Haha...I've had my grex for 7 years, used Windex and future thru it 100s of times. Still zero issues. When I'm doing cleaning my airbrush with Windex, I spray a little Tamiya lacquer thinner thru it to clean it out. Same with future. Never had issues. It's all about taking care of your stuff.
Future can be cleaned out with 91% iso alcohol or thinner. Especially if it isn't left to dry in the brush. I spray acrylic paints and Future through my airbrushes and always spray lacquer thinner and Iwata airbrush cleaner through when I am done using the airbrush for painting, primer or clear coating. Occasionally (maybe every 3 to 4 uses) I pull the needle and rub it down with 91% iso alcohol. Seems to work fine. Primer is what clogs my brushes, never had a single issue with Future. I will never run windex through my airbrushes lol
Thank you for the comment. Through customer feedback and assisting those that are getting into airbrushing for the first time we felt it appropriate to discuss these products specifically.
Everyone i know is using windex without ammonia. It's clearly stated on the label which windex product have ammonia and which don't. Have not had any problems using ammonia free windex.
Ken, the owner of badger said windex is fine in a presentation he gave. He also said that the badger factory airbrush cleaning solution is ammonia based. He did say not to soak the gun in it. Perhaps Grex airbrushes have inferior plating or just want to sell more cleaner?
If you want to watch his presentation it is in a video called "Introduction to Airbrushing with Ken Schlotfeldt" the relevant part is at 55:10. The whole video is worth a watch.
I have enjoyed my XT since its first day. So far I have, luckily, not used Windex/Future in it. Now I won't for sure. Thanks for the tip. Not surprised by your video, it is consistent with the customer service aspect I have always seen from Grex.
I read a few posts about people using the pledge as a thinner. My big question is, does adding the pledge TO the paint aid in making it stronger, more scratch resistant?
Yes it does! I’ve mixed Pledge 50/50 with acrylic craft paints. Takes longer to dry/cure but it will give them a gloss coat so basically you are getting your clear coat and base coat in one!
I am a cake designer and airbrushing is one of the arts in my cake designs. I just purchased and received the TS2 Airbrush side feed and compressor kit because of the 360 versatility. I haven't used it yet, but intend to this week. I will be using FDA approved food paint and will be using water to clean. My questions is, will cleaning with water cause any rust or problems? Or do you recommend a food soluble cleaning solution instead? Such as a veggie wash cleaning solution? Your input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!!
+Cheryl Burke Sorry for the delay in responding. I travel a lot and responses don't come directly to me. Their are food grade detergents that are appropriate for the airbrush which we can recommend if you contact Grex Airbrush directly through our website, grexairbrush.com. I don't personally have that information available as I don't work with food grade products. I do know you can use vodka as a cleaning solution as well though I've been told, while it will clean appropriately, it can cause changes to flavors. With regard to corrosion of parts, there is a potential for problems if your local water has a high mineral content. The areas that could be effected generally are not directly involving where pigment or food dyes will come in contact. There are some internal parts that are involved in the slider area (above the pistol grip) which can corrode over time so it's important to know how to fully disassemble and re-assemble the airbrush once or twice a year for a full tear down and clean process. Working with foods you might want to do this process 3-4 times a year just to ensure there isn't any food contamination but the airbrush will function appropriately otherwise. I have other RUclips videos that address this. If you have trouble finding them please contact me through grexairbrush.com and I'll provide you the links. Again my apologies for the delayed response. I hope you are enjoying your Grex Airbrush.
Mr. Dunbar: I have a question. Having recently returned to the hobby, I have been excited by the developments, the cottage industries, and collaboration. Never before has static modeling been so engaging. I have watched a few videos, and those using artist acrylics, mention using windshield wiper fluid, as opposed to window cleaner. While it is not advisable to use ammonia on metals, windshield wiper fluid contains typically either ethanol or isopropanol and distilled water. If I'm not mistaken the combination acts as a thinner and retarder for acrylics. Please advise if and when you get a chance.
I 2nd that. That's what I'm actually doing some Google Fu about right now. I have an ultrasonic cleaner and Mineral spirits was the only non-flammable cleaning agent I could come up with for lacquer paints. Want to know if they are safe for the Grex.
