Air brush for applying Resolene

[BDAZ]

years ago I bought a spray gun to use for applying resolene and dyes for commercial projects, but the resolene never really worked well. I was plagued with clogs and went back to sponge applications. I recently acquired an air brush for an unrelated project but thought it mighty be ideal for applying resolene. I did a quick test. The finish was perfect but the air brush clogged pretty quickly and required a through cleaning to remove the resolene gunk.

If anyone id using resolene in an airbrush, what dilutions are you using and what dilutant.

I am using acrylic paints for my other project and am also thinking of using paints to dyes to accent some of my products. I currently use inexpensive metallic acrylic paints and they hold up as well or better than the dedicated leather paints with a vast selection of colors.

 

Thanks!

Bob

[Arturomex]

Bob,

I use Resolene in my airbrush diluted 1:1 with water. Usually two or three light coats.

I've been using Golden acrylics for paint and they've worked very well for me. There are some other Golden products I'd like to try with leather but I haven't had the time to fool around with them yet.

Regards,

Arturo

[ScottWolf]

Couple of questions for you. Are you cutting your resolene 50/50 with water when spraying? How much resolene are you adding to the airbrush? I'd imagine your previous experience you used a spray gun with a large reservoir and not something as small as an airbrush reservoir? 

 

I've had no issues spraying out of a badger 105 airbrush with resolene cut 50/50 or with the Angelus acrylic sealer. I do clean it immediately afterwards with some windshield wiper fluid and then blow it out with some water to avoid clogs or build up from either product.

 

Edited December 15, 2020 by ScottWolf

[BDAZ]

Thanks to both of you. Cutting the resolene 1:1 with distilled water. The bottle I am using is a few years old, but I just purchased a fresh quart. I use a blend of isopropyl, windex and distilled water as a cleaner. I may try using my ultrasonic cleaner if I still get gunk.

I have been looking at a Badger for my next brush. Are you happy with it?

 

Thanks,

Bob

[ScottWolf]

1 hour ago, BDAZ said:

Thanks to both of you. Cutting the resolene 1:1 with distilled water. The bottle I am using is a few years old, but I just purchased a fresh quart. I use a blend of isopropyl, windex and distilled water as a cleaner. I may try using my ultrasonic cleaner if I still get gunk.

I have been looking at a Badger for my next brush. Are you happy with it?

 

Thanks,

Bob

The Badger 105 is a good airbrush, about middle of the road price and quality wise. You can find them around $90-100 brand new. I don't know if you're spraying large or a lot of items at once, so if you are, the reservoir is not that big compared to airbrushes that feed from the bottom from a small bottle. If that is the case, it may not be your best bet.  But the 105 is easy to take apart, clean and works hassle free in my experience. 

Edited December 15, 2020 by ScottWolf

[fredk]

1 hour ago, BDAZ said:

Thanks to both of you. Cutting the resolene 1:1 with distilled water. The bottle I am using is a few years old, but I just purchased a fresh quart. I use a blend of isopropyl, windex and distilled water as a cleaner. I may try using my ultrasonic cleaner if I still get gunk.

I have been looking at a Badger for my next brush. Are you happy with it?

 

Thanks,

Bob

Use your 'cleaner' to dilute the Resolene. The 'windex', if its like our 'windowlene',  will slow the drying of the Resolene a bit, meaning not so much drying on your needle tip

Also consider a needle-less spray brush.

I have a few different types of spray brush and for larger areas, quicker cover and more available fluid I prefer a basic needle-less type.

Like this one; a Badger 250

It can be bought complete for under $20. Other makes of similar style are available, the cheapest I've seen costs about $10

It works on a simple venturi effect of air causing a suction and atomisation*  of the fluid. No needles to clean, just that tube and nipple up from the jar. The spray pattern can be adjusted from about a Quarter (25c) size upwards

* I'm probably wrong describing its working

[BDAZ]

I currently have a brand X that came with my compressor. It's similar in design to the badger if not in quality. Capacity is adequate. I did pick up a syphon brush from Harbor Freight for the occasional larger project.

 

Thanks!

Bob

[BDAZ]

Thanks Fred,

Great suggestion. I'll order one today.

Where in the North are you? Lived in the Republic in the 70s and spent time in Mayo Bridge and Derry. I organize a festival in Lisdoonvarna every year and just made it home in March! Probably the last festival held in Ireland this year.

www.irisholdtime.com

Bob

[fredk]

2 minutes ago, BDAZ said:

Where in the North are you? Lived in the Republic in the 70s and spent time in Mayo Bridge and Derry. I organize a festival in Lisdoonvarna every year and just made it home in March! Probably the last festival held in Ireland this year.

I'm in Donaghadee. About 20 miles east of Belfast. Just on the north-east edge of the Irish Sea and almost where Belfast / Carrick Lough opens.

I know both Mayo Bridge and Stroke-City. Never lived in either but visited often enough

I had to look up Lisdoonvarna. I reckon I've been through it at some time. I've been through most places here. I was once a car rally photographer so I spent a lot of time chasing cars and going thru middle-of-nowhere places

No festivals or car rallies, no nothing, anywhere here this past year.

[fredk]

13 minutes ago, BDAZ said:

Great suggestion. I'll order one today.

Harbor Freight have one for $9.99

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools-compressors/air-spray-guns/air-brushes-kits/34-and-3-oz-airbrush-kit-62294.html