You can make effective airbrush cleaner for acrylic paint using a few readily available and affordable ingredients.
Here's a breakdown of how to create your own airbrush cleaner, based on the provided references:
DIY Airbrush Cleaner Recipes
The key is to use a liquid that will effectively break down acrylic paint without damaging your airbrush. Here are the main ingredients that the reference suggests:
- De-ionised water: This is a very cheap and widely available option. You can find it in most supermarkets for around 50p a litre.
- Windscreen washer fluid: The neat kind that you dilute yourself is best.
- Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA or Rubbing Alcohol): Easily obtainable online from places like Amazon or eBay.
These ingredients can be combined in different ways to achieve effective cleaning. Here's a table showing some mixing suggestions:
| Cleaner Type | Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Rinse | De-ionised water | Great for quick rinses between color changes. |
| Everyday Cleaner | 50% De-ionised water and 50% Windscreen washer fluid | A good general-purpose cleaner. |
| Heavy-Duty Cleaner | 50% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) and 50% De-ionised water | For tougher paint clogs and dried paint. Use with caution, and do not soak your airbrush for prolonged periods. |
How to Use Your DIY Airbrush Cleaner
- Between Colors: Use de-ionised water to rinse your airbrush between colors. This helps prevent color contamination.
- Routine Cleaning: After your painting session, use the Everyday Cleaner mix to thoroughly flush your airbrush.
- Pour cleaner into the paint cup.
- Spray through the airbrush until the fluid runs clear.
- Use cotton swabs or brushes dipped in the cleaner to clean the needle, nozzle, and other parts.
- Stubborn Clumps: If you have a stubborn clog, you can use the Heavy-Duty Cleaner (50/50 mix of IPA and de-ionized water), or gently remove the nozzle/needle and soak in the cleaner for a short amount of time.
- Caution: Do not soak rubber or plastic parts in IPA for an extended amount of time, as it may damage them.
Practical Tips and Insights
- Always dilute: It is essential to dilute more aggressive cleaners like IPA to prevent damage to your airbrush.
- Regular Maintenance: Frequent cleaning prevents paint build-up and keeps your airbrush functioning smoothly.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation when using IPA as the fumes can be strong.
- Testing: It's always wise to test your cleaner mix on a small, inconspicuous part of your airbrush first to ensure compatibility.
- Safety First: Always read and follow the safety instructions that come with any cleaning fluid you are using.
By combining these ingredients and techniques, you can create an affordable and efficient airbrush cleaning solution for acrylic paints, keeping your equipment in top condition.
