The most important part of taking up painting with an Airbrush is the cleaning and care for it. Taking time to properly clean your airbrush is what will be the defining attribute to a nice clean airbrush painting.
The saying used to be “your painting will only be as good as your equipment,” when it is in fact, ” your art will only be as good as how clean your equipment is.”
We always hear that people have an airbrush but, it is in the garage collecting dust because ‘I couldn’t get it to work “. This prompted me to create a step by step on how to properly take apart your brush, clean it and how to put it back together. Here are the steps I have created for you below.
When removing parts, set aside in order, from right to left and please refer to the Parts diagram when re-assembling your airbrush
Unscrew the handle and set aside
Unscrew the needle chucking nut and set aside
Carefully remove the needle and wipe clean with cleaning solution and a paper towel. Look for any bending on the tip of the needle, then set aside
Unscrew the spring guide and set aside
Remove the spring and set aside
Carefully remove the needle chucking guide (with auxiliary lever) and set aside
Lift up the trigger and set aside
*these parts usually will not have paint on them as the Packing Fluid O-ring that prevents paints to enter the back half of the airbrush.
Remove the color jar from the bottom of the airbrush and rinse the jar and internal hose clean with water and cleaning brush.
Unscrew the Needle cap and remove the nozzle inside, then use the cleaning brush to clean the inside, then set aside
Unscrew the Air cap and use the cleaning brush to clean the inside, then set aside (note: some bottom feed models may have a detachable air cap)
Next, use the cleaning brush and airbrush cleaner to clean the inside of the Main body of the airbrush. Use a back and forth motion.
**Now that your brush parts are clean, we can re-assemble it in reverse.
Start by screwing on the Air cap.
Next screw on the Needle cap (bottom feed models may have the nozzle resting inside of the aircap)
Now very carefully, slide in the Trigger piston into the Air valve opening inside the brush.
Next insert the auxiliary lever which will be connected to the needle guide (in some models, the auxiliary lever is disconnected from the needle guide)
Slide the spring onto the needle guide.
Next, Screw on the spring guide completely but, not tight.
Next screw on the needle chucking nut but, not completely.
Now, very carefully insert the needle. Be very light handed when inserting it and be sure not to ram the needle forward against the nozzle.
Next, replace the color jar.
**Needles and Nozzles are extremely fragile and can be easily damaged or lost. Be sure to handle them over a small dish in case you drop them.
Congratulations! Your Bottom-feed airbrush is now clean and ready to create magic!
Leave your thoughts or comments below and thanks for tuning in!
Be creative, stay colorful and keep painting
