Hi. I have a problem with my airbrush.

I can easily spray air but when I pull back the trigger it won't spray the paint. I tried vallejo air and tamiya which used to work perfectly. I can also backflush and I see bubbles, so the needle should be clean no?
I've also taken off the back piece of the airbrush to check if the needle moved backwards when pressing the trigger which it does.

I can't seem to find out what the problem is.

Cheers Simon

What type of AB are you using Simon?

It's this one

http://www.anticsonline.co.uk/532_1_1288611.html

Try running some Windex or glass cleaner through it. If that doesn't work, dissassemble the AB and soak it in glass cleaner. Make sure that all of the paths are open. If that doesn't work, you make want to look into a new brush.

This may be a little extreme......but it should work if the problem is a clog. Take the entire thing apart and clean with laquer thinner. As wonderful as Vallejo paints are, they will dry in an A.B. and can be difficult to remove. You can also try bacl flushing with laquer thinner before dissasembly and cleaning. I use Alclad II Laquer Thinner......never had a clog stand up to this stuff. Be sure to clean all tips and nozzles as well and any small residue that may have collected on the needle.

Ok thanks for the tips guys. I will try it out : )

Do not use cleaning solutions on the teflon washers as it will knacker them.

I've taken the brush apart as much as I could and put it in a bath of window cleaner. How long should I leave it there?

I don't think there is any teflon parts on my AB?

Only for a few hours - never overnight. Then rinse all parts thoroughly in distilled water. The ammonia in the Windex that cleans so well will etch the metal if you leave it too long!
Inspect the parts carefully as you reassemble. make sure the nozzle is tight and the needle is seated.
Then fill the cup with distilled water and see if it all works right.

I found some paint and "goo" around the needle and area behind the nozzle cap. Now it works.
I know that most AB's need a total cleaning like this sometimes. I've only used it for one tank though, so I thought I was a little early for that and thought something else was wrong. But problem solved.

Thx guys.