If folks are telling that the paint is drying on the needle, then you've got a couple of options...
First, provided you can, lower the air pressure.
Second, thin the paint. If it's already thin, then chances are you need to add an extender into your thinning agent. What this means, is that if you're thinning acrylics (I presume you're using acrylics) with rubbing alcohol or specific-brand thinner, try adding some water to the thinner.
Alcohol or glycol-based thinners have a rapid evap time. It's great for the paint drying quickly, but sometimes it's dry as it hits the model. This is also a direct cause of a chalky finish on the model if you've ever experienced that.
Keeping the brush clean internally is a must. I typically break my Iwatas down 2-3 times per week, or after a multiple-color spraying session.
If you can afford to, an ultrasonic denture cleaner is a must-have for any serious airbrusher. I picked mine up last year, cost me $60 thereabouts, and I've never had an airbrush problem since. I disassemble the brush, drop it into the cleaner filled with windshield washer fluid, and the next day, even after I've cleaned it, there's gunk in the bottom of the cleaner. Here's a link to the type of unit I have. I picked this up at Target I believe. This says it has a 3-minute timer, but mine doesn't. I can't imagine it working that well that would clean in 3 minutes.
http://www.jewelsmall.com/ulclcd.htmlHope that helps!
Jeff
(I haven't done anything to my carrier, too many FSM projects with deadlines right now)
