When it comes to airbrushing, color difference is the way to bring a piece together! But changing colors can be a hassle when it comes to using an airbrush.
That is why we are going to dive into great detail on the process behind changing colors when using an airbrush, and the steps required in order to do so properly, and quickly.
Changing colors when using an airbrush can be a monotonous thing to do as you are commonly required to clean the airbrush before applying a new
This means, when it comes to changing colors it is more about cleaning and prepping
Now, the over all steps for cleaning an airbrush for the purposes of changing colors are some what similar between the different paint feed options (Gravity feed, Side feed & Siphon feed) available on todays market.
However they do have their subtle differences that you should be aware of, to which we will be discussing later on down the page…
Generalized Color Change Steps:
Below is a generalized list of steps for cleaning an airbrush between colors. Though it is a good reference once you have an idea as to what to do. It will
Steps:
- Remove Any leftover Paint
- Apply Cleaning Solution
- Agitate Dried Paint
- Pour Dirty Cleaner Out Of Paint Cup (Do not spray through)
- Apply Fresh Cleaning Solution
- Spray Cleaning Solution Through Until Clear (Backflushing Occasionally).
- Remove Excess Cleaning Solution
- Spray Airbrush Until Dry
- Add New Color
Again, below we will go into detail on the major differences when changing colors
Know Your Airbrush Feed Style Before You Begin
Before we begin its important for you to know of the 3 airbrush paint feed options available today. Simply because the cleaning process will vary depending on the feed style you are using. Knowing which airbrush you are using will make it super easy for you to follow along in the steps listed below. The airbrush paint feed options are as follows:
- Gravity Feed Airbrush
- Side Feed Airbrush
- Siphon Feed Airbrush
Each type of airbrush simply refers to how the paint is fed to the airbrush and / or the location of the paint cup / bottle.
In the case of the “Gravity feed airbrush” the cup is located on top of the airbrush, It utilizes gravity to feed the paint into the airbrush. (More Info On The
In the case of the “Side feed airbrush” the cup is located at the side of the airbrush, It utilizes both gravity, and a low pressure system to pull the paint into the airbrush. (More info on the Side feed airbrush Here)
In the case of the “Siphon feed airbrush” the cup / bottle is located below the airbrush and utilizes a low pressure system to suck paint up and into the
Knowing what you know now, you should have a good idea as to the airbrush paint feed option you are using. This will make the color change process much easier to understand below!
How To Change Colors
Finally, What you have been waiting for this whole time! Lets discuss the color change process for each airbrush paint feed option!
- Gravity Feed Airbrush
- Side Feed Airbrush
- Siphon Feed Airbrush
Lets discuss The Color Change Steps For Each!
Changing Colors Using A Gravity Feed & Side Feed Airbrush
Given that the gravity feed & side feed airbrushes both are so similar, they are cleaned between color changes basically the exact same. The only differences may be in the way you choose to hold each airbrush as you clean them.
That being said, whether your using a gravity feed airbrush, or side feed airbrush the following cleaning procedure will be the same.
The overall goal is to clean the paint cup, and airbrush internals so they are free from any paint that currently exists inside the airbrush. Granted it doesn’t need to be a perfect clean, just as long as the previous color is no
Note: You are not required to disassemble the airbrush when cleaning
Step 1: Dump Excess Paint
Begin the color change process by simply dumping out any of the excess paint left in the paint cup. That is, if you didn’t use it all.
Tip: If you have a substantial amount of paint left over, pour it back into your paint container for later use (So no paint goes to waste)
Step 2: Clean Paint Cup
Pour a small amount of airbrush cleaner into the paint cup, and agitate the paint with a spare paint brush (or similar tool). The goal here is to break up any of the dry paint lining the sides of the paint cup.
Do Not spray the dirty cleaning solution through the airbrush, as this could lead to a clogged airbrush due to large clumps of paint floating in the cleaning solution after agitation.
Rather Dump the dirty cleaning solution out into a disposable container.
Wipe out any leftover paint in the paint cup. Repeat “Step 2” until the paint cup is clean.
Below we will be discussing airbrush cleaners. Plus I have a few tips that could save you some money when it comes to airbrush cleaner!
