Cut the Krud, Clean Your Airbrush Better

[@goadfang]

Great video. I definitely learned a lot here. I am pretty new but I have a word of advice for anyone else just starting: the time it takes to change paints and clean your brush RAPIDLY decreases as you gain experience. The trick is not letting those early frustrations stop you, because it will not get better without practice. Even just a few months into airbrushing I already feel like I can do a paint change in under a couple of minutes without clogging. I'm not sure how much more time I can shave off of it at this point, but every time it gets just a bit easier.

[@sporksyndicate]

In 17 minutes, you just saved my airbrush. Thank you so much for all the help! Subscribed like a mo-fo.

[@raymondwalker7281]

Thank you so much, Andy. I was having problems with my Ottawa eclipse. And now I know how to take it apart and clean properly.

[@lexsper]

Superbly explained and clear video. Many thanks.

[@cobaltbluearts]

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!

[@border304]

You shouldn't need to take it apart at all. Just use cleaner like you have OCD. See the Badger boss video from 11yrs ago.

[@eaman11]

If you use nitro you can clean it in 1 minute, just soack the tip and backflow.

[@shrug_shrugsly]

that seemed very helpful!! haven't tried it yet, but looking forward to giving it a go

[@colonelklink53]

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.

[@flyingtam]

That tip for adding petroleum jelly to the regulator is pure gold! Thank you!!!!

[@nikolajc7617]

What regulator is that???

[@kimbykimbers3750]

I have just started using an airbrush, many thanks for the superb advice and passing on your knowledge 🙏

[@billdowd5453]

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.

[@thetuqueque]

You teaches very well. Thanks.

[@joeycoffel9781]

RIP Trevor! Huge Black Dahlia fan and getting into airbrushing! Many thanks! Rock On! MetalArt from Metalsiclog!

[@ImpendingDuff]

Hell yeah! Thanks for watching

[@joeycoffel9781]

I'll keep watching and let you know how it goes! Now I'm going to listen to Everblack and shoot some paint!@@ImpendingDuff

[@ericlee7565]

Recently got an airbrush, this was super helpful in explaining how to properly clean one. Thanks!

[@ImpendingDuff]

Awesome! I’m glad it helped. Good luck with your new tool!

[@austinkunkle4103]

I subscribed for your dental floss joke, love it.

[@WarbossWaagh92]

YESSSS. Dental picks are the best! Total game changer. I gotta get an ultrasonic cleaner thing too. Nice vid.

[@musoseven8218]

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 😉✌️🤘🎸😄😄😄

[@BlaineThPain]

Thanks for mentioning the issue with the basket in the ultrasonic cleaner. I've been using mine with the basket for years and had no idea!

[@andreikoenig5718]

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.

[@EQ2Cordanim]

Great tutorial for the "deep-clean" thanks!

[@huihualiang]

Video explanation is very detailed，very useful，thank you for your explanation

[@bebopkirby]

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.

[@Necronamis]

Holy Balls I am out of the loop, I had no idea you started a YT page or that you chopped off the mane!

[@ImpendingDuff]

Had a charity stream back in the spring. Couple big donations and off it came. There’s a video here if you want to see it go 🤣🤘🏼

[@FTWBIFY6667]

Very good breakdown!

[@triphill9681]

Comment for the Algorithm. good tuturial, I appreciate the detail.

[@andreikoenig5718]

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.

[@ScrapCrafty]

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.

[@MightyYaks]

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. 🫡

[@FromDust2007]

What model of ultrasonic cleaner is that?

[@theaussienurseflipper.8113]

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.

[@jessebbaker3]

Very late to the party but I hope I can get an answer. Does the cleaning rinsing process differ when using primers or inks?

[@ImpendingDuff]

Thanks for watching! No, no difference in process for primer or inks!

[@dudejrryan]

Thanks Man. Saving this video!

[@claudiaguzman6092]

Great video!

[@chauffeurmarco]

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

[@philthymofo]

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

[@samanthanicholson9015]

What's in the bottle water vinegar or water and alcohol? Thanks

[@ImpendingDuff]

I only use pure water or pure iso.

[@samanthanicholson9015]

@@ImpendingDuff thanks :0)

[@barbjalcorn]

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 🇦🇺❤️

[@ImpendingDuff]

you bet! thanks for watching!

[@shadowsedgeminiatures1230]

Good tips! Airbrush cleaning is always a pain and makes me think twice about getting it out so this should help.

[@jjlbridge7877]

Hi, can I use rubbing alcohol to clean? I use acrylics and sometimes water doesn’t cut thru the dried paint inside the airbrush bowl. Thanks.

