paasche

V, VJR, VL & VLS

Internal Mix - Double Action
Airbrushes

INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS LIST 3V-9/2003

Supersedes Instructions & Parts List 3V-11/2002
WARNING: Spray materials may be harmful if inhaled or
allowed to come into contact with the skin or eyes. Consult
the product label and Material Safety Data Sheet supplied
for the spray material. Follow all safety precautions.
CAUTION: Well Ventilated Area Required to remove
fumes, dust or overspray. Secure airhose to Airbrush
with V-62 Wrench for safety and to prevent air leaks.
M a x i m u m A i r P r e s s u r e 7 5 P. S . I .

AC-20 Hose Cplg.

Must Be Wrench Tight
To Prevent Air Leaks.

INTRODUCTlON
Paasche models V, VJR and VL feature hand crafted construction
using quality materials. The bodies are machined brass, polished and
chrome plated. Components are made from nickel silver, needles are
stainless steel, the packing washer is Teflon and the handle is
nylon. Either airbrush, preferred by professional and hobbyist alike,
permits great flexibility in regulation of color and air without work
stoppage. Different size aircaps, tips and needles are quickly
interchangeable to allow greater diversity in materials and coverage.
MODEL VARIATIONS
Paasche VJR, available in two sizes, has the distinct feature of
having the color cup built into the shell assembly. This airbrush is
convenient when fast color change is desired. The Paasche VLS,
available in three sizes, is equipped with a threaded connection at
the color socket so bottle assemblies can be securely fastened for
greater mobility. It can also be used with larger gravity feed
containers for production work.
AIRCAP, TIP AND NEEDLE SIZES
V & VJR AIRBRUSH: Very Thin/Light to Medium Fluids
Very Thin to Light Fluids
Light to Medium Fluids
VM-1 Multiplehead
VM-2 Multiplehead
VA-1 Aircap
VA-2 Aircap
VB Aircap Body
VB Aircap Body
VT-1 Tip
VT-2 Tip
VN-1 Needle
VN-2 Needle
VL & VLS AIRBRUSH: Very Thin/Light to Heavy Fluids
Very Thin to Light Fluids
Light to Medium Fluids
VLM-1 Multiplehead
VLM-3 Multiplehead
VLA-1 Aircap
VLA-3 Aircap
VLB Aircap Body
VLB Aircap Body
VLT-1 Tip
VLT-3 Tip
VLN-1 Needle
VLN-3 Needle
Medium to Heavy Fluids
VLM-5 Multiplehead
VLA-5 Aircap
VLB Aircap Body
VLT-5 Tip
VLN-5 Needle
PRESSURES
20 Ibs. for stipple and granulated effects.
30 Ibs. for medium consistency water colors, inks & dyes.
35 Ibs. for heavier fluids, reduced lacquers, varnishes, paints or
ceramic glaze.

Paasche Airbrush Company

7440 West Lawrence Avenue
Harwood Heights, Illinois 60706-3412
Phone: 708/867-9191 Fax: 708/867-9198

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The Airbrush is held in the same manner as a pen, with the index
finger comfortably over the finger button.
1. Attach airhose to air supply and allow to blow a few seconds at
full pressure. Shut off air supply before attaching to airbrush.
This procedure will remove dirt from airline and hose.
2. Attach airhose coupling to airbrush.
3. For VL attach the color cup or bottle assembly to color socket.
VLS use firm twisting motion to screw-on bottle assemblies.
For V insert color cup and bottle assemblies into side fluid hole.
VJR add fluid to permanently mounted color cup.

