H&S Ultra

[BarryW]

I too would recommend the Evo. I actually have three airbrushes, an Evolution that I use with a 0.2 needle for detail using water based acrylics, an Evolution Silverline CRPlus with a 0.4 needle that I use for metalisers and other solvent based paint and an Infinity CRPlus with a 0.4 needle which is my workhorse that I do 80% plus of my painting with using acrylics.

I did not set out to buy three airbrushes, I just got them gradually over time starting with an Evo 2 in 1. I then decided to get a Silverline because the seals are more resistent to solvents and then, on a spur of a moment, treated myself to an Infinity. The set-up works for me but a single 2 in 1 would be enough for most people.

My next purchase; well I have been thinking of getting a 0.6 needle set for spraying larger areas on my 1/32 models. Who knows... maybe that will lead to a fourth airbrush..... The great thing about H&S is how the different needle sets and fittings are interchangeable.

[PhilJ]

£70+ difference between the Iwata & an H&S Silverline 2 in 1 though Phil!

I got mine on import and was about £50 more even after tax, and it's so good I only use me h&s for priming and block colours now.

[Mr Bowcat]

Well I pulled the trigger and went ahead and ordered the 2 in 1 Sivlerline. I couldn't justify spending any more.

[Mr Bowcat]

Sorry guys, another question has occurred to me. I usually use meths, white spirit or Tamiya thinners to clean (depending on what paint I am spraying). Are these all OK to use or should I be looking for a "proper" airbrush cleaner?

[Guest]

I have two Iwata Hi Line HP CHs partly because Harder and Steenbeck is super pricey down here in AU, but I can assure you that the Iwata Hi Line HP CH is a really worth it tool. Control is unparalleled unless you compare it to the Iwata Custom Micron series. Many consider it better than the Infinity by H and S. It is used by famed pro Modellers such as Brett green. While certainly not cheap it offers amazing performance.
Cheers, John

[Guest]

Sorry guys, another question has occurred to me. I usually use meths, white spirit or Tamiya thinners to clean (depending on what paint I am spraying). Are these all OK to use or should I be looking for a "proper" airbrush cleaner?

Well Bob, as in how your simple question about one particular airbrush has morphed into a host of suggestions, no doubt this one will do the same!

IMHO the simple answer is, enamels can be cleaned effectively with white spirit. I occasionally use half a cup of cellulose thinners to deep clean my AB.

For acrylics, there are many options; proprietary cleaners, screenwash, Mr Muscle window cleaner, IPA... the list goes on!

Personally I wouldn't worry too much about it. Most people blame their airbrush for spraying problems, when really it's the paint that's causing the problem.

[Mr Bowcat]

Thanks Patrick, I'm mostly spraying Tamiya acrylics and currently using their thinners to clean but I am looking for a cheaper option. Might try the screenwash or window cleaner.

[col68]

Bob I use 30% Mr muscle multi surface glass cleaner mixed with 70% homemade distilled water it cleans the acrylic paints out no problem then I flush it with distilled water.

HTH

[Guest]

Sorry guys, another question has occurred to me. I usually use meths, white spirit or Tamiya thinners to clean (depending on what paint I am spraying). Are these all OK to use or should I be looking for a "proper" airbrush cleaner?

Im not sure about the H&S Silverline but my Evolution has PTFE seals so will withstand most solvents a model maker is likely to use.
Check the specification for the type of seals. It will more than likely be ok as its the cheaper end ABs that use rubber type seals which some solvents will attack .

[Mr Bowcat]

Thanks gents, I will try Colin's Mr Muscle homebew and see how I get on.

[Guest]

Hi Bob,

as Patrick mentioned your simple question turn into suggestion wall as a iwata hp-cp user i can suggest iwata upgrading from a replica to H&S Ultra will be huge step. differance will be like day&night. if your budget is tight and you can afford ultra from highend league than it is ok. btw, all of the replicas are copy of iwata airbrushes.

if you will buy ultra "single" you will get 2ml cup, it might be small if you paint 1/48 armor and 1/72 aircraft (and bigger scales) 2ml cup might be small. just consider buying 5ml cup additionally. or directly buy 2in1 edition, you will get 5 ml cup + 0.4mm nozzle/needle/cap set additionally.

cheers!
Safak

[Mr Bowcat]

Hi Safak,

Thanks for your post mate, I've actually gone ahead and ordered the H&S Evolution 2 in 1. Hopefully it should arrive tomorrow.

B

[Guest]

I flush through with undiluted blue screen wash, don't use the 'flavoured' ones as they appear to contain some sort of citrus oil which I found to affect paints.

Once flushed through, I remove the back handle, sclacken off the needle nut and just back the needle out 1/4 inch. I then remove the nozzle holder at the front and then push the needle forward and extract it from the front. This prevents paint being drawn back into the rear of the brush.

The needle is then cleaned and put to one side. I get some kitchen towel and twist one corner to form a thin spike of paper which I insert into the back of the nozzle to clean it.

The nozzle and holder re fitted to the front and the needle re inserted from the back and tightened up. I then flush through again with screen cleaner. Repeat the above if you are not happy you have all the paint out but it usually works ok.

Lastly I add some thinners, normally Tamiya, just a little, to flush through again. If I know I am going to use a specific paint next I will use the thinners appropriate to the paint I am going to use next in that last step.

If I have used lacquer or enamel paint I do the whole flushing process with cellulose thinners, be sure to be well vented if doing this. I will also use the cellulose thinners if I have had issues cleaning acrylic paint.

As I mentioned in my earlier post, when you can, invest in the H&S cleaning kit. The reamer alone is worth the price especially if you get gummed up with varnish or such.

Took me longer to type that than it does to thoroughly clean my airbrush.

[Mr Bowcat]

Thanks for that Graham, I actually ordered the H&S cleaning kit with the A/B based on your earlier advice.

Strangely, I was only in Halfords a week or so ago to buy screenwash, but all they seem to sell now is flavoured stuff?? Any idea where to get the blue kind?

[PhilJ]

Thanks for that Graham, I actually ordered the H&S cleaning kit with the A/B based on your earlier advice.

Strangely, I was only in Halfords a week or so ago to buy screenwash, but all they seem to sell now is flavoured stuff?? Any idea where to get the blue kind?

I use international scale modeller airbrush cleaner, ok it isn't the cheapest but it works well with my tamiya and Mr hobby paints. When cleaning vallejo model air I use vallejo airbrush cleaner diluted 50/50 with deionised water that way I get twice as much for my money and they do last me ages.
I have found some screenwash by carplan (think it was from wilkinsons) for about £3.50 for a decent amount, it smells just like the international scale modeller stuff so may be worth a try. Hope this helps.