posted
I read in some past messages that some folks were going to test Rapid Remover for cleaning their airbrush.
Are there any results from those tests yet?
I read on an airbrushing site that for color changes, you could use Windex instead of airbrush cleaner (save a little money). Then you could just use the airbrush cleaner for the "end of the day" cleaning. Anyone else use Windex for this? Or any other product that would be good for a quick rinse between color changes?
By the way, I really dig the Iwata Eclipse and the whole airbrush feel. I'm glad I've been visiting this board or else I may have never given an airbrush a thought. Another reason this board is so good!!!
Thanks for any tips on the airbrush cleaning.
Randy
------------------ Randy Graphic Details Fort Edward, NY
Posts: 381 | From: South Glens Falls, NY USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
Hi, Randy-- I use an airbrush only occasionally, so I am less qualified than most to offer suggestions. What I have found, tho' is clean up depends on what you are using for paint. Enamels- as in One-Shot- I run some enamel reducer thru between colors and at the end of the session flush with lacquer thinner and last run a little WD40 type siicone liquid into it and leave it. Next time, reducer to flush the WD40 out, then use with whatever. With Createx water based sign and auto paint I keep a water bucket with dish washing detergent handy and just poke the brush in that to flush between colors. If I'm going to use it again soon, then I just leave it in the bucket. As an aside, have any of you ever heard of an airbrush called the Chameleon by I think Paasche? It was some sort of multi-tube multi-bottle affair that supposedly allowed for quick color changes with a sort of rotating valve dealie. I never saw one, and don't know if it was accepted in the airbrush community. My thought on the thing was it may be fast color changing, but a bear to clean up all those tubes and bottles.
------------------ Bill Preston Fly Creek, N.Y. USA wpreston2@stny.rr.com
Posts: 943 | From: Fly Creek, N.Y. USA | Registered: Jan 2000
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posted
I guess if you were to use windex for cleaning your airbrush, you better be using water-based paints. I prefer using Rapid Remover for cleaning enamels such as 1-Shot from both hair and air brushes. Since I believe I was the first to try and report this amazing cleaner I have found its usage better then most solvents designed for cleaning from the get-go. I'm sure it will clean waterbased paints as well because Rapid Remover is also wasterbased. The only thing I find it doesn't do very well is cleaning caked on enamels on stiff brushes where as the user doesn't take care of their tools and down the road wants to save them.
My advice to give is that if you take care of your tools, they will take care of you. All the advice that is available for free doesn't amount to diddley if you don't take the time to try it for yourself.
------------------ HotLines Joey Madden,47 years in the Classic Art of Pinstriping Grants Pass, Oregon Learn something...... http://members.tripod.com/Inflite
posted
Randy, The Windex is a great way to keep your brushes cleaned if you are using the waterbased acrylics such as Createx, Aqua Flow, etc. I just find Windex to be a little pricey, but then I was a t-shirt artist for years and went thru a lot of cleaner. I made up my own concoction of windshield cleaner and ammonia. 1 Gal of WS cleaner, pour out enough of it to add 1 pint of ammonia and it works as well or better than Windex and for only about $1.50 for a gallon. I would not recommend using it for color changes. Use distilled water for thinning and between colors and you won't have any problems. Tap water has impurities in it that will cause the paint to coagulate quickly. (Distilled is the way to go.) Then use the cleaner afterwards to clean your brush. If I'm going to let the brush set up for and extended period I always clean it thouroughly. If I'll be using it the next day or so or even a week I may not clean as well and just leave the bottle attached to it with cleaner in the bottle. It's what I call the "Closed" system. If the brush is attached to the bottle and the bottle has cleaner or paint it in then it is essentially closed off from air and will be ready to use again if you don't let it sit for over a week or so. Hope this helps, R.T.
------------------ R.T.Thomas,AirDesigns/Sign And Airbrush Studio rtart@earthlink.net 1209B Corinne St. Hattiesburg,MS 39401 Shop 601-584-1000 Home 601-543-0271 Proud supporter of LETTERVILLE! The best site on the net!! "I yam what I yam and dat's all dat I yam"
Posts: 547 | From: Hattiesburg,MS USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Rapid remover is great for removing anything,I used it to remove freckles off a friend of mine. RIGHT ROGER ! Mixed with water & ice it's a cheap replacement for alcohol also,helps remove the clothes from your date.
------------------ Alan Ladd Atlanta,Ga
[This message has been edited by Aladd (edited July 15, 2001).]
posted
Rapid remover works great for both one shot and Createx in my Paasche airbrushes, and it wont damage the nylon seals inside. Remember, after you clean your airbrush,with whatever you use, spray some WD-40 in it to keep it lubed.You can find info about the cameleon in Airbrush Art and Action, or Airbrush magazine.
------------------ David Overholt RunningDog Artworks 210 Cedar St Pemberville, Ohio aka, doc
posted
Thanks for the info. I apologize for leaving out that I currently use Createx paints. But with this information about cleaning, it's nice to know that I could use my one airbrush with both waterbased and oil based paint.
R.T., I think I'll go get myself a gallon or two of that distilled water, it doesn't get much cheaper than that.
Thanks everyone.
------------------ Randy Graphic Details Fort Edward, NY
Posts: 381 | From: South Glens Falls, NY USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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Mixed with water & ice it's a cheap replacement for alcohol also,helps remove the clothes from your date.
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