How to disassemble and clean your airbrush easy step by step
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- Hi everyone one of the most requested questions I get is on cleaning your airbrush, and I take for granted that I have been doing it so long that tearing it down has become second nature. Here is a quick how to video on cleaning your brush.
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Andy I remember the first time taking apart my airbrush for the first time and was terrified that I'd screw something up. So for all those new people to airbrushing this is a welcomed video. Thank you.
Me now 😢
The bob Ross of airbrushing. So relaxing and informative
Haha yeah, absolutely!
Facts
Here's a good story for you.... I bought my airbrush back in the summer of 2003. It never worked *quite* right. I played with it for a month or so trying to make it spray nice, no luck. Gave up. It's been in storage until about a month ago, when I found it by accident. I pulled it out, tried to clean it by scrubbing it with thinner... no joy. I watched this video, took the brush apart, and what do you know? Someone must have bought it, took it apart and put it back together wrong!
So there you go... you fixed a problem I've had since 2003.
Thanks to the original hobby store for selling me someone else's trainwreck!
Wished I lived in 'Zona so I could be a patron.
When Danny devotio helps you
The story sounds like marriage
I appreciate you efficiently deliver content. So much better than watching 30 minutes for 15 minutes content. Thank you!
I’m 61 I use to put model cars together as a kid but now I’m getting back into model work and never use a air brush this help a lot thank you 👍🏻
As a new guy who just gave his airbrush its first deep clean, thank you for the demonstration and clear instructions! My airbrush is spraying like a dream now.
Hi Andy, greetings from Czech Republic! You have literally saved my wife's cake business by this video! ;-) It’s really helpful (and BTW high quality one!). Wish you all the best!
to be honest, i've seen 2 or 3 or 4 youtubers explaining how to properly clean an airbrush but you went an extra mile to teach us (newbies) how to properly disassemble and reconnect all those tiny parts, thanks very much without your youtube, i could have most likely threw away this newly bought airbrush.....keep it coming please. =)
I am so glad I ran across your video on how to clean your airbrush, I didn't know how to put it back together until I watched how you did it, thank you
Thank you SO much for suggesting we video-tape our first time taking it apart. I have the iwata eclipse and tried taking it apart for the first time after watching your video, and the video I took of myself doing it has been a lifesaver!!!
This is a great video thank you. I’ve just bought my first airbrush so it is definitely useful for me. I’ve just followed your steps and it’s been great.
I really appreciate this video. I have an airbrush for makeup but it didn't come with instructions on how to take it apart for cleaning. This was super helpful and while I'm not fast at putting it back together, I really appreciate knowing my machine is clean! Thanks for the helpful tutorial!
Thank you so much for the assistance in taking my airbrush apart. Now if I can get the air flow to work I would be a happy man.
I know this video is older, but I "acquired" my husband's old Paasche airbrush (he's had it for about 4 or 5 years) recently and the spring and "button" are designed almost identical to this. I wish I had found this video yesterday when I was taking the brush apart because SOMEONE put it away with paint dried in it. I used the schematic in the instruction booklet to take it apart and put it back together, but this is much clearer! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I look forward to watching more of your videos. I'm not a model builder, but I'd like to get into some airbrush/mixed media kind of thing.
I just got my Tamiya airbrush cleaner today and it worked wonders for me! Your tutorial video was very helpful. Thank you so much!
Hey Andy! I will be diving head first into my mini-collection of 1:35 scale armor once my final college year is over in May. I am completely new to modelling so I have been stocking up on tools and materials for when I have time to begin modelling. I will be airbrushing the majority of my models so this tutorial was much appreciated and very insightful!
- Thanks from Ireland!
Good job and information Andy. I know many will be harumping about "everyone knows that" but trust me not only the new modelers out there but some of us older modelers can use the info. OK, ya got me, I Forgot exactly some of the steps and now I know how to get great results......sometimes re-learning things can be a good thing
I GOT BACK INTO MODEL BUILDING A COUPLE YEARS AGO AFTER A VERY LONG ABSENCE, AND JUST STARTED AIRBRUSHING WITHIN THE LAST YEAR OR SO.
THANX VERY MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO ANDY, ITS A HUGE HELP FOR US AIRBRUSH BEGINNERS.
AND OF COURSE, THANX FOR ALL THE TIME YOU SPEND DOING ALLLL OF YOUR VIDEOS
Man finally a great video on how to clean an airbrush!!!! Straight to point!!!! Thanks!!!!!
Im super new to this. This video saved my vibe and mood for the rest of my life probably. THANK YOU SO MUCH SIR !!! i thought my airbrush is broken because it only sprayed when i played with the trigger around, while cleaning i realized how frickin clogged it was! Thank you so much. This video is a blessing for the whole hobby community. Again. Thank you.
Thanks Andy. Been following your videos for a while and just getting into airbrushing. Never too old a dog to learn new tricks!
This was so informative thank you so much for making and sharing this video. I’m about to purchase my airbrush and compressor and I wanted to make sure I know what I’m doing.
Thank you, This really helped me getting my air brush back together again with all the parts in the right place, you are a saviour.
Super helpful video, thank you! Just successfully took apart and reassembled my first ever cheapo airbrush with the help of this video.
I recently got an airbrush and this video has helped me sooooo much and saved me so much hassle. Thanks
Hi Andy,
Thank you for your airbrush cleaning video.
I am new to airbrush spraying as to date I have relied solely on rattlecans to supply colour for my diecast toy restoration hobby.
I have a Fengda airbrush which until now had no idea how to dismantle and clean properly but thanks to your video I can now confidently take it apart, clean and reassemble ready for the next step in spraying paint.
Very much appreciated,
David.
Thank You once again for an awesome video. But for once I have a (valid?) comment. My first air-brush was the Iwata HP-CS and it sprayed like a dream but cleaning/stripping it was, and still is, a nightmare. Then I got a Harder & Steenbeck Infinity CR-Plus 2-1. It's taken apart fingers only, has PTFE (=Teflon) seals/O-rings, a snap release needle stop/preset, two size needles+noozles, three different needle caps, two intercangeable paint-cup sizes and a tripple chromeplate protection. Most of that is extra to the Iwata at an insane cost. If you like me only plan to own 1 air-brush I highly recommend it to newcomers as the High-End air-brush that won't get you frustrated. Still use the Iwata but only for varnishes. Note: I live in EU where the Harder & Steenbeck might be easier to get your hands on. Again Awesome video!
Hi, I'm new to airbrushing and have only used it 3 times so far, however airbrush decided not to work so had to strip it down, this video was invaluable as I was really struggling to put it back together. Really enjoying your videos on tanks, I've been an aircraft modeller mainly but will be giving tanks a try now, thanks again for this one though, ps from Perth Scotland
Anthony, that's exactly the same for me! I'm off to properly clean my brush now... (PS from Huntly, but now living in OZ.)
@@chrishewitt4220 hi mate, they are a great series of videos that I have got a lot from, my in laws are in Perth in Oz too !
@@anthonymitchell3225, I'm in NSW an hour from Canberra!
Just picked up a portable generic wireless airbrush and this has been fantastic for learning the details on reassembly and cleaning.
Really appreciate your video. Never having taken mine apart before, you have demystified the job. Many thanks.
I use these airbrushes for my press on nails. Very thorough demonstration THANKYOU!
Hey Andy been out of the hobby due to a stroke your videos are really helping me remember to things I used to live to do. Really Luke your painting process
Something about this really made me stop and think. We take do much for granted until it's gone. I hope you got better and built a nice model.
I watched this a number of times. Believe me it helped. I have a spray works too..part 6 the trigger guide was a little tricky at first ..but I got it. I found your Lysol and a spray pot very helpful. Thanks.
Thanks Andy what great video. I'm a model railroad guy but I have learned a lot watching how you do things thanks again
Thanks Andy, now my clogged up airbrush is working just fine!
