How to clean an airbrush yourself? How much pressure do you need for an airbrush?

There are several ways to clean an airbrush. After each staining, the composition is poured into a separate container, after which the trigger is pulled several times with the nozzle closed. But sometimes more thorough washing may be necessary. How to act in both cases is described in this material.

Partial cleaning

After each use, the airbrush is partially cleaned. This is necessary to maintain the container in good condition (even if the same paint is used).

The instructions on how to wash an airbrush are quite simple:

1. Pour the paint into a temporary container - this can be a small glass. It is strictly forbidden to pour it back into the container in which it was purchased. In this case, the entire contents will dry out, because the drained residue contains a solvent.
2. Next, water or alcohol is poured into the container of the airbrush itself, depending on the type of paint. Add in a small amount, as this is quite enough.
3. Press the trigger while closing the nozzle with your finger. Repeat this action 3-4 times.
4. Drain the paint from the container.
5. The remaining solvent is poured onto a rag to soak the remaining paint after draining. She should also treat the body and other parts where there are smudges.

Complete cleaning

Pressure for an airbrush plays a big role, since the quality of painting depends on it.If the device is clogged, it begins to “spit” and the pressure settings are lost. This indicates severe blockage and the need for complete cleaning. It is usually needed in cases where the device is used for too long, for example, for 4-5 hours in a row.

For the cleaning procedure, different tools and materials are used:

• a special needle;
• brushes (a set is often included with the device);
• socket wrench;
• old rags;
• solvent, for example white spirit;
• An alternative to pipe cleaners is a wooden stick with a pointed end (you can use a toothpick).

The main way to clean an airbrush from acrylic paint is as follows:

1. First you need to remove the handle, that is, the rear element.
2. After this, loosen the needle by turning the collet clamp.
3. Pull the needle out through the front. It is better to act in this way, because thanks to this there are not so many parts to clean inside.
4. Remove the nozzle cap and the nozzle itself.
5. All parts are immersed in an airbrush cleaner - that is, a solvent, for example, white spirit.
6. Simply rinsing the parts is not enough - the nozzle must also be cleaned using a special soft and thin needle. You need to work carefully so as not to damage the expensive nozzle.
7. Then unscrew the guide needle and remove the trigger.
8. The main means of cleaning the airbrush at this stage is brushes. They are used to clean the body and internal surfaces.
9. The final stage is washing and rinsing. The remaining solvent is removed with a rag. You can use new cotton swabs instead. If the place is narrow and difficult to reach, use toothpicks.
10. Then the device is assembled, acting in the opposite sequence. When the trigger is installed, the rod is treated with lubricant.If the tool will not be used for a long time, it is better to store it disassembled.

Pressure setting

Another important question is how much pressure is needed for the airbrush and how to set it correctly. First of all, you need to remember that normal operation requires a pressure in the range of 1-3 atm. In this case, most often the range is narrower - from 1.2 to 1.5 atm.

The specific value depends mainly on the consistency and type of paint itself. If the composition is thick, it is more difficult for it to pass through the nozzle. Accordingly, more pressure will be required. If the composition, on the contrary, is liquid, the pressure should be less. Otherwise, the tool will start to “spit”, and then the airbrush will need to be cleaned unexpectedly.

To ensure optimal pressure, compressed air cans or compressors should be used. They are connected to the tool using a flexible hose. An airbrush is often used for professional purposes. Then it is recommended to purchase a gearbox and a pressure gauge. The equipment will allow you to easily adjust the pressure.

It is clear how to wash the airbrush. The device needs to be cleaned after each use. And if it “spits” or the pressure changes sharply, you need to disassemble it and carry out a complete rinsing. If necessary, worn parts are replaced. It is better to purchase them in the same stores where the airbrush itself was purchased.