Help wanted: Dried airbrushed paint reactivating and running

[lawnor 25992xp 2]

My computer has been threatening to overheat so I pulled it out to clean inside today.  While it was out and I already had cables everywhere I thought I may as well drain the tank, even though I assumed it would be empty, after all what is the moisture trap for if its not to catch the moisture.  Seems I was wrong.  Waaaaaay wrong. I’m hoping this was the issue and a 6 monthly tank drain will prevent future issues.  I’m hoping my tank isn’t ruined.  Here’s what drained out.  The tank is currently outside letting the last drips come out at their own pace.

 

I forgot there was a bolt on the bottom of the tank, so thank you @shingen  Even if this doesn’t solve my issue I should have drained this years ago.  Anyone know if I should be afraid of my tank rupturing under pressure due to it being corroded inside?

[lawnor 25992xp 2]

Reading online I see people saying I should drain via that screw after every say of heavy usage or every few mild usages.  I’m also seeing a suggestion to re-pressurise the tank while the screw is currently removed to help push out any gunk at the bottom.  Assuming I do that outside, can anyone see any issues with this idea?

[gilbert 122xp 2]

Ohh looks like tomato soup! You tasted it yet? Probably want to add some pepper first.

I doubt your compressor is going to get to pressures that are going to affect the metal. Unless you have an industrial bad boy that can reach insane psi.

Just keep draining it as part of your clean-up routine and make sure all air is released at the end of a session.

[shingen 13941xp 1]

Wow, that’s great specimen of British climate! 😉

The moist trap can do only that much, my airbrush used to occasionally spit before I drained the tank, and that was super annoying especially when painting details or final highlights.

 

As for the safety of the tank I have no idea, but I guess, as most airbrushers, you use no more than 1/3 of the pressure the tank is designed to hold, so I wouldn’t be too concerned. Also I don’t think rust can do structural damage to those tanks.

[lawnor 25992xp 1]

I have used the airbrush to varnish 110 models and nothing exploded.  The paint didn’t appear to reactivate either.  All appears well.  Guess I’ll find out soon enough if this fixed all my issues.

Thanks for all the help and advice.  I’m sure I’ll be back here soon enough if the problem persists.

[zorg 20666xp 0]

So it sounds like lubricant was your problem great to hear you have solved the issue fingers crossed.

[coxjul 13301xp 1]

My thought was also the o-ring seals in the airbrush allowing cleaner to seep where it shouldn’t that reappears on next use.

Another issue could be the Stynylrex primers which I find to give a more ‘plasticy’ finish which if you don’t build up your airbrushed acrylic layers thinly can lead to paint not adhering well.

[zorg 20666xp 0]

The water in the air tank can help the crud in the tank evaporate into the air messing your paint mix.

[lawnor 25992xp 1]

Thats pretty much what I think happened.  The tank contaminated the paint.  I’ll find out after I next use it to prime and paint.

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