Airbrush Cleaning FAQ
Airbrush Cleaning
The following is how we advise to clean the Harder & Steenbeck range of airbrushes;
Cleaning between colours;
How you choose to clean between colours is very much a matter of personal choice, at minimum we would advise that water or solvent appropriate to the paint being used be swilled in the paint cup / bottle before being removed & that the paint cup / bottle then be filled with fresh water or solvent & the airbrush operated until the flow run clean. After the flow has runs clear, you are as well to continue spraying until your brush runs dry.
Cleaning at the end of a painting session;
Some would suggest that an end of session rinse, similar to that advised above is suitable for an end of session clean, however when considering how easy modern airbrushes can be stripped, we would advise something a bit more thorough to help protect your precision made investment;
The following is best done immediately after you finish painting, as the paint will still be wet & easily cleaned / removed.
* Swill & rinse as described above,
* Remove the paint cup / bottle & rinse & dry
* unscrew the rear of the brush & remove it
* loosen the needle chuck nut & draw the needle BACK about 2cm
* unscrew & remove the air cap, remove the needle cap from the air cap
* Temporarily soak the air cap, needle cap & nozzle in water or suitable solvent
* Push the needle FORWARDS & remove it from the airbrush
* Wipe the needle in a cloth / wipe dampened with water / solvent
* Rinse the body in water / solvent, pouring it through the paint inlet & letting it flow out from the front end of the brush
* Insert the needle back into the body from the front end & pull back until the needle tip cannot be seen in the nozzle recess at the front of the airbrush body
* Remove the soaking nozzle & caps, inspect for cleanliness & agitate any remaining dirt & rinse if required
* Refit the Nozzle, Air cap & Nozzle cap
* Gently slide the needle forwards until resistance is felt when the needle meets the nozzle & tighten the needle chuck nut. Do not force or push the needle into the nozzle, as the nozzle will be damaged.
* Refit the paint cup / bottle & the body rear end
* Reconnect the airbrush to your compressor & blow any remaining water / solvent out of the brush
Although this procedure may seem long winded, it will only take a minute or so to do when you become familiar with your airbrush.
Some cautionary notes;
Always handle the needle & nozzle with great care as they are easily damaged.
If you are using solvents or chemicals, use sensible precautions when handling them & be aware that if you are spraying them, adequate ventilation or respiratory protection should be used.
Always dispose of solvents / chemicals in a safe & environmentally responsible manner.
Remember that the solvents / chemicals you are using may be flammable.
Cleaning between colours;
How you choose to clean between colours is very much a matter of personal choice, at minimum we would advise that water or solvent appropriate to the paint being used be swilled in the paint cup / bottle before being removed & that the paint cup / bottle then be filled with fresh water or solvent & the airbrush operated until the flow run clean. After the flow has runs clear, you are as well to continue spraying until your brush runs dry.
Cleaning at the end of a painting session;
Some would suggest that an end of session rinse, similar to that advised above is suitable for an end of session clean, however when considering how easy modern airbrushes can be stripped, we would advise something a bit more thorough to help protect your precision made investment;
The following is best done immediately after you finish painting, as the paint will still be wet & easily cleaned / removed.
* Swill & rinse as described above,
* Remove the paint cup / bottle & rinse & dry
* unscrew the rear of the brush & remove it
* loosen the needle chuck nut & draw the needle BACK about 2cm
* unscrew & remove the air cap, remove the needle cap from the air cap
* Temporarily soak the air cap, needle cap & nozzle in water or suitable solvent
* Push the needle FORWARDS & remove it from the airbrush
* Wipe the needle in a cloth / wipe dampened with water / solvent
* Rinse the body in water / solvent, pouring it through the paint inlet & letting it flow out from the front end of the brush
* Insert the needle back into the body from the front end & pull back until the needle tip cannot be seen in the nozzle recess at the front of the airbrush body
* Remove the soaking nozzle & caps, inspect for cleanliness & agitate any remaining dirt & rinse if required
* Refit the Nozzle, Air cap & Nozzle cap
* Gently slide the needle forwards until resistance is felt when the needle meets the nozzle & tighten the needle chuck nut. Do not force or push the needle into the nozzle, as the nozzle will be damaged.
* Refit the paint cup / bottle & the body rear end
* Reconnect the airbrush to your compressor & blow any remaining water / solvent out of the brush
Although this procedure may seem long winded, it will only take a minute or so to do when you become familiar with your airbrush.
Some cautionary notes;
Always handle the needle & nozzle with great care as they are easily damaged.
If you are using solvents or chemicals, use sensible precautions when handling them & be aware that if you are spraying them, adequate ventilation or respiratory protection should be used.
Always dispose of solvents / chemicals in a safe & environmentally responsible manner.
Remember that the solvents / chemicals you are using may be flammable.
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