Step 3: Rinse Airbrush Internals
Pour another round of airbrush cleaner into the paint cup, this time spraying it through the airbrush. The goal here is to clean out the internals of the airbrush.
Occasionally backflush the airbrush for a deeper clean.
Backflushing an airbrush simply
Repeat until you are no longer seeing color coming from the airbrush. It should be the same color as the airbrush cleaner you are using (Typically clear).
Tip: Spray your cleaning solution into a filter of sorts. Such as an airbrush cleaning pot. This will keep the atomized airbrush cleaner out of the air, and ultimately out of your lungs. We will discuss more on cleaning solutions, and cleaning pots later on down this page…
Step 4: Dry Out Airbrush Internals
Pour out any excess cleaning solution once you have achieved a clean spray. Then spray the airbrush until its
Step 5: Apply Next Color!
Now your ready for your next color!
Tip: After pouring your next color into the paint cup, test the color on a scrap piece of material before taking it to your final piece. This will prevent a possible paint splotch or similar occurrence.
Check out the video below for a complete walk through on how to clean a gravity feed airbrush between color changes! Keep in mind a side feed airbrush is done basically the same way.
How To Change Colors Using A Siphon Feed Airbrush
Un-like the gravity feed and side feed. The siphon feed airbrush requires its own step by step process when it comes to changing colors. You see the major difference with the siphon feed airbrush is the fact that it commonly utilizes multiple paint bottles. To which each is specific to its own color.
However, depending on your siphon feed setup, you may be using a single paint “Cup” that mounts to the bottom of the airbrush. If this is the case for you, its likely the above steps (“Changing colors using a gravity feed & side feed airbrush”) will better guide you through the process of changing colors. (If your using paint bottles similar as to displayed to the right then simply disregard the previous statement & follow the steps below)
Step 1: Detach Current Paint Bottle
Simply detach the current paint bottle from the airbrush and set aside.
Tip: Depending how many attachment lids you have, you may need to remove the attachment lid that is currently on the paint bottle you just finished with (If you only have one attachment lid). If you only have one lid with an airbrush attachment, you will also need to clean the attachment lid before continuing to step 2.
Step 2: Attach Cleaning Solution Bottle
It is common for those who use a siphon feed airbrush to have a “paint bottle” that is full of only airbrush cleaning solution. If you don’t have a bottle of airbrush cleaner that can be attached to the airbrush I recommend you set one of your spare paint bottles up as a designated cleaning solution bottle.
Step 3: Flush The Airbrush
With the bottle of cleaner attached to your airbrush, simply spray airbrush cleaner through the airbrush until you no longer see the color that was previously attached.
You may need to backflush the airbrush in order to remove paint in difficult to reach places.
Tip: Spray cleaning solution into a filter of sorts such as an airbrush cleaning pot or similar tool. However, if you choose to go with an airbrush specific cleaning pot, keep in mind that the paint bottle could get in the way when trying to use the cleaning pot. Because of this, look for one with minimal obstructions as linked to above.
Step 4: Detach Airbrush Cleaner & Dry Out Airbrush
Once you no longer see paint flowing from the airbrush, simply detach the airbrush cleaner bottle, and continue to spray until all of the cleaner is out of the airbrush.
You should have only air flowing from the airbrush.
Step 5: Attach New Color & Go
Simply attach the new color you intend on using and paint away.
Tip: for best results I suggest testing the paint flow on a scrap part. Sometimes paint will flow unpredictably at the start of a new color. And/Or excess airbrush cleaner could have been left behind during cleaning, and will likely be the first to come out at the start of a new color. Best to avoid any mishaps that could occur at the start by simply testing on a scrap part.
For a guided walkthrough on changing colors when using a siphon feed airbrush check out the video below!
Airbrush Color Change Concerns Addressed:
As you can see there is a significant process when it comes to cleaning and preparing an airbrush for its next color. Doesn’t matter the style of airbrush. All require a fair cleaning before changing colors.
However the positive here is as you go through the cleaning process over and over again, you will get faster and find better ways to speed up the process!
Also, if you find yourself using a hybrid airbrush setup, it may be difficult to follow the steps listed above. If you find this to be the case then simply brainstorm some methods to which will theoretically best suit your airbrush setup.
