Discussion
Relatively new to airbrushing, got my De Vilbiss DAGR a few years back on the basis of spraying a few bits for the underbonnet of my MG restoration, and having always wanted to have a dabble.
A few snowboards later and a new needle and tip etc i have just sent my brush back to the supplier for a refurb as it started to spray when it choose to rather than when i wanted it too. . . my question is, is this brush in particular particularly prone to wear as a call from the dealer infers that most of the parts need replacing. I am generally pretty meticulous when it comes to cleaning it and handling it, and i do not expect anything to last forever, but is the DAGR a fragile thing and i should expect an overhaul like this every couple of years ??
Perhaps i should add, i generally use celly paint albeit very reduced. . .be interested to read feedback from others out there
A few snowboards later and a new needle and tip etc i have just sent my brush back to the supplier for a refurb as it started to spray when it choose to rather than when i wanted it too. . . my question is, is this brush in particular particularly prone to wear as a call from the dealer infers that most of the parts need replacing. I am generally pretty meticulous when it comes to cleaning it and handling it, and i do not expect anything to last forever, but is the DAGR a fragile thing and i should expect an overhaul like this every couple of years ??
Perhaps i should add, i generally use celly paint albeit very reduced. . .be interested to read feedback from others out there
Wouldn't know as I use a Harder and Steenbeck almost exclusively with acrylics.
The only cellulose based "paint" I use from time to time would be the Alclad metallics. Perhaps cellulose based paints are harder on the inner works of an airbrush.
How do you clean out your brush after each session?
The only cellulose based "paint" I use from time to time would be the Alclad metallics. Perhaps cellulose based paints are harder on the inner works of an airbrush.
How do you clean out your brush after each session?
I would suggest always clean using a proper airbrush cleaner. I use this stuff -
or this stuff -
I think they are essentially the same chemical.
You just spray a small amount into the paint cup/bottle and then spray it through the brush. I find it very effective.
I always take out the needle and wipe it down using a piece of kitchen paper into which the airbrush cleaner has been sprayed.
Even with that, eventually it will be necessary to dismantle the brush and clean it a bit more thoroughly using wire brush reamer pushed into the inner crevices and the nozzle tip. This pushes out any residue which may have built up.
You can usually tell when the brush needs a more extensive clean out.
or this stuff -
I think they are essentially the same chemical.
You just spray a small amount into the paint cup/bottle and then spray it through the brush. I find it very effective.
I always take out the needle and wipe it down using a piece of kitchen paper into which the airbrush cleaner has been sprayed.
Even with that, eventually it will be necessary to dismantle the brush and clean it a bit more thoroughly using wire brush reamer pushed into the inner crevices and the nozzle tip. This pushes out any residue which may have built up.
You can usually tell when the brush needs a more extensive clean out.
benters said:
Relatively new to airbrushing, got my De Vilbiss DAGR a few years back on the basis of spraying a few bits for the underbonnet of my MG restoration, and having always wanted to have a dabble.
A few snowboards later and a new needle and tip etc i have just sent my brush back to the supplier for a refurb as it started to spray when it choose to rather than when i wanted it too. . . my question is, is this brush in particular particularly prone to wear as a call from the dealer infers that most of the parts need replacing. I am generally pretty meticulous when it comes to cleaning it and handling it, and i do not expect anything to last forever, but is the DAGR a fragile thing and i should expect an overhaul like this every couple of years ??
Perhaps i should add, i generally use celly paint albeit very reduced. . .be interested to read feedback from others out there
I have a DeVilbiss Super '63 that is from the 1950's at the latest. It works extremely well for modelling, but, like any airbrush, requires thorough cleaning, ideally after each session. Running airbrush cleaner through it is fine if you're using it frequently, but anything more than say a day pause between jobs and you really need to strip it and properly clean it. If not, the needle tends to partially jam, and as you say it then tends to spray 'by itself' before applying pressure to the control. A few snowboards later and a new needle and tip etc i have just sent my brush back to the supplier for a refurb as it started to spray when it choose to rather than when i wanted it too. . . my question is, is this brush in particular particularly prone to wear as a call from the dealer infers that most of the parts need replacing. I am generally pretty meticulous when it comes to cleaning it and handling it, and i do not expect anything to last forever, but is the DAGR a fragile thing and i should expect an overhaul like this every couple of years ??
Perhaps i should add, i generally use celly paint albeit very reduced. . .be interested to read feedback from others out there
I use aerosol airbrush cleaner, followed by removing the nozzle and spraying the cleaner directly through it in the reverse direction, plus cleaning the needle with a tissue. Check the tip of the needle with a loupe to make sure it's not bent. For a total stripdown I follow this by immersing the components in an ultrasonic cleaner with a drop of detergent in warm water, and leaving for several minutes. With all this, beware of seals swelling (airbrush cleaner particularly affects o-rings) so try to remove them and clean them more carefully if necessary.
Airbrushes are high maintenence items if you want to get the best from them.
I have a DAGR and used it regularly for modelling over the last three years. It still works fine as the day i bought it. The only parts that tend to wear are the needle and the brass nozzle as over time they hammer against each other and wear.
They do a service kit for the DAGR and it replaces the key parts for the best operation but this doesn't include the neeedle or the nozzle.
Matt
They do a service kit for the DAGR and it replaces the key parts for the best operation but this doesn't include the neeedle or the nozzle.
Matt
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