I haven't run across many people who use the Iwata HP-B, most people opt for an Iwata Micron for detail work...although I gotta admit, the HP-B is a much less expensive option yet still quite capable for detail work--not in my hands, though. Some 15 or 20 years ago I owned a couple of HP-B airbrushes but found them very finicky to get a consistent spray with, much preferring either my HP-C+ or Micron C. then almost 10 years ago I got my first Olympos MP-200C Micron...immediately retired all my Iwata airbrushes and now only use Olympos guns, my best detail model being an SP-B w/ .18mm needle/nozzle--I just love that airbrush!
I do have the Dru Blair takumi micron. I just like to switch it up, I also have the hp-c+ that I mainly use for t shirt work. I've heard about those Olympus airbrush's, and in reading conversations on airbrush forums etc. That they have the same head design as a micron, don't quote me on it, but if I'm not mistaken they share or have very similar parts etc.
I enjoyed this video . Will try what you recommended with keep moving , don't stay in one spot to long etc. I use isopropyl alcohol to clean tip of brush maybe this causes my tip dry it might be making it past my nozzle being so thin? What kind of gesso you use I was going to get some liquidtex gesso. Thanks
I don't think using isopropyl to clean the tip of your needle contributes anything to causing tip dry--I think isopropyl evaporates too fast to do anything. Besides, I've been doing the same and I don't seem to have any issues w/ excessive tip dry. I've recently started messing around w/ Createx Illustration opaque white--what a super detail paint! Once my left eye heals (had surgery for detached retina in May) and I can SEE out of it again...I need to REALLY work w/ this paint! Too bad Createx's Illustration line can't be used on leather jackets--my favorite surface to airbrush on. For leather I have E'tac and/or Aqua Flow opaque white. What brand/model of airbrush(es) do you use primarily? That could possibly be part of your tip dry issue...the finer the needle and tip combo, the more you have to reduce your paint--and also lower the psi to lessen tip dry. Another thing you could try...Aqua Flow has something called "Flow Improver" item No. 301. I have no idea what's in it, but I use it sparingly when I seem to be having issues w/ tip dry or smooth paint flow. E'tac has a similar product called Condition Air--the main ingredient of which is glycerine....I've used this since I started using E'tac paint maybe 16 or 17 years ago. I hope this helps. Btw, I'm thoroughly enjoying this series of videos on the skull textures and have subscribed. I've been airbrushing for 44+ years but there are ALWAYS new techniques to learn! Thank you Airbrush Artistry!
