Airbrushing Maintenance 101: Tips and Tricks You Need to Know

[@S.A.S.H.]

These videos are becoming part of my Saturday morning ritual. Please by all means keep them coming.

[@harderairbrush]

Glad to hear it, but don't tell us the rest of the ritual 😄

[@S.A.S.H.]

@@harderairbrush It entails significant amounts of coffee...

[@harderairbrush]

@@S.A.S.H. love the coffee!

[@paolocapecchi5182]

Another great video, with really useful tips. This series of videos is excellent. Thank you for producing such a great content.

[@harderairbrush]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@horyaycardo2650]

Finally. A video explaining what the kit contains and does. Thank you Warrick!

[@harderairbrush]

Our pleasure buddy! W

[@timbob1145]

Great knowledge as ever, can't understand how you guys don't have a bigger audience, someone needs to get the word out to all the paint servitors out there.

[@harderairbrush]

Thanks buddy - that's good to hear. Tell all your friends!

[@Jumber-Lack]

What I love most about this is the honesty, you aren't peddling unnecessary spending and it's simple truths this is what makes H&S world leading! And why I have 4 of your airbrushes 😂

[@harderairbrush]

Thank you for taking the time to comment :-) we really believe that the best way we can grow our brand is to try to live the values that we would like to see from brands that we buy from. If we can't give advice from a place of truth that leads users to our products, then we need to do more work on our products!

[@Jumber-Lack]

@Harder & Steenbeck I absolutely love this mind set! I wish more companies would adopt this business model! Top marks 👌

[@harderairbrush]

@@Jumber-Lack Thank you! We do our best!

[@RCBOSS1969]

Great video, thank you!

[@kevinkerlin5603]

Agree keep the videos coming along with some info of models and demonstrations with painting

[@harderairbrush]

Will do!

[@radicaLsonZ]

great video, very useful!

[@thomas_st]

That's some great advice, thanks!

[@musoseven8218]

Again, really wise words. I have one of the H&S packing tools - it'll probably get little use. I've some quality cleaning bristle brushes etc - never use them🤞 The H&S system to take apart and reassemble is such a boon. Time and effort are important when one has health and ability issues, so I try to make my life easy as I can, as I want the enjoyment without the hassle💜😊✌️👍

[@harderairbrush]

That's one of our mottos! Do more of what you love. And if you bought an airbrush, we think you probably love PAINTING not stripping, cleaning and reassembling :-) So reducing the time spend on that (with no bad effects) is definitely what we're aiming for.

[@robgillespie6765]

Great video.. Very informative

[@allnicksweretaken]

Thank you for this video! I'm looking into getting my first airbrush and H&S is at the top of the list, and I've pretty much decided on the Infinity CR Plus 2 in 1. From what I've read, heard and seen around the internet, it should last me many many years with proper care. Being a beginner I don't yet know what I absolutely need to buy, and this clears some of that up for me. Thanks again! ^^

[@musoseven8218]

Some say that a cheap and nasty airbrush is the best starting point - I disagree. You won't go far wrong with an Infinity CR Plus or an Evolution CRP or even one of the alloy versions of either, they're so easy to disassemble and reassemble and keep clean. Their atomisation is superb and with one or two minor hacks they can work as well as airbrushes costing a lot more money. Easiest airbrush to live with that I know of.

[@allnicksweretaken]

@@musoseven8218 Yeah, I also disagree with this sentiment. "Buy a cheap first airbrush, because you _will_ break it". First of all, I rarely break my stuff. Secondly, I instead listen to the camp that say "buy a good first airbrush, so you don't have to struggle while learning proper technique". Thirdly, given how well made, easy to disassemble and clean the H&S brushes seem to be, it must be hard to damage them while following proper procedure. Fourthly, I'm lazy and a perfectionist, so I want a tool that is both precise and easy to clean/maintain, or I will not us it as much (or at all). Also, after having watched a/the video on modifying the trigger response on the Infinity CR Plus, and how easy it is with just two extra PTFE/teflon nozzle seals/washers, I have no more second thoughts about buying this airbrush. Except for maybe the price, but spread it over it's expected 10(+) years life time, it's actually a good price imo. The only thing holding me back from ordering one, it the unavailability of the Aero Pro HTC 30A compressor. Haven't found it in stock anywhere that does not also break the bank. =/ Are these perhaps manufactured when ordered?

[@musoseven8218]

@@allnicksweretakenSounds like you've got it all sussed out. I'm not sure about the compressors that you mention. I've three cheaper ones. A larger one on wheels in the garage, a smaller one with a receiver for indoors and a small, portable, battery diagram version. They all seem to work okay. I also use an inline MAC valve and quick releases. My two Paasche airbrushes are easy to strip and clean, but not as easy as the H&S products, nor quite as precise (atomisation isn't quite as good), but they're ideal for large area coverage, base coats, primers etc the H is very easy to live with, the Millenium causes a few headaches with a needle/nozzle swap, the trigger and spring mech can be fiddly to realign. No issues like that with H&S products though👍💜✌️😊

[@harderairbrush]

Thank you very much for joining us!

