How to clean

[Mach Turtle]

Hi. I have a Paasche VL double-action airbrush. I am just learning how to use it, and to do airbrushing generally.

 

How do I clean it? Specifically, do I just flush some cleaner through it via the color cup when I want to change colors during a session, or do I have to disassemble the whole thing to change colors?

I assume I have to take it all apart at the end of a session for a thorough cleaning. Correct?

 

Thanks.

[Mach Turtle]

Also, what is cleaner? Is it okay to use, for example, methylated spirits (for acrylics) or turpentine (for oil-based paints) from the hardware store? Must I buy the paint companies' cleaning products? Thanks.

[Black Knight]

During a spraying session; if I'm using acrylics and want to change colour I just squirt a [airbrush] cup or two of plain water through to rinse it. When using enamels I use white spirit.

For final end of session cleaning I use meths after acrylics and cellulose thinners [don't copy that] after enamels

I only take the airbrush apart for full cleaning once the session is over, and then not always.

It gets a brief dismantle and checking before a spraying session too.

This works for me.

Others have other systems

Others might advise having a quality specialist airbrush cleaning fluid and squirt some of that through the airbrush at the end of your spraying session.

 

If in doubt clean it carefully and it'll see you through a lifetime of models.

 

hth

[Mach Turtle]

Thank you. I must say that it looks as though I'll be able to buy plenty of cleaning fluid with the money I'll save by not buying rattle cans.

[Steve Noble]

As above, good advice already. I tend to use mostly Zero paints and for these I use a generic, cheap, cellulose thinner. 

 No need to take the brush apart every time. Just flush it through, same when changing colours. I only take it apart if there's some problem with the way it's spraying.

[Beardie]

One thing to watch out for is build-up of paint in the nozzle cap at the tip of the airbrush and also when changing colours and cleaning. Build up of paint inside the nozzle cap can cause horrible sputtering during spraying. during painting keep an eye out for build up and if it occurs place the tip of the brush lightly against some paper towel and spray and this should blast out any build up of paint. When cleaning out do the same thing but with the thinners to wash out any build-up.