rattle-can paint-lost pressure..

Thanks Rod, I haven't had this happen before. I've had cans hold pressure for many years longer than I had this one for..

roddie wrote:Thanks Rod, I haven't had this happen before. I've had cans hold pressure for many years longer than I had this one for..

Probably got to do with the climate. I probably lose 1 in 3 cans due to clogging up or losing pressure. I always invert and spray like they suggest, but if it sits for more than 6 months, it's often a goner next time I try.

A friend from work years ago showed me and I thought he was crazy at the time but it works / we were doing it to cans of penetrant fluids but will work with paint too . Take the spray tip off and use a air compressor with air nozzle , put it on the stem sticking out and push down and air it back up .... scared me first time or three but have done it over the years a lot of times with out an issue . Note : only put air in for a second or two and may need to do it twice . *

getback wrote:A friend from work years ago showed me and I thought he was crazy at the time but it works / we were doing it to cans of penetrant fluids but will work with paint too . Take the spray tip off and use a air compressor with air nozzle , put it on the stem sticking out and push down and air it back up .... scared me first time or three but have done it over the years a lot of times with out an issue .  Note : only put air in for a second or two and may need to do it twice . *

Interesting.. I wonder if I could try using a bicycle-tire pump? It might be safer..

roddie wrote:

getback wrote:A friend from work years ago showed me and I thought he was crazy at the time but it works / we were doing it to cans of penetrant fluids but will work with paint too . Take the spray tip off and use a air compressor with air nozzle , put it on the stem sticking out and push down and air it back up .... scared me first time or three but have done it over the years a lot of times with out an issue .  Note : only put air in for a second or two and may need to do it twice . *

Interesting.. I wonder if I could try using a bicycle-tire pump? It might be safer..

I have actually done it with a compressor but you only get a few seconds spray time for each "recharge". Air pressure reduces more quickly than the original propellant, which maintains a consistant pressure as it expands and vaporises.

If you're worried about bursting the can, set your compressor regulator at a lower pressure.

Hi All,
To 'rejuvinate' old spray cans...
Boil water, stick the can in it without burning your fingers.
With gloves, shake well.
The extra pressure will get whatever is left in the spray can...
Your results will vary,
Take care,
Have fun,
Dave

Unless you have a air brush, I wouldn't bother with the other methods. I'm convinced that spray can paint differs in regards to that there's certain chemicals that allow it flow. Those chemicals by now are probably evaporated or just not up the job when they were new. I had this issue with the small Testor's spray cans. Seeing I wanted a perfect match, I was able to open the can and use it through my air brush. To my surprise, as I painted the same paint directly over the affected area on the plane, it began to alligator. My thoughts on this were this, as I sprayed to the paint, I had to heavily apply to get it wet enough appearance wise. It quickly skinned over and trapped solvents under the skin causing it too blister. I believe this is because there's not enough open time on the paint once out of the can. I see others online using a product when this has occurred with them called Mr. Color Leveling thinner. This confirms my experience in that this leveling thinner would prevent the paint from skinning over immediately. It generates a longer drying time with more shine. This is a huge problem with enamels in that the top skins but underneath it remains wet for weeks. Unfortunately, the cost of this product vs buying a new can makes this pointless unless your opting for a perfect color match.

Just last week I threw away a gas expired half-can of satin black without thinking. Not sure that I would use the air compressor suggestion due to an unfortunate experience with a nail decades ago. Smart enough to point it away from my face but I still wound up with a black hand. Clogged perhaps not spent.

Boiling water, bicycle pump sounds good.

A potential problem is due to reformulation of our paints, I'm thinking that the propellant used may be required as part of the solvents while in the can. (You shake and a portion is mixed with the paint.) Absence thereof may affect application curing, if salvaged by emptying liquid contents into an external sprayer.

This is just my gut level feeling.