You need a small compressor to use internationally

We recommend the IS30UP