FineScale Modeler – September 2019

42 FineScale Modeler September 2019

A do-it-yourself cleaning pot

Recycled materials make airbrush service easy

U

s modelers use vari-

ous materials that

can be harmful to

our health. Nowhere

is this more apparent than

when using an airbrush. The

fine mist of paint that we want

for a smooth paint job also dis-

perses the chemicals into the

air. Without proper precautions,

such as a vented spray booth

and a suitable respirator mask,

those can affect our health.

The same problems occur

during cleaning with some of

the solvents being particularly

unpleasant and unhealthy. For

example, lacquer thinner is

more harmful to our health

than water-based solvents. But

we should limit exposure to any

solvents as much as possible.

In order to confine cleaning

solvents, I devised an effective

airbrush-cleaning station that is

inexpensive and easy to make.

Using found materials, mine

cost well under $1.

To start. You’ll need a suit-

able plastic container with a

broad base for stability and

preferably a shoulder of some

kind. I used an empty coffee

container, but you can find

something similar at a discount

store.

By Robert Beary

AIRBRUSHING & FINISHING

I spent less than $1 and under an hour building this airbrush cleaning station. My health is worth that investment. Is yours?