Great video, since starting to air brush I've probably spent more time stripping it down, cleaning and re-assembling than I have painting so any tips like these to make the process more effective and efficient are most welcome!
I just started air brushing scale model kits and I am amazed at just how quickly paint and grime can build up inside them. My air brush may sit unused for days or even weeks due to work schedules so, perhaps residual paint is getting a better opportunity to sit and dry inside the brush.
Awesome video! I learned so much from this. The color change technique was a game changer for me. I'm very new at this and did a deep clean between colors. Spent more time cleaning than painting.
In order to get the most out of cavitation, there needs to be a difference between the frequency that the fluid is vibrating and the material to be cleaned is vibrating. The soft plastic basket or tray helps to dampen the vibration rate of the materials to be cleaned. If you remove the basket and place your mini directly on the metal surface, the inducer will send vibrations directly into the mini as well as the fluid. This will reduce the difference in the vibration rates and the cavitation will be much less effective.
I’m about a year late to the party, but wanted to say this was one of the more helpful, methodical, and detailed videos I’ve found re: airbrush cleaning. I’m new to the hobby and airbrushing in general, but was able to get my Iwata Eclipse squared away thanks to you. 🫡
A great, in depth, video, with new ideas for me to consider - thank you ✌️😉💜 When you mentioned that your ultrasonic cleaner went up to ten I hoped you were going to say eleven 😉✌️🤘🎸😄😄😄
The basket thing is only half correct: In order to get the most out of cavitation, there needs to be a difference between the frequency that the fluid is vibrating and the material to be cleaned is vibrating. The soft plastic basket or tray helps to dampen the vibration rate of the materials to be cleaned. If you remove the basket and place your mini directly on the metal surface, the inducer will send vibrations directly into the airbrush as well as the fluid. This will reduce the difference in the vibration rates and the cavitation will be much less effective.
When I was working in the chemical clean room at a medical plant called RMS. I watched a coworker, who was in a hurry, put parts into the ultra sonic bath without a basket. The boss came in and fired him. No parts were damaged in the process but the wrecklessness and the potential to damage the parts was enough. So that basket is also for protecting the parts and the machine too. Think metal on metal jackhammers on a miniature level. at some point something will weaken and break.
Order some micro brass tubing that has a diameter less than the needle. Get some of those dental brushes and with a xacto knife cut away the twisted wire from the rubber handle (easy). Put a drop of super glue on the twisted wire and stick it into the tubing (can put a brush on each end). Now you can reach every part of the airbrush. If the paint has hardened (which with acrylic happens almost immediately) dip the brush into Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner & Restorer, made to dissolve dried acrylic and oil paint,(there’s probably other stuff that works just as well). I only spray acrylics, and never put my airbrush away without cleaning with this method.
I swap colours in seconds. The main reason people don’t use airbrushes is they can’t be bothered with the cleaning process, even though they have no experience. Shame really, as airbrushing gives far better results.
It’s so confusing with all the conflicting information out there about what to do and what tools to use or never use. People who have used airbrushes for years vastly differ and even the manufacturers themselves seem to say completely opposite things . Thanks for sharing your method!
Happy to give my take. Fwiw, I am sponsored with badger airbrushes and teach similar methods and more, with their blessing and approval, at conventions across the country.
Airbrushes are a pain in the ass looks like seventh century technology stuck in time. No forgiving mistakes and full of flaws fragile components and mystery
You will develop your method as you gain years of experience. There's nothing wrong with the method shown here, but IMHO the ultrasonic cleaner is complete overkill.
@@josecarlosxyz If it ain't broke, don't fix it. What would you have them do differently? Testors tried to step outside the box with the Aztek airbrush. The cartridge style needle/nozzle units were brilliant. Today, Aztek is no more.
I noticed that water and alcohol is used to clean air brushes. Is this method only for water based paints? I have enamel and lacquer paints that I have used in the past. Should I be cleaning with enamel reducer and lacquer thinner? Is everyone using water based paint lately? Do you guys thin your own paints or can you buy ready to use air brush paint? I’m just getting back into the hobby after many years.
