Well Airbrush Me Stupid....(Lubing an AB)

[marc_reusser]

So here I have been airbrushing for years...and never knew I was supposed to lube my AB.  

The last couple of times while shooting, my IWATA HP-C  has been acting up. Basically during mid session, the control/trigger lever would not return up, and stop the airflow...and this tends to be a bit problematic when trying to paint.

Eventually I tracked it down to the O-ring that sealed the trigger piston shaft from the air hose connection area/piece. There was too much friction/stiction. Dirt/residue was not the cause....apparently I had corrupted the O-ring, (which was the special chemical resistant kind) by immersing  that area with Acetone and/or 99% Iso for cleaning (and during shooting this was caused by the fact that my needle bushing was a smidge slack allowing a small amount of this to leach back to the O-ring when cleaning the AB. when changing paints or pausing the in spraying...during which time I leave the cup filled with solvent).

I called Coast Airbrush (a wonderful dealer for all things airbrush and sprayguns) for some new O-rings...and the girl at the other end very politely tells me I should be  lubing the trigger and air valve assemblies regularly...as well as the needle.  I never knew   ...apparently there is a special lube that does not affect the paint(s) in any way. This is supposed to keep all the parts moving smoothly, prevent excessive build-up, and protect the parts.

The nice young lady also very kindly informed me, that it is "not adviseable" to immerse the trigger and air hose connection area of an AB in a solvent unless absolutely necessary.


Learn something new every day!

[W.P. Rayner]

Well, I could say something relatively offensive about a little lube being good in tight situations, but nah... I'll resist the temptation.   

Paul

[Hauk]

So here I have been airbrushing for years...and never knew was supposed to lube my AB.  

The last couple of times while shooting my IWATA HP-C  has been acting up. Basically during mid session, the control lever would not return up, and stop the airflow...and this tends to be a bit problematic when trying to paint.

Eventually I tracked it down to the O-ring that sealed the trigger piston shaft from the air hose connection area. There was too much friction/stiction. Dirt/residue was not the cause....apparently I had corrupted the O-ring, (which was the special chemical resistant kind) by immersing  that area with Acetone and/or 99% Iso cor cleaning (and by the fact that my needle bushing was a smidge slack allowing a small aount of this to leach back to the O-ring when cleaning the AB.).. [as I was later informed, it is not "not adviseable" to immerse the trigger area of an AB in a solvent unless absolutely necessary.]

I called Coast AB (a wonderful dealer) for some new O-rings...and the girl at the other end very politely tells me I should be  lubing the trigger and air valve assemblies regularly...as well as the needle.  I never knew   ...apparently there is a special lube that does not appect the paint(s) in any way. This is supposed to keep all the parts moving smoothly, prevent excessive build-up, and protect the parts.

Learn something new every day!

This was news to me!
I have the exact same problem with my Iwata.
And since I hve been using straight Toluen for cleaning my airbrush, I guess I really asked for it.

Regards, Hauk

[Mr Potato Head]

I used to spray silicone on the needle and the valve assembly and then wipe it off, so that the smallest residue would stay on so that it wouldn't rust or stick. I would sometimes not use my gun for months, but lately with constant use I find I need to lube it up all the time, or the needle will stick or the action will be slow? I was thinking about sending it in to have the valve serviced. Or can I do that myself?
Thanks
MPH 

[marc_reusser]

Gil,

You should be able completely break down and service the AB youself. Don't know which one you're using, but it shoul come apart very easily.....then you can clean all the parts properly....you may need acetone or such for some old stubborn build up..and I have also used some extremely fine steel wool to clean the needle shaft {not the needle tip) and some of the mechanical/moving parts. Depending on how much I use the AB I will do a complete strip/breakdown once or twice a year. In between I do just a basic breakdown/cleaning after each use (day or shooting session).

[marc_reusser]

For any interested parties, the lube arrived today and it is as follows:

"Super Lube - Hight Tech Airbrush Lubricant"
Made by IWATA
.33 floz
$4.00

Packaging notes:

Non-Toxic
No Silicone
Will Not Fisheye Paint

1. Remove needle from AB.;  2. Apply a small amount of lube to front of needle.;  3: Replace needle.

To lubricate needle packing; remove the needle from the AB. Place a drop of lube on the needle, use a towel to wipe the lube along the needle. Replace needle into AB.

To lubricate the trigger mechanism; Place a few drops of lube into the trigger opening of the AB body.

[Hauk]

For any interested parties, the lube arrived today and it is as follows:

"Super Lube - Hight Tech Airbrush Lubricant"
Made by IWATA
.33 floz
$4.00

Packaging notes:

Non-Toxic
No Silicone
Will Not Fisheye Paint

1. Remove needle from AB.;  2. Apply a small amount of lube to front of needle.;  3: Replace needle.

To lubricate needle packing; remove the needle from the AB. Place a drop of lube on the needle, use a towel to wipe the lube along the needle. Replace needle into AB.

To lubricate the trigger mechanism; Place a few drops of lube into the trigger opening of the AB body.

Did it do any good or harm?
Regards, Hauk

[marc_reusser]

Haven't tried it yet...been swamped with work.