Remember the goal is to clean the airbrush & paint cup so that the previous color is no longer spraying from the airbrush.
Airbrush Cleaning Solutions
The Airbrush Cleaning Solution you choose to use will depend heavily on the type of paint you are using. The paint types I am referring to are:
- Water Based Paints
- Solvent Based Paints
Water Based Paint is commonly easier to deal with in terms of cleaning, as they can be cleaned up with simply water. Granted water based paints clean up better if you use an airbrush cleaner specific for water based paints (Or similar solution), But for the most part you can simply make your own home brewed airbrush cleaner with a few simple Products. (Check out
Airbrush Cleaning Solutions For Water Based Paint
- Iwata Airbrush Cleaner (Link To Amazon)
- Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner (Link To Amazon)
- Createx Colors Airbrush Cleaner (Link To Amazon)
- My Home Brewed Airbrush Cleaner
Important Note: When it comes to cleaning water based paints from an
So if you can avoid using anything with Ammonia in it. Then do it, your airbrush will thank you later.
Now when it comes to Cleaning Solvent Based Paints out of an airbrush. Cleanup is going to require more harsh chemicals. Water is simply not going to cut it. However, the cool part about solvent based paints is that the thinners typically can be used as a cleaning agent as well.
Airbrush Cleaning Solutions For Solvent Based
- Mineral Spirits / White Spirits (UK) (Link To Amazon)
- Turpentine (Link To Amazon)
- Lacquer Thinner (Link To Amazon)
And so forth. If your unsure as to what to use as a cleaning agent for the paint your using, simply reach out to the manufacturer of the paint. They will know exactly what to use as a cleaner.
Airbrush Color Change Caveats
When it comes to changing colors in an airbrush there are steps that need to be followed in order to ensure proper color change without the risk of color morphing.
However, there are instances when color morphing (mixing) is desired in order to achieve a specific pattern. It’s quite common for some to simply pour their next color into the color cup, skipping the cleaning process & mixing the new color with the previous color when attempting to achieve a consistent gradient.
This can help create more refined
But this tactic only works well when done using the correct colors.
For example, say you are trying to create a smooth blend from Red to yellow. Well at some point in that blend you are going to see orange.
Now the way to achieve this is better done by not cleaning out your airbrush before changing colors. Rather simply start by applying yellow to the piece, then simply skip the cleaning process and apply your red to the color cup and mix it. This will give you a nice orange (Depending on quantity of each paint).
Once you’ve painted your orange, then simply start fading into red by
As you can see in the example, not cleaning your color cup before applying your next color can be productive, and make your piece look more natural and desirable.
But trying to do this same fade / gradient from say, a blue to orange can
Kinda Fell off topic there, but the moral of the story is that you can utilize previous colors to create awesome blends in your artwork, without the need of cleaning the paint cup and airbrush.
Conclusion
All in all, cleaning an airbrush between color changes is quite simple, and
Remember the general steps for cleaning an airbrush are as follows
- Remove Any leftover Paint
- Apply Cleaning Solution
- Agitate Dried Paint
- Pour Dirty Cleaner Out Of Paint Cup (Do not spray through)
- Apply Fresh Cleaning Solution
- Spray Cleaning Solution Through Until Clear (Backflushing Occasionally).
- Remove Excess Cleaning Solution
- Spray Airbrush Until Dry
- Add New Color
The process may vary for siphon feed airbrushes.
You may find yourself manipulating some of the steps to better suit you. If that happens to be the case, go for it. No one cleaning guide is perfect for everyone. It’s just the steps I personally find myself going through.
Oh, and don’t be afraid to find new and better ways to go about cleaning your airbrush! I recently came across a guy that was using a spray bottle to clean the cup on his airbrush. He would tip the airbrush sideways and spray the cleaning solution into the cup (Letting the cleaner flow out). It was genius.
I think I’ll start doing the same…
Anyway, if you found some value here, then be sure to check out my recently developed guide on how I clean an airbrush at the end of a painting session. Odds are you’re going about it in a way that could be reducing the life of your airbrush…
Don’t worry though, you’re not alone. I used to think you had to tear down the airbrush and deep clean it, but doing so can actually lead to more harm over time… Check out my “End Of Session” Airbrush cleaning process
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!
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