how to clean air brush properly

[JaZone]

I've just started into this hobby, and wanted to know what kind of stuff people use to clean their airbrush.

I'm using createx water based paint , I was told not to use water when cleaning. so what should I use?

[zero420]

not sure who told u not to use water but i use water to get most of the paint out like a flush then i sray some airbrush cleaning solution through it wich u can purchase at dixie art or any other airbrush supplier then i take it apart and do some inside cleaning with pipe cleaners although u can also buy a cleanning kit that comes with proper size brushes (on my list) if i dont have solution i take some denature alcohol and add some water to it but not to much just to soften the alcohol up a little and run that through the brush before breaking it down to clean use to use a sonic cleaner i would flush the brush take it apart and put it in my sonic cleaner but have to becarefull and keep an eye on the packing screw sometimes it loosens it so i use my sonic cleaner just for my tips wich i prefer dont risk the chance of expanding the tips sticking tooth pick in it to get the paint out the sonic cleaner helps me oyut with that just my 2 cents hope it helps im sure others will chime in with more info

zero420

[JaZone]

hey zero ,


appreciate the info, yeah my friends sister is into airbrushing and she's the one that said not to use water because it leaves a deposit or something.

I didn't get to talk to her personally yet , so I will have to verify what she said.

[redneck]

JaZone, your sister is right about the tap water leaving deposited if you are using hard water and leave a lot of water in the brush to dry , distill water will cure that problem

[pitontheprowl]

Hard water will leave deposits, but if you follow like zero and I do with cleaning solution you wont have any problems. The cleaning solutions will remove the water.

[JaZone]

any recommendations on cleaning solution?

or are they all the same?

[erikgeist]

Createx makes one that I use. Its airbrush cleaner. The bottle looks just like the paint except its clear like water.

[yardartnut]

Originally Posted by JaZone

I've just started into this hobby, and wanted to know what kind of stuff people use to clean their airbrush.

I'm using createx water based paint , I was told not to use water when cleaning. so what should I use?

Try here JZ..
Airbrush Technique - Learn To Airbrush - Quickly Cleaning Your Airbrush

[rlm340]

I pour out the excess paint, then use a soft rag and good Q-tips to remove the excess paint from the cup. I use a home brew cleaning solution which costs pennies to make per bottle.

Airbrush Cleaner:
1 cup windex
1 cup simple green
2 cups distill water

Try it, it works great for me. I think you will like it and it will save you some money in the long run.

[3Frog]

Hello
Along with the windex, simply green and distilled water should you add glycerin? I had found an other recipe in which had similar chemicals, however it had the addition of 5 drops of glyderin would that make a difference?
3Frog

[rlm340]

Hi 3Frog,

For cleaning the airbrush use the following mix;

Airbrush Cleaner:
1 cup windex
1 cup simple green
2 cups distill water

To thin paint (water based only) I use a 1 to 1 mix (more will make it transparent, less will just thin, play with it, what ever works for you):

1 cup alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
1 cup glass cleaner (windex, fantastic)
4 cups distill water
5 drops glycerin (the glycerin is a solvent for mixing)
Make as much or little as you need but keep the ratio the same.

I have even used acrylic wall paint for a mural but I always run my paints through a paint strainer (size 100) that I got from Dick Blick Art Supplies (I'm sure there are many Art Supply Stores that have them).

One of the members (I'm sorry I don't remember his name) suggested that a member use the paint that they plain to use on there work, even to practice with. I agree, this is a great place to read, ask questions and to learn. I am a new member but plan to read as many post as I have time and learn (we can always learn). I hope this info will help you. Good Luck.

[fontgeek]

If you feel you have to use Windex, make sure it is the variety that does not contain ammonia. Ammonia is corrosive to brass, and guess what the bulk of your airbrush is made of?
While some manufacturers still reccomend using something like Windex for the first cleaning on your new brush, they have you use it to cut the packing grease residuals from the factory.
While the percentage of ammonia is not very high in Windex, keep in mind that it doesn't take much to do the damage, and once that damage is done, it can't be undone. Any manufacturer who reccomends using ammonia based cleaners as the norm for your brush(es) is hoping your brush will live a short life, and that you will buy more brushes, and continue he same bad habit.
The corrosion works from the inside of the brush first, so that by the time you see the white powdery crumbles, it's already too late.
I have seen it occur on numerous occasions in students or customers brushes.
The ammonia also dries out the seals and packing, making them brittle and inefficient.

As to the use of fantastic for cleaning or reducing paint, there as already been a whole bunch of brushes shown on various forums, where the chrome inside the reservoir/bowl was stripped away or damaged.

Use as mild a cleaner as you can, and follow the paint manufacturers suggestions for thinning or reducing your paint.