Sorry for the slow response. I've been traveling extensively the past few months. Ultrasonic cleaners are not an alternative or even an improvement to normal cleaning of the airbrush using Q-tips and real pipe cleaners (not to be confused with craft pipe cleaners) or micro brushes. If you are disassembling the airbrush and cleaning the needle and fluid nozzle in the ultrasonic cleaner, that is fine. However putting the entire airbrush in the ultrasonic cleaner will only lead to corrosion issues and problems through repeated use of the ultrasonic cleaner. Moisture will remain in areas of the airbrush body and in the case of the Tritium (pistol grip) inside the plastic grip area. Unless the airbrush is properly disassembled and the internal areas wiped dry after each time it's placed in the ultra sonic cleaner then you're only setting yourself up for damage to the airbrush and likely sending the airbrush to Grex for repair. Something else to be concerned with regarding ultrasonic cleaners. The chrome plating of the airbrush can be compromised as a result of habitual use of an ultrasonic cleaner. It's not only potentially harmful to Grex airbrushes but any brass bodied chrome plated airbrush on the market. With Grex there is no mention or recommendation in the instructions to use an ultrasonic cleaner. My instructional video on how to clean a Grex Airbrush when using hobby paints provides appropriate cleaning procedures with use of any airbrush appropriate medium and at no point is an ultrasonic cleaner used or necessary to maintain proper performance of a Grex airbrush.
I think companies that take this tact and provide good info about common practices is the ultimate in participation with the consumer. I'm just on the verge of buying a new AB. I have a badger 350, and the entry level model. After a 20 year hiatus I'm returning to the hobby. I like the pistol grips of the Grex, but still am not sure which to buy. I want precision, reliability, ease of cleaning, ease of obtaining replacement parts. I'm open to good suggestions. Also anyone using artist acrylics on plastic models? Caveats?
Well, first use a non ammonia window cleaner. Second, regardless of what you're spraying when you're done before you do anything else run at least a quarter of a paint cup of whatever cleaner you're using to get most of the paint out
Hi- I ❤️ your Videos regarding the GREX TRITIUM A/B. I sent U a question regarding a problem I'm having with a leaking Tritium TG model GREX A/B - I went back trying to find that post - but can't find it as I'm not sure if my question got thru or not?? So if it did I apologise for asking twice-😬if it didn't well here goes my question...🙏 I had used the A/B for a brief period of time & started running 2k Urethane CC thru it... Then I got some bad advise by cleaning the A/B in a Ultrasonic cleaner using Acetone🤦 sorry... The A/B started leaking at the [Packing Screw] area running paint down so that my trigger finger was covered with paint before the cup was 1/2 empty.. 👉I was told by a Popular Scale modeling Vendor that I needed to replace the O'ring or seal with the New Modified "PTFE" Seal now used for the Tritium TG A/B. I ordered that part & installed it only to have it leak WORSE? So I sent the A/B to the Vendor stated that the problem was that they "Found a NICK in the replacement PTFE seal I had installed. **SO they installed a New PTFE for me & did a inspection of the A/B tested it & everything was 👌. 👉After I received the A/B I filled the paint cup with thinner to test it & it sprayed nice & smooth without leaking a SINGLE DROP👍 I I put the A/B in the rack & got the paint out I was about to use in it. I filled the cup up with thinner again out of habit to run thru it before running my paint thru it. Well as I pulled back the trigger of the A/B it started the EXACT SAME LEAK😳 🤷.... I checked to be sure everything was properly tightened & did a visual inspection & all looked 👌. Put some more Thinner in & SAME LEAK😫 (So all I've done since getting this AB back from being fixed was do a short test using Thinner that was successful- I haven't done anything else to it? I really was hoping U might offer a 2nd opinion so to speak - as I've been a Huge fan of your YT channel & trust your expertise & experience!!🙏 I've tried contacting the Shop who replaced the PTFE seal but haven't heard back from them. I would REALLY APPRECIATE ANY SUGGESTIONS OR REMEDIES U HAVE TO OFFER🙏❤️🙏 Respectfully🙏 Lee aka▶️. ☯️ZenModeling☯️
Quick tip for ANY medium before ever using it. Read instructions, especially for clean up or stripping to re-coat later. Whatever it takes to clean up spills or strip, is probably in the base product. If it cleans up with soap and/or just water, it's usually airbrush safe.
