Emperor's Furor Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 I was wondering whether IPA is useful when it comes to cleaning airbrushes? I usually use it to strip models but I was thinking of maybe mixing a bit with water or something and putting it through the airbrush to clean out the insides. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffTibbetts Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Never tried that one. I use Windex (can't remember what it's called across the pond, but it's the blue window cleaner) and that works pretty well. I've heard from one person that it can mess with rubber gaskets if you use it too much, but I haven't had any problems with it so far. Never tried IPA myself, but I'm curious if it'd work. I know folks use it to thin their paints (I also use Windex for that sometimes) but I've not heard about cleaning with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aspecti Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 I use Fairy Power Spray mixed with water, works pretty well and it doesn't smell bad :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imren Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 if you have PTFE needle seal (like badger's airbrushes, also Haarder & Steenbeck I think) then you'll be alright, otherwise IPA and mineral oils can melt/decompose the seal around the needle that seals between paint compartment and the needle mechanism. This will cause you paint leaking into the trigger mechanism. You really don't want that. To be on the safe side, best is ethanol or methanol. Or airbrush cleaner fluid. like this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vallejo-Model-200ml-Airbrush-Cleaner/dp/B002X6BNYQ/ref=pd_sim_diy_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=16D6B59050WWVNK47921 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emperor's Furor Posted March 2, 2015 Author Share Posted March 2, 2015 Ok cool thanks, I'll go with the safe option I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW1 Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 IPA and water are the main components of the airbrush cleaner fluid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firepower Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Some paints respond poorly to alcohol. Vallejo gets all gummy, for instance, which is a tad counterproductive. Or at least I hear Vallejo does that. I never use IPA for much of anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MajorKhaos Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 I've never had IPA do anything bad to any of my AB's, irrespective of seal types fitted. However, unless you are using IPA / X20A for thinning your paint, i'd use something else to clean it. Say hello to Mr Muscle. http://www.poundland.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/105271_1.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emperor's Furor Posted March 3, 2015 Author Share Posted March 3, 2015 I use X20A to thin my tamiya paint for my airbrush. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MajorKhaos Posted March 3, 2015 Share Posted March 3, 2015 I use X20A to thin my tamiya paint for my airbrush. Best thing, by design. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanhausen Posted March 4, 2015 Share Posted March 4, 2015 I use IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) both for stripping models and cleaning the airbrush. Paints (like Vallejo) only get gummy in the tool when you use IPA and then water...just like it happens with model stripping. If you take an IPA soaked model and rinse it in water (instead of only IPA)...you'll get a nice gummy paste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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