I use my airbrush for cerakote, I cant EVER put ANY oil based anything anywhere near where Im painting, It will cause fisheyes. I use a sliver of teflon tape. I also have to clean my airbrush with acetone or paint thinner.
@@ImpendingDuff oh no I finished it , I guess pause the video was the correct term. Lots of great info on here, just wanted to participate in your joke.
My son is my airbrush with enamel paint and didn't clean it. I don't know what to do with it. Nothing will move. I do have a sonic cleaner. Any idea cheers Graham.
Ha hahaha I don’t even have an air gun yet but I watched this to see if it would be easy for me to clean one. I think I can do this, yes! Thanks mate 🇦🇺❤️
good tips. However when using the ultra sonic cleaner you should use the basket. Only because in time metal on metal contact will eat through the bottom of the U.S.C. itself and expose the internal electronics to the solution you are using. And could cause a fire? the reaction is called cavatition. do a couple of cycles of the U.S.C. instead
FIRST, I would caution you, that they DO run the risk of blowing out the thin brass of the cone, as I mentioned in the video... with that caution reissued, you can get them on amazon. I would NOT recommend using the brushes that come in the set. amzn.to/31UqBVQ thanks for watching the video!
Can we airbrush with acrilic paint. I have small bottles of acrilic paint but the result is bad. It paints but also spitting, if I may say. I know I'm a newbie but I've try lowing the pressure, raising it, but does the same thing. Is it the bad quality of the airbrushs because they all do it. I have two same Mastercraft pen size and a 0.8mm Yosoo pistol. This last one I bought it at $64
yes you can - but you will need to use something like airbrush thinner (1 drop to 3-5 of paint mixed) for bottled mini paint. Hard bodied (artists tubes) will need much more thinning.f
I see so many channels doing this: Don't! When reassembling, insert the needle from THE FRONT. You only have to hit something pushing in from the back to prang an expensive and delicate component. Reattach all the rear parts and then push the needle in from the front. Pull it from the other end until the tip is inside before attaching the nozzle and cap. Then push forwards again all the way and tighten the chuck nut.
Why? Either way, you’re pushing it through the ptfe tube. There’s literally no reason to bother with what you detailed. Btw, I am also certified by badger. I teach multiple classes a year, under badgers support and close involvement… I think I’ve got a handle on how they I tend me to take care of my tools. Thank you for watching!
@@mifloridian Can you guarantee your eyesight? How many times do you miss before you get the needle in the hole? Why take the risk? And I started airbrush using a Divilbliss Aerograph Super 63 circa 1973, when you were just a twinkle in your daddies eye.
For deep clean I drop my cups and metal parts in acetone jar, I keep the dirty acetone for repeated use. It destroys paint, after just wash and rinse with Ajax. Works well.
@@dr.zacharysmith1207 , no , you'd have to leave the parts soaking for weeks to see any effect like that, just rinse it away thoroughly when you've done .
I’ve heard of folks using hoppes #9 gun oil. It’s like a bore cleaner though, so it may react adversely with your paint depending on what you use. Where are you located? I could ask badger for an alternative or for a source in your country
@@ImpendingDuff Thanks for the info. I am in New Zealand. It is okay as I can look up ebay too, or somehow import it. Good to know it is similar to something else so I can hunt for alternative as well. Cheers.
no, its the regulator. but it has been listed as an air cap on line by third parties. the service manual and my training under badger affirms it is a regulator. thank you for watching. I appreciate it.
@@nikolajc7617 I’m certified under badger to diagnose, repair and teach all things airbrush. The jelly causes no issues. Using your argument, the very grease they use from the factory would be an issue as well.
well, I am a certified Badger technician, so, I'm fairly certain I know what I'm doing... but, no one is forcing you or any one to use a sonic cleaner. Thanks for the view and comment.
Airbrush maintenance is even harder than painting models…. Come on ultrasonic cleaning and this dude says it’s easy to clean??? Are you kidding me these equipment is way beyond many hobbyists wtf
Mate great video. I have 2 questions, firstly does an ultrasonic cleaner damage the o rings in airbrush, and secondly what do you mix with the water in the cleaner, many thanks