[@Bunyip_Studios]

another really good video, clear and concise information, I have no hesitation recommending them to people new to airbrushing. (And some people that should know better)

[@harderairbrush]

Thank you!

[@davida8060]

Hi mate, thanks for sharing a heap of useful information. My question is.......I got the Evolution CR plus which is just beautiful 👌 Would I have damaged the needle seat or something because i pushed the needle in a bit too hard (from the rear)and had to pull on it to get it out 🙄 wasn't extremely stuck but when I first got it I wanted to see how the needle came out. Had to mess with it didn't I lol. Cheers from Oz

[@markblignaut3166]

Great video, if I may ask for some advice please? When I backflow when I am cleaning my evolution I notice sometimes the bubbles are very strong in the paint cup, and then when I stop and do it again they are very weak. 0.2mm nozzle set. Airbrush is very clean but I am at my wits end cause I can airbrush and then it stops. It is like it loses pressure then it comes back again. Compressor is running perfectly, an6 help would be greatly appreciated, thank you

[@harderairbrush]

Take the handle off, loosen the needle nut, pull the needle back a touch, tighten your head, reset the needle, tighten the needle nut, should be ok. Sounds like a slightly loose head to me 😊

[@cragar55]

Another great video! How do you remove the old needle packing if it needs to be replaced? Thanks!

[@musoseven8218]

With the tool that he demonstrates - it's a spare part from H&S dealers. Unless you're a pro painter the packing "nut" and packing shouldn't need any attention though.🤞👍💜

[@harderairbrush]

Using the screwdriver shown in the video. BUT I guess you might be asking about if a seal stays in the airbrush? Firstly, our engineered screw design does reduce the likelihood of this problem, as the seals load partially into the screw itself. However, it is still possible that one stays behind in the airbrush. One of the reasons for the design of the rear of the needle (the little bumps that we use to identify the needle size) is exactly for this. We love engineering two purposes into one feature ;-)... Once the needle packing screw is removed, if you think that you have a seal still in there, just push a needle (rear end first) in from the front of the airbrush. With the needle packing screw removed, the little ID bumps on the rear of the needle will grab the seal and carry it out the back of the airbrush for you.

[@Rise_Studio]

Can H&S seal packing screw adjust? I've never seen about this in manual book.

[@harderairbrush]

Technically it is possible to "adjust", but to be honest, "adjustment" isn't really a thing. It's either right, or wrong. Too tight and it drags too much, too loose and it won't seal. The "right" point is just being able to feel the slightest drag on the needle integrated to the screwdriver. Then you know it's sealing, but you have nothing interfering with your trigger feel.

[@AuMaDa64]

Giusto, i like.

[@britishjames9415]

Just got my first airbrush, an ultra, and finding these videos really useful. It would be great to hear the opinion on lubricant for a H&S airbrush. Is it something I need to do?

[@musoseven8218]

I think, I've seen evidence of H&S using the blue lubricant from Iwata. I've moved away from that as it can dry - if the airbrush isn't used for awhile - like thread lock, or at least gum up (makes the needle sticky/stick). I'm not sure if H&S would endorse such, but I use glycerine on threads, triggers and on parts of the needle. At a push I use beeswax on the aircap threads (carefully) but I prefer glycerine there too. I hope that helps🤞✌️👍💜😊

[@harderairbrush]

Hi James. We are working on a lubricant of our own, but at the moment, the one that I feel comfortable recommending is Iwata Superlube. Use it extremely sparingly. The reason why we like it is simply because it's very hard to find a lubricant which does not damage or in some way interfere with paint film integrity, and putting it in the airbrush puts it very close to the paint! However, the Iwata lube is very good in that regard, and it's the only one that I know of which does not risk the integrity of the paint film. But don't use much. Too much, and it's a little toooo sticky on the action.

[@jasonprince8016]

Thanks again. Trigger technique would be good, for fine work and using the infinity stopper. Giraldez goes really fine and there was a video if you bought the infinity last year which went into that technique. Not sure if you could repeat something specifically for his model as well.

[@harderairbrush]

Thanks Jason. If you purchased the Giraldez Infinity then you should have received a video by Angel on that... But yes, we will produce a trigger technique video soon!

[@jasonprince8016]

@@harderairbrush no I didnt as I ordered this year and it was only an offer for 2022 I believe. Anyway practicing on a no name airbrush until I get confidence to start using the Giraldez Infinity. These videos are all helping. So are Angels.

[@steff-the-ghoul]

great video, could you please make a video where you go through the whole cleaning process?

[@harderairbrush]

I really like this method as a super fast way of dealing with 95% of cases. My method is fairly similar, but Angel's makes it even simpler. This really works well! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2O6pHiPjt1grs0

[@DavesMiniMenagerie]

Really enjoying the videos! Are metallic paints safe to use in airbrushes and is there anything different we need to do with air pressure or thinning when using them?

[@harderairbrush]

As long as they are from a reputable manufacturer, and are designated as airbrush paint, you'll have no problem. Just treat them as per any other paint, really.

