Backflush is a cleaning technique where you place your finger over the nozzle opening and press the trigger to push air backward through the airbrush. This forces cleaning solution (or water) to bubble through the paint cup and needle assembly, loosening paint deposits throughout the airbrush body.
How to backflush:
- Add a small amount of airbrush cleaner or water to the cup.
- Place your fingertip firmly over the front of the airbrush (covering the nozzle/air cap area).
- Pull the trigger back fully and depress for air.
- Air will bubble back through the cup. Hold 3–5 seconds, then release.
- Spray out the loosened paint into a rag or cleaning station.
- Repeat until the expelled liquid runs clear.
Backflushing is a quick in-session cleaning method between color changes. It doesn’t replace deep cleaning but significantly reduces color contamination.
Related: Deep Clean · Nozzle · Back-Bubbling Learn more: How to Clean an Airbrush