NOZZLE CAP (INNER AIR CAP)

What the part is for

The nozzle cap is a small component at the tip of an airbrush. It sits around the nozzle and the needle and directs the airflow so that it picks up the paint and atomizes it into an even cone. At the same time it protects the protruding tip of the needle and the nozzle itself from a knock that would bend or chip them. Although it is an inconspicuous piece of metal, the shape of its rim shows directly in how the sprayed line looks.

When to replace it

A deformed or chipped cap is one of the common causes of an airbrush starting to spray to one side, to make an irregular pattern or to spit. It happens after the airbrush has been dropped on its tip, after careless cleaning or after the thread has been stripped. Replacing it takes a moment and is quicker than looking for the fault elsewhere in the airbrush. It is worth keeping a spare, because this is exactly the piece most often lost during cleaning.

• a spare part for an airbrush
• directs the airflow around the nozzle and the needle
• protects the tip of the needle from damage
• replace it when deformed, chipped or lost
• before buying, check that the part matches your airbrush model

Maintenance tips

After every spraying session remove the cap and rinse it with a thinner suitable for the paint used; dried paint on the inner surface changes the shape of the airflow just as much as mechanical damage does. Never clean it with metal wire or the tip of a knife. When fitting it, tighten it only lightly with your fingers; the thread is fine and force will strip it. Airbrush spare parts are not interchangeable between brands or between individual models, so compare the designation against the manufacturer's data for your airbrush.

Terms of supply

A single spare part is supplied. The airbrush, the nozzle, the needle and thinner are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.