How to Clear the Hole of Airbrush Nozzle

Clean equipment is essential to airbrush artists. Whether you're airbrushing a T-shirt, an automobile or a piece of artwork, a simple nozzle clog can ruin your hard work. To prevent this type of frustration, it's handy to learn how to clear the hole of an airbrush nozzle and to do so repeatedly while using the equipment.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Airbrush
• Air hose
• Air compressor
• Sewing needle
• Cotton swabs
• Paint thinner or mineral spirits

1. Insert a simple sewing needle into the hole to scrape and remove small paint flakes at the nozzle's edge.

2. Use paint thinner to remove all paint from the airbrush. Partially fill the reservoir with a mixture of paint thinner or mineral spirits and water. Blow out the thinner into a disposal receptacle for hazardous materials. For thick, dried-on paint, apply at full strength.

3. Dip cotton swabs in mineral spirits or paint thinner and carefully remove every speck of dried paint from the airbrush's crevices. You may need to take it apart to reach all areas. Allow the airbrush to dry completely before reassembly.

4. Reassemble the airbrush and blow out the line before adding paint. If any minute flecks remain in the line, they can loosen with the air flow and exit the airbrush.

5. Add paint and work on your creation. Blow out the lines. Clean the tip whenever changing colors and as necessary when the paint becomes tacky. When you're finished, clean the airbrush thoroughly to avoid problems with the next use.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with clean equipment. If you see any leftover paint from a previous use, clean it thoroughly. Even dried paint flakes can eject at inopportune moments.
• Disassemble the airbrush for cleaning, if necessary. Read the manufacturer's instructions for your particular model before taking it apart. Disassembly is not an option for all models.