Cleaning airbrush

[DOJO]

Hello guys,
Just want to know who you guys are cleaning your tool.

Thanks.

[M@ximus]

I use Laquer thinner. It cleans my badger real good and it is cheap since it is like 3$ at my local home depot.

[James Tainton]

Originally posted by DOJO@Mar 25 2005, 10:12 PM
Hello guys,
Just want to know who you guys are cleaning your tool.

Thanks.
The method of cleaning depends on your airbrush brand. What kind do you have. While I clean my paasche VL with laquer thinner, this stuff may melt some of those Aztek things (maybe, I don't have one but they seem to have a lot of plastic on them, which LT melts).

If you use laquer thinner- you need to use a respirator with appropriate filters, to guard against health damage. (i use this when spraying paint too)
http://www.rjsafety.com/RS5.html
http://www.rjsafety.com/images/jpg/7700resp2.jpg

I also use gloves
http://www.securityworld.com/workplace/NS91472.html
http://www.tasco-safety.com/workgloves/1004.jpg
as the thinner is absorbed through the skin if you get any on you. There should be lots of ventilation.

Paper towels are useful,
http://www.scottbrand.com/us/products/towels/index.asp
http://www.scottbrand.com/us/products/towels/images/img_regular.jpg

as are pipe cleaners
http://shop.grasscity.com/shop/grasscity/A...tml?id=ZcoXemE3 (http://shop.grasscity.com/shop/grasscity/ACC18.html?id=ZcoXemE3)
http://shop.grasscity.com/images/items/acc18_200.jpg

for the interior channel and Q-tips (cotton swaps) for other orfices.
http://www.qtips.com/arts.html
http://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580/1d/pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/26117/300.jpg

[DOJO]

So, I should have been more specific.
What I got is Iwata and paint with Acrylic. So I clean with alcohol and this thing is great http://www.klmstudios.com/ImageFiles/Aztek...g%20Station.jpg (http://www.klmstudios.com/ImageFiles/Aztek%20Cleaning%20Station.jpg)

[M@ximus]

question James what would happen if your skin absorbed laquer thinner? I do not use rubber gloves or a respirator.

[James Tainton]

Well after prolonged unprotected exposure, a toxic intolerance will occur (if you are like me-) I can't be around the stuff without a respirator now, I'll get stuffed up and my eyes itch. I used to do lithography and would clean my stone with laquer thinner etc. without protection.
The stuff can cause birth defects and other health problems (cancer).
There is a skull and cross-bone symbol on the bottle right? ;)

Many people believe that acylic paint is safe - but it too should be sprayed with a respirator as well- The acylic paint over spray floats in the air and is breathed in - little plastic balls that will clog up the cilia over time.

People don't realize that there are many toxic items in use in model building. Sometimes too late.

[DOJO]

How about doing safety tips for modeler?
As this post shows that not many of us know the safety.

[M@ximus]

Thanks James, I never thought that this stuff was that dangerious. I knew breathing it was but never skin contact. Lol you kinda made me periniod about having cancer now. But Now I will be more carefull about the Thinner touching my skin.

ALso what about tamiya thinner, I would think it is not as dangerous as Lacuer thinner.

[houdini]

Here is sth. i use:

http://www.imx365.com/images/rand_176/album/image/%c4%be%cd%b7%b8%ed%b4%f1/20050217130900/air.jpg

[DOJO]

Hu, love your cotton swaps 8)))

[scott]

I usally run window cleaner though my airbrush to clean it up after painting, then take the needle out and wipe it down and let it dry. I use 90% alcohe when I have to get rid of stubborn paint.

[KingTiger]

I use a mixture of Lemon Ammonia and Windex. The combination of both of these cleaners turns it a bright green color. I use acrylics which are easier to clean. Very effective on remomving paint from my airbrush. Also if I get paint on my hands I can use my mixture to clean the paint off my hands, then I wash my hand with soap and water.

KingTiger

[spongya77]

Originally posted by DOJO@Mar 26 2005, 08:34 PM
How about doing safety tips for modeler?
As this post shows that not many of us know the safety.
Do a search on google with "toxic" and "modelling". There are a bunch of good articles out there.
Sand wet, use respirator and/or booth (the paint particles linger in the air for a looooong time, endangering you and your loved ones), have ventillation when using glue, etc. And don't leave the stuff out for kids to reach...