Airbrush paint problem

[MPTech]

I'll have to try to get a picture if it helps, but i'm sure the good painters will already know what I'm talking about.
I usually spray at about 40psi, and thin Pactra with lacquer thinner, about 1:1. (any corrections or suggestions would be welcome)
My issue is that when I turn back the flow for some fading or shadows, the paint looks spotty up close. I believe it called "atomizing" (?).
My tip and needle is clean, but I still get this. I'm using a Badger airbrush I bought some time ago and I've been doing this for years but it's starting to bug me.
What's causing this and how can I resolve it.

I was considering getting a new airbrush for Chrismas (Iwata(?), will that solve my problem?

Thanks! MPTech

Oh, one other question. Is the a link or article on how-to paint headlight & tailight lenses? I've seen some done with some shadowing that looks great!

[hijacker]

Hey MPTech - it sounds like you are not thinning the paint enough for your shading/shadows. If it is spotty or splattery then thin it more, like 70% thinner, 30% paint and turn the compressor down to about 20 psi.

I'm not familiar with your airbrush, so I can't comment on it's quality. I use an Iwata Revolution and love it.

Here is a look at some headlights that I've done...

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p24/hijacker01/100_41483.jpg

Or you can shoot over to www.cfxpaintworks.com and check out the headlight/taillight tutorial in their forums. You'll have to register as a member, same as here, but it is a good site.

Hope this helps!

Chad

[MPTech]

Thanks hijacker! Those headlights look great.

What paints do you prefer and how do you thin them?
I have a variety of Parma fascolors too, but the cleanup is equally time consuming and I like the lacquers better. I heard to thin the Fascolors with Formula 409, but haven't tried that yet.

I also have a few Spaz(?) paints. I LOVE them! The Chrome, Candies, and Iodized are BEAUTIFUL! but the color slections are a little more limited.

[hijacker]

I primarliy use the fascolor paints, but I also use Pactra lacquers and Spazstix lacquers as well.

I know you can use windex to thin fascolor, I've never tried 409, its really just the alcohol in the stuff that you want anyway.

[MPTech]

Iwata Revolution? Really like it, eh?
Would that be your recommendation or would you go with a different model if you did it again?
I was considering upgrading to an Iwata, but didn't know which one would be best for airbrushing lexan bodies. (I've done a bunch of slot car bodies).

[hijacker]

I wouldn't go to a different model, for the price the Iwata Revolution CR is a great airbrush. 2 stage, gravity feed, very easy to clean and maintain. This model runs about $100 without the hose.