Problem using Badger propellent can with Testors brush.

[Chuck Most]

I have a cheapo, propellant airbrush by Testors. Basically I use it to spray colors which aren't readily available in spray cans, so I don't need to wait until the day I get a proper airbrush.

As I said, the brush is Testors, and until recently I used the cans of Testors propellant. I've been doing this for a couple of years, and have never had a problem. But recently Testors propellant has been difficult to come by in my area, so I substituted a can of Badger propellent.

I hooked it up to the brush hose, and it sprayed perfectly for a couple of seconds. Then all of a sudden, it started spraying an icy mist. No paint, just a fog of ice! I had the can in a bucket of hot (not boiling) water as I have with my Testors cans. Everything was the same as in the past, aside from the propellant. I thought maybe the Badger stuff was CO2, but it didn't say so on the label. After this happened, I managed to locate a can of the Testors propellant, and everything is working just fine now. Hooked up the Badger can again, same thing- ice vapor! Any ideas on what went on?

[Longbox55]

Sounds like the Badger can might have more pressure that the Testors. When you shoot it throuhg the airbrush, it's casuing a temperature drop due to the pressure change, similar to how the AC in your 1:1 car or house central air works. You may need a regulator, or perhaps try using it at room temp, instead of warming the can.

[Chuck Most]

You might be onto something- the Badger can did seem to 'pack more punch' than the Testors. I did try the second time at room temp, same thing happened. The Badger label suggested loosening the knob that screws onto the can to reduce pressure if needed, and I got the same result no matter what.