discussion What Solution for Ultrasonic Cleaner

[slupanter]

Hey all,

Question time! Queue the theme! ( QUESTION TIME THEME TUNE - YouTube )

I spray Lacquer based paint (Tamiya, Mr H, MRP), what solution is best used in my ultrasonic cleaner?
I have been using IPA99% but I am wondering if there is something out there that is as good but kinder on the nose and the AB seals.

 

[Tim Marlow]

I would try dilute washing up liquid first Alexander. Ultrasonic baths are quite aggressive so you don’t really need to solvate the paint.

 

[Tim Marlow]

I would also recommend warm water, and suspend the item. If you lay it on the bottom of the tank the area in contact with the bath won’t experience impact with the cavitation bubbles produced by the soniprobe. We used to clean lab kit in them back in the days before disposable technology. They were fantastic for cleaning coins just using dish soap as well.

 

[slupanter]

Hi Tim, how should I suspend the items?

 

[Tim Marlow]

We just used a wire basket and moved them around every couple of minutes.

 

[Ian M]

Hi Tim, how should I suspend the items?

Stainless steel tea strainer should do the trick.

 

[slupanter]

I have just stolen Louise’s baking sieve

 

[rickoshea52]

Mine has a plastic basket that lifts in/out much like a deep fat fryer arrangement.

 

[slupanter]

Mine has a plastic basket that lifts in/out much like a deep fat fryer arrangement.

I have misplaced mine

 

[Tim Marlow]

I have just stolen Louise’s baking sieve

That sounds ideal. Ours was like a stainless steel chip basket.

 

[Jim R]

Although I don't use mine a lot it is very useful when the airbrush needs a deep clean. Even if I've used enamels or lacquers I find warm water and washing up liquid works well. Mine has a plastic basket to put the bits in.
Jim

 

[Guest]

Use mine with VMS ab cleaner, some times just water and fairy when cleaning glasses !
Always use the basket .

 

[stillp]

I bought some jewellery cleaner concentrate when I bought my ultrasonic. Tried it out on the black mesh strap of a Skagen watch, and it stripped the blacking off! I just use washing-up liquid in the water now.
Pete

 

[Tim Marlow]

They are aggressive. You basically hit the surface with very high energy solvent bubbles at temperatures of around 5000K. The bubbles are so small that the mechanical effect is limited to the surface though.

 

[PaulTRose]

always used warm water and a decent brand of washing up liquid, works for me

 

[Tim Marlow]

always used warm water and a decent brand of washing up liquid, works for me

That’s all we ever needed at work as well :thumb2:

 

[adt70hk]

Alexander

On a slight tangent, I've often wondered about getting one but like a lot of things they vary greatly in price.... Is there much difference in quality.

ATB.

Andrew

 

[Jim R]

Hi Andrew
I reckon that for occasional use to clean the airbrush you only need one like THIS. It's big enough to fit the parts of an AB and has a plastic basket. I have had a very similar one for about 5 years and it has been fine.
Jim

 

[stillp]

I bought a 2 litre one - big enough for a 1:1 carburettor! Cost me £25 (new) on ebay. The downside is that, fairly obviously, it takes 2 litres to fill it, which puts me off using any solvent other than water. It has a wire basket.
Pete

 

[slupanter]

I have made a new “basket” out of a Wilko sieve

Does it matter if the base is touching the bottom of the cleaner?