Iwata High Performance Plus Series Operation manual

1
Operating Instruction Manual
Oering total control for ne detail spraying, Iwata’s Hi-Line and High Performance Plus Series airbrushes are designed
around the legendary Iwata HP Series which established the Iwata name in the creative community over 50 years ago.
The Hi-Line Series, with its Micro Air Control Valve, enables incremental control of airow for a ne to medium spray
and creating stipple eects.

HIGH PERFORMANCE PLUS AIRBRUSH SERIES
• Solvent-proof PTFE needle packing
• Cutaway, preset handle
• Gravity feed conguration allows the ability to spray on just one drop of paint
2
HP-A PLUS
·H2 head system
·1/32 oz (0.9 ml) uid cavity
HP-B PLUS
·H2 head system
·1/16 oz. (1.8ml) gravity feed uid cup
·The gravity feed cup allows on-the-spot custom
color mixing
HP-C PLUS
·Generous 1/3 oz. (9 ml) gravity feed cup
·H3 head system
·An airbrush that does it all - from ne hairlines to nely atomized
background spray, along with an entire range of stippling eects
·The gravity feed cup allows on-the-spot custom color mixing
HP-BC PLUS
HP-SB PLUS
·Siphon feed conguration allows quick color
changes with user-dened, stock colors
·A practical choice for most airbrush uses
·An airbrush that does it all - from ne hairlines
to nely atomized background spray, along with
an entire range of stippling eects
·H3 head system
·Congurable with bottles from 1oz up to 4 oz in size
·H2 head system
·1/8 oz (3.5 ml) side feed color cup
·Optional 1/4 oz. side-cup, 1/2 oz. gravity cup or a 1 oz
siphon bottle add to the versatility of this airbrush
·Side feed cup congurable for right or left-handed use
·Side feed cup allows a better view of the work surface
ANEST IWATA-MEDEA, INC.
Portland, Oregon U.S.A.
[phone] (M-F)
[email protected]
www.iwata-airbrush.com
ANEST IWATA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD.
Mt. Druitt, NSW
[phone]
www.anest-iwata.com.au
ANEST IWATA STRATEGIC CENTER
Cardano al Campo, Italy
[phone]
www.anest-iwataeu.com
ANEST IWATA SOUTH-EAST ASIA CO., LTD.
Bangkok, Thailand
[phone]
www.anest-iwatasoutheastasia.com
ANEST IWATA SHANGHAI
Shanghai, China
[phone] / 15 / 16
www.anest-iwata-sh.com
ANEST IWATA RUS LLC
Moscow, Russia
[phone]
www.anestiwata.ru
ANEST IWATA CORPORATION
Yokohama, Japan
[phone]
www.anest-iwata.co.jp
ANEST IWATA (U.K.) LTD.
Neots Cambs, England
[phone]
www.anest-iwata.co.uk
ANEST IWATA MOTHERSON LTD.
Uttar Pradesh, India
[phone] / 14 / 17
www.aircompressors.com
ANEST IWATA SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD.
Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
[phone]/2265/2223
www.anest-iwata.co.za
CENTURY TRADING CO., LTD.
Seoul, Korea
82-2-2163-0300
www.centrading.co.kr
If you have any issues or warranty service questions, contact your
local ANEST IWATA aliate before returning to your place of purchase.
NEED ASSISTANCE

3
GENERAL OPERATION
Wide-Lines and Blending
1. Depress the main lever (#7).
2. Position the airbrush from 1/2 to 6 inches away from the surface.
3. Pull the main lever back much further to release more paint to cover
the bigger area.
• A longer distance to the paint surface produces wider lines.
• A shorter distance to the paint surface produces narrower lines.
• Increased air pressure increases spray width.
• Decreased air pressure decreases spray width.
• The maximum usable line width is approximately 2 inches.
Preset Handle (#17)
A threaded adjusting screw mounted behind the handle limits the distance the main
lever can be pulled back.This provides accurate paint volume control and is especially
useful for repetitive, precision work.
Cutaway Handle
The cutaway handle allows quick paint clog removal without removing the handle
or needle.
1. Grip the exposed needle chucking nut (#16) with your ngers.
2. Pull it back while simultaneously depressing the main lever (#7).
3. Repeat this process several times until the airbrush is clog free and
spraying normally.
• The increased paint ow past needle and nozzle tip removes many clogs.
• Don’t let the needle “snap”back into place. This could damage the nozzle.
Stippling
Iwata airbrushes are designed to produce a wide range of stippling textures.
