The key to keeping the airbrush clean is to not let paint set up in it.....below is some cleaning guidance from a free handout we provide.
[FONT=ArialNarrow,Bold][FONT=ArialNarrow,Bold]Cleaning –
[FONT=ArialNarrow,Bold][FONT=ArialNarrow,Bold]Step one:
[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=ArialNarrow,Bold][FONT=ArialNarrow,Bold][/FONT][/FONT]The key to keeping an airbrush clean is to not let material set up (dry) in it. This can be done by simply
spraying the appropriate cleaning agent through the airbrush with reasonable frequency (when changing color and
when setting the airbrush to rest for any period of time). Three important things to remember: 1. Your cleaning agent
should be determined based on the material you are using, not the airbrush you are using 2. Material dries as fast in an
airbrush as it does on the surface it is being sprayed on to. 3. Anything you think will take 2 seconds will take 2
minutes, and anything you think will take 2 minutes will usually take at least 20 – so spray the cleaner.
[FONT=ArialNarrow,Bold][FONT=ArialNarrow,Bold]Step two:
[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=ArialNarrow,Bold][FONT=ArialNarrow,Bold][/FONT][/FONT]Should material set up (dry) in the airbrush, it may be necessary to back flush the airbrush. This is done by
suffocating the air flow of the airbrush at the nozzle (while spraying cleaner) by carefully “pinching” a soft cloth over the
nozzle’s end. This deflects air back into the airbrush chamber - loosening dried material and sending it into the
cleaning bottle/color cup. If done correctly, the cleaner will bubble during back flushing. After back flushing,
dump/remove back flushed material from the airbrush – don’t spray it out of airbrush. Spray fresh cleaner through the
airbrush after you have back flushed it.
[FONT=ArialNarrow,Bold][FONT=ArialNarrow,Bold]Step three:
[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=ArialNarrow,Bold][FONT=ArialNarrow,Bold][/FONT][/FONT]On what should be rare occasions it may be necessary to disassemble some parts of the airbrush for more
thorough cleaning. This should only be necessary if the previous cleaning steps are not done regularly or are unsuccessful
in cleaning the airbrush. If disassembly is required, it should only be of parts that come in contact with the sprayed
material; from the material’s point of entry into the airbrush and forward. This includes are the nozzle assembly and the
needle. To thoroughly clean the nozzle assembly, use an ultrasonic cleaner or denture cleaner (yes, denture cleaner –
follow the directions on the package). The needle should be wiped down with a soft cloth saturated with the appropriate
cleaning agent. If residue on the needle is still apparent it may be removed by gently rubbing a fine steel wool over the
residual deposit area. While the needle and nozzle are removed from the airbrush it is OK to run a pipe cleaner saturated
with cleaning agent through the chamber of the airbrush, following the same path as sprayed material, and out the airbrush
front. For bottom feed airbrushes that is up the jar adaptor stem and out the front, for gravity feed airbrushes it is down the
color cup and out the front. Only do this when the needle and nozzle are removed - forcing anything through the nozzle will
damage it. A cleaner saturated cotton swab can also be used to clean the airbrush’s jar stem and the airbrush’s paint tip
housing. Be careful not to scratch or damage any seal requiring surfaces. After using the pipe cleaner/cotton swab, blow
out the airbrush to remove any “fuzz”. After all nozzle/needle cleaning steps are complete the airbrush can be reassembled
and will be ready for use. This disassembly process should be rarely necessary if steps one and two are followed, but it is
recommended if storing your airbrush for an extended period of time.
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