Cleaning an Eclipse CS Gravity Feed Airbrush - Deep Clean

Thanks for clicking on QuickTech.
Sometimes even an All-Star airbrush like the Eclipse CS can have problems. You might see bubbles in the color cup, a diminished spray pattern or maybe your airbrush won’t spray at all. Luckily nearly all airbrush issues can be resolved with a thorough cleaning session. In this video we show you how to give your Eclipse CS gravity feed airbrush a deep clean that will get you spraying again.
We decided to make a video especially for the Eclipse CS because of its unique compression fit nozzle. It is important to know how to remove and clean this nozzle properly to avoid damaging the part.
You’ll see in the video that we soak the nozzle, nozzle cap, air cap and needle cap in Medea Airbrush Cleaner. This helps break up dried paint and makes it easier to scrub off. But please do not soak, immerse or “wet dock” your entire airbrush in any liquid. Ever. This can cause more problems than it solves.
Don’t have an Eclipse CS? Check out our other cleaning videos in the QuickTech Experience playlist.
Why QuickTech? There’s no shortage of how-tos and tutorials on the internet but airbrushers are still searching for solutions to common problems. That’s why Iwata created the QuickTech Experience. We’ve created videos that get right to the point so you can fix your problem and get back to painting. No intro to skip, no banter to mute, nothing to speed through. Just the content you came for from the most trusted name in airbrush. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss the next QuickTech release!
***
Before disconnecting your airbrush from the air hose:
1. Make sure your compressor is off.
2. Then hold down the main lever to release any stored air.
***
** UPDATE **
Iwata Airbrush Cleaning Kit now includes Medea Thread Sealer. Use this to remedy and prevent bubbles in the cup and other issues causes by poor metal to metal connection.
Check out our Cleaning Instructions more information: www.iwata-airbrush.com/mm5/gr...
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Products used in the video:
Eclipse HP-CS Gravity Feed Dual Action Airbrush (ECL4500)
www.iwata-airbrush.com/iwata-...
Iwata Airbrush Cleaning Kit (CL100)
www.iwata-airbrush.com/iwata-...
Iwata Universal Spray Out Pot (CL300)
www.iwata-airbrush.com/univer...
Iwata Raised Ridge Airbrush Cleaning Mat (CL200)
www.iwata-airbrush.com/cleani...
Iwata Professional Airbrush Maintenance Tools (CL500)
www.iwata-airbrush.com/profes...
Downloadable Cleaning Instructions:
www.iwata-airbrush.com/manual...

[@VenaMexicoTV]

Very thank you! From Mexico.

[@Griz75]

Perfect video. Thanks for getting directly to the point. ☆☆☆☆☆

[@iwatamedea1]

You're welcome!

[@smukki6346]

Great video! I have the same airbrush I noticed some small paint residue right at the bottom of the gravity cup, I can’t reach it with a cotton bud and cleaner won’t pick it up. Should I just leave it as it’s not blocking or causing any paint issues?

[@jvmusicph]

Thank you!

[@acuteloki6282]

thank you

[@wilsonandlucy]

no sound?

[@JohnDoe-xq8sk]

It seems like the needle channel on the back side of my airbrush is clogged from removing my needle out the back side. What can I use to clean that out?

[@LuBux100pre]

I just bought this airbrush , They should make a video for beginners like me on how to how to use airbrush and make thick and thin lines and how much air pressure to use.

[@iwatamedea1]

That kind of video is definitely on our list for the future!

[@mpearce820]

Thank you for this presentation. Struggling with my Eclipse; maintenance, paint, thinning, pressure settings, other variables. Just when you think..... Is it art or is it magic?

[@scottyboy6269]

Milk consistency But I'd really suggest start with acrylic Ink, it's the least problematic. Lacquer paint doesn't have tip dry as badly as acrylic but cleanup requires solvents for sure. When deep cleaning acetone for the nozzle soak works wonders on dried paint, createx also makes a restorer product that softens dried acrylic paint.

[@MrBadger1978]

Is it OK to use lacquer thinner to clean the airbrush?

