Airbrushing - intervals between coats

[fcriscuo]

I've just started using an airbrush to paint my models. My current airbrush is a dual-action Neoeco SJ83 but I find it difficult to use because of arthritis issues with my thumb. I've ordered a Gaahleri GHAD-68 which has a pistol grip as a replacement.  I am using Tamiya acrylic paints, thinning with Tamiya lacquer thinner. My question is, how long can paint stay in the cup before it clogs up the nozzle? As a newbie, I'm still making mistakes that require remediation before a subsequent coat can be applied. If I anticipate a lengthy interval before the model is ready for the next coat, should I clean the airbrush as though I were changing colors? If so, what would be a reasonable time limit? Thanks.

[NOBLNG]

I am no paint expert, but I don’t leave anything in the cup for more than 5 minutes or so. But I mostly use lacquer. I have sprayed Tamiya acrylics for interiors and such, that I would only use one or two coats. I’m sure someone here with more experience with chime in with better information.

[Bainford]

Like Greg, I try not to leave paint in the cup more than 5 minutes or so. I paint with a small cup, so there's not much paint in it anyway. If I'm going to be away a few minutes I just dump the paint and blow a little lacquer thinner through it to clear it out. When returning to paint, shoot a couple seconds of paint through before pointing the airbrush at your model to ensure any standing lacquer thinner is evacuated. 
 

Something to keep in mind is that of the common types of hobby paints, acrylic is the hardest to remove from inside the airbrush bits once it has set. It can be very stubborn stuff. 

[bill-e-boy]

All of the above. The problem I have found with leaving paint in the gun is separation if metallic paint is used and congealed bit hanging around the nozzle can find their way into your paint.

You don't have to do a full clean out between coats but spraying some thinners through the airbrush and a wipe down of the nozzle with a larger modelling brush with clen thinners is usually enough.

By the way you don't need to use Tamiya lacquer thinners with their acrylics as hardware store lacquer thinners is just fine. I believe you cant get lacquer thinners in all states in the US. I have heard from the plane guys that IPA works for Tamiya acrylic and lacquer paints too   

[fcriscuo]

Thanks to all for the helpful advice. My new airbrush was just delivered and I think the pistol grip will prove a better choice for me. As for the paint, I am transitioning to Tamiya lacquers but I still have a lot of Tamiya acrylics to work through,