Acetone is a questionable airbrush cleaning agent, simply because it is so harsh on things.
Over the years I have utilized the abrasive effects of acetone to my advantage a lot, and based on my experience with it, I would say using acetone to clean an airbrush will definitely get it clean, but may also damage components of the airbrush in the process.
Now it can be done, but it must be done in a very careful manor to ensure your own personal safety, as well as the safety of your airbrush…
You see,
Using acetone to clean an airbrush can result in extensive damage to seals, and other plastic or rubber components if such items are not removed prior to cleaning.
That being said, there is no guarantee that acetone will not react with any other components within the airbrush. Such as the finish and so forth.
Acetone is some strong stuff, and I’ve seen it do some amazing things when pored over different assortments of material. So I would definitely be cautious if you intend on using acetone to clean your airbrush.
The only time I would (Maybe) suggest utilizing acetone to clean your airbrush is if you were dealing with some excessively stubborn paint. But that’s assuming the airbrush was completely disassemble prior to cleaning, and every single seal throughout the airbrush was removed. As well as any miscellaneous plastic or rubber components.
Oh, and never soak the airbrush in acetone…
Now, I don’t know this from fact, but based on my experience its possible that acetone could begin to corrode the finish on your airbrush if exposed to it for sometime. So don’t go soaking your airbrush in it… Just a quick wipe down, if anything.
Conclusion
Granted, acetone can be a great cleaning agent for a multitude of different projects. But when it comes to utilizing its strength on an airbrush, it becomes questionable.
Simply because, an airbrush is made up of a multitude of different materials. Many of which will be destroyed once in contact with acetone. Though I advise against the use of cleaning an airbrush with acetone, simply for the unknowns as to what it may do to different parts of the airbrush.
The strength of acetone can be a necessary evil, when up-against extremely stubborn paints and other mediums.
But even then (if possible) I would suggest looking for an alternative cleaning agent. Specifically one that doesn’t pose as much risk to your airbrush as acetone does.
Though if you must use it, do remove every single Rubber or Teflon Seal, as well as any miscellaneous plastic or rubber components. But even then acetone is a questionable bet…
Anyway, I hope you were able to find some value here! If you have any further questions regarding the airbrush do be sure to take a look around the website. Airbrush Insider is dedicated to helping all in the airbrush community!
This is Colt signing off!
Check Out Some Of My Favorite Airbrush Equipment: