How to Clean an Iwata Revolution Airbrush
The Iwata Revolution Series airbrush is an uncomplicated, inexpensive tool--well known by the art industry. Like any other airbrush, paint is forced with air pressure through small openings. Paint will clog the small openings if the airbrush is not regularly cleaned. Manufacturer-recommended cleaning solution is first forced through the airbrush, just as if you are painting. The airbrush is then disassembled and individual parts are cleaned.
Things You'll Need
- Iwata Revolution Manual and Parts Guide
- Air compressor and air hose
- Cleaning solution
- Emery cloth
- Clean rags
- Pipette
- Small dental brush, used to clean between teeth
- Cotton swabs
- Small cup
- 6 inches of cotton string
- Soap (bar)
Instructions
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1
Attach the airbrush to the air hose on the compressor. Fill the paint cup on the airbrush with cleaning solution, using a pipette. Depress and pull back the button-valve on the airbrush to force the cleaning fluid through the airbrush. Continue spraying into an appropriate receptacle until the paint cup is empty. Remove the air hose from the airbrush.
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2
Disassemble the airbrush by unscrewing the handle, paint cup, and nozzle assembly. Place the nozzle and washer in a small cup and put cleaning fluid in the cup, just to cover airbrush parts. Allow the nozzle to soak while you are cleaning the rest of the airbrush. Gently remove the needle by pulling it out through the nozzle end of the airbrush.
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3
Wipe the needle clean with a soft rag and a little cleaning solution. While the airbrush is disassembled, check for scratches or a bend in the needle. To repair scratches, rub the needle with an emery cloth. Avoid vigorous rubbing, as this may harm by changing the shape of the needle. Gently straighten the needle with your hands, if needed. Check for a bend by rolling the needle across a smooth, flat surface. A straight needle will roll smoothly.
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4
Clean the paint cup with a rag and cleaning solution. Use a cotton swab and cleaning solution to remove paint from the narrow funnel and pipe at the bottom of the cup. Wipe off any residual cleaning solution.
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5
Dip a dental brush into cleaning solution. Stick the brush into the handle-end of the body of the airbrush, deep into the mixing chamber. Rotate and agitate the brush. Remove and repeat until you don't see any paint on the brush. Clean the nozzle-end of the airbrush in the same manner.
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6
Remove the nozzle-assembly parts from the container of cleaning solution. Use a dental brush to remove any residual paint. Do not try to force the dental brush through the delicate brass nozzle. If the nozzle is bent or torn, the airbrush will not function properly.
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7
Hold a bar of soap in your hand and firmly press the end of a piece of cotton string (about one inch) between your thumb and the soap. Draw the end of the string between your thumb and the soap several times, making a rigid point on the end of the string. Dip the soft portion of the string in cleaning solution. Thread the string through the nozzle and pull the string back and forth until the nozzle is clean.
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Reassemble the airbrush, referring to the Iwata Revolution Manual and Parts Guide. The needle must be inserted through the handle-end of the airbrush. Wipe any residual cleaning solution from the airbrush.
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Tips & Warnings
Oil-based enamel paints must be cleaned with paint thinner, which is hazardous to the environment. Contact your local hazardous waste management authority for recommendations on disposal of paint thinner.
If the airbrush is extremely clogged with dried paint, it can be cleaned by disassembling and putting the parts in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, using paint thinner as the cleaning solution.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