1. Unscrew the needle cap (#1).
2. Unscrew the nozzle cap (#2).
3. Adjust the air pressure between 8 and 60 psi.
• Low air pressure creates coarse stipples.
• High air pressure provides ne stipple eects.
• Paint viscosity also eects stippling texture.
Air Pressure
Working pressures generally vary between 8 and 60 psi, depending on the type of
surface, the desired spray texture, and the paint’s viscosity.
Start spraying with 15 psi. If the spray is too grainy adjust the pressure up until the
desired spray consistency is reached.
• Dierent colors will behave dierently.
• Dierent paint lines will behave dierently.
• Spray thick paint with greater pressure.
• Spray thin paint with less pressure.
• Spray large paint amounts with greater pressure.
• Spray small paint amounts with less pressure.
WARNING: Do not exceed 98psi.
Paint Preparation
For non-specic airbrush paints, proper preparation, including ltering the paint
through a nylon mesh, is critical for best performance.Thin paint with its proper
solvent, and make repeated passes across the work to build up the color.This
improves your work’s quality and decreases your airbrush’s cleaning time.
• Airbrushes spray very thin paint easiest.
• Thin paint with its proper solvent.
• Filter paint through paint lters or mesh.
Safety Tips
• Always spray in well ventilated areas.
• Do not spray solvent based (ammable) paints around open ames.
• Use the appropriate respirator to safely lter out paint vapors particular to your
specic paint type.
• Wear eye protection to prevent paint contact with eyes.
• Never exceed the airbrush’s pressure limit (98 psi).
GETTING STARTED
Compressor
Though the High Pereformance Plus Airbrush Series can function on minimal amounts of
air, their full versatility requires an adjustable or regulated air source with an air storage
tank. Other compressor considerations include the length of use while spraying
and the environment, or amount of space, you spray in.
These Iwata Studio Series models come equipped with an air regulator for precise
air adjustment:
• Smart Jet Pro: Good for small studios and normal use.
• Power Jet Lite: Good for normal studios and extended use.
• Power Jet: Great for normal studios and great for extended use.
• Power Jet Pro: Great for normal studios and great for extended use.
(Two regulators allow two airbrushes on same unit.)
Assembly
1. Screw the airhose onto the compressor.
2. Screw the airhose onto the airbrush.
3. If using a Smart Jet Pro, Power Jet, Power Jet Lite, or Power Jet Pro compressor,
adjust the pressure to between 10 and 15 psi.
4. Check for any air leaks in the compressor or airhoses.
5. Place a few drops of cleaning solution or water into the airbrush’s bowl.
6. Point the airbrush away from you.
7. Press down on the main lever (#7) to start airow through the airbrush.
8. Pull the main lever back opening the airbrush’s nozzle.
9. Spray water through the airbrush to see how it sprays.

4
Cleaning the Airbrush Between Colors
(A+, B+, C+, SB+ Only)
1. Dump out the color cup’s excess paint.
2. Rinse the cup with the appropriate cleaning solution.
3. Use a paper towel to wipe out any left over paint.
4. Fill the bottom of the cup with cleaner.
5. Spray cleaner until the spray is clear.
6. Add the next color to the color cup.
7. Repeat cleaning procedure when nished.
Cleaning the Airbrush Between Colors
(BC+ Only)
1. Remove the paint bottle.
2. Attach a bottle containing the appropriate cleaning solution.
3. Spray until the solution sprays clear.
4. Remove the bottle of cleaning solution.
5. Spray air until the airbrush sprays dry.
6. Attach a bottle containing the next color.
7. Repeat cleaning procedure when nished.
Cleaning the Needle (#4)
1. Unscrew the handle (#17) from the airbrush body.
2. Loosen the needle chucking nut (#16).
3. Gently pull the needle (#4) straight out.
4. Fold a soft cloth damp with cleaner over the needle.
5. Rotate the needle to gently wipe the residual paint o.
6. Carefully insert the needle into the airbrush until it seats fully against the nozzle
(#3). You should feel a positive stop. If you feel a spongey stop, you still have debris
in your nozzle.
CAUTION: The most probable time to damage the needle is when the
needlepasses throughthe mainlever(#7) and throughtheneedle packing
screw (#5).
If the needle stops abruptly, retract and examine the trigger mechanism
for proper assembly and re-insert the needle.
7. Tighten the needle chucking nut nger tight.
• Pull the main lever back and forth to visually conrm the needle’s ability to move.
8. Screw the handle back onto the airbrush body.
Before Each Session
Spray water or the appropriate paint solvent through the airbrush to make sure the
airbrush is working properly.
