lesthegringo Posted September 4, 2017 Share Posted September 4, 2017 I have an old (30 year old) Devilbiss Aerograph Super 63 airbrush that my dad unearthed in a cupboard at his house. I used to do fantasy artwork on leather jackets and the like, and I bought it to do the really fine work. It was a fantastic bit of kit but during cleaning one day I ended up losing the nozzle, and being short of cash at the time I just put it back in the box and forgot about it. Of course being young and stupid, I didn't clean it before putting it away and so now, the 30 year old Humbrol enamel paint I used to use has welded itself to the main body of the airbrush. I have left the disassembled airbrush in lacquer thinners for a couple of days now, and as a testament to the old Humbrol paints quality, it hasn't made a dent. So, what can I use to soften this stuff up without ruining the airbrush? Les Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chris L Posted September 4, 2017 Share Posted September 4, 2017 (edited) I have removed some 1975 vintage Humbrol using modern Brake fluid without even damaging the clear parts on that ancient Airfix kit . Not particularly user friendly stuff , but there's no need to touch it or breath it if you let it soak outside in a container...Just a thought. Easy to find item. Cheers, Christian Edited September 4, 2017 by Chris L Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bmccarron Posted September 4, 2017 Share Posted September 4, 2017 oven cleaner is often mentioned as a good paint stripper BUT beware the fumes and protect your skin. Good luck. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lesthegringo Posted September 4, 2017 Author Share Posted September 4, 2017 Thanks guys - on the basis we already have oven cleaner, I'll try that first Cheers Les Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chris L Posted September 4, 2017 Share Posted September 4, 2017 11 hours ago, Chris L said: I have removed some 1975 vintage Humbrol using modern Brake fluid without even damaging the clear parts on that ancient Airfix kit . Not particularly user friendly stuff , but there's no need to touch it or breath it if you let it soak outside in a container...Just a thought. Easy to find item. Cheers, Christian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lesthegringo Posted September 5, 2017 Author Share Posted September 5, 2017 if the oven cleaner doesn't work, I'll get some brake fluid Cheers Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Incaroad Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 I would be leery of using that caustic oven cleaner on an airbrush... To clean old paint from metal, or plastic use Mr. Color Lacquer thinner. That stuff will soften paint quickly and then rinse with regular lacquer thinner. Doesn't harm plastic either so stripping paint from a model is easy. Just my 2¢ Larry Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lesthegringo Posted September 5, 2017 Author Share Posted September 5, 2017 Actually the stuff we have makes a point of being non-caustic, and it does seem to have worked. I'm still leaving it a bit longer for the bits in the tucked away corners, but I have made great in-roads. Certainly worth remembering! Cheers Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lesthegringo Posted September 6, 2017 Author Share Posted September 6, 2017 Guys, to confirm, the non-caustic oven cleaner did the trick, I now have a pristine looking airbrush again Thanks again for all the input Les Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chris L Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Good to hear about the AB . You could also consider 92 % alcohol . Pretty stout stuff . Available at the drug store and It can also be used with Tamiya & Gunze paints. Cheers, Christian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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