I never understood why people try to not buy reducers thinners and mediums there cheaper than your paints brushes and airbrushs and will obviously complicate and lower the quality of your paintings regardless of what your painting and the varnish/clear coat things new to me but is equally baffling and yes I'm not using punctuations as I'd like the types that do this stuff to think I'm one of them but see the light lolz
To PA Sander, I don't know why but there isn't a "reply" tab to respond to you directly. Please contact me through our company email, info@grexusa.com. Just reference my videos so they know to forward your email to me. If you wish to cut and paste your comments/questions here so I can easily respond please feel free to do so. I'll be more than happy to respond accordingly. With that said I do have one question for you. When you say "artists Acrylics" I think of Windsor and Newton tube paints. If you are asking about this type of paint specifically I don't know of anyone using these through airbrushes. I doubt the pigment granulation is small enough and the paints would require a significant amount of thinning to the point I doubt the paint will perform appropriately as a paint. There are many acrylic paints on the market that are formulated specifically for airbrushing, Createx, Golden and Wicked are just a few name brands. They all have their advantages and disadvantages however these are not generally used for model building if that's your area of interest. Acrylic paints that are most commonly used are Tamiya, Vallejo, Testors (water based acrylic line),Gunze and Humbrol Acrylic. Again each has it's advantages and disadvantages.
The pledge has the same exact amount of ammonia hydroxide as Windex 5% so your claim is not true About Windex and airbrush because you’re pretty much saying it’s OK do use pledge which has just the same amount of ammonia inside of it
Haha...I've had my grex for 7 years, used Windex and future thru it 100s of times. Still zero issues. When I'm doing cleaning my airbrush with Windex, I spray a little Tamiya lacquer thinner thru it to clean it out. Same with future. Never had issues. It's all about taking care of your stuff.
Future can be cleaned out with 91% iso alcohol or thinner. Especially if it isn't left to dry in the brush. I spray acrylic paints and Future through my airbrushes and always spray lacquer thinner and Iwata airbrush cleaner through when I am done using the airbrush for painting, primer or clear coating. Occasionally (maybe every 3 to 4 uses) I pull the needle and rub it down with 91% iso alcohol. Seems to work fine. Primer is what clogs my brushes, never had a single issue with Future. I will never run windex through my airbrushes lol
Thanks for.your help
thank you .. I have seen first hand what constant use of windex will do to an airbrush.
glad to see a manufacture chime in.
Thank you for the comment. Through customer feedback and assisting those that are getting into airbrushing for the first time we felt it appropriate to discuss these products specifically.
Everyone i know is using windex without ammonia. It's clearly stated on the label which windex product have ammonia and which don't. Have not had any problems using ammonia free windex.
And I've read its the ammonia important to breaking down the acrylic.
true
Ken, the owner of badger said windex is fine in a presentation he gave. He also said that the badger factory airbrush cleaning solution is ammonia based. He did say not to soak the gun in it. Perhaps Grex airbrushes have inferior plating or just want to sell more cleaner?
If you want to watch his presentation it is in a video called "Introduction to Airbrushing with Ken Schlotfeldt" the relevant part is at 55:10. The whole video is worth a watch.
I use water based paint and water clean up. Once heavy cleaning is needed. Laquer thinner makes her like new
I have enjoyed my XT since its first day. So far I have, luckily, not used Windex/Future in it. Now I won't for sure.
Thanks for the tip. Not surprised by your video, it is consistent with the customer service aspect I have always seen from Grex.
I know you don’t recommend using Future aka Pledge but is Alclad Aqua Gloss safe to shoot through my Grex?
Coincidentally, I just got my bottle of Future. Haven't used it yet in my Grex. Will consider a second airbrush for my gloss coats.
I spray Future through my Iwata Eclipse HP-CS all the time with no problems. The Iwata is an easy airbrush to take apart and clean.
Thanks for clarifying these
Thank u 🙏🏾sir ,appreciate the info ...
There is no amonia based glass cleaners tooo!!!
I read a few posts about people using the pledge as a thinner. My big question is, does adding the pledge TO the paint aid in making it stronger, more scratch resistant?
Yes it does! I’ve mixed Pledge 50/50 with acrylic craft paints. Takes longer to dry/cure but it will give them a gloss coat so basically you are getting your clear coat and base coat in one!