After Each Session
Or any time the airbrush becomes clogged.
1. Increase the air pressure.
2. Spray cleaning solution for a short time.
3. Clean the needle if necessary
This cleaning method helps clean the paint passage, the nozzle, and the
needle thoroughly.
Lubricating the Needle (#4)
To ensure smooth main lever (#7) action lubricate the needle when the trigger won’t
respond properly.
1. Unscrew the handle (#17).
2. Loosen the needle chucking nut (#16).
3. Remove the needle.
4. Coat the needle slightly with Medea Super Lube starting 1 inch behind the tip.
5.Wipe the needle with a soft, clean cloth, leaving a light coat of lube behind.
6. Re-insert the needle gently into the airbrush until you feel a positive stop.
7.Tighten the needle chucking nut.
8. Screw the handle onto the airbrush body.
DONOTover-lubetheneedle;transferringexcesslubeintothenozzlemay
cause severe paint ow problems.
DONOTuse lightmachine oilor WD-40for lubrication.These lubescause
the needle to stick when it moves through the needle
packing o-ring and can also get into the air system.
CAUTION: If it becomes absolutely necessary to dismantle the airbrush
remember that most situations do not require tools.
DO NOT use pliers.
Lubricating the Air Piston (#12)
(A+, B+, C+, SB+ Only)
To ensure smooth main lever (#7) action lubricate the air piston when the trigger
won’t respond properly.
1. Unscrew the handle (#17).
2. Unscrew the needle chucking nut (#16).
3. Remove the needle (#4).
4. Unscrew the spring guide (#11).
5. Remove the needle spring (#10).
6. Remove the needle chucking guide (#9).
7. Pull the main lever up and out.
8. Use tweezers to pull out the air valve piston.
9. Clean the air piston with a cotton swab.
10. Clean the hole at the bottom of the trigger housing with a cotton swab.
a. Clean until a Cotton Swab comes back clean.
11. Dab a very small drop of Super Lube on the air piston shaft.
12. Insert the air piston back into the hole at the bottom of the trigger housing.
13. Place the main lever back into the trigger housing.
14. Press the main lever up and down a few times.
a. It should spring back up smoothly when depressed.
15. Place the needle chucking guide into the airbrush body.
a. Check the parts guide for proper orientation.
b. Pull the small tab forward.
c. Angle the needle chucking guide’s tail end slightly up.
d. Insert the needle chucking guide into the airbrush body.
e. The small tab should stick up slightly behind the main lever.
16. Place the needle spring over the needle chucking guide.
17. Screw the spring guide into the airbrush body.
18. Push down on the main lever at least once.
19. Carefully insert the needle. Warning: This is the most probable time to
bend the needle point.
20. Screw the needle chucking nut onto the needle chucking guide.
21. Screw the handle back into the airbrush body.
DO NOT over-lube the air piston; transferring excess lube into the air
system may cause severe paint ow problems.
DONOTuselightmachineoilorWD-40forlubrication.Theselubescause
the needle to stick when it moves through the needle packing o-ring.
CAUTION:If it becomes absolutelynecessary to dismantlethe airbrush
remember that most situations, unless otherwise directed, do not
require tools.
Lubricating the Air Piston (#12)
(BC+ Only)
1. Unscrew the handle (#17).
2. Unscrew the needle chucking nut (#16).
3. Remove the needle (#4).
4. Unscrew the spring guide (#11).
5. Remove the needle spring (#10).
6. Remove the needle chucking guide (#9).
7. Pull the main lever up and out.
8. Clean the air piston, the main lever’s dangly piece with a cotton swab.
9. Clean the hole at the bottom of the trigger housing with a cotton swab.
a. Clean until a cotton swab comes back clean.
10. Dab a very small drop of Super Lube on the air piston shaft.
11. Straighten the air piston and the main lever out.
12. Insert the air piston back into the hole at the bottom of the trigger housing.
13. Place the main lever back into the trigger housing.
14. Press the main lever up and down a few times.
a. It should spring back up smoothly when depressed.
15. Place the needle chucking guide into the airbrush body.
a. Check the parts guide for proper orientation.
b. Pull the small tab forward.
c.Angle the needle chucking guide’s tail end slightly up.
d. Insert the needle chucking guide into the airbrush body.
e.The small tab should stick up slightly behind the main lever.
16. Place the needle spring over the needle chucking guide.
17. Screw the spring guide into the airbrush body.
18. Push down on the main lever at least once.
19. Carefully insert the needle. Warning: This is the most probable time to
bend the needle point.
