Airbushing and alclad varnishes

[Dantay VI]

I was wondering if anyone has used alclad varnishes in the past and if they have had issues with it.

 

I got some of te alclad matte varnish a while back and it is use-able with the airbrush.

 

I sparyed some models with it, then washed out the airbrush with cleaner, soapy water then clean water.

 

I didnt strip it down as I planned to use it again, but I never got the chance.

 

Fast forward a week and I start to take the airbrush apart so I can give it a good clean before using it and the needle is stuck. I manag to gently wiggle it free, but I have really rough spots on the needlewher it looks like the varnish has dried on to it.

 

My big fear is that the inside of the airbrush now has hard lumps of varnish in it also.

 

Is there a way to clean off the varnish without wrecking the airbrush & needle?

 

Thanks for reading :)

[Bung]

What airbrush exactly.

You need a cleaninh solution that is more agressive.

[Dantay VI]

I have a Sparmax-4, and I was using Vallejo airbrush cleaner.

[Arkhanist]

Yeah, definitely you'll need a more robust cleaning solution. Alclad paints, including the varnishes, are mostly lacquer based which is what gives them their lovely finish - but does need more aggressive thinners and cleaners than acrylics do.

 

Plus vallejo cleaner is pretty weedy at the best of times...

 

Your best bet is alclad's own airbrush cleaner - you can pick it up from a number of suppliers. Note, the cleaner is not suitable for thinning paint you plan to airbrush.

 

The other option - if you have some already - is lacquer thinner, also often known as cellulose thinner. The problem is 'lacquer' covers a fairly wide range of organic solvents, so the general purpose lacquer thinners also tend to chuck in a few different solvents. So generic stuff can be great, or can be fairly useless, depending upon the exact mix in your paint and your offbrand thinner. But it also tends to be dirt cheap, so if you already have some in a DIY cupboard, should be worth a punt.

 

Also, use with caution on your airbrush - disassemble and wipe down with e.g. kitchen roll or cotton bud wetted with cleaner. Also usually OK to spray through and backflush. But it will tend to damage rubber seals if left to soak; PTFE seals are usually OK. I see the sparmax 4 has a PTFE needle bearing (where the needle goes from the back into the paint section) but I can't easily find if other seals - such as on the nozzle - are rubber or not. If unsure, don't leave to soak in strong solvents like acetone or lacquer thinner.

 

For cleaning out the front of the airbrush and the nozzle itself, small inter-dental toothbrushes from the supermarket dipped in a little cleaner work rather nicely (e.g. like these)

 

And now your mandatory safety note;

 

Lacquer paints and lacquer thinners/cleaners contain volatile organic solvents and this stuff does need more care and attention than acrylics.

 

It can kill fish and pets, and they aren't at all good for you if inhaled in any significant quantities. Store safely, use in a well ventilated area, recommended with an organic solvent proof mask, gloves and a suitable method for safe disposal, see your product details for additional material.

Edited February 17, 2020 by Arkhanist

[Firedrake Cordova]

Basically, what Arkhanist said.   If a paint manufacturer makes a cleaner/thinner, it's generally a good idea to use that, as it'll be formulated for removing said paint (obviously, formulations vary, not least because lacquer, water, and alcohol are all solvents used in various paints, and what dissolves one won't necessarily dissolve any of the others).

Edited February 17, 2020 by Firedrake Cordova