[@duncanblackwell958]

Thank you so much for this video. My airbrush was working terribly, I was ready to blame the paint I was using. Just stripped the front end down and it was disgusting. It was full of red paint, and I've not used red in years. Really embarrassed I'd let it get so dirty. It's now spraying like a brand new airbrush again.

[@iwatamedea1]

Outstanding! Sometimes a deep clean is just what an airbrush needs.

[@Allydorable]

Is there really no audio?

[@iwatamedea1]

@@Allydorable Our QuichTech videos are made with no audio so that they are accessible to all, regardless of spoken language. Strange but effective!

[@dancingrook8553]

@@iwatamedea1 A little musical beat is universal mate, doesn't need lyrics. Good video regardless.

[@iwatamedea1]

@@dancingrook8553 thank you for the feedback

[@Steven_Rowe]

A very good video. Also nice that it hasn't got moronic annoying music, which is simply a distraction to concentration.

[@Vladimir-Shestakov]

How often deep cleaning needs to be done?

[@dustyhiebert5748]

Why would you pull the needle back through the rear of the gun when you could pull it out the front? Wouldn’t you risk depositing gummed up paint chucks within the inner mechanisms by doing it the way you show in the video?

[@markoharoldoronearmedpoohb7816]

Always pull your needle out frontward, you can ruin the rear seal with the dried paint on the needle.

[@gregoryrizzer3455]

@@markoharoldoronearmedpoohb7816 I'm watching this right now because my rear seal is completely ruined and the gun is kaputt. I've only been airbrushing for about 4 years and wish I would have know to pull the needle through the front....bugger.

[@markoharoldoronearmedpoohb7816]

@@gregoryrizzer3455 You can replace the rear seal, it’s very doable!

[@gregoryrizzer3455]

Oh, i replaced it alright.. I replaced it with a whole new unit! ;) @@markoharoldoronearmedpoohb7816

[@markoharoldoronearmedpoohb7816]

@@gregoryrizzer3455 What did you get?

[@ShorrockPaul]

Thank you for the video. my Iwata Eclipse came with lube do put it on the needle before i use the airbrush for the first time ?

[@iwatamedea1]

A new brush is lubricated at the factory and comes read-to-use. After use and cleaning, we recommend lubing the needle because the cleaning solvents will have removed the lubrication. Just a tiny dab will do, don't apply too much.

[@Kyle-ox7hk]

Have had nothing but issues with your products. And now I just found this exact gun for 50 dollars less at hobby lobby and it comes with a thicker hose that I paid 30 dollars separately for and 3 paints, so basically I drove to wonderfest in June to buy a airbrush gun and hose from you guys for 80 dollars more than I could’ve spent 2 minutes away lol

[@spencergregory8049]

I've had nothing but problems with my Iwata to.

[@iwatamedea1]

@@spencergregory8049 If you need technical assistance, we can help. See common issues or ask a technical question on our website - www.iwata-airbrush.com/blog/troubleshooting/

[@iwatamedea1]

If you need technical assistance, we can help. See common issues or ask a technical question on our website - www.iwata-airbrush.com/blog/troubleshooting/

[@alextremo7853]

How would you clean the Iwata vault? Is it the same? Sorry I’m new, great video btw

[@iwatamedea1]

Glad you enjoyed the video! You can apply the same basic steps , tools and techniques to cleaning the Iwata Vault HP-TH2, or virtually any airbrush. If you have specific questions on cleaning or disassembly please reach out to our customer care team here: www.iwata-airbrush.com/blog/contact-us/

[@matthewstone1362]

I've been shown a method of thinning paints in the pot, by covering the nozzle with my finger and using the trigger. Will this damage the airbrush?

[@dixiewrecked1192]

I can't imagine it would. I've done that for years with no noticeable issue. Really all you're doing is redirecting the air up and out the cup to mix the contents of the pot.

[@TK-oo9gq]

Great video, but there seems to be an issue with my volume button.

[@wrenhxven]

Is it supposed to be silent?

[@forrestegan]

It would be so much better if your videos had some audio explaining what’s being done and why.

