How are airbrushes ruined?

[LaNyah]

This is kind of a question, kinda.

It has been said both on this forum and at the local Smooth On shop that airbrushes/spray guns get "ruined" when used to paint with silicone. How so?

I ask because I have nearly finished my tail and not had any trouble at all with the airbrush.

At first I tried to use thinners to clean it out after a painting session, but that was messy, stinky, and ultimately didn't really get it that clean. I quickly decided that the better option is to just let the silicone dry in the spray gun overnight. The next time I'm ready to paint I just take it apart and pull out the silicone - which is fully solid. Since 'nothing sticks to silicone but silicone,' it comes right out leaving the spray gun all clean and ready to go.

FYI, I am using this model.
http://www.harborfreight.com/20-oz-8-cfm-gravity-feed-spray-gun-67181.html

[Mermaid Jaffa]

It gets ruined when you don't clean it out properly. The paint gets clogged inside it, your sprays don't come out nice looking.

If you leave it long enough, eventually it will stop spraying and if you force it, it will break.

[LaNyah]

Therein lies the question. Since the silicone comes out so cleanly and completely, how does this happen? I wonder if this only applies to brushes/sprayers that don't allow the user to dismantle them.

Again, this is more of an academic curiosity to find out what other are or are not doing.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I've only seen it happen where you can't dismantle the brush.

I know cos I used to do airbrush painting at art school many years ago, we didn't have modern ones where you can take it apart to clean it.

[AniaR]

it doesnt really though, I've done it, they get clogged and cheap ones will get ruined really easily. the better the one you can clean easier and maintain easier

[LaNyah]

The one I use is the cheapest I could find, but it's really accessible and easy to take apart. Sure glad my frugal nature lead me to it first! :)