20. Screw the needle chucking nut onto the needle chucking guide.
21. Screw the handle back into the airbrush body.
DO NOT over-lube the air piston; transferring excess lube into the air
system may cause severe paint ow problems.
DONOTuselightmachineoilorWD-40forlubrication.Theselubescause
the needle to stick when it moves through the needle packing o-ring.
CAUTION: If it becomes absolutely necessary to dismantle the airbrush
remember that most situations, unless otherwise directed, do not
require tools.
MAINTENANCE REFER TO MASTER PARTS LIST ON PAGE 9
NEVER soak your entire airbrush in any liquid.
NEVER store your airbrush with spray medium
or cleaning agents in the uid cup.

TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES
5
SYMPTOM PROBLEM SOLUTION
Bubbles in Color
Cup or Bottle
Loose nozzle cap Tighten nozzle cap (#1B) finger tight
Improper nozzle to head nozzle base connection* See head system (#1) to reseat the nozzle
Cracked or damaged nozzle See head system (#1) to replace the head system
Double Line Dried paint on needle tip (tip-dry) See Cleaning the Needle
Dirty airbrush See Cleaning the Airbrush Between Colors
See Cleaning the Needle
Debris on nozzle tip See head system (#1) and clean the nozzle (#1C)
Bent needle See needle (#10) to replace needle
Cracked or damaged nozzle See head system (#1) to replace the head system
Not Spraying Loose needle chucking nut Finger tighten
Needle stuck Pull out / break free the needle
Improper air pressure See specific compressor instructions to raise or lower
the air pressure
Paint too thick See Paint Preparation
Clogged nozzle See head system (#1) and clean the nozzle (#1C)
Cracked or damaged nozzle See head system (#1) to replace the head system
Skipping Dried paint on needle tip (tip-dry) See Cleaning the Needle (page <?>)
Paint too thick See Paint Preparation (page <?>)
Improper nozzle to head nozzle base connection* See head system (#1) to reseat the nozzle
Dirty airbrush See Cleaning the Airbrush Between Colors (page <?>)
See Cleaning the Needle (page <?>)
Cracked or damaged nozzle See head system (#1) to replace the head system
Spattering Dried paint on needle tip (tip-dry) See Cleaning the Needle
Paint build-up in crown cap Unscrew (#1A) and clean
Air pressure too low See specific compressor instructions to raise the air
pressure
Paint too thick See Paint Preparation
Dirty airbrush See Cleaning the Airbrush Between Colors
See Cleaning the Needle
Main Lever Sticks
(Back and Forth)
Dirty airbrush See Cleaning the Airbrush Between Colors
See Cleaning the Needle
Main Lever Sticks
(Up and Down)
Paint on air valve packing o-ring (#14B) See Lubricating the Air Valve O-Ring
CAUTION
WARNING
* The most likely time to damage the nozzle (#1C) is upon removal from the airbrush. Because the head system can be removed entirely, the
nozzle does not need to be removed at all. If the nozzle is never removed, you do not have to worry about “improper nozzle to head nozzle
base connections”.

6
# ITEM DESCRIPTION
PRICE
CODE ITEM # HP-A+ HP-B+ HP-SB+ HP-C+ HP-BC+
1 Needle Cap H2 B I1101 nnn x x
H3 B I1102 x x x n n
2 Nozzle Cap H2 D I1401 nnn x x
H3 D I1403 x x x n n
3 Nozzle H2 G I0807 nnn x x
H3 G I0808 x x x n n
4 Needle H2 C I0751 nnn x x
H3 C I0753 x x x n n
5 Needle Packing Screw Set (PTFE) B I1257 nnn x x
B I7251 x x x n n
7A Main Lever D I1001 nnn x x
D I1002 x x x nx
7B Main Lever G I1003 x x x x n
9Needle Chucking Guide with Auxiliary
Lever
C I1157 nnn x x
C I7151 x x x n n
10 Needle Spring A I1352 nnn x x
A I1353 x x x n n
11 Spring Guide C I7706 nnn x x
A I7701 x x x n n
12 Valve Piston A I1751 nnnn x
13A HP-A Plus Body* - - nx x x x
13B HP-B Plus Body* - - xnxxx
13C HP-SB Plus Body* - - x x nx x
13D HP-C Plus Body* - - x x x nx
13E HP-BC Plus Body* - - x x x x n
14 Air Valve O-ring A I1451 nnnnn
# ITEM DESCRIPTION
PRICE
CODE ITEM # HP-A+ HP-B+ HP-SB+ HP-C+ HP-BC+
15 Air Valve Set
G I0301 n n n x x
G I0304 x x x n n
15A Air Valve Guide A I0251 nnnnn
15B Air Valve Body D I0201 nnnnn
15C Air Valve
B I0151 n n n x x
B I0154 x x x n n
15D Air Valve Spring A I0351 nnnnn
