Cleaning

Jimmyfingerz

Mac-Valve Maestro!
Hi everyone
So I have learned how to strip and clean my airbrush which is a Iwata HP-c plus.No problems breaking it down to clean other than that tiny nozzle getting lost in between my sausage fingers!
It is just doing a quick clean I could do with some tips on. I’m finding just running water through I always seem to have some paint left over after misting to clear the brush. It’s like there is always a tiny bit of residue paint left in the brush.
I think maybe when I run water or cleaner through it maybe I need to increase the psi?
Sorry for such a basic question, i’d just sooner no I am looking after it correctly.
I am using com-arts acrylics to practice with which i’m mainly using the opaque black.....
Thanks in advance :D
 
Yeah bump your pressure up when you rinse and spray.
This might sound dumb but, are you back flushing?

Just in case;
, take the crown cap off, pull back the trigger and spray. stick your finger over the tip to block it until it bubbles back up in the cup. Then block ,unblock,block,unblock etc.

Sorry if this is overly obvious.
 
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I’m a bit dumb as i’ve owned an airbrush for a day now.
Back flushing and crown are two things i’ve not heard :(
I have been pulling the needle back via the chuck at the back then flushing that way.
I shall have a read about back flushing.
Thank you
 
Its pretty simple- just like Robby said, you just block the nozzle with your finger and gently pull the trigger back. If you are doing it correctly, you will see bubbles coming up in the paint cup. Be careful or you might get a face full of paint! (Don't ask me how I know this ;) )

Some airbrushes have holes in the nozzle that dont allow you to do this- you can buy little rubber caps that slip over the nozzle and make it easier to seal.

Oh yeah, again depending on your airbrush, be careful not to stab your finger with the needle... its kinda painful for your needle ;)
 
Crown cap is the bit on the end that looks like a crown, it normally protects the needle but its difficult to back flush with it still on. You can get a little rubber cap like Jurien said or you can also just take it off when you back flush. You'll probably inadvertently stab yourself at least a few times :)
I just take it off start spraying full blast then block unblock with my finger. holding it full on the whole time so i dont stab myself.
 
Thanks for the input guys, you are all awesome.
Well I have now learned how to backflush and it works a treat so thanks for that.
I have probably spent more time trying to clean it than practice with my dots and lines lol
Just want to make sure i’m looking after it how I should be is all.
My dots are coming on massively, lines are a bit rubbish due to sitting down while I work, new work station should be here Wednesday so I’ll be practice,practice,practice......
Have any of you bought the airbrush control tutorial from airbrush tutor if you don’t mind me asking.
I’m thinking of buying it but just wondering on any of your opinions if it’s worth the $167?

Thanks again :thumbsup:
 
Already have been Jurien thanks, would you say to just clean the needle at the end of a session or a few times during a session?
 
I've not tried that tutorial, but i'm pretty confident that any of the ABT products would not be wasting your money.
That reminds me, I need to buy the perfect eye one.


I’ve watched his beginner tuts and like his style of teaching plus he’s a very funny guy so I wouldn’t get bored of his teaching methods. Think i’ll stick to getting my control down for a few weeks then take the plunge.
 
I typically wipe mine down any time I do a flush. I'm not a huge believer in flushing myself, it doesn't really do much for me. I'm probably too worried about it or doing something wrong! It amazes me how much paint is still on the needle when I pull it out after a thorough flushing.
 
Already have been Jurien thanks, would you say to just clean the needle at the end of a session or a few times during a session?

If you're working really long sessions like working all day at it you pull out the needle and clean it if you think there is drop in usual performance, otherwise just clean it when youre done for the day.

I usually apply a little oil to the front 2 cm of the needle and then wipe it straight off again, this helps with tip dry, I will do this several times in a session at the first sign of tip dry.
 
If you're working really long sessions like working all day at it you pull out the needle and clean it if you think there is drop in usual performance, otherwise just clean it when youre done for the day.

I usually apply a little oil to the front 2 cm of the needle and then wipe it straight off again, this helps with tip dry, I will do this several times in a session at the first sign of tip dry.

Can you give me some tell tail signs of tip dry please Malky if you have time?
 
Tip dry is easy to spot... your brush will start spraying funny. It may spider or sputter or otherwise just not work right. My suggestion of pulling the needle will allow you to examine the tip, and you will see a coating of paint right on the tip. You can pinch it with your fingers, or use a q-tip to remove it without pulling the needle.
 
Tip dry is easy to spot... your brush will start spraying funny. It may spider or sputter or otherwise just not work right. My suggestion of pulling the needle will allow you to examine the tip, and you will see a coating of paint right on the tip. You can pinch it with your fingers, or use a q-tip to remove it without pulling the needle.

Thank you
I shall pay attention as i’m working to look for signs.
 
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