4. Remove Head Protecting Cap-#6.

5. Press down on Finger Button-#8 to release air and pull back on
button to control quantity of color.
6. If pre-regulated amount of fluid is desired adjust Line Adjusting
Nut-#13. This control will give the operator the same amount of
fluid each time the Finger Button-#8 is depressed.
7. To spray a fine line without heavy ends, start moving the
airbrush without release of color. Then start the color at the
beginning of line and stop the color at the end, but continue the
motion of the airbrush after the color has stopped.
8. Practice this movement until you can spray a fine line or a
broad pattern without heavy build up at the beginning or end of
your strokes.
9. Speed of movement controls density of color and fading effects
at beginning and end of strokes.
10. For detail, hold the airbrush close to the surface push down for
air and pull back very slowly on the Finger Button-#8.
11. For background work and broad effects, hold the airbrush away
from work and pull back on Finger Button-#8 to release
required amount of color.
12. For more instruction see the 22 Airbrush Lessons for
Beginners booklet enclosed with your airbrush.
CLEANING PROCEDURE
1. Pour remaining color back into its container.
2. Rinse and wipe color cup or bottle assembly clean.
3. Spray a small amount of water/solvent through the airbrush
until it comes out clear.
4. To back-flush color from the airbrush keep bottle assembly or color
cup attached. If using a color cup you must cover the top of it
with your thumb or a cloth to keep color from blowing out.
5. Place one finger over the Aircap #1 of the airbrush and release
some air by depressing the Finger Button-#8. This causes back
pressure which induces a bubble action inside the airbrush and
container. This helps clean the fluid passages.
6. See Page 2 for a complete list of all V, VJR and VL/VLS
airbrush parts. See Page 3 for more instructions on cleaning
and adjusting the V, VJR and VL/VLS airbrushes.

Websites: paascheairbrush.com and

paasche.thomasregister.com or E-MAIL: info@paascheairbrush.com

Printed in the U.S.A.

Paasche V, VV, VJR, VL & VLS Double Action Airbrushes

Page 2

35b

35c

VL and VLS AIRBRUSH PARTS

V VV and VJR AIRBRUSH PARTS

NO.
A.
1.
2.
3.
4.
4a.
4b.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
35b.
35c.
36.

NO
A.
1.
2.
3.
4.
4b.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17a.
17a.
18a.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35 a.
35 e.

PART
DESCRIPTION
VLM-1, 3 or 5
Multiplehead (Specify Size)
VLA-1, 3, or 5 Aircap (Specify Size)
VLB
Aircap Body
VLT-1, 3 or 5 Tip (Specify Size)
VLN-1
Needle (Specify Size)
VLN-3, VLN-5
Needle (Specify Size)
VLN-1POL
Polished Needle (Optional Equipment)
VL-54
Reamer (Optional Equipment)
VL-189
Head Protecting Cap
VL-174
Finger Lever Assembly
VL-135A
Finger Button
VL-165A
Finger Lever
VL-58
Lever Pivot
VL-59
Piston
VL-175
Line Adjustment Assembly
V-167
Line Adjustment Nut
V-168
Finger Stop Spring
V-169
Friction Seat
VL-166
Line Adjusting Screw
VL-163
Shell Assembly (VL) W/VL-20
VLS-163
Shell Assembly (VLS) W/VL-20
MU-61
Packing Washer
MU-62
Packing Nut
VL-176
Air Valve Assembly (VL & VLS Only)
VL-20
Valve Casing (VL & VLS)
A-52
Valve Washer (Dozen)
H-21A
Valve Plunger
A-22
Valve Spring
A-23A
Air Valve Nut
VL-186
Needle Valve Assembly
VL-191A
Rocker Assembly (Complete)
V-144
Pin
VL-142
Rocker
VL-137A
Needle Support
VL-140
Spring
VL-136A
Needle Adjusting Sleeve
VL-141
Locknut
VL-134N
Handle (For VL & VLS Airbrushes)
HVL-203
Stubby Length Metal Handle (Optional)
HVL-202
Standard Length Metal Handle (Optional)
VL-118
Protecting Cap

PART
VM-1 or 2
VA-1 or 2
VB
VT-1 or 2
VN-1 or 2
VN-1POL
V-54
V-189
V-174
VL-135A
V-165A
VL-58
V-59
V-175
V-167
V-168
V-169
V-166
V-163RH
V-163LH
V-200
V-83
V-84
V-176
V-20
A-52
H-21A
A-22
A-23A
V-186
V-191A
V-144
V-142
V-137A
V-140
V-136A
V-141
F-143
AFV-143