This video helped me so much, thank you! I'm new to airbrushing. I took mine apart to clean it and then wasn't sure how to put it back together once I had all the parts out. Thank you again!
Our man of the year boys! Always puts great stuff for all of us - around the model world to watch and enjoy.
Thank you for this! I recently bought a airbrush for my model cars and this really helped
Thank you so much, i has been using angelus leather paint for about a year and my airbrush was pretty much unuseable before i watched this video
This video was a life saving video THANK GOD FOR IT I COULDNT FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET IT BACK TOGETHER…THANKS SO MUCH
I bought a airbrush and have not used it yet so I do appreciate the video showing how to clean it.
Videos like these are so helpful - thank you for making this info available to us!
This is the best airbrush cleaning video I've seen, it's brilliant!
This a great video Andy I always learn a lot from your videos keep up the videos
Very helpful video, I was able to disassemble and assemble my airbrush back again with this.
Thanks Andy for the info, for years I used a Paasche type H for all of my models with OK results then about a year ago I bought a Iwata Neo that has given me results that I never got with the H. I always thought I was getting it clean but after watching the video I went through it again and couldn't believe how dirty it was, working like new again.
Thank You.
Awesome video man, I got my airbrush kit coming today so I'm excited to get started
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Finally found a video that describes stripping and ckeaning fully and clearly. Also seen your video on thinning paint. Now i now what I've been doing wrong.
Life saver! I’ve owned an airbrush for at least a year, and I never knew how to clean them (and I had to throw 2 away-lol) ! Thank you!
Thanks, Andy! I have a Harder & Steenbeck airbrush and have never used it...now I think I will. Thanks for the video!
Iv not got an airbrush kit yet iv been watching these so I know what I’m doin very helpful
Just wanted to thank you for this step by step!
Thanks Andy. Pretty usefull for a begginner like me! Highly appreciated.
Good tutorial Andy for those folks who are afraid to disassemble an airbrush for cleaning. I thoroughly field strip and clean my airbrushes every single time I use them. When changing colors I always flush forwards and backwards, remove the needle and tip and rinse them out then re-assemble and move on. The one tip I suggest is when disassembling is to place all parts into a small shallow container so they don't get eaten up by the carpet (concrete) monster. I have a concrete floor in my basement where my hobby bench is located and it always amazes me how far metal parts can bounce and roll on a hard floor. I've lost a few tips, end screws and trigger parts to the carpet monster and those parts can be awfully expensive to replace. Cheers to you and thanks for your great vids!!
William Logan Thank you for the insight. I was going to ask if the airbrush should be cleaned after each use. It sounds like that is probably the best thing to do.
It's a practice I follow religiously which keeps the spray patterns consistent and the flow smooth. I will say that I only use acrylic water based paints and never have a problem.
Empty a shop vac and run over your entire floor, check the collection for your tips.
I have never owned an airbrush but I'm looking at getting one soon for model building. I see that you clean it out with every color change, which is a great idea. Is it always necessary to do that? I used to build models as a child and into my early 20's, but it's been at least 10-12 years since I have built one, so I know it will take time to get used to an airbrush. Any suggestion on what type or brand I should buy for a beginner? Any tips would be great from anyone. Feel free to message me to talk more. Thank you all.
I'm not Andy, but I'll give my two cents...
An airbrush is like any car, some you like, some you hate. certain people like certain things in a car, others could care less about the very same things. Point is, what makes a good airbrush for some, makes very little difference to no difference for others. If I were you, I'd eat and devour everything on the internet about the three major brands first, (Itawa, Badger, Harder & Steinbeck, then work out into some of the other more obscure brands and Chinese copies, after thoroughly learning everything there is to know about the lines that the top three produce. Badger makes three very good airbrushes which cover the gamut for the hobbyist, The Sotar 20/20, the Patriot 105, and the Krome. Itawa has a similar matchup and is also very good, though priced a bit higher. Harder & Steinbeck carries a good lineup too. Some people like Itawa for the feel of the airbrushes they make, and others like the utilitarianism of the Badger design, still others want an airbrush that has a good trigger design such as that of the Harder & Steinbeck's.
