I have been using the same Badger model 200 airbrush for over 20 years. I used it to custom paint model railroad items for others and my own stuff. There have been times where I used my airbrush for hours at a time, 7 days a week. There are places that the chrome finish is wore off, and the blue handle has turned silver. The problem I have been having lately is that, since I have switched to acrylic paint my airbrush clogs up fast and is very hard to clean. Sometimes, by the time I dump out the excess paint and put the cover on the paint jar, the paint in the airbrush is dry enough that cleaning with water won't remove all of the dried paint. And if you them run thinner through the brush you end up with a gummy mess. So the other day I was wondering if it's time to retire my old friend and switch to an Aztec airbrush that is made of that slippery plastic that repels acrylic paint. Does anyone own one of those Aztec airbrushes, if so what do think of them?
The Aztec is a good airbrush, but it is not immune to clogging when using acrylics! But it is a lot easier to clean, also there are many different heads, so you can choose the one most suitable to the paint you are using, and the model you are applying it to. All in all, I would say an Aztec is better for acrylics.
I have a Badger 200-1L. And have always used solvent based paints. The only problem ever encountered, was one accidental dropping... Boxcab E50
I use Aztek exclusively,after having a Badger and spending more time cleaning it than painting,I tried the Aztek system when it was first introduced and have been useing it ever since.For acrylics use alcohol to clean the brush after every color and use the paint station to flush.For build up paint,laquer soak the tips overnite to clean.
I use the Aztek 470,which comes in a wooden case with various nozzles and other accessories.I just got the A7778,which has a metal airbrush body.Go to Bearair.com for some good prices [ 14. June 2003, 17:52: Message edited by: Alexander Rivera ]
I had a Badger 200 for years, then got an Aztek in '95 and loved it from day 1! I just have the basic gray one with the gray nozzle (the first model released)
I use a Paasche VL (when at home) and I hear the comments about acrylics. I got into the habit of cleaning the brush immediately after spraying - before tipping the excess from the cup back into the bottle. As noted, the acrylic did set up in the brush quickly - moreso than it does in the cup. And it's easier to clean the cup! The Aztecs have taken my eye, though. I like the interchangeable heads.