DESCRIPTION
Multiplehead (Specify Size)
Aircap (Specify Size)
Aircap Body
Tip (Specify Size)
Needle (Specify Size)
Polished Needle (Optional Equipment)
Reamer (Optional Equipment)
Head Protecting Cap
Finger Lever Assembly
Finger Button
Finger Lever
Lever Pivot
Lever Piston
Line Adjustment Assembly
Line Adjusting Nut
Finger Stop Spring
Friction Seat
Line Adjusting Screw
Right Hand Shell Assembly (V) W/V-20
Left Hand Shell Assembly (VV) W/V-20
Shell Assembly (VJR) W/V-20
Packing
Packing Nut
Complete Air Valve Assem. (Replaces VL-176)
Valve Casing (V, VV, VJR) (Replaces VL-20)
Valve Washer (Dozen)
Valve Plunger
Valve Spring
Air Valve Nut
Needle Valve Assembly(Complete L/Needle)
Rocker Assembly (Complete)
Pin
Rocker
Needle Support
Spring
Needle Adjusting Sleeve
Locknut
Handle (V, VV and VJR Airbrushes)
Metal Handle

Paasche V, VV, VJR, VL & VLS Double Action Airbrushes

A. REMOVlNG/REPLAClNG THE NEEDLE AND HANDLE
(Illustration A)
1. Unscrew the handle and loosen the Locknut-#34 by turning
counterclockwise. Depress the Finger Lever Assembly-#7 and
hold in Down position while removing or inserting the needle. This
assures the needle moves freely through the finger lever. Gently
remove the needle, rotating if necessary, Do NOT force out!
2. A loose needle can cause sputtering if there is any air leakage
around the needle and Packing-#19. If there is no noticeable
drag on the needle by the packing then tighten Nut-#20.
3. Inspect the condition of the needle. If it is bent or misshapen in
any way, replace it with a new needle. A bent needle can damage
or split the Tip-#3 causing bubbles or a rough spray pattern.
4. Hold Lever Assembly-#7 in DOWN position, insert the new
needle into the Needle Support-#31 of the Rocker Assembly#28. Gently push needle through, rotating if necessary, until the
needles point is visible through the Tip-#3 of the airbrush.
5. Release Finger Lever Assembly-#7 and tighten Locknut-#34 by
turning clockwise.
6. Replace the handle. Slowly screw the handle into the airbrush
shell (1) counter-clockwise until you feel or hear a slight click.
Then rotate the handle (2) clockwise a slight turn to meet the
threads. Continue to screw handle into the airbrush shell until
the threads are no longer visible.
B. REMOVING THE ROCKER ASSEMBLY (Illustrations B and C)
1. Unscrew handle from the end of airbrush shell.
2. Remove Locknut-#34 and needle (see above-removing and
replacing the needle and handle.)
3. Depress Finger Lever Assembly-#7 and Pull BACK. Keep in
DOWN and BACK position, this secures Rocker Assembly-#28,
while removing balance of parts.
4. Unscrew and remove Needle Adjusting Sleeve-#33 and Spring-#32.
5. Keep Finger Lever Assembly-#7 in DOWN position, allow finger lever
to go FORWARD to release the Rocker Assembly-#28 for removal.
6. The Rocker Assembly-#28 should now be loose. Tilt the Needle
Support-#31 portion of the Rocker Assembly-#28 UPWARDS
and gently remove from the back of the airbrush shell (see
Illustration C). DO NOT FORCE REMOVAL OF ROCKER
ASSEMBLY-#28!
C. REPLACING THE ROCKER ASSEMBLY
(Illustrations B and C)
1. Depress Finger Lever Assembly-#7 and hold in DOWN position.
2. Insert Rocker Assembly-#28 into airbrush shell with Rocker-#30
portion in FORWARD Position. (Refer to Illustration B)
3. When the top of the Rocker-#30 is visible through the opening in
the top of the airbrush shell (by finger lever), pull BACK on
Finger Lever Assembly-#7 until it touches the Rocker-#30. Hold
it there firmly, this secures the Rocker Assembly-#28 in place
while re-assembling parts!
4. The Needle Support-#31 (part of the Rocker Assembly-#28) is visible
through the end of the airbrush shell and will be loose (see C).
5. Keep Finger Lever Assembly #7 with Rocker-#30 secured, in
DOWN and BACK position, while replacing the Spring-#32 and
Needle Adjusting Sleeve-#33.
6. Screw-in Needle Adjusting Sleeve-#33 until desired tension on
the Finger Lever Assembly-#7 is achieved.
7. Replace the needle, with the Finger Lever Assembly-#7 in the
DOWN position, then replace the Locknut-#34.
8. Release Finger Lever Assembly-#7. You should feel tension on
the lever and it should spring-up if you depress and release it. If
not, remove parts as above and repeat process.
D. REPLACING THE FINGER LEVER ASSEMBLY
(Illustrations D-1 and D-2)
If the Finger Lever Assembly-#7 is removed or dislodged, it must
be replaced inside the airbrush shell, before the Rocker Assembly#28 and needle are re-inserted.
1. Hold Finger Lever Assembly-#7 so the opening in the lever is inline with the opening in the end of the airbrush shell (see D-2).
2. The Piston-#11, which pivots on the end of the Finger Lever-#9,
must be kept in DOWN position.
3. Insert Finger Lever Assembly-#7 with Piston-#11 straight DOWN
through the opening in the top of the airbrush shell (see D-1 Top
View). View your progress through the end of the airbrush shell.
Make sure the Piston-#11 goes STRAIGHT DOWN into the base
opening of the Valve Casing-#22 (inside shell-see D-2).
Sometimes this takes several tries. Take your time.