Besides the "feel" of the airbrush in your hand, there is how it shoots paint, and what size models are you going to be painting, are they glossy, are you delivering just solid colors, or will you be doing detailing with the airbrush? The purpose for your gun will dictate how good a job it will perform for you. If all you are doing is clear coats and flat colors, then a Patriot 105 with a 0.5 needle may be all you require. If you are doing detailed presiding and camouflage, or exhaust marks, then you may have need for a Krome or a Sotar. Point is, pick an airbrush which will match your needs in modeling. I have four guns, and I am planning to get an HVLP (mini air gun/ paint sprayer) for larger applications. Each gun in my collection has its own special range for use, and I bought them with that very purpose in mind. Not all of them are top of the line, but they are good quality guns which I can keep for a very long time, even if I upgrade to a better / more expensive one.
An airbrush does require that you clean it after every use, but not all paints require a total breakdown of the gun for cleaning. Between colors, for example, all you need do is rinse cleaner through the gun and rinse out the color before going to the next color, but after a session, I always make sure to do an extra backwashing and check the needle and nozzle for paint buildup. This would not be true if you are going from a clear to a color, some paint types are incompatible with each other and need a good backwash before you go into them following another type of paint. I try to learn everything about a paint I can, such as what types of solvents are present in the paint, the makeup of the base, its thinner needed and so on.
Thanks for the help, us beginners need all the help.
Thank you, this is very good video I ever watch about cleaning the airbrush, I wanted to buy a new one to start painting my scale models however not sure how to clean it. And the small parts of the air brushes, you just share whatever information I need. Keep it up and thank you
Recent first timer with an airbrush so this was a very useful vid, thanks for brilliant demo. Stuart
Thanks Andy! Just picked up my airbrush and had to take it apart. This has helped a lot!
Great video really helped me clean the gunk out of my airbrush.
Thank you - this is incredibly helpful and demystifies the process for beginners like me.
great how to,,,thanks...I have found a good way to clean....I got some bad white paint from a local craft store that totally clogged up my airbrush...I may add I did reduce the paint as per bottle....even the trigger was stuck....caused a real ruckus...the paint turned to molasses in a matter of minutes....I had found this stuff called airbrush restorer....I completely disassemble my airbrush and soaked all the parts in a small tub of that stuff....after about an hour of soaking is the restorer....it was all but perfectly clean...like brand new....just rinsed with tap water and reassembled...worked like new....needless to say that white paint went into the trash.
You are the best teacher or explainer I've seen on You Tube. I want to start airbrushing and your video here is so relaxing and most of all there is no music. You explain things slowly and to the point. I am a complete newbie so I am trying to learn as much as I can. I think I will get the Iwata Revolution model. I have this huge Titanic model 1/350th scale and I want something that will handle the large hull. would I need a .03 or .05 nozzle tip?
Thanks a ton for this video Andy. Very helpful for us new guys. You are the man!
Outstanding video! Thank you Andy. You should consider rolling out a new T-shirt with the logo "Andy's College of Modeling Knowledge." We'll be visiting relatives in Phoenix later this spring so I'll make it a point to visit the shop. Best Regards, Patrick Steinmetz
Liturally just bought my furst airbrush. Thankyou.
Loved this video. My brush is a Master model G233 and whilst chrome was very similar to the black one you showed with the stop adjuster. However that little flapper that sits behind the thumb control was completely separate. Kinda had me thrown for a while, but after rewatching your rear down and reassembly was able to get it all back together again. Even though I had cleaned it after I last used it (some 6 months ago) I still cleaned it like you suggested and wow! did I get some gunk out of it.
Thanks for an excellent tutorial 👍👍👍
Thank you, as a beginner, this was very helpful to me.
Cheers for this, a very clear and concise guide! Now I am less scared of my airbrush!
I just want to say I am so glad I found your channel. You have made it so easy for me to get back into this hobby. Now I just have to convince the old lady to not yell at me when I buy a new aircraft kit. LOL!! But again Thank you sir!! Keep modeling on and making new videos.
