Regularly cleaning your airbrush not only increases its lifespan but is also essential for outstanding results. You may be confused about how often you should clean your airbrush. I have answered this question in detail.
You will not only learn about the cleaning frequency but also know different methods of cleaning. Let’s walk through the blog.
Mandatory Tools For Cleaning Airbrush
For cleaning the airbrush, you need the following essential tools. Here is the list of these instruments:
1. Cleaning Solution
You need to have an airbrush cleaning solution. It is a specialized liquid that easily dissolves leftover paint and fixes internal tubes.
2. A Cleaning Pot
You need a glass airbrush cleaning pot or jar to flush cleaner through your airbrush. It will prevent it from spraying everywhere.
3. Small Brushes and Needles
Cleaning needles and small brushes to remove nozzle blockage for perfect airbrush operation.
4. Cotton Swabs and Cleaning Cloths
Must have cotton swabs and microfiber cloths to wash away internal paint residues and other impurities.
5. Nozzle Wrench
You need a nozzle wrench to open the tight nozzles without any damage.
Good News: You can get most of these tools in a single place by ordering the “Eagle Airbrush Pot Holder & Cleaning Solution Kit”.
When Should You Clean Your Airbrush?
The frequency of airbrush cleaning depends on its use and the type of paint or spray you use.
The airbrushes are a delicate tool that needs attention to detail when it comes to cleaning. Here is the practical routine to follow for its regular cleaning:
1. After Every Color Switch
Every time you change color, clean your airbrush with a splash of water or by using a detergent. This will prevent color contamination and accumulation of color after drying inside the nozzle.
2. At the End of Each Session
Do a quick routine cleaning of your airbrush after ending your painting session. It will involve rinsing the paint cup, cleaning the needle tip, and removing all the paint residues. It will make the next use of the brush very easy without clogging.
3. Weekly Cleaning
If you use your airbrush daily, perform a comprehensive cleaning by removing the needle and nozzle, and then thoroughly wash it to remove dried paint.
4. Cleaning After a Month
A complete cleaning once a month or when you come across an issue in the airbrush, like clogging, irregular spray pattern, or choking. To do this type of cleaning, follow these steps:
● Disassemble all parts of the airbrush
● Soak them in a detergent-mixed water
● Dry it with a clean cloth.
If you are using the airbrush as a hobby, then you should do a quick wash after every color change and a full wash after every session.
On the other hand, do a flush cleaning after the color change if you are a professional, complete a wash after every session, and a weekly comprehensive cleaning.
A Complete Guide for Cleaning an Airbrush
Every individual uses the airbrush for different purposes and with different frequencies. Therefore, it requires a different method to clean it. Here I have listed three different processes for cleaning the airbrush:
Process 1: Instant Clearing After Color Change
Follow these simple steps if you want to clean your airbrush quickly after changing the color:
◈ Empty Paint Cup: Remove all the paint from the paint cup.
◈ Fill Cleaner: Put a small amount of airbrush cleaner inside the cup.
◈ Back-flush: Block the nozzle with a paper towel and pull back the trigger to back flush the cleaner inside the cup.
◈ Cleaning Cup: Spray the cleaner until the cup is clear.
◈ Cleaning with Microfiber Cloth: Now wipe out the remaining paint with a microfiber cloth.
It is a smooth process that will take only 2-3 minutes and is mandatory after every color change.
Process 2: End of Session Cleaning
Regularly using an airbrush (Especially professionals) requires a comprehensive end-of-session cleaning. You can do it by following these simple steps:
◈ Disassembly: Detach the removable parts, such as the needle, nozzle, and air cap.
◈ Soaking: Soak all these parts in an airbrush cleaner. Note: Avoid soaking rubber seals or the body of the airbrush due to potential damage.
◈ Inside Cleaning: Use the small brushes and microfiber cloth/ cotton swab to clean the inner side of the airbrush, such as the fluid nozzle and trigger chamber.
◈ Needle Washing: Next, gently clean the needle using a soft cloth.
◈ Rinsing and Drying: After that, rinse all the parts with a dry cloth and let them dry in the sunlight for a few minutes.
◈ Reassembling: Now, reassemble all the parts carefully after reading the user manual guide.
This cleaning process will take only 10-12 minutes and is necessary at the end of every session.
Process 3: Deep Cleaning (A Comprehensive Maintenance Plan)
The deep cleaning of your airbrush will give it a new life. You can do it by following these simple steps:
◈ Completely Deconstruct the Airbrush: Disassemble every part of your airbrush to give it a thorough cleaning.
◈ Ultrasonic Cleaning: Put all these airbrush parts in an ultrasonic cleaner that has airbrush-safe fluid.
◈ Identifying and Replacing Damaged Parts: Check if the airbrush parts are damaged. Closely inspect the O-rings, ruptured nozzles, and bent-around needles. Replace damaged parts with new ones.
◈ Reassemble the Airbrush Parts: Oil all the parts of the airbrush and check the airflow before operation with paint.
The whole process will only take 30-45 minutes, and it is a must for a heavily used airbrush (Especially for professionals).
Conclusion
Keeping your airbrush is a piece of cake if you have a professional guideline and some essential tools. In this blog, you get a perfect guideline and top-notch cleaning tools.
Whether you are a professional or a beginner, you are now fully equipped to perform expert cleaning of your airbrush. Best of Luck!
