neglected airbrush cleaning

Digger1 · Post by **Digger1** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 8:34 pm

I have an airbrush that for whatever reason, I didn't clean after it's last use. How would you recommend cleaning it so it's functional again without damaging or ruining the rubber o-rings and other seals?

Zen-Builder · Post by **Zen-Builder** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 8:53 pm

First I would start soaking it in a cleaning solution. Said that it depends on your o-rings/seals if they are teflon you can use laquer, etc.

If the needle and nozzle still has paint residue I would start sanding those down and also use an airbrush cleaning kit.
For hard to remove stuff I use a file set used to clean welding nozzles, looks like different sized wires but are actually files.

All I can think of right now.

HTH.

Romulan Spy · Post by **Romulan Spy** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:25 am

What airbrush are you using?

Digger1 · Post by **Digger1** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:45 am

anthem 155

Romulan Spy · Post by **Romulan Spy** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:45 pm

If you can get it taken apart, then your best bet is a little lacquer thinner. I use cotton swabs and pipe cleaners on my Badger 100. Clean the needle, then use a pipe cleaner soaked in thinner to clean out the nozzle and the main body of the brush. When you put it back together, turn on your compressor and blow plenty of air through the brush; that should evaporate the thinner so it won't attack the rubber seals and such. That's how I've been doing mine for years.

modelnutz · Post by **modelnutz** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:39 pm

What type of finish did you use last ?

Digger1 · Post by **Digger1** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:43 pm

Testor's Acryl, I think.

I know, soap and water, alcohol...

I'm looking to not damage the innards like the air valve assembly (very touchy). Granted, soap and water wouldn't do that but it's not exactly for power cleaning.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:10 pm

If any of the parts move you can try shooting some windex through it. Don't know what a soaking would do to the seals. For a soak I prefer the EZ-AIR acrylic airbrush cleaner.

Post by **TER-OR** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 8:06 pm

If synthetic rubber, the Windex should be OK. If natural rubber, the ammonia may be trouble if you soak a long time. But it is the best to try for the Acryl. Also, warm things up a bit if you can.

Digger1 · Post by **Digger1** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:19 pm

I axed the girl at Lowes and she recommended denatured alcohol, acetone or mineral spirits. I picked the less explosive one. The parts are now soaking in mineral spirits.

TimeScape · Post by **TimeScape** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 4:23 pm

Digger1 wrote:I axed the girl at Lowes ......

I hope nobody was looking, you could get in trouble for this sort of thing

Digger1 · Post by **Digger1** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 4:47 pm

that was a deliberate misspelling being a Futurama fan.

Digger1 · Post by **Digger1** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:11 pm

Well, I learned how to make gunmetal and it makes my nails look dead.

I've let it soak for a few hours now. The paint inside the paint cup (my indicator - if that paint isn't soft, nothing is) is still solid and I'm using straight mineral spirits.

maybe denatured alcohol or acetone?

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:25 pm

Mike, why do you ask if you never listen?

Where did anyone say acetone? Get a bottle of Windex and let it be if it's acrylic. If need be a bit of lacquer thinner goes a long way. Other than that, quit mucking about with it.

Digger1 · Post by **Digger1** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:50 pm

I just don't remember if it's acrylic or not and I wanna use the right chemical for the right job. If I can use something strong that'll get both, I'll do that.

Okay, I'll do the windex.

Post by **TER-OR** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:43 pm

Always start gentle. Windex first, then alcohol, then harsher treatments.