Airbrush Maintainence
 

I wanted to start this thread as an open discussion with hopes of learning and sharing some tricks of the trade when it comes to keeping our airbrushes in proper working order. I find this to be a common thing that most of us go through as we learn the basics of airbrushing.

After perusing through the forums and YouTube, I felt that I still was not getting the performance from my airbrush that I should. So I decided to break down my Iwata CR and closely inspecting everything, I found that my nozzle tip was lined with old dried up paint. After about a good 20 minutes of careful cleaning, I finally got all that old paint out of there using an old needle I had laying around. Now my airbrush performs like it's brand new. I always thought that I was doing a good job of cleaning my AB, but apparently I wasn't. :weird:

How do you clean and maintain your airbrush?

• Whats your cleaning routine for between colors and for when your done for the day?
• Any special techniques you recommend?
• What cleaning products do you use?
• Any recommended tools?
• Anything special that needs to be done for long term storage?

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread :)
I'd like to know these things too ;)
If someone has youtube links please share too :)

Clean with AutoAir Restorer to get out dried paint. Lacquer thinner if it is lacquer paint.
Store with Iwata Super Lube on moving parts and needle.

Thanks Dave.

How often do you soak your brush in the AutoAir Restorer? After each use?

I go to the sink and rinse out the bowl first, then once its clean I pull the trigger back while its still under the faucet until clear water runs out.
Then I take apart the nozzle cap and nozzle, wipe the needle and hold the nozzle under the faucet and then blow through it.

It really seems to me like paint gets stuck in the nozzle almost every time, I clean it every few colors and every time I'm going to do detail work. I don't use a needle to scrape paint from the nozzle also, because scratching the surface will just give the paint something to hold on to and it will clog worse. I use a toothpick carved to a point, being careful not to let it break off inside, and then I twist the corner of a paper towel with iso alcohol on it and push it through to get the rest.
Next I lube the end of the trigger, where it slips into the hole, lube the needle and put it all back together.
Seems to work good but kind of a pain.

I want to try auto air restorer. Heard nothing but good things about it. Ive used Createx airbrush cleaner and it is worthless, but the Iwata cleaner that came with my HP-CS worked really good. Seemed kinda soapy, I wish they gave me a bigger sample.

I clean the nozzle with Restorer at the end of a job. Or if I am going for precise results.

@Alex

I used to do the same thing...always thought that I was getting it good and clean. After getting frustrated and taking it all apart I found that I was not getting the nozzle clean either. That why I started this thread in hopes to educate myself and hopefully those that have had the same experiences.

Here's a YouTube video that does a pretty descent job of demonstrating how to clean your airbrush

+ YouTube Video

edited...

anyone know why the video displays correctly in post preview, but not after you post?