[@ImpendingDuff]

Yeah! Iso or isopropyl is rubbing alcohol but I use 91% that’s what I recommend

[@jjlbridge7877]

Thanks!!

[@bgdrewshowers7411]

I have a question so would that toothbrush or any kind of toothbrush hurt the front of a airbrush

[@ImpendingDuff]

not at all

[@bgdrewshowers7411]

@@ImpendingDuff thank you

[@WLMjolnir]

Thanks dude - I use a Renegade Krome too

[@michaeljvdh]

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]

Doesn’t acetone destroy gaskets and seals?

[@hannya66]

@@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 .

[@Scherdnr]

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!

[@ImpendingDuff]

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.

[@josecarlosxyz]

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

[@bakerredrum]

Think your prison shank is called a scratch awl. It's a little small for a machinest scraper. So yeah I think it's a scratch awl.

[@Dude_Slick]

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.

[@Dude_Slick]

@@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.

[@cake756]

Thanks for the tips. May I ask if there are any alternative products to regdab please? This is something not easy to get fron where I am. TIA.

[@ImpendingDuff]

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

[@cake756]

@@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.

[@bryansmith5980]

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

[@philthymofo]

That makes no sense, so the metal basket touching is fine but the tiny metal parts will ?

[@ronaldredlinski2005]

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.

[@julianmroc3648]

Water-based paints have many advantages over lacquers and enamels (less toxic and easier to clean), which is why they are used more lately. There are some ready-to-use paints for sale with an airbrush (Vallejo air) but you can also dilute them with specific acrylic thinner. Vallejo seems to me to be the most complete and easy to identify brand but there are other brands like Tamiya. Even if they are water-based, don't dilute them with water, use specific thinners for acrylics. I'm new to the hobby but I've been learning a lot with youtube videos.

[@PutUp365]

Will Water be an effective cleaner if I'm spraying automotive paint or candy's? Should I be afraid to use laquer thinner?..

[@krisj451]

"This was like a buck at Meijer" - you in Michigan bro? Battle Creek here! :)

[@ImpendingDuff]

detroit area. lol good ol meijer

[@grayjappe562]

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.

[@Screeno1993]

I realised before I bought my airbrush that I'd need to clean the cup and tip after each colour I thought it was self explanatory lol

[@robbwatson2088]

Git some great tips Cheers

[@UnvarnishedTarnished]

How would I find that prison shank tool lol? 🤣

[@ImpendingDuff]

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!

[@UnvarnishedTarnished]

@@ImpendingDuff you da man, thanks mate!!

[@moobbles]

@5:00. Cavitation is the word you're looking for.

[@dilligaf2984]

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

[@tracinicole1100]

I just threw one away because I couldn’t get it back together it was super clean though

[@HempioN721]

Had to stop the video for this , our heads weren’t in the gutter yours was

[@ImpendingDuff]

ok? thanks for starting to watch🤷‍♂

[@HempioN721]

@@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.

[@brushlickerstudio28]

Isnt blowback causing extra wear on the oring inside body of the airbrush?

[@ImpendingDuff]

Not at all. It’s a very regular practice

[@EkeiShao]

@@ImpendingDuff Blwback forces dirty water in the main body, thus not recommended by manufacturers. Its a bad regular practice

[@TryptychUK]

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.

[@mifloridian]

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!

[@TryptychUK]

@@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.

[@Seekeroftruth191]

never use Isopropyl alcohol in an ultra sonic cleaner unless you put it in a bag!

[@DavidFerguson-e8j]

piezoelectric effect

[@Dude_Slick]

What you're calling regulator is the air cap.

[@ImpendingDuff]

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]

Should really be wax not petroleum jelly.

[@mifloridian]

It can be either. Wax can get into the paint canal and cause a clog because it’s firmer than petroleum.

[@nikolajc7617]

@@mifloridian But the jelly mix with the paint, do you want that instead??

[@mifloridian]

@@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.

[@nikolajc7617]

@@mifloridian what a load of BS.

[@omarsheriffkaptan]

Your hand gestures…

[@reconmodelsvaughn469]

I have Destroyed 3 airbrushes and one is the one you are using. Badger told me never use one .

[@ImpendingDuff]

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.

[@kermitsbench7057]

oh dear....

[@reconmodelsvaughn469]

There is no reason to ever use one or people that use the dishwasher

[@josecarlosxyz]

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

[@ImpendingDuff]

You couldn’t be farther from the truth. But thanks for watching! Have a great week

[@johnwalter6410]

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.