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So, I'm going to be picking up an airbrush soon (dual-action, gravity feed), and I need to know what I should do to clean it. I've seen this cleaning station > http://www.amazon.com/Iwata-Medea-NAC-201-Cleaning-Station/dp/B000VADIVC/ref=pd_bxgy_t_img_y get really good reviews, but at the same time I'm not to hot on dropping $20 for a seemingly glorified pot. Would it be viable to simply clean the brush with a toothbrush and soap, or is that a bad idea?

Cheers!

_Tim?

Use alcohol.
Or airbrush cleaner.

What are you spraying in it? if acrylics, alcohol or airbrush cleaner will do fine. If you are using enamels, you will need that kind of thinner/cleaner.

The pot thing, is so you have something to spray the cleaner into when putting it into an assembled brush.

There are dozens of threads on this, check around for more info.Also check out youtube, and search for "airbrush cleaning" tons more vids.

I personally recommend awesomepaintjob.com - les has tons of great airbrush vids.

Best of luck!

Buy the cleaning pot. You use it between colors to clean the brush so there is no accidental color mixing.
Since you are new, I'll warn you now; be prepared to spend way more time cleaning the brush than you expect. Just using "soap and a toothbrush" isn't going to do the job so also invest in a set of nylon cleaning brushes (also available on Amazon) for times when you break the airbrush down to clean the guts. Get some airbrush oil too, so all the mechanical parts stay well lubricated (airbrush oil can also be found on Amazon).
An airbrush is not a "fire and forget" tool; proper care must be given to it to ensure its continued use. You don't just whip the airbrush out and spray a few things and stick it back in dusty old drawer you store it in. Instead, think of it like a firearm; it needs to be properly cleaned EVERY TIME it is used, no matter how much or little it was used.
Airbrushes and the related equipment can often be a hefty investment, so unless you have throw-away money or don't place value on things, properly maintain your tools.

Yes, buy the pot or make your own.

Make your own from a plastic coffee can.... Put some paper towels inside and spray the cleaner through your brush into the coffee container....

 Chute82 wrote:
Make your own from a plastic coffee can.... Put some paper towels inside and spray the cleaner through your brush into the coffee container....

Because depending on what you're using, you have to watch out for this. At least have some sort of makeshift filter built, spraying into an open can just allows for chemicals to float around in the air and if you don't have a mask, it's just not a good idea for your health.

Obvious you would cut or drill a small hole in the lid..... plus you should be painting in a well vented area is your using harmful paint.....plus wearing the right face mask.... common sense ,I know is a lost art these days..

I didnt buy the "glorified pot" at first, but i had to eventually, a hole in a bottle or something is nowhere near as effective, plus you get a stand to keep it in.