Airbrush Troubleshooting

The majority of airbrush problems are related to the lack of regular thorough cleanings.

o Common mistakes when using an airbrush:

Not cleaning the airbrush after each application

Applying too much product

Holding the airbrush incorrectly when applying

Moving the airbrush too quickly when applying makeup

Putting too much product in the cup

Pulling the trigger all the way back while applying your airbrush

foundation.

Not keeping the airbrush brush in constant motion (holding it still) will

cause blotchiness

o Troubleshooting Problems and Solutions

Heavy, Blotchy or Uneven Coverage

Airflow Setting to High – Lower Airflow setting

Holding airbrush too close to the face - Stay 6 to 8 inches away

from your face to prevent the makeup from being caked on or

blotchy

Allowing too much makeup to flow by pulling trigger too far back

– Only pull the trigger about 1/3 to 1/2 way back for a very light

feathered and soft spray. Pulling the trigger past the midpoint can

result in a heavy, blotchy or uneven coverage.

Airbrush Not Spraying

Clogged Nozzle – Remove and clean nozzle

Damaged Nozzle – Remove and replace with new nozzle

Tip Head is Loose – Tighten Tip Head

Needle not Moving – Tighten loose needle chucking nut

Air Pressure to Low – Adjust to higher airflow setting

Grainy or Textured Spray

Air Pressure to Low – Adjust to higher airflow setting

Dried Makeup on End of Needle – Remove, clean and lube needle

Dirty Airbrush Nozzle – Remove and clean nozzle

Makeup too thick – Use fresh makeup from a thoroughly shaken

bottle, possibly have applied too much makeup.

Bubbling Fluid in Cup

Clogged or Damaged Nozzle – Remove and clean or replace

nozzle

Tip Head is Loose – Tighten Tip Head

Spray Cannot be Shutoff

Clogged or Damaged Nozzle – Remove and clean or replace

nozzle

Dirty or Stuck Needle – Remove, clean and lube needle

Needle not seating all the way into the nozzle due to loose needle

chucking nut - Push needle in until it seats in the nozzle, then

tighten needle chucking nut

Sticky Trigger – Trigger and air valve packing need to be lubed

Sprays Double Lines or Heavy on One Side

Split Nozzle Tip – Remove and Replace

Bent Needle Tip – Remove and straighten or replace

Nozzle Tip Not Centered in Tip Head – Remove and clean

airbrush tip head threads and head thread assembly on airbrush

Dried Makeup on End of Needle - Remove and clean needle

Dirty Airbrush Nozzle – Remove and clean nozzle

Makeup Blobs at the Beginning of a Stroke

Spraying makeup before moving your hand – Have your hand in

motion before triggering makeup flow

Makeup Blobs at the End of a Stroke

Stopping the airbrush movement before shutting off makeup flow -

Follow through with your airbrush stroke until after the trigger is

released to shutoff makeup flow

Splattering

Allowing the needle to snap back into the tip – Always release the trigger gently to avoid

splattering