[@kris1d20]

Do you have to do this entire breakdown after every session? That seems kind of extreme if you do.

[@iwatamedea1]

Thanks for your question! As noted in the description, this deep clean technique is for resolving spray issues like bubbles in the cup. For everyday cleaning check out our End of Session cleaning video.

[@chuckhepler4157]

I just bought one of these today. Nice video, but you held your hand over the label n the bottle so we can’t see if it’s cleaner or restorer. On some KZbin channels it says not to run some cleaners through the airbrush. Nowhere that I can find on your 5618 cleaner bottle nor the paperwork that came with the CS are there instructions on which product to use when, other than restorer can remove dried paint. Some KZbin channels say to only run water through to clean. I’m confused.

[@iwatamedea1]

@chuckhepler4157 What cleaner to use is confusing because there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The proper cleaning solvent to use is totally dependent upon what paints / spray materials you are using. Paint manufacturers know what breaks down their formulas the best, so you will save yourself a lot of trouble if you go with their recommendations on that. The cleaner used in the video is Medea (brand) Airbrush Cleaner, which is very effective with most water based acrylics. Available at a host of retail locations and Amazon. Createx Colors makes 4008 Restorer (breaks down dried Createx) and 5618 Airbrush Cleaner. Both of these are very effective with their paint lines. The best cleaner for alcohol based inks is 99% Isopropyl alcohol and solvent based paints require harsher solvents...and so on...KZbin is loaded with good information and misinformation. No matter what you hear, never immerse an entire airbrush in cleaning solvent. Only the parts that come in contact with paint should be cleaned with solvents. Dry areas should remain dry. Fully soaking airbrushes will shorten their life span over time. Habits that make a difference: As soon as you are done spraying, flush the brush with cleaning solvent. (Avoid the mess by trying not to let a bunch of paint dry inside in the first place). Always empty the paint cup and clean it with a brush before pulling the needle out. Then finish cleaning. I hope this has been helpful. You can find more information and download an instructional pdf here: www.iwata-airbrush.com/airbrush-cleaning.html

[@JuanMartinez-nl6wp]

I lost my nozzle if I used my old one would it still work since it is two different air brushes?

[@iwatamedea1]

Only if they are the same model of airbrush. Each airbrush requires parts machined for that model. You can use our Parts Finder tool to double check: www.iwata-airbrush.com/airbrush-parts-finder.html

[@stresselemental8855]

Hello, me needle cap and nozzle cap are stuck together, ia there a way to easily fix this without damaging my machine? Thank you

[@iwatamedea1]

If you use acrylic paint, try soaking just those parts in some airbrush cleaner or acetone to dissolve the paint. Then try using pliers with soft jaws like the ones included in our Tool set to separate the parts. If you still need assistance reach out to us www.iwata-airbrush.com/blog/contact-us/

[@kylegellner]

Would u do this entire clean between colours or just at the end?

[@lauri.nordling]

Just at the end, or when the airbrush gets clogged up so bad it affects your painting! If you clean your airbrush thoroughly after every session, it probably makes it last longer (unless you break something) and makes painting easier since it's not getting clogged up :)

[@CoopyDiaz]

Instead of using airbrush cleaner can lacquer thinner be used to clean?

[@LouieMcFly23]

Yes, lacquer thinner that can be found at hardware stores is fine. In fact, it's a stronger liquid solution so it should clean up stubborn paint that's stuck.

[@davidstanic3081]

When to use the lube? I can see this question getting traction..

[@iwatamedea1]

The simple answer is to apply a tiny dab (not too much) on the needle after cleaning

[@rocksteel44]

...NICE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[@Zach-xm7md]

What wipes are used? Can you use just regular flushable wipes?

[@iwatamedea1]

Yes, you can, or use paper towel or cloth to apply the airbrush cleaner.

[@HarrySach]

Don't flush those wipes. Only paper that should be flushed is TP

[@joblo9644]

The gold piece that comes off at 2:13 is fused to the threaded part on my Iwata Eclipse, is there some way to get that part off?

