what paasche H spray head size to use??

[foxbat426]

I recently picked up a paasche H air brush.  It comes with 3 different spray sizes, i'll call them fine, medium, heavy. I was wondering what size i should use to spray car body's. would love to hear from others who use this brush and how you use the various spray heads.  thanks john

[GeeBee]

Depends on what paint your using, but I use the heavy, or number 5 for painting with automotive lacquers 

[Miatatom]

I'm like Geoff. I use the big one which has 5 bands inscribed around it. For bodies, I decant Tamiya and Model Master lacquers, don't thin them and shoot at about 20-25 psi. The big one also works for spraying thinned craft acrylics which I use on chassis, suspension and engine parts. I have a nice dual action brush that was over $100 retail, but I never use it any more.

[Pete J.]

These guys are spot on.  Nozzle size is dependent on the size and density of the in dissolved solids in your paint.  This varies from manufacture and type of paint.  The only way to know for sure is to start with the largest nozzle and work you way down.  Smaller nozzles give you a finer spray but also a more even, if smaller paint pattern.  The best way to see how it is spraying is to get a flat surface(I use a left over piece of dry wall but any thing will work)  and load up your brush and hold it perpendicular to the surface about 12 inches away and give it a short burst.  If you look at the circle of paint you just made, you can see density across the circle and any spattering.  Spattering is a symptom of air pressure and paint thinning.  Play with those until you get it the way you want.  Then do the same thing at the distance you normally use. Looking at that circle will tell you how much you need to over lap each pass to get an even amount of paint on the surface. 

Last, if you want to get consistency with your air brush, get a small note book and start a journal.  Include, paint information like manufacture, paint line, type of paint and most importantly, how much you thinned it.  Then write down the temperature and relative humidity and pressure you used. Finally any remarks that you think you might like to remember.   Do this every time you paint and you will be able to avoid doing a lot of trial and error each time you paint.  It will make a better painter out of you because now you will start to see patterns in the settings and you will be able to adjust for variations.

 

Edited November 12, 2016 by Pete J.

[Miatatom]

Pete, the journal is a great idea. I'm going to try that and see if I can improve my work.

[Pete J.]

Pete, the journal is a great idea. I'm going to try that and see if I can improve my work.

I still use one that I started 20 years ago.  It keeps me on track.

[Art Anderson]

I recently picked up a paasche H air brush.  It comes with 3 different spray sizes, i'll call them fine, medium, heavy. I was wondering what size i should use to spray car body's. would love to hear from others who use this brush and how you use the various spray heads.  thanks john

I use the #3 material control & needle for EVERYTHING.

Art