Basic Airbrush Troubleshooting

This last weekend I ran into some trouble with my airbrush so I shot it.  The trouble, not the airbrush.  If you run into problems, this is the process I’d go through to track them:

1. Does the motor run at all?  If not…
1. Is the compressor plugged in?  You would be surprised how many times this is the problem with any sort of home appliance, tool, or musical equipment.
2. Is there power to the outlet you have the compressor plugged into?
3. Is the compressor switched on?
4. Is the compressor fuse/breaker good (if you have one)?
5. If none of these work it might be time for a new motor/compressor.
2. When you activate the brush, does air come out?  If not…
1. Check to make sure the nozzle assembly is clean and clear of debris.  This also includes making sure the needle is clean.  If the nozzle and needle are clean, then…
2. Make sure the trigger mechanism is installed and working properly. If it is…
3. Remove the brush from the hose and check the inlet of the brush for clogs.  If it’s clear of clogs…
4. Activate the compressor and make sure air comes out of the hose.  If not…
5. Remove the hose at the compressor and look for clogs at the compressor end.  Blow into the hose and feel for air at the other end.  If there is air at the other end…
6. Activate the compressor and make sure it puts out air.  On larger compressors you may have a valve that you forgot to open.  If the motor runs but there is no significant output, you have a deeper problem.  Likely a clog inside the compressor or the compressing mechanism is busted.  Ask your manufacturer for help on this problem.
3. If air comes out but not paint…
1. Put water in the paint bowl and try to spray. If you can spray water but not paint, your paint could be too thick or your nozzle kit is too small. If your paint seems thin enough and your nozzle kit is big enough…
2. Check to make sure the nozzle assembly is clean and clear of debris.  This also includes making sure the needle is clean.  If the nozzle and needle are clean, then…
3. Clean the inside of the main airbrush housing.

There aren’t many other things to do to track a problem on an airbrush system… at least that I can see.  You should also make sure that any of the O-rings you come in contact with as you take the system apart are good.  And for Emperor's-sake, don’t bend the needle!

If none of the steps above help, give your manufacturer a call.

The problem I had turned out to be shmootz inside the air inlet fitting on the airbrush (2.3).  Not sure how it got there, it was rubbery white particulates (teflon tape bits?) and sort of oily so it might have been spit out by the compressor and collected there over time.  Please feel free to add any steps you think could help anyone out down in the comments section.