To backflush or not to backflush - That is the question.

[Jim R]

I have just bought a H&S Infinity and was looking at various You-tube videos on maintenance/cleaning etc. Quite a few showed the tip being pinched and the airbrush back flushed. Now I have heard of this before but have never done it with either my Iwata or my cheap Chinese one. The reason is that to my mind you are forcing water/solvent/ cleaner or whatever passed seals and I'm worried the seals could be damaged.
What I would like to know is "Do you backflush your AB?", also "Does it work?" and "Does it do any damage?"
I would value your views. I have looked through the threads in the airbrush forum but could not find any relevant info.
Thanks in advance.
Jim

[peterairfix]

I have a cheap airbrush and I have always backflushed with no issues at all.

[Si Benson]

Hi Jim,
I’ve used my Iwata revolution for about 9 yrs now and have always cleaned through with the blowback/backflush trick.
My airbrush has no seals between nozzle and paint cup, it’s just a friction fit between needle and needle cap so no fear of popping a seal.
Not familiar with your H&S so don’t quote me:upside:.

[JR]

No is the answer Jim. as you know I have the same model .
John.

[PaulTRose]

ive always back flushed with all my airbrushes over the years............except for my azteks as they are a diffrent design and it says not to in he manual

[AlanG]

Have an Iwata Revolution CR and i always backflush. Best way to ensure you get all the big particles out first.

[Dave Ward]

I used to backflush, but I haven't done it for several years - it puts pressure on the needle 'o' ring, which in use only has the paint & possibly a slight vacuum on it. Either way, I always clean my airbrush rigorously, and the only problems I suffer are through the paint alone. It's better to make sure the paint is lump free! I now do this by never putting paint directly into the a/b cup from the bottle - I dispense it into a plastic shot glass, and check the consistency and smoothness visually & with a paint brush. Take a look around, and in, the nozzles/caps of your paint containers, and you'll see potential blockages!
Dave

[BattleshipBob]

Hi Jim

A few years back i paid for airbrush course, which was excellent i have always followed the cleaning routine shown and had any problem. It does not include backflushing

Would you like a copy of it?

Bob

[Bortig the Viking]

Yes please, any help and advice is always appreciated.

[BattleshipBob]

Will do, my pleasure

Bob

[Tim Marlow]

I’ve never backfkushed my Iwatta. I have fitted a quick release for the needle and can withdraw the needle from the back of the brush body and do a full strip and clean In about five minutes. I have always thought backflushing just pushes any trapped particles back into the body of the brush to be driven towards and caught again next time the brush is used the correct way. It can perhaps be handy to clear a blockage during use, but not as part of a proper cleaning regime.

[Jim R]

Hi all
Thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughts - much appreciated.
No conclusive answer but lots of info. Food for thought. Like so much in this hobby there are as many approaches as there are modellers. Personally I value this as it makes the hobby and the forum so much more interesting.
Thanks again guys.
Jim
Bob - pm sent

[Guest]

I agree with Dave and Tim that if you backflush your pushing paint and debris back down the barrel of the airbrush to collect around the needle bush and so cause resistance to the needle movement.

[JR]

Will do, my pleasure

Bob

Bob.I think we all would like to see it, suppose its copyrighted to stop it being published openly :disappointed:
John.

[BattleshipBob]

No its mine John but any donations to the new Stug book always welcome