Windex...what say the masses

As far as damage to the finish or internals of the AB, no problem as far as I know.

Going to depend on the type of paint you're using as to if you can do a complete clean or flush with it.

Using vallejo model color and vallejo model air exclusivly 

Monogram Madness

Using vallejo model color and vallejo model air exclusivly 

 

I use windex through my badger 105 after spraying Vallejo and reaper.  No problems encountered.  Don't let it stand in the cup as the ammonia is reported to affect brass.  Not seen it.  I do occasionally run a cup full of lacquer thinner through to clean also

I buy windex on the gallon refill size and pour it off into a spouted ketchup squeeze bottle.  The windex poured through the spout goes into the cup easier than spraying all over the place with the pump sprayer (more economical). 

The best I can say is I use Windex to clean up those paints, also really hot water. I shoot them with the Badger 200 but use the Paasche chromed side cup and have not had any issues either in spraying the paints ( mostly with a .25 tip) or with the Windex clean up. Just flush it right away with water is all I've done. I mostly just flush and back flush, I've found no need to tear down and soak to get this paint cleaned up after every use. I only tear down periodically.

I find that Windex works good on most craft paints as well for clean up.

I'll be the odd duck out, sort of. Thirty five some years ago when I first got into airbrushing, I used Windex extensively for cleaning my AB. I had a Badger 200 brush. Over time, I began to notice that the chrome plating faded and it eventually disappeared. What was left behind is exposed brass. Then the brass began to corrode. For various reasons, I purchased another brush, and over time, the same thing happened. I could not figure out why this was happening, but I began to suspect it was the windex because the problem was exasperated when I left the brush in bath of windex. It wasn't until years later that I learned it is unsafe to use Windex.

Here is the difference though. I had a lot of problems with that brush and there were times it needed a good soak. Rather than use a lacquer, I used windex. I believe the damage was done by my soaking it. It is no myth that Windex will strip the chrome, I am a testament to that fact. I have seen it happen. However, I am not surprised to hear people using it and not having issues. Apparently, it is safe to blow Windex through as a cleaner. I would add that if you do, you should follow up with a good flushing of water.

I would believe what the other posters have advised. I am sure my problem is a result of soaking the brush in Windex for many hours. Having said that, because of my experience, I don't trust it, and I don't like using it. But that is just me being paranoid.

This is one of the reasons I like my external-mix airbrush.  There are only 3 critical parts that come in contact with paint and cleaners, and they're all cheap and easy to replace if the chrome plating wears off of them.

Bakster

I'll be the odd duck out, sort of. Thirty five some years ago when I first got into airbrushing, I used Windex extensively for cleaning my AB. I had a Badger 200 brush. Over time, I began to notice that the chrome plating faded and it eventually disappeared. What was left behind is exposed brass. Then the brass began to corrode. For various reasons, I purchased another brush, and over time, the same thing happened. I could not figure out why this was happening, but I began to suspect it was the windex because the problem was exasperated when I left the brush in bath of windex. It wasn't until years later that I learned it is unsafe to use Windex.

Here is the difference though. I had a lot of problems with that brush and there were times it needed a good soak. Rather than use a lacquer, I used windex. I believe the damage was done by my soaking it. It is no myth that Windex will strip the chrome, I am a testament to that fact. I have seen it happen. However, I am not surprised to hear people using it and not having issues. Apparently, it is safe to blow Windex through as a cleaner. I would add that if you do, you should follow up with a good flushing of water.

I would believe what the other posters have advised. I am sure my problem is a result of soaking the brush in Windex for many hours. Having said that, because of my experience, I don't trust it, and I don't like using it. But that is just me being paranoid.

 

 

I think you're just playing it safe, if I ruined an airbrush using Windex I'd do the same thing.

In my case it's just one cup load back flushed and run through, as I've already flushed most of the paint with the very hot water. Then I follow up with more water. so the chrome isn't in contact with Windex for long at all. Now all that said, hot water and a drop of dish soap probably would do it with Vallejo, I don't find it hard to clean, the hot water has mostly already done the job.

With lacquers and enamels I only use lacquer thinner personally. With Tamiya acrylics I use hot water then 91% ipa or denatured alcohol and final flush with water again.

The most active ingredient in Windex is isopropyl alcohol.  I jst by a medium grade of alcohol.  You get a higher percent alchohol at a cheaper price.

I use iso to clean gun after acrylic paint.  After real enamel I use paint thinner.  For lacquer paints I use lacquer thinner for everything except the air valve which I do not have to clean in normal cleaning.

This is for Badger airbrushes- Cant comment much on other brands.

I use alcohol on many acrylics but Windex on Vallejo and Anitas, it really does break down faster and cleaner. And plenty of hot water. If you use straight alcohol with Vallejo ( especially Model Color) make sure to flush with water first. I do anyway with acrylics, with hot water.

Same as most...using Tamiya (and Future for gloss) nearly exclusively for going on two decades now, I've always used Windex for fast & easy cleanup with no problems.

No loss of or damage to chrome either, although I just run it through, never soak for any more than a minute or so -- just a dribble in the cup to make sure the 'elbow' is clear while I clean the brush itself, then flush the Windex out of the cup, followed by plain water.

Cheers

My . I use mostly Vallejo Model Air and craft acryllics from Joanne Fabrics. When done spraying, I put Windex in the cup, swish it around with a stiff brush and dump in a jar that sits in the back of the hood to evaporate. Then I 1/2 fill the cup with Windex again and spray into the same jar while swishing the stiff brush in the cup. Then I 1/2 fill the cup with distilled water and spray into the same jar. That's it. I've had that same Iwata Revolution CR for about 7 years and it still looks and works like new.

Jim 

Stay Safe. 

I rarely use acrylics on my ab but if I do then I also use Windex and water to get most of the acrylic paint clean but will use lacquer thinner as the final cleaner. LT will remove any paint residue left.

Well-- I might have to start using it again too. I just won't soak in it! 

One thing I remember about Windex is that it did an awesome job cleaning Acrylic, and I missed that when I stopped using it.

I use orginal windex run some in the brush clean the needle, then run some tamiya thinner agian. dont let the air brush sit with windex it will damage the rubber seals but it does clean up easier than enamels less head aches for me.

Have the talon as well, a bit nervous to use windex after reading it can damage airbrushes. More often than not I use a water rinse followed by simple green cleaner. Im using acrylics and it does a decent job. Cant speak for oils but being a degreaser id suspect it would work as well.

crown r n7

I use orginal windex run some in the brush clean the needle, then run some tamiya thinner agian. dont let the air brush sit with windex it will damage the rubber seals but it does clean up easier than enamels less head aches for me.

 

Lacquer thinner is no bargain on rubber seals for sure, been known to soften them,puff them up like bubble gum or depending on the rubber compound just break them down. Many airbrushes today don't use rubber anyway. The Chinese knock offs still do. Most name brands have some kind of more durable high or long wear synthetic seals.