James D'Amico
San Antonio, Texas
Thanks for this video. This has helped me a great deal with learning how to take mine apart and putting it back together. One thing that I have to note is that the spring piece in the back of the button that opens the air valve and the paint valves is a bit tricky and goes in a certain way.
But anywho, thanks for showing this again and I hope to see some more vids like this and such.
Thank you Andy, very clear and helpful video from a first time airbrush user.
Thanks for the info Iv just started doing airbrush work and Iv found using a small paint brush to clean helps too just for changing colour
Thank you Andy, just got into airbrushing,
Thank you so much!! This was a life saver!
2nd hand airbrush had the trigger bar pointing backwards not down being new didnt realise till watching this many thanks
I use Vallejo cleaner, and it's pretty good
The pink top tamiya cleaner is great. I always spray a small amount after I’m done... Since I’ve been doing this i haven’t had that embarrassing stuck needle if i haven’t airbrushed in a while
Thanks for another great video.
I'm pretty new to this, but when I take the airbrush apart I use the tiny wrench that came with the airbrush to remove the nozzle, which then lets me poke the "pipe cleaner" brush down the hollow stem of the brush from the front.
And you're damn right about the Tamiya Cleaner - nearly knocked my head off first time.
I never thought of using general cleaner. Just shows that these "Back to Basic" vids always are great to watch.
Once again - many thanks.
Back when I was behind the counter I would generally recommend 👌 a single action external mix airbrush for modeling use.
Easier cleaning was one of the reasons why.
Another excellent video from Andy...
Awesome video. I just bought that airbrush and am about to start using it. Thanks.
I am new to the hobby and def picked up some really useful tips, thanks
Thanks Andy, Just bought my first airbrush and having lots of problems. Perfect timing
Nice demo, thanks Andy
Gonna be using my airbrush for the first time soon using tamiya acrylic paints the cleaning is kinda a little worry I want to do it right and clean it right so very helpful
Awesome Andy - thanks heaps- using an Expo airbrush- these cleaning instructions were perfect- just brilliant!
Great tutorial Andy! I personally done use the wrench for the nozzle, because it breaks so easily, fingernails do the job for me :)
Very useful video, thanks. Good to know how to do this properly, and using the right cleaning products.
Another excellent video! I'm in need of a excellent airbrush cleaner, and looks like the Tamiya stuff is what I need. Thanks Andy!
Thanks Andy we all can use a refresher
Great video for beginners. May be you can do a more advanced part 2 on lubing, dealing with the O-rings, checking the air valve and Sonic cleaners. I had a lot of trouble airbrushing until I learnt to clean them properly and regularly.
I bought an inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner at harbor freight and use it, with simple green, every few months. I use Tamiya acrylics exclusively.
Another excellent beginner video Andy. I followed right along and I’m confident in my brush cleaning technique now. Thanks again !
Extremely useful tips! Thanks Andy.
Thank you for your explanation. It was very helpful 👍🏼
This was great and exactly what I needed as a new user to airbrushing. Thanks!
Great videos Andy
Excellent video Andy, just a bit of constructive criticism if you don’t mind. Might pay to pour/decant a bit of the airbrush cleaner into a smaller container like a test tube, and then dip the cotton bud and cleaning brush in it. This will not contaminate your main bottle of airbrush cleaner and preserve it a bit longer. Thank you.
Glad i watched this again. I was installing the trigger wrong
Thanks for this! I have hit a point that if my painting is going to get better I need to move to an airbrush but I was hesitant because I didn't really understand what was involved.
We don't have the Lysol product here, but I found that methylated spirits works extremely well with Tamiya paints. I have dispensed some into a small spritzer type bottle and just spritz a small amount of the spirits into the bowl of my airbrush and then spray it out when I want to change from one colour to the next. I also use it when cleaning the airbrush like you did here. A further item that I use are the round disposable make up remover pads that women use. These are super cheap and ideal for cleaning needles and the inside of the bowl. I also use the pads for cleaning brushes.