Not sure if I'm posting this to the right forum....

DH bought me an airbrush last year for Christmas and I just started using it recently. I am using the Americolours. The plain colours work like a charm but every time I try using the "sheen" colours, it plugs up. Is there a secret to using these or is it my airbrush? I should mention, my airbrush isn't a very expensive one, but it does work well with plain colours. I have a very good compressor (stole DH's that he uses for his hobbies). Any suggestions or hints would be greatly appreciated . Thanks!

Are you using the Americolor sheens also?I ask this because I bought the Lucks pearl sheen once and it was so thick it did the same thing to my airbrsuh.The Americolors do not!I would add a bit of everclear or vodka and see what happens.At the least it will thin it out.

One thing I have realized with my airbrush is that I need to clean it every 3 fills when I am using the sheen colors. I just run everclear through it and then go again...doing this, I never have any problems with it clogging. I use the Americolor ones most of the time, but I have the Bakery Crafts pearl too.

I have had an airbrush for some time now but haven't used it - do I need to buy specific colors just for airbrush or can I use gels mixed with everclear? sorry if I hijacked - didn't want to start another thread for almost the same thing.
TIA

Where in South Africa can one buy airbrush supplies?

Thanks for the replies. I am using the Americolors and they clog in the first try. I haven't been able to use them successfully yet. I will try thinning them with a bit of vodka and see what happens. I haven't had that issue with the normal colours so suspect it's the sheen in it that has a tendency to clog.

Shake it up very very very well. It also depends on your airbrush. If you are using a Kopy kake or one with a very fine needle, it will clog easier. Just unscrew the locking nut (the nut the on the end that the needle goes thru)(you have to take of the end of the handle first) then pull your needle back a hair. That should allow enough of the hole at the end of the tip to let the sheen go thru easier. Then screw the nut on again. Remember to push the needle snug again when you are going to use it with regular color again.

I don't like any of the sheens I like luster and everclear better. But the sheens do have their uses!

Also, what is the tip/needle size of your airbrush?

Pearls, Lusters and Sheens have larger particles than just plain color.

Larger tip/needle sizes are easier to spray "shiny" colors with.

Also, try increasing your PSI. This will increase your amount of overspray, the the increased air pressure may help with the heavier particles.