Do you use a brush to clean inside? Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/ABEST-Airbrush-Cleaning-Repair-Stainless/dp/B00UFBJGRM/ref=sr_1_9

I have a cheap airbrush and use this when I'm done to make sure I get all of the dried paint out.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UFBJGRM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I hate amazon with a passion, but this is the kit I use for my cleaning.

I'm in the USA.

I got Vallejo brand Thinner and Cleaner.

Id assume by this point (based on responses) that most Metallic paint might have flakes in it. But being that there are in fact airbrush safe metallic options, maybe not all have flakes. I searched product description and all for "flakes" but nothing comes up. Is there a way to identify?

I looked at AK Xtreme Metals, and it seems to be limited to the same colors as the spray cans. The other brands seem to be more limited to the opaque and neon colors. I could search for days and never come across that one item some can find in 2mins. I swear I'm cursed. But seriously, am I missing something? Do you do a mixture?

I didn't even think of that! It really did look like I was getting plenty of metallic speckled paint flow, but it'd make a hell of a lot of sense that it was just getting gunked up. But I am still curious why the cleaning wouldn't have cleared it out. I didn't allow even a moment for any paint to dry in the airbrush.

I did order this cleaning kit as suggested by u/GShockNoob

Thank you so much to everyone for help on this.