Operation (continued)
• The needle will draw back into the airbrush allowing paint to flow out the nozzle. The more you pull back on the trigger, the
more paint you will allow into the flow.
• To control the spray pattern / spray diameter of the paint, move the airbrush closer or farther away from the object you are
painting.
• You can also adjust the needle stop, found at the rear of your airbrush, to further control the airbrush’s spray pattern.
• Tightening in the needle stop will limit the movement of the needle and control the spray diameter or pattern of the sprayed
paint. Loosening the needle stop will increase the range of motion of the needle, allowing for a wider spray pattern. Be
careful not to fully unscrew the needle stop from the airbrush body.
Essential Cleaning of Your Airbrush
Your airbrush requires a cleaning after you have finished spraying paint. Without cleaning, the airbrush will fail to function
properly and void any warranty of the airbrush. Quick cleaning by running water or solvent through the airbrush can be
performed during use when taking a break from painting, or when changing colors in the airbrush. More thorough cleaning
should be performed when finished painting and preparing to store the airbrush.
Before you begin cleaning your airbrush, here are items you will need:
• A large basin, preferably glass, especially if you are using any solvents for oil-based paints.
• Warm water and airbrush cleaner solution for water-based paints, or appropriate solvent for oil or lacquer-based paints.
• Be sure to read and follow manufacturer’s instructions for the solvent or cleaning solution being used.
• Pipe brushes, preferably soft and hard nylon type.
• Long cotton swabs.
• Round toothpicks.
• Micro Mark #83046 Airbrush Cleaning Kit is an excellent option for the cleaning supplies that you can use.
• The parts diagram on the last page of this manual for reference to the various parts descriptions of the airbrush.
• Paper towels or an old cotton t-shirt.
• A small plate or parts pan to prevent parts from rolling away.
• Prepare a clean workspace as you will be taking your airbrush apart to clean out residual paint inside the airbrush.
Disassembling the Airbrush
• Drain any remaining paint in the paint cup from the airbrush.
• At the front of the airbrush, remove the air cap (1) and nozzle cap (2). Once you have removed the air cap, the tip of the
needle (26) is exposed. Be extremely careful not to damage the needle in any way. If it gets bent, it will require
replacement.
• Unscrew the nozzle (3) using the 1/16 wrench provided with the airbrush set. Locate the 2 opposing “flat” sides at the base
of the nozzle in front of the brass body tip. Rotate the nozzle counter-clockwise until the threads disengage and then pull
the nozzle with the black nozzle O-ring (4) over the needle and place into your parts tray. Again, be careful not to damage
the needle when handling. After removing the nozzle, turn your attention to the back of the airbrush.
• Unscrew and remove the handle (20) behind the knurled section of the body by rotating it counterclockwise and set aside.
This portion of the airbrush should not need to be cleaned since it does not contact paint.
• Unscrew and remove the needle collet (24) by rotating it counterclockwise. This too should not need to be cleaned. Set it to
the side with the handle.
• Push the now free blunt end of the needle (26) through and towards the front of the airbrush. When enough of the needle is
exposed at the front end, you can grab the round part of the needle and pull it out. Understand that the needle passes
through a slot in the trigger, and while you are pulling the needle out, you need to keep downward pressure on the trigger to
keep it in place. The spring (22), located in the body behind the rear of the trigger, will help keep it in place until assembly is
ready.
• Remove the paint cup cover (11) and cup (12) by rotating the cup body counterclockwise and set in your tray.
Note the rubber gasket at the bottom of all the paint cups provided so as not to lose them.
• Remove the air valve screw (25) by using a wrench on the nut above the knurled screw turning counterclockwise and place
in your parts tray for cleaning. Note the rubber gaskets that make up this valve so as not to lose them.
• You now have the following parts that need cleaning: the cap (1), the air cap (2), the nozzle (3), paint cup and cup top (11,
12), the needle (26) and lastly, the airbrush body (6). There is no further disassembly of the airbrush required.