I am a cake designer and airbrushing is one of the arts in my cake designs. I just purchased and received the TS2 Airbrush side feed and compressor kit because of the 360 versatility. I haven't used it yet, but intend to this week. I will be using FDA approved food paint and will be using water to clean. My questions is, will cleaning with water cause any rust or problems? Or do you recommend a food soluble cleaning solution instead? Such as a veggie wash cleaning solution? Your input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!!
+Cheryl Burke
Sorry for the delay in responding. I travel a lot and responses don't come directly to me. Their are food grade detergents that are appropriate for the airbrush which we can recommend if you contact Grex Airbrush directly through our website, grexairbrush.com. I don't personally have that information available as I don't work with food grade products. I do know you can use vodka as a cleaning solution as well though I've been told, while it will clean appropriately, it can cause changes to flavors.
With regard to corrosion of parts, there is a potential for problems if your local water has a high mineral content. The areas that could be effected generally are not directly involving where pigment or food dyes will come in contact. There are some internal parts that are involved in the slider area (above the pistol grip) which can corrode over time so it's important to know how to fully disassemble and re-assemble the airbrush once or twice a year for a full tear down and clean process. Working with foods you might want to do this process 3-4 times a year just to ensure there isn't any food contamination but the airbrush will function appropriately otherwise. I have other RUclips videos that address this. If you have trouble finding them please contact me through grexairbrush.com and I'll provide you the links. Again my apologies for the delayed response. I hope you are enjoying your Grex Airbrush.
Mr. Dunbar:
I have a question. Having recently returned to the hobby, I have been excited by the developments, the cottage industries, and collaboration. Never before has static modeling been so engaging.
I have watched a few videos, and those using artist acrylics, mention using windshield wiper fluid, as opposed to window cleaner.
While it is not advisable to use ammonia on metals, windshield wiper fluid contains typically either ethanol or isopropanol and distilled water. If I'm not mistaken the combination acts as a thinner and retarder for acrylics.
Please advise if and when you get a chance.
what about using MEK ( Methyl Ethyl Ketone ) in your airbrush we use with our high speed printers at work ?
alabama3226 MEK is serious stuff. It would provide no additional benefits to that of lacquer. Not worth it for the risk.
MEK is nasty nasty stuff, so unless you're looking to get cancer I'd advise you avoid it at all costs.
hi would mineral spirits work or is it different from laqure thinner
I 2nd that. That's what I'm actually doing some Google Fu about right now. I have an ultrasonic cleaner and Mineral spirits was the only non-flammable cleaning agent I could come up with for lacquer paints. Want to know if they are safe for the Grex.
Sorry for the slow response. I've been traveling extensively the past few months. Ultrasonic cleaners are not an alternative or even an improvement to normal cleaning of the airbrush using Q-tips and real pipe cleaners (not to be confused with craft pipe cleaners) or micro brushes.
If you are disassembling the airbrush and cleaning the needle and fluid nozzle in the ultrasonic cleaner, that is fine. However putting the entire airbrush in the ultrasonic cleaner will only lead to corrosion issues and problems through repeated use of the ultrasonic cleaner. Moisture will remain in areas of the airbrush body and in the case of the Tritium (pistol grip) inside the plastic grip area.
Unless the airbrush is properly disassembled and the internal areas wiped dry after each time it's placed in the ultra sonic cleaner then you're only setting yourself up for damage to the airbrush and likely sending the airbrush to Grex for repair.
Something else to be concerned with regarding ultrasonic cleaners. The chrome plating of the airbrush can be compromised as a result of habitual use of an ultrasonic cleaner. It's not only potentially harmful to Grex airbrushes but any brass bodied chrome plated airbrush on the market. With Grex there is no mention or recommendation in the instructions to use an ultrasonic cleaner.
My instructional video on how to clean a Grex Airbrush when using hobby paints provides appropriate cleaning procedures with use of any airbrush appropriate medium and at no point is an ultrasonic cleaner used or necessary to maintain proper performance of a Grex airbrush.
I think companies that take this tact and provide good info about common practices is the ultimate in participation with the consumer.
I'm just on the verge of buying a new AB. I have a badger 350, and the entry level model. After a 20 year hiatus I'm returning to the hobby.
I like the pistol grips of the Grex, but still am not sure which to buy. I want precision, reliability, ease of cleaning, ease of obtaining replacement parts.
I'm open to good suggestions.
Also anyone using artist acrylics on plastic models? Caveats?
