When it comes to cleaning an airbrush, many products can be used to do so, at least when it comes to using water based paints. Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol) is one of those products that many wonder if they can use to clean their
I too have wondered for quite some time if IPA can be used in the cleaning process of an airbrush. But my curiosity isn’t so much based on my natural tendency to worry about damaging my airbrush.
Rather in this scenario my curiosity stems from what power Rubbing Alcohol has when going up against dried on acrylic paint inside the airbrush.
But first of all, lets address the elephant in the room:
Can Rubbing Alcohol Be Used To Clean An Airbrush?
As a matter of fact, rubbing alcohol is often used for thinning paint, as well as, clean up. So, yes! Rubbing alcohol can be used for cleaning an airbrush but only for clean up of water based paints. Isopropyl Alcohol doesn’t phase dried on solvent based paints.
Using Rubbing alcohol To Clean An Airbrush
Like stated above, rubbing alcohol is used as an aid for performing a multitude of different tasks. Specifically for thinning / reducing, and clean up of water based paints.
Now, It’s important I mention: Isopropyl Alcohol is not commonly used by itself. As you typically don’t need the strength of 100% IPA. Rubbing alcohol is commonly diluted with water when using it for cleaning or thinning purposes.
Granted, depending on the homemade airbrush cleaner recipes
Actually if you’re looking for a cheap home brewed multipurpose cleaner / thinner for your airbrushing use, I strongly recommend you take a look at my latest recipe. I have spent many hours combing the internet for different “homebrew” airbrush cleaner and thinners. And have put together what I believe to be the best recipe yet! Check it out Here: Its titled: Homemade Airbrush Thinner / Cleaner For Water Based Paints!
Oh, and rubbing alcohol is an ingredient in the mix.
So, If your going to be using rubbing alcohol as an airbrush cleaner, I suggest you do the following:
- Dilute it with at least 50% Distilled Water (depending on the
alcohol percentage of the bottle )
The most commonly found canisters of Isopropyl alcohol is 70% and 91%, at
But depending on the alcohol percentage you may want to add more or less depending on if your using 70% or 99%.
- Don’t leave your airbrush parts submerged in it for a long period of time
Avoid leaving your airbrush submerged in Isopropyl alcohol for extended periods of time. It’s possible it could do some damage. (I’m talking Hours at a time)
- Adding extra ingredients to your 1:1 (Alcohol : Water) mix can actually make it more potent to stuck on paint.
If your looking for cheaper alternatives for airbrush cleaner I strongly suggest you take a look at my Latest Recipe. It will be better for clean up, and likely be even cheaper then running straight rubbing alcohol through your airbrush.
- Spray 100% Distilled water through your airbrush very last, to clean out any left behind alcohol in the airbrush.
But just to mitigate any possible risk of it harming your airbrush. I suggest you take the added few seconds to spray pure water through your airbrush
I figure it is easy to run straight water through it once finished that you mind
Will Isopropyl Alcohol Harm My Airbrush?
It’s not very common to see rubbing alcohol harm an airbrush. Though that
My recommendation would be to avoid exposing your airbrush to high
As well, I would recommend you do what you can to minimize alcohol exposure to your airbrush. This means limit the isopropyl alcohol
How To Use Isopropyl Alcohol To Clean An Airbrush
- Begin by finding a bottle to mix, and house your airbrush cleaner
- Using a tape measure or similar tool, make a mark somewhere around half way up the container.
- Fill the bottle with Isopropyl Alcohol up to the 50% mark (made in the previous step)
- Fill your bottle the rest the way up with distilled water.
Note, Avoid filling the bottle to the very top, as it can get messy.
For a better way to go about using rubbing alcohol to clean your airbrush Check out my latest recipe on the topic!
Conclusion
In final, rubbing alcohol can be used to help aid in the cleaning process of an airbrush. But it’s important to note it is only ideal for use with water based paints, as solvent-based paints tend to be a lot more durable once dried.
Now, if you are going to use isopropyl alcohol to clean your airbrush, it is recommended that you dilute it with 50% or more of distilled water.
Most wonder if rubbing alcohol can be harmful to an airbrush. But based on what I have experienced, and seen others experience. Isopropyl alcohol tends to be quite gentle on most airbrush parts. Especially those that are made by reputable brands, and come equipped with solvent resistant O-rings and seals.
Granted, rubbing alcohol can be a good option for cleaning an airbrush, it is also a commonly used option (when diluted with water) for thinning water based paints.
If you would like a full recipe for making your own home-brewed airbrush cleaner and thinner (for water based paints) I suggest you take a look at my latest post on the topic. Where I go deep into the different home brewed airbrush cleaners and thinners
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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