I have an Iwata brush and use mostly createx paints. I use the createx cleaner, but when I break the brush down and clean it there is still build up. I used lacquer thinner today and it seemed to work good. My question is there a better way to clean while brushing so it doesnt build up as much? Could I use denatured alcohol? Or rubbing alcohol? Also the createx cleaner smells like soapy water... is that all it is? Could I use hot water with a little bit of dish soap? Sorry for all the random run on questions, but you guys know a lot more than me!

I am gonna try some isopropy 70% rubbing alcohol!

   I leave mine overnight in dawn dish det. and hot water. Then the next day take a toothbrush and scrub all the big stuff off. Then I take something like a little pipe cleaner (got them from harbor freight, they come with really small ones) and run through the tip to get all the gunk out. Reassemble and your good to go.

I ran out of the Createx airbrush cleaner and have been squirting windex in to clean it out, and it works WONDERS.  Been doing this for 6 months or so.

When I break down, I take the plastic O-ring out and allow it to soak in Mineral Spirits.  And then wash very well, and then soak in dawn/water, and then again in clean water.  I RARELY do this, only when I notice build up and it effects the performance of the spray.

Cleaning is a lot like painting, each person will develope their own technique. I use distilled water with a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid for regular cleaning between colors and lacquer thinner when the brushes will be idle for a few days. Remember to lubricate the gun when your finished cleaning.

I use windex and water mixed 50/50 with about a table spoon of dish soap in the mix.   It's the only solution I ever use to clean my brush.

I'm going to start adding a table spoon of simple green to the mixture to see if it works better.   I tear my brush apart maybe every 3 to 6 months for a full cleaning.   One tool I use is a squirt bottle with a very small tip that fits in the back of the brush and a good flushing from that direction really helps clean out any excess paint.

Get a ultrasonic cleaner. You can find them on ebay easily and for a good price.  I have two and they are hands down the best way to clean your airbrush.  I'm shooting lacquers and they can be stubborn. Lacquer thinner and the ultrasonic makes them shinny and new no matter how long the paints set up.  I do disassemble the brush so that it cleans deep within the brush and cleaning 4 at a time.  Also if you are using solvent based paints be careful not to let the thinner get to any o-rings as it is not very friendly. I'm using Iwata's that are are solvent safe so no worries for me.