Well, first use a non ammonia window cleaner. Second, regardless of what you're spraying when you're done before you do anything else run at least a quarter of a paint cup of whatever cleaner you're using to get most of the paint out
Thx for the info I was using windes to clean and thin my paint.😒
Hi- I ❤️ your Videos regarding the GREX TRITIUM A/B. I sent U a question regarding a problem I'm having with a leaking Tritium TG model GREX A/B - I went back trying to find that post - but can't find it as I'm not sure if my question got thru or not?? So if it did I apologise for asking twice-😬if it didn't well here goes my question...🙏 I had used the A/B for a brief period of time & started running 2k Urethane CC thru it... Then I got some bad advise by cleaning the A/B in a Ultrasonic cleaner using Acetone🤦 sorry... The A/B started leaking at the [Packing Screw] area running paint down so that my trigger finger was covered with paint before the cup was 1/2 empty.. 👉I was told by a Popular Scale modeling Vendor that I needed to replace the O'ring or seal with the New Modified "PTFE" Seal now used for the Tritium TG A/B. I ordered that part & installed it only to have it leak WORSE? So I sent the A/B to the Vendor stated that the problem was that they "Found a NICK in the replacement PTFE seal I had installed. **SO they installed a New PTFE for me & did a inspection of the A/B tested it & everything was 👌. 👉After I received the A/B I filled the paint cup with thinner to test it & it sprayed nice & smooth without leaking a SINGLE DROP👍 I I put the A/B in the rack & got the paint out I was about to use in it. I filled the cup up with thinner again out of habit to run thru it before running my paint thru it. Well as I pulled back the trigger of the A/B it started the EXACT SAME LEAK😳 🤷.... I checked to be sure everything was properly tightened & did a visual inspection & all looked 👌. Put some more Thinner in & SAME LEAK😫 (So all I've done since getting this AB back from being fixed was do a short test using Thinner that was successful- I haven't done anything else to it? I really was hoping U might offer a 2nd opinion so to speak - as I've been a Huge fan of your YT channel & trust your expertise & experience!!🙏 I've tried contacting the Shop who replaced the PTFE seal but haven't heard back from them. I would REALLY APPRECIATE ANY SUGGESTIONS OR REMEDIES U HAVE TO OFFER🙏❤️🙏 Respectfully🙏 Lee aka▶️. ☯️ZenModeling☯️
Quick tip for ANY medium before ever using it. Read instructions, especially for clean up or stripping to re-coat later. Whatever it takes to clean up spills or strip, is probably in the base product. If it cleans up with soap and/or just water, it's usually airbrush safe.
I never understood why people try to not buy reducers thinners and mediums there cheaper than your paints brushes and airbrushs and will obviously complicate and lower the quality of your paintings regardless of what your painting and the varnish/clear coat things new to me but is equally baffling and yes I'm not using punctuations as I'd like the types that do this stuff to think I'm one of them but see the light lolz
To PA Sander,
I don't know why but there isn't a "reply" tab to respond to you directly. Please contact me through our company email, info@grexusa.com. Just reference my videos so they know to forward your email to me. If you wish to cut and paste your comments/questions here so I can easily respond please feel free to do so. I'll be more than happy to respond accordingly.
With that said I do have one question for you. When you say "artists Acrylics" I think of Windsor and Newton tube paints. If you are asking about this type of paint specifically I don't know of anyone using these through airbrushes. I doubt the pigment granulation is small enough and the paints would require a significant amount of thinning to the point I doubt the paint will perform appropriately as a paint.
There are many acrylic paints on the market that are formulated specifically for airbrushing, Createx, Golden and Wicked are just a few name brands. They all have their advantages and disadvantages however these are not generally used for model building if that's your area of interest.
Acrylic paints that are most commonly used are Tamiya, Vallejo, Testors (water based acrylic line),Gunze and Humbrol Acrylic. Again each has it's advantages and disadvantages.
thank for the info
The pledge has the same exact amount of ammonia hydroxide as Windex 5% so your claim is not true About Windex and airbrush because you’re pretty much saying it’s OK do use pledge which has just the same amount of ammonia inside of it
So buy a cheap £10 airbrush ...to spray cheap products makes sense
Get a harder and steenbeck evolution to fix the problem thay work with all those products no problems
Is Acetone ok for cleaning the Grex?