Yesterday I was getting ready to use Alclad II for the first time, and having read that one uses Lacquer thinner to clean the airbruch with, I poured some into a plastic bathrrom-style cup in preparation for cleaing afterwards.
While getting the AB put together, I suddenly noticed thinner running all over the top of my bench! It had melted or disolved the cup! This got me to thinking: if if melts a plastic cup, is it safe to use laquer thinner in an Aztek airbrush? Being made of plastic, will it ruin the airbrush (as well as the heads that hold the needles)? I know other AB’s are made of metal, but I’m nt sure if this will be a problem with the Aztek.
So - YES or NO - can I use lacquer thinner to clean the Aztek Airbrush? Will it damage it or not? Hopefully somebody has already had this experience and can give me an answer . . .
To be on the safe side, I wouild stick to Testors own Airbrush Cleaner.
They have it at Hobby Lobby, local hobby stores, etc.
For a container for thinning any lacquer paints, I would stick to the typical small glass jar or bottle as is provided with the inexpensive Aztek brush.
As for any reaction with the airbrush itself, I suggest that you might contact Testors directly:
Testors Aztek airbrush is made of “space-age” plastic and is supposed to be unaffected by solevants. I’ve used my Aztek A470 with Master Master Laquer Thinner and have had no problems or damage whatsoever.
It is entirely possible that the Aztek is “solvent proof.” There are many modern plastics that are.
However, not all the gaskets are likely to be as resistant. The very composition that makes them flexible tends to make them more susceptible to degradation. This is true for all airbrushes—eventually the gaskets, o-rings, etc. have to be replaced.
I’ve used a Aztec 470 for 8 years , and i always clean it with lacquer thinner , and never have had any problems with it . You are diffently safe using lacquer thinner in your Aztec .
I’ve used the Aztek 470 with Alclad and cleaned with Laquer thinner with out any issues so far. BTW, they use to have a life time warranty and I actually had my replaced once - took about 2 weeks but was free except for my postage.
Thanks for all the help guys! I took T-Terrific’s advice and e-mailed Testors, and they replied that their Aztek airbrushes were defintley ok to use lacquer thinner in for cleaning and thinning.
Now it’s on to using that Alclad II for the 1st time . . . . yes, I’m very nervous about it for some reason . . . .
Alclad II is great, just use light passes to build it up. The stuff dries fast and hard, no lifting with tape afterwards. Just make sure you wear a mask & have adequate ventalation, the stuff smells to high heaven w/ the laqueur thinners. Post some pictures with your first effort!