Page 3

4. Once the Piston-#11, of the Finger Lever Assembly-#7, has been

inserted into the Valve Casing-#22, you will be able to press
down on the Finger Button-#8 and it will not fall out. Proceed to
replace Rocker Assembly-#28 and balance of parts as above.
E. REPLACING THE TIP (Illustration E)
1. Remove handle, loosen Locknut-#34 and withdraw needle
about one inch (1").
2. Un-screw the Aircap Body-#2 and remove. The Tip-#3 is now
exposed and should be easily removed by hand.
3. Place a new Tip-#3 into position and tighten Aircap Body-#2 to
airbrush shell. Re-insert needle to forward position and tighten
Locknut-#34.
F. ADJUSTING WORN PACKING WASHER
1. If Packing Washer-#19 becomes worn or loose, refer to steps
B and D for necessary parts removal.
2. Tighten Packing Nut-#20 with small screwdriver.
3. Replace needle and make sure Packing Nut-#20 is not too tight.
A slight resistance to movement is needed when needle is
passed through.
4. Completely re-assemble according to step C.
G. USING A REAMER
1. The Reamer-#5 is Optional Equipment for use in removing
hardened color from inside tapered surface of the Tip-#3. It
should be used only if color has become too hard for water or
solvent to dissolve.
2. If it does become necessary to ream the Tip-#3, remove needle
first. Insert Reamer-#5 into the large opening of tip and with
slight pressure turn reamer slowly to remove hardened particles.
3. Remove reamer and flush water or solvent through the tip to
thoroughly clean away any loose particles.
H. CLEANING THE AIRBRUSH
1. If Aircap-#1 is clogged with color, remove it from the Aircap
Body-#2 and clean obstruction using a toothpick covered with
cotton and saturated in water or solvent. Never use a sharp
instrument or Reamer-#5 to clean the Aircap-#2.
2. It is not recommended to soak the entire airbrush shell in water
or solvent. The Valve Washer-#23 can absorb the liquid,
causing it to swell or dry out, resulting in air leakage inside the
airbrush. Disassemble all parts before immersing in water or
solvent.
I. TROUBLE SHOOTING
1. If paint bubbles appear in the color cup, try tightening the Aircap
Body-#2 and the Aircap-#1 with the Wrench-#58 provided.
2. If paint is not spraying from the Aircap-#1 check the color cup
and color inlet of the airbrush shell. Make sure they are free from
any dried color, dirt or foreign matter.
3. An uneven or sputtering emission of color from the Aircap-#1
indicates that either the material being sprayed is too thick or the
air pressure is to low.
4. An air leak, after the Finger Button-#8 has been released,
indicates that foreign matter has worked into the Air Valve
Assembly-#21 or Valve Washer-#23 and damaged them.
J. TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM:
1. Remove Airhose from Airbrush and blow out any accumulation
in the Valve Casing-#22.
2. If the Airbrush has been used for some time it may be necessary
to replace the Air Valve Washer-#23.
3. Using a small screwdriver, remove Valve Nut-#26, Valve Spring#25 and Valve Plunger-#24.
4. The old Valve Washer-#23 can be removed by inserting blunt
end of airbrush needle through the top of the Valve Casing-#22
and pushing DOWN. To expose the top of the Valve Casing-#22,
the Finger Lever Assembly-#7, Rocker Assembly-#28 and
Needle-#4 must be removed. NOTE: Cover sharp point of
needle to avoid Injury.
5. Blow out dirt from the Valve Casing-#22 and check valve seat
for dirt and knicks. Valve seat is located inside the Valve Casing
where the Valve Washer-#23 rests. (See Illustration D-2). If
damaged replace Valve Casing-#22.
6. Install a new Valve Washer-#23 onto the long thin side of the
Valve Plunger-#24.
7. Re-assemble Valve Plunger-#24 followed By Valve Spring-#25
and Valve Nut-#26.
8. The Valve Nut-#26 must be screwed to a depth below the
surface of the Valve Casing-#22.
9. It is not necessary for the Air Valve Casing-#22 to be removed
except to replace if damaged.

