Tamiya airbrush cleaning (enamel)

Hey All,
I need some tips or how-to's on cleaning a airbrush used to paint enamels/lacquers... the in between procedure and the final clean up... and any maintaince tips if ya have em..
I'm also looking for a double action airbrush... ( Tamiya would be the brand I wish to buy from most.) does anyone know which ones Tamiya has out (if any..)? I've tried looking on thier web but the page just doesn't really work for me... dunno why :banghead: If you guys could give me a link or a item # that would be great! :biggrin: :biggrin:

Thanks in advance!
Steve R

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=261268
look here I would suggest Badger every one has only good words for them

yeah, I've read that thread but as far as cleaning goes I mainly need to know potions to use. As far as badgers go... like I said I would prefer buying a Tamiya instead.. takes a badger around 2-3 months to get here...

http://www.nailparts.com.au/airclean.html
try this one then, as far as I know (I don't use Tamiya to much) there are solutions for Airbrush cleaning from every paint producer (so Tamiya should have one to), if not just go to hardware store and take regular Lacquer thiner and try with it, but be carefull if you have plastic parts in your brush as this could damage them. As for the brush sorry I never hold Tamiya in my hand so can't judge it.

not that hard

once you fihish painting, spray a jar of thinner (same type of the paint used) use your triger to go back and foward.

Once the total jar of thinner is sprayed, put your airbrush upside down and spray some air.

once done, desasemble your airbrush (needle nozzle) and clean it with some Qtips and Pipe cleaner with thinner.

everythnig should be done in about 15 minutes

not that hard

once you fihish painting, spray a jar of thinner (same type of the paint used) use your triger to go back and foward.

Once the total jar of thinner is sprayed, put your airbrush upside down and spray some air.


sorry to seem a fuss but how big is the jar you mentioned? I mean... I only use tamiya and the large bottle thinner is 250ML (X-20) ... I mean these things ( the large X-20's) cost around 4$US
and using the method that you mentioned... should I use clean thinner every time? or can I save some money and keep on using the old thinner :naughty: ?
as far as I know (I don't use Tamiya to much) there are solutions for Airbrush cleaning from every paint producer (so Tamiya should have one to), if not just go to hardware store and take regular Lacquer thiner and try with it, but be carefull if you have plastic parts in your brush as this could damage them.
would enamel remover do? The type they sell to remove nail polish...
ty everyone for the replies, greatly appreciated...

sorry to seem a fuss but how big is the jar you mentioned? I mean... I only use tamiya and the large bottle thinner is 250ML (X-20) ... I mean these things ( the large X-20's) cost around 4$US
and using the method that you mentioned... should I use clean thinner every time? or can I save some money and keep on using the old thinner :naughty: ?
ty everyone for the replies, greatly appreciated...

I think he meant the jar that comes with the airbrush. Usually pretty small, so no worries on too much wastage. Cleaning up for change of colour is a must using enamel/ laquer(??) since the paints are rather "sticky/oily". A good suggestion would be to spray all same parts with the same colour to minimise cleaning.

you need to find an other thinner.. IF oyu use Enamel Tamiya paint, then go to your local hardware store and get Enamel Thinner. I got a 4L (1Gal) for about 3$

the Jar I use is about 1oz (30ml)

So get some cheap Enamel thinner.. try it before (use a brush, dip it in the paint then try to clean it iwth the new thinner, if it work, then you will save a lot of money and never buy Tamiya Thinner anymore)

I didn't tried the Acrylic paint yet, but for Enamel and Lacquer, Hardware store have very good thinner at low price

If you just want to change color, you should spray a bit of thinner (maybe 1/4oz (8ml)) get the airbrush upside down and spray some air. Then continue to airbrush.

Full cleaning is only needed when you have done praying (or if you work with Base and metalic paint)