16 Needle Chucking Nut A I1201 nnnnn
17 Preset Handle Set
G I1555 n n n x x
G I1556 x x x n n
18 Cup (Side) 0.05 oz / 1.50 ml G I0703 x x nx x
19 Cup Packing Lower Lid A I1505 x x nx x
20 Cup Lower Lid 0.05 oz / 1.50 ml B I0956 x x nx x
22 Blanking Cover A I0452 x x nx x
23 Glass Bottle Set 0.75 oz / 20 ml G I4052 x x x x n
25 Fluid Cup Lid C I6181 x x x nx
26 Blanking Screw B I0451 x x x x n
27 Packing Handle (O-ring) A I6051 nnnnn
28 Spanner A I1651 nnnnn
Needle Crown Cap D I1050 OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT
QuickFit Quick Disconnect Set H I1603 OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT
QuickFit Quick Disconnect
Airbrush Adaptor C I1604 OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT
Airbrush Adapter for Paasche Air Hose - J001 OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT
Airbrush Adapter forT&C/Badger
Air Hoses - J002 OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT
IWATA HIGH PERFORMANCE PLUS AIRBRUSH SERIES
HP-A+ / HP-B+ / HP-SB+ / HP-C+ / HP-BC+
13D
3
15
13A
13B
25
7A
7B
12
30
14
9
5
16
4
17
27
10
11
15B
15C
15D
15A
29
2
1
28
19
20
18
13C 22
26
23
13E
n= yes x= no opt = optional
*Replacement parts not available.

REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Nozzle (#3)
In time, the nozzle may wear or be damaged and may need to be replaced.
1. Unscrew the handle (#17).
2. Loosen the needle chucking nut (#16).
3. Gently pull the needle (#4) part way back. It doesn’t need to be fully pulled out.
4. Unscrew the nozzle cap (#2)
5. Unscrew the nozzle counter-clockwise with the provided wrench.
6. Screw the new nozzle into the airbrush body with your ngers.
7. Slightly tighten the nozzle with wrench. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN!
8. Screw the nozzle cap onto the airbrush body.
9. Push the needle all the way forward until it seats with the new nozzle.
10.Tighten the needle chucking nut.
11. Screw the handle onto the airbrush body.
TIP: Keep a spare nozzle on hand for unforeseen accidents.
Needle (#4)
Iwata needles are precision ground, hardened stainless- steel capable of withstanding
prolonged use.They are, however, easily physically damaged because of the long, tapered,
extremely ne tip. If the needle point becomes severely bent, it must be straightened
before pulling it back through the nozzle. If not, the bent needle might damage the nozzle
as it’s pulled through.
TIP: Keep a spare needle on hand for unforeseen accidents.
• Needles are sharp.
• Needle tips are bent easily.
Crown Cap (Optional Accessory)
The crown cap physically protects the needle while spraying very ne lines. It also
adds to pigment build-up and spattering when spraying large backgrounds.
• Protects the needle
• Replaces the needle cap (#1)
• Adds to pigment build-up and spattering effects over large areas
Quick Disconnect (Optional Accessory)
A quick disconnect joint is screwed onto the airhose and a quick disconnect adapter is
screwed onto each airbrush.When using multiple airbrushes the quick disconnect joint
facilitates changing airbrushes on the same airhose quickly.
Pistol-Grip Moisture Filter (Optional Accessory)
The Iwata Pisto-Grip Moisture Filter delivers clean, dry air to your airbrush.
Miniature in size, the super-ne, 5-micron lter element performs like a full-size
lter separator.
The clear lter bowl allows visual inspection of built up moisture. Release the water
by pulling the spring-loaded release valve.
WARRANTY
All Iwata airbrushes are warranted against all manufacturing defects of material and manufacture or workmanship for a period of FIVE years
from date of purchase. This warranty does not cover needles, nozzles, o-rings and internal packings since these parts need to be replaced
occasionally due to normal wear. Any other parts or materials that are or become defective so as not to be usable within this period will be
repaired or replaced. This warranty does not cover damage caused by negligence or airbrushes which have been altered or abused in any way.
Copyright © 2014 ANEST Iwata-Medea, Inc. All rights reserved.
HPPLUS-IM-KMC