Airbrushes use compressed air to shoot out paint or ink.
Spray more accurately and precisely by learning adjust your Paasche airbrush. According to the Airbrush Museum, the airbrush was first designed by Abner Peeler in 1879 for artistic paint application using a handheld compressor. Airbrushes in general are used for painting and touching up photographs and are the predecessors of industrial spray guns, which are used to paint vehicles and other large surfaces. Hone your skills for painting by fine-tuning your Paasche airbrush.
Instructions
1. Use a flat head screwdriver to adjust your airbrush.
Turn the speed regulator screw located on the inside of the handle with a small flat head screwdriver to control the airbrush's needle speed. If you turn it counterclockwise, it is wide open, which lowers the air pressure and slows the needle speed. Go clockwise to increase the speed and air pressure, but if you turn it too much in this direction it closes and slows down. A faster needle causes more paint to be blown out. For example, if you need a fine line, turn the speed regulator clockwise to increase the needle speed.
2. Screw the stipple adjuster screw, near the airblast jet, clockwise to restrict airflow through the airblast jet. This creates a stippling effect, which makes images look grainy. Turn it counterclockwise to allow more air through the airblast jet to create a more solid line.
3. Remove the top grease cap on your airbrush to expose the top shaft bearing. If the top shaft bearing is not adjusted properly, it can cause a sluggish power wheel and needle. With your screwdriver, turn the top shaft bearing counterclockwise. Tighten until the power wheel stops. Then slowly open again until the power wheel runs smoothly.
4. Screw the finger lever adjusting screw clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the needle position. It should be somewhere in the middle or else the needle shoots paint into the walking arm or power wheel.
5. Arch your needle gently so it is slightly curved 3/8-inch away from the tip. From a side view, the needle is curved up in the center. A slight arch improves performance and is necessary for the tension of the airbrush.
6. Adjust the airblast tube that connects to the airblast jet by loosening the locknut that connects those two pieces with pliers. With your pliers, screw it counterclockwise or clockwise until the airblast jet is about 1/64-inch from the end of the needle bearing. This is necessary to center the airblast jet and prevent the paint from stippling unnecessarily.