Paasche V, VV, VL & VLS Cups, Bottles and Accessories

Page 4

VL AND VLS BOTTLE AND CUP ASSEMBLIES

NO. PART NO.
37. VL-3-OZ
VL3
VF-14
3-JG
37. PCVL-3-OZ
VF-14M
3JG
38. VLP-3-OZ
VL3
VF-14
3JG
39. VL-1/2-OZ
VL1/2
VF-17
40. VLS-3-OZ
VLS3
VF-14
3JG
40. PCVLS-3-OZ
VF-14M
3JG
41. VLPS-3-OZ
VLS3
VF-14
3-JG
42. VLD-3-OZ
VF-14
3 JG
43. VL-2-OZ
VF-2-5/8"
3JG
44. VLS-2-OZ
VF-2-5/8"
3JG
45. VL-1-OZ
VL1
VF-17
5-G

DESCRIPTION
3 oz. Bottle Assembly (88cc)
3 oz. Cover Assembly
Color Tube
Gasket
3 oz. Nylon Cover/Metal Tube Bottle Assem. (88cc)
Metal Color Tube
Gasket
3 oz. Plastic Bottle Assembly (88cc)
3 oz. Cover Assembly
Color Tube
Gasket
Color Bottle Assembly (14.5cc)
1/2 oz. Cover Assembly W/Gasket
Color Tube
3 oz. Bottle Assembly (88cc)
3 oz. Cover Assembly
Color Tube
Gasket
3 oz. Nylon Cover Metal Tube Bottle Assem. (88cc)
Metal Color Tube
Gasket
3 oz. Plastic Bottle Assembly (88cc)
3 oz. Cover Assembly
Color Tube
Gasket
3 oz. Decorator Bottle Assembly (88cc)
Color Tube
Gasket
Aluminum Cup Assembly (60cc)
Color Tube
Gasket
Metal Color Cup (60cc)
Color Tube
Gasket
Color Bottle Assembly (29cc)
1 oz. Cover Assembly
Color Tube
Gasket (29cc)

46. VLS-1-OZ
VLS1
VF-17
5-G
48. VL-1/4-OZ

Color Bottle Assembly (29cc)

1 oz. Cover Assembly
Color Tube
Gasket
Metal Color Cup (7cc)

V and VV CUP AND BOTTLE ASSEMBLIES

49. VFA-1/2-OZ Color Bottle Assembly (14.5cc)
VFA1/2
1/2 oz. Cover Assembly W/Gasket (14.5cc)
VF-7
Color Tube
45. VFA-1-OZ
Color Bottle Assembly (29cc)
VFA1
1 oz. Cover Assembly
VF-7
Color Tube
5-G
Gasket
50. V-1-OZ
Aluminum Cup Assembly (29cc)
VF-7
Color Tube
AE-31
Gasket
51. V-1/8-OZ
Metal Color Cup (3.5cc)
52. V-1/4-OZ
Metal Color Cup (7cc)
AIRHOSES W/FACTORY INSTALLED COUPLINGS
53. HP-1/8"
PVC-Red Plastic Airhose W/Couplings
54. A-1/8"
Braided Airhose W/Couplings
COUPLINGSOLD STYLE REPLACEMENTS
55. AC-20
1/8"-1/4"-40 Coupling (To Airbrush)
56. AC-1/8"
-1/4" Coupling (To Compressor)
ACCESSORIES
57. A-34
58. V-62
59. VL-127
60. MT

Hanger
Wrench
Strainer for Teflon White Color Tubes Only
Moisture Trap (Do-It-Yourself Installation)

Cup or Bottle for VL Airbrush

Cup or Bottle for VLS Airbrush