Cleaning a Sotar 20/20: What am I doing wrong?

[Todd P.]

I'm not an airbrush virgin, but I'm also no expert. Most of the airbrushing I've done has been with a super-reliable, easy-to-care-for Paasche single-action model.

I have a Badger Sotar 20/20 that I picked up off Amazon two or three years back when they were priced around $75 and I've been happy with it the few times I've used it. However, I'm either doing an inadequate job of cleaning it or I've damaged something I can't find.

Here's the deal: When I fill the cup with paint, it bubbles when I start spraying. I mean lots of bubbling, like I'm blocking the paint tip. What sprays out looks fine and performs fine, but there's so much bubbling it flows over the cup and down my hand.

I've taken apart the brush to clean it at least half a dozen times. I mean full disassembly, scrubbing what I can reach with a Q-tip, gently poking toothpicks through the openings, taking out the needle, etc. I've soaked everything I can in both isopropyl alcohol and mineral spirits. I don't see any kind of residue and I can see light through all the holes throughout the assembly.

The needle isn't bent, the spray regulator makes no difference (I have two and tried both), so I think my problem is somewhere in the paint tip or nearby assembly, none of which have any visible signs of clogging.

Can anyone help me out?

Thanks.

[Dinsdale]

Todd,

Sometimes bubbling in the cup can be caused by not tightening down the front nozzle on the airbrush.

The other possibility that occurs to me is that Badger airbrushes have a teflon seal hidden in the body of the airbrush. Using a cleaner that is too aggressive like lacquer thinner can cause the seal to dissolve and result in the bubbling you see. I've done this myself once or twice.

The remedy is to pack up the airbrush, along with a note describing the problems you're having, and send it to Badger at the address on the instruction sheet. They will clean and repair your airbrush and send it back to you at no cost. This is one of my favorite things about Badger and why I'm a loyal customer.

Best wishes,

Paul

[derekc62]

The remedy is to pack up the airbrush, along with a note describing the problems you're having, and send it to Badger at the address on the instruction sheet. They will clean and repair your airbrush and send it back to you at no cost.

Good to know.
I've had the exact same problem and simply stopped using the Sotar 20/20.

[Todd P.]

That IS useful. Thank you. I've made sure to tighten everything and that's not the problem, so it's probably going to go back to Badger. Much appreciated.

[Evil or Divine]

Had the exact same issue several months ago.....even ordered the Teflon ring that seems to be the part everyone damages first...ended up taking mine to Wonderfest and the Badger rep fixed mine by simply replacing the screw on tip. He said it must have not been sealing correctly, he wasn't 100% sure. But new tip, works great again. Hope this helps.

[lorigrey]

Mine makes very tiny micro bubbles in the cup, but it still paints fine.

[Todd P.]

Thanks for the additional info, folks. The brush is going to Badger as soon as I can get it packed up.

[Alamokid]

Hi,

When I get bubbles in the cup, it almost always means a clogged tip. When this happens, I let it sit in cleaner for a few hours and put it in the sonic cleaner for a few hours. This does the job. You can also clean the tip with dental brushes: http://www.dermstore.com/product_Interd ... _34043.htm. This may not be your issue, but just a thought.

Good luck

Christopher

[kevtk135]

During last years Jersey Fest, Shane Foulkes did a painting tutorial and he was touting the merits of using a
mix of Simple Green and water for cleaning the a/b. And specifically mention the SG wont attack the o rings. HTH.

[raydrz]

The other possibility that occurs to me is that Badger airbrushes have a teflon seal hidden in the body of the airbrush. Using a cleaner that is too aggressive like lacquer thinner can cause the seal to dissolve and result in the bubbling you see. I've done this myself once or twice.

The remedy is to pack up the airbrush, along with a note describing the problems you're having, and send it to Badger at the address on the instruction sheet. They will clean and repair your airbrush and send it back to you at no cost. This is one of my favorite things about Badger and why I'm a loyal customer.

Best wishes,

Paul

the ultimate answer...damn little white ring!

and Badger service is incredible...i sent 6-7 ABs in for a cleaning...sotar, chrome, renegade, universal 360 and a few el-cheapo base coaters...got the box back real quick with a note that EVERYTHING was replaced except the outer barrels...charged $40-something...new needles, tips, etc...damn right i paid them as quick as possible!

[Todd P.]

I forgot to come back and say THANK YOU for the advice to return it to Badger. I did, found out that some tiny part did indeed disappear, and it was replaced. Worked out great for me.