Good results and a long, dependable service from your airbrush depend on how well you take care of it. Aside from taking care not to drop it or crush it with something heavy, the most important part of maintaining an airbrush is cleaning it. For people familiar with guns or other types of mechanical machinery, cleaning includes regularly disassembling it, wiping, oiling or coating each part with the appropriate chemical, then putting it back together again properly. To take proper care of the airbrush, the first simple step is to read the manufacturer's manual and get to know the different parts, how they fit together and what to clean them with.
There are two ways to clean an airbrush: regular, in-use cleaning, and special periodic or “deep” cleaning. Regular cleaning is what you do whenever you use it. One expert advises to “clean it while it's wet” to avoid a lot of problems later. The steps to remember for this type of cleaning are:
Clean whenever you change colors. Dump the excess color out of the cup and pour cleaning solution into it. Wipe the cup using paper towels or a cotton swab. Add cleaning solution to the cup and spray it through the airbrush until it runs clear. Pour out whatever solution is left and spray until dry.
Clean whenever a job is finished. Follow the procedure for cleaning when you change colors. Then, carefully remover the needle and wipe it clean. Replace the needle and spray the cleaning solution through the airbrush until dry. Caution: the airbrush needle is extremely sharp so great care must be exercised in handling the needle.
Do periodic deep cleaning. Set aside a specific date to do deep cleaning. Allow enough time to deep clean the airbrush. Make sure all the materials needed for cleaning the airbrush are ready and well arranged. Disassemble the airbrush. Examine every part for damage and replace the damaged parts. Clean the nozzle with a toothpick and the paint passage with a cleaning brush. Clean the cup the way it is done when changing colors. Reassemble the airbrush.
Some practical tips to remember are:
Do not soak the entire airbrush. You may soak some of the individual parts but not the entire unit. Soaking dissolves the lubricant that keeps the airbrush functioning smoothly.
Do not use cleaning solutions with ammonia. Ammonia reacts with the brass core of the airbrush.
Solvents can dissolve many of the o-rings in the airbrush.
Since the airbrush doesn't operate without an air supply, regular maintenance of the compressor should also be carried out. If the compressor itself is not functioning properly, it should be brought to a qualified technician for repairs. Otherwise, maintenance should be carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The corollary components of the compressor system should be checked and cleaned. These consist of the hose, trap and filter and the connections. If any of these are defective, they should be repaired or replaced.
There are a number of instructional videos on YouTube which can help familiarize you with the proper way to clean the airbrush and even take you step-by-step through the entire process.