Airbrush cleaners

[crazyjim]

I've recently started using my old Badger 200 airbrush. I take the tip off and the needle thing out and clean them after each use. I've seen an airbrush cleaner that looks interesting. It looks like a bottle and I guess you spray the airbrush into it to clean. Has anybody used one? Are they any good? Hobby Lobby has it for $18 and I can get 40% off next week.

[kyledr330]

Jim, just get yourself a empty 2 liter plastic bottle and drill a hole in it so your airbrush head will fit into it and spray your cleaners in it. It's free and does the same thing those airbrush "cleaners" do.

[crazyjim]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Looks like I just saved myself some money at Hobby Lobby. Maybe I'll put the money I saved on the cleaner towards a new airbrush. Any suggestions there? My Badger 200 is a bottom feed, single action. I'm not sure if a dual action is what I want or need.

[MikeMc]

I use a 3 lb coffee can filled with newspapers. Drill 2each 1/2 " holes in the side , Spray in one hole the other acts as a vent. Thinner stays in the paper...dispose of paper in a metal can.

Now send me $15.00 and spend the rest on yourself!!

Edited January 31, 2010 by MikeMc

[Bill Eh?]

Jim, if single action is what you are accustomed to, why switch. Do some quick research on single action brushes and find the replacement you like. Just my thoughts. Bill

[Steven Zimmerman]

I did 1/1 custom painting for 30 years,and used just about every airbrush out there-single action and double action- I ended up using the double all the time for murals and fades,highlights,etc.....but when I paint plastic (or resin,which I do a LOT).....I always find myself coming back to my old Paasche single action. I found I could do everything I wanted to do with it; it was the 'best' tool for me. I think my point is -Use whatever works for ya,if you're satisfied with the results you're getting now.....why change ? I think some people search and search for the perfect 'miracle cure' solution,when the problem is in their technique-(If you don't know how to paint,or your technique is sloppy,a better/differant airbrush won't make you a better painter.'nuff said. BTW Tip for cleaning airbrush- Go to your auto supply store and buy a can of spray carb cleaner,and spray it through your brush when you're done;stick the nozzle (with that long thin red tube thingie in the paint oriface of your gun and spray while releasing air for about 10 secs....whambam,gun is clean as a whistle ! I used to disassemble my brushes after every paint session;Istill do but find there is no reason to that stuff dissolves ALL paint residue in the gun,and as far as I can tell,it doesn't deteriorate any intrenal parts (like that 'lil 'O' ring) ..... Works to clean any residue off the outside of the tool also..............

[Thom]

And if things do build up on the inside, go find a friend that plays guitar or base. They replace their strings on a regular basis and throw the old ones away. These things are springy stainless and come in various diameters. They are great for sticking in places to clean things out.

Thom

[midwest 1953]

I've recently started using my old Badger 200 airbrush. I take the tip off and the needle thing out and clean them after each use. I've seen an airbrush cleaner that looks interesting. It looks like a bottle and I guess you spray the airbrush into it to clean. Has anybody used one? Are they any good? Hobby Lobby has it for $18 and I can get 40% off next week.

I have a Badger 200 (single action ) and a 150 ( double action) ... the 200 does as good a job as any for painting car bodies...

I s pray testors, Model Master, and Humbrol thru mine.. use hardware store mineral spirits to clean...

A friend uses WATER_BASED acrylics....he has a one gallon milk jug with part of the top cut off...fills full of water..

Takes the paint cup off, emerses the front end up to the air hose under water, and sprays under the water, sucking water in thru the fill hole...

[Tommy Kortman]

Jim,

I curently use a Badger 150 and I also have a Sotar 20/20, Both work pretty good. And while you technique is critical, there is something to be said for the quality of the brush. I have been using these 2 brushes for awhile now, and thought they were great (they are good), but recently I had the opertunity to try one of the new Badger Renegade line. There is no comparison. I had been saving up for an Iwata, but after trying the Renegade series I will be buying one of them instead. They have 3 types. Top, side, and bottom feed. The trigger action is very smooth and consistant. Good spraying.

[crazyjim]

Went to Hobby Lobby yesterday and passed on the airbrush cleaner. They had single and a double action Iwata airbrushes and passed on them too. I'm going to keep using my Badger 200. I've used it 3 times now and am still getting the hang of it. Maybe when I know more I'll be dangerous enough to know what I want.