[@iwatamedea1]

Hello! Eclipse brushes use a unique, compression fit nozzle that is different and sometimes misunderstood. The nozzle is comprised of two pieces (brass base and alloy nozzle. Do not detach these.) the nozzle piece is tightened onto the brush using Eclipse's unique nozzle cap (hand tightened, to create a compression seal). The idea here is that this nozzle may be used to spray, cleaned and replaced without the need for threading and unthreading. As demonstrated in the video, do not detach these pieces. In the video you will see that the nozzle is treated as one piece and is cleaned and reassembled that way, making it easier to use. That is one of the benefits of the popular Iwata Eclipse Series brushes!

[@acuteloki6282]

The whole golden thing can be detached with hands, just like in this video. For me, it was a bit difficult to dismantle it in the beginning, but then it worked.

[@DemonOfFury]

When do we use the lube

[@iwatamedea1]

After cleaning the airbrush, we apply a little lube to the needle before reinserting. A very small amount. If you are not fully soaking the entire airbrush, you will not need to do more than that

[@elsamou5604]

We have to do that every time we use the airbrush?

[@iwatamedea1]

Nope! As we mention in the description, you should do a deep clean when you are noticing problems in your airbrush or if it is not performing as well normal. For everyday cleaning, watch our Quick Color Change and End of Spray Session QuickTech videos 👍

[@ronald3610]

Can you use tamiya airbrush cleaner for all paints?

[@iwatamedea1]

No. Paints can be very different from one another. For example, even water-based acrylics differ greatly in formulation. Each paint manufacturer has done testing to know which solvent works best with their specific formula. This means that if you use several different brands of paint, you may also need several different types of airbrush cleaner. Some people like to experiment with different solvents but be aware that this could result in unpredictable results that can cost time and energy to resolve; not to mention, added wear and tear on your airbrush.

[@diegohernandezfernandez1042]

Mine doesn’t remove the tip that easy, it is like stucked

[@diegohernandezfernandez1042]

Help

[@iwatamedea1]

@@diegohernandezfernandez1042 The nozzle is not threaded, just attached by tightening down the nozzle cap. When you clean, first remove the needle. then remove the nozzle cap. From there you should be able to remove the nozzle with your fingertips. If it seems stuck, use a little airbrush cleaner along the seam and try again to remove it, as shown in the video. I hope this helps

[@Kyle-ox7hk]

Mine is the same way. Tried cleaner around the seal like they recommended and still super stuck. The tapered part is inserted to far and then the threaded caps push it down even further. The tips on my nozzle were so tight when I first got it as well

[@chrishaynes1804]

hi need abit of help. i have used this model for the last 7 years and it was really warn so i bought a new 1 same model. i used it for 30 mins to weather some detail. the next day it doesn't pass air through it any more. i split it down completely but cannot find a fault any reason why this is

[@iwatamedea1]

Hi Chris, follow this link to the owners manual for this model. On page 11 there is s troubleshooting section. Try out the suggestions here docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=www.iwata-airbrush.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/ECL101-IM.pdf

[@chrishaynes1804]

@@iwatamedea1 awesome ty

[@rtkba8694]

It would be a good tutorial if it had sound.

[@iwatamedea1]

Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment. Our QuickTech videos are intentionally visually focused rather than language focused. This makes the series accessible to Iwata users worldwide and keeps distractions to a minimum. We hope you found the video helpful!

[@acmaurer50]

Where's the audio??

[@Donmegamuffin]

I have a buildup behind the cup in my HP-CS. How best to clean behind the gravity cup?

[@iwatamedea1]

Thank you for your comment. Are you having paint build-up inside the airbrush, behind the cup?

[@BidetToYou]

Is there supposed to be no sound to this video??

[@iwatamedea1]

Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment. Our QuickTech videos are intentionally visually-focused rather than language-focused. This makes the series accessible to Iwata users worldwide and keeps distractions to a minimum. We hope you found the video helpful!

[@AlexMartinez-oi2mv]

I think I clean better than I airbrush

[@tennentssuppa]

WOW you're rich, using all that cleaner lol.