[@IPMSRIO]

And about that yellow cap that comes with the kit?

[@musoseven8218]

Is that for back washing or similar or to protect the needle when working on other parts of the airbrush?🤔🤔

[@harderairbrush]

it's for the bubble back cleaning technique. Generally I tend to just use my fingers for that. However, we include it for people who don't want to get their non-painting finger and thumb dirty. Even though having a dark spot on your forefinger and thumb is kind of an airbrush tattoo and therefore a badge of honour, imho :-)

[@SKushon]

It was obviously a maintenance tool! Three nozzles later.

[@timestop5843]

Cleaning airbrush after airbrushing with varnish. Will a few drops of acetone be okay? Or will it damage seals?

[@harderairbrush]

Firstly, acetone will not damage our nozzle seal, or our needle seals. The materials we use are robust. HOWEVER, why spray acetone in an area where your non-acetone breathing human lungs are? It's a super aggressive solvent and 100% unnecessary to use in an airbrush. Please look after yourself as well as being concerned for your seals :-) If the varnish is solvent based, then use whatever your varnish thinner is (might be toluene, or cellulose, typically). If it is water based, then of course, just use the water based cleaner than is recommended by the paint manufacturer. You don't need acetone in your life :-) Of course, whenever spraying anything organic solvent based, do consider wearing a mask with an active charcoal filter, please.

[@timestop5843]

@@harderairbrush Thanks should have said Isopropyl Alcohol, rather than acetone. I always use mask. As Vince Venturella mentions it, in his youtube on Varnishing with airbrush, in cleaning section near end.

[@harderairbrush]

@@timestop5843 ok great to hear that you're looking after yourself! Vince is a legend and his advice is always great, but the use of IPA after a varnish is only appropriate if the varnish is solvent based. For example, Createx Paint do some stunning varnishes, which are waterbased, and these will not clean with IPA. Be sure to use the RIGHT cleaner - there is no such thing as a universal cleaner.

[@dablacky2702]

Is it possible that the mechanism which is attached to the trigger (the longhole in the curved piece which moves the needle) wears out over time? Especially the slotted hole? I have a slightly clicking noise when i pull back the trigger completely back and i think it comes from this piece. Needle, nozzle and all sealings are new as i just made a complete revision after years of painting. But still doesn‘t want to work perfect again… maybe you know this issue as well?

[@harderairbrush]

Hi there - no I don't know that issue. Get in touch with us on [e-mail] and refer to this message from Warrick. If you want to send it to us, we will do what we can to help. It's interesting for us - how old is the airbrush?

[@dablacky2702]

@@harderairbrush thanks for your fast replyhere. Mail is already sent with a short video of the problem included. The airbrush is an Evolution and is about 10 years old.

[@jamesbarkworth9043]

From day dot I've had an issue where paint is coming up into the airbrush where the needle is and drying on the needle causing it to stick. I've never mixed paint by using the blow back method and always kept it meticulously clean is this due to the needle packing then do I have to buy this kit to repair it 🤔

[@harderairbrush]

Hi James... if your airbrush is spraying smoothly with no interruptions in the paint flow, then it is unlikely to the a faulty needle packing. If that's leaking, then you're most likely not going to be able to actually spray. If you have paint back there, then, check that you never remove the needle when you have paint in the airbrush, firstly (sorry for stating the obvious!)... if you're not doing that, then do a fairly aggressive bubble back technique with cleaner as your last method, as this reaches everywhere well, and finally, spray that out, pull out your needle, and wipe a very tiny amount of Iwata Super Lube (very good product) onto your needle before reinstalling it. You should find that the problem won't re-occur. Do let us know! Oh and run a little cleaner through before you start painting next time, too.

[@jamesbarkworth9043]

@@harderairbrush thanks I'll give it a go

[@variant78]

I don't see the maintenance kit on the website, how do I get one?

[@hammmodjabeer7278]

The good thing in harder and steenbeck is that it doesn't need maintenance.

[@alexmateiu2904]

I already bought this last month, I cannot figure it out what's the yellow plastic cap 😂

[@harderairbrush]

It's like a puzzle. Tell us what you think it's for! If you figure it out, we will send you another one :-)

[@alexmateiu2904]

@@harderairbrush well I don't know for sure but I've tried to use by covering up the front of the airbrush in order to blowback air to clean the airbrush. It fits perfectly :))

[@Biercing]

Schade, daß es die Videos nicht in Deutsch gibt. Wenn es wenigstens untertitelt wäre.😢. Hab mir eine Evolution Silverline gekauft. Superteil.

[@harderairbrush]

Dankeschön! Wir werden bald mehr deutsche Videos machen :-)

[@danielgroenewald3006]

tldr: dont let paint dry in your airbrush XD

[@TetsugakuSan]

I’ve shamefully done all the things I am not supposed to…

[@harderairbrush]

Love this comment! Humanity needs the people who try the things they're not supposed to! It's an important part of societal evolution. So, thank you! :-)