How to Clean Your Airbrush Gun After Use?

The cleaners for an airbrush gun are typically solvents or specialized cleaning agents. Many users also use banana water thinner (also known as thinner or pear oil, named banana oil because it contains amyl acetate or isoamyl acetate, which gives it a banana-like smell). While it functions similarly, banana water thinner can corrode the airbrush's gaskets, so it is generally not recommended for users to use banana oil.

If disassembling the airbrush for a thorough cleaning, it is best to use a solvent to protect the airbrush. When cleaning the airbrush, use a neutral cleaning liquid, ensuring the pH value is between 6 and 8. Otherwise, it can easily lead to corrosion and damage to the airbrush components.

Below is the airbrush cleaning guide we provide.

Steps for Partial Cleaning After General Use

1. Wiping Off Leftover Paint

Start by using a clean paper towel to wipe off the leftover paint inside the cup. For paint that has already dried, you can dab some solvent on it before wiping.

2. Removing Residue at the Bottom

For paint residue at the bottom of the paint cup that cannot be wiped with a paper towel, pour in some solvent, block the nozzle with a clean paper towel, and allow air to flow back. Stir the liquid in the paint cup to fully dissolve the paint, then pour out the solvent.

3. Cleaning Remaining Paint

Use a cotton swab dipped in solvent to wipe clean any remaining paint at the bottom.

4. Final Confirmation of Cleanliness

Finally, pour in some solvent again and spray a few times onto a clean paper towel to confirm it is clean.

Steps for Deep Cleaning After Disassembling the Entire Airbrush

After using the airbrush several times, it is necessary to disassemble the airbrush for a thorough cleaning. The partial cleaning from the previous steps cannot guarantee the complete removal of paint, and over time, simple cleaning cannot ensure the functionality of the airbrush.

If you are not familiar with the names of the airbrush gun parts, the following pictures can help you understand:

Step1: Disassembling the Airbrush Gun

Prepare Your Workspace

Begin by setting up a clean and organized workspace. Clear an area where you can safely lay out the various parts of the airbrush gun as you disassemble it. Ensure all necessary cleaning supplies are within easy reach to streamline the process.

Eliminating Residual Paint

Prior to disassembling your airbrush, it's crucial to remove all leftover paint from the device. This preliminary step is essential to prevent paint from hardening within the airbrush during the cleaning.

Follow these steps:

● Invert the airbrush, positioning it so the paint cup faces downward.
● Hold the airbrush over a designated waste receptacle.
● Gently agitate the airbrush to dislodge any paint clinging to its interior surfaces.
● Allow the excess paint to drain into the waste container.
● If necessary, lightly tap the side of the airbrush to encourage stubborn paint droplets to fall out.
● Visually inspect the paint cup to ensure most of the liquid paint has been evacuated.

Disassemble the Front Components

● Needle Cap and Nozzle Cap: Begin by unscrewing the needle cap, a small, circular metal piece located at the tip of the airbrush gun. Follow by removing the slightly larger nozzle cap, which flares outward. If these caps are tight, use pliers with a gentle grip to avoid causing damage.
● Nozzle: Once the nozzle cap is off, you will see the nozzle itself. Use the small wrench included with the airbrush kit to carefully detach it. If the wrench is not available, use your fingers or needle-nosed pliers with caution. Keep in mind that the nozzle is small and easy to misplace, so ensure it is securely stored with the other components.

Detaching the Handle and Needle

● Handle: Unscrew the handle by gripping the rear of the gun. Removing the handle reveals the needle assembly. Place the handle aside with the other parts.
● Needle Chucking Nut: Identify the chucking nut, which is partially threaded onto the needle. Unscrew it to release the needle. The nut is designed with threads for easy gripping and tapers towards the rear of the gun.
● Needle: Gently withdraw the needle. It is recommended to remove it from the front of the gun to prevent paint from entering the airbrush's interior, potentially causing blockages.

Step2: Cleaning the Airbrush Gun Parts

Soak the Parts

Begin by placing all disassembled airbrush parts into a glass bowl. Choose a bowl large enough to accommodate all components without crowding. Avoid using metal bowls, as the cleaning agents may react with metal, potentially damaging the airbrush parts.

Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Pour a mixture of 2 cups of warm distilled water and 2 tablespoons of white distilled vinegar into the bowl. Let the components soak in this solution for approximately 5 minutes. This brief soaking time effectively loosens any paint residue without compromising the airbrush's internal lubrication, which can be affected by extended exposure to the solution.

Alternative Cleaning Solutions

While the vinegar and water mixture is effective, you can also use a commercial airbrush cleaner or rubbing alcohol if preferred. These alternatives can be beneficial for tougher residues but should be used with caution to avoid any adverse effects on the airbrush components.

Clean the Parts

● Surface Cleaning: Use a damp paper towel to gently wipe down all visible surfaces of each part. For tighter spots and corners, employ a cotton swab to ensure thorough cleaning.
● Needle Care: The needle is particularly sharp, so handle it with care. Clean it by wiping from the back toward the tip to avoid injury.
● Internal Channels: Utilize a small pipe cleaner to clean the internal channels of the airbrush. Select a size that fits snugly, and move it back and forth while rotating to ensure all residue is removed.
● Paint Cup: For the paint cup, use a cotton swab to clean all interior surfaces, including the narrow funnel where the paint exits. If you are working with a siphon-feed airbrush, a slightly wider pipe cleaner may be necessary for the paint feed channel.

Rinse and Dry

Once cleaned, thoroughly rinse all components with warm distilled water to eliminate any residue from the cleaning solution. Place the rinsed parts on a towel to air dry. Gently shake them to remove excess water and expedite drying. It's crucial to ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling the airbrush gun to prevent potential issues caused by moisture.

Step3: Reassembling an Airbrush Gun

Insert the Needle

Start by inserting the needle into the chucking guide from the rear of the airbrush. Gently push it forward, ensuring the pointed end goes in first. As you advance the needle towards the front of the gun, you may feel increased resistance. Stop when the tip is just visible at the front.

If you encounter resistance while inserting the needle, retract it slightly, press and hold the trigger, and then try inserting the needle again. This can resolve issues if the needle is catching on the trigger mechanism.

Install the Nozzle

Next, insert the nozzle. Given its small size, using needle-nosed pliers can make this task easier. Once in place, tighten the nozzle with the small wrench provided with your airbrush. Ensure it is secure, but avoid over-tightening to prevent damage.

Secure the Needle Chucking Nut

Slide the needle chucking nut over the needle until it reaches the threads, with the narrower end facing the back of the gun. Turn the nut to tighten it securely.

Replace the Caps

Carefully position the nozzle cap over the needle tip, ensuring the narrow end points away from the gun, and screw it tightly into place. Next, place the needle cap over the nozzle cap and tighten it securely. If hand-tightening is not enough, use pliers with a light touch to ensure the caps are properly secured.

Attach the Back Cover

Finally, slide the back cover over the needle assembly and screw it tightly into place. This completes the reassembly of the airbrush.

Test the Airbrush Gun

To ensure everything is functioning correctly, add some water to the color cup and perform a test spray. This will confirm that the airbrush is properly reassembled and operational.