Spray Paint Rattle Can nozzle cleaning

[jjr2001]

Instead of using up the propellant in spray cans for cleaning the nozzle,
I remove the nozzle from the can and dip it inverted in paint thinner long
enough to fill the stem with a bit of thinner.
I then plug the stem with my thumb and remove the nozzle from the thinner.
Dump the excess thinner back into the container ( I use an small old jar to store some thinner on the bench).
Now with the air hose positioned on the inverted stem, I will give it a shot of air and
I will see a quick spray of thinner exit the business end of the nozzle.
Do this twice and I have a like new nozzle for the next time I need to spray paint.

If the can is empty I clean the nozzle and store it for future use just in case I
run into a nozzle that is plugged. (hasen't happened yet!)

Cheers, JR

[Moby Duck]

I do this too, but beware the residual paint left in the hole in the top of the can. This needs cleaning out with solvent or it will dry in place and when a clean nozzle is offered up, the paint fragments will block the clean nozzle or prevent the nozzle from being inserted. It is also a good idea to store the clean nozzle separately and not try to insert it back on the can after cleaning. Re-insertion will nearly always release a small amount of paint to re-block the nozzle. I find that fitting the nozzle to a WD40 can, (or similar), and giving it a quick squirt is easier than a jar of solvent, and I use the same WD40 to clean the exit hole in the paint can top. The residual WD40 helps keep them in good condition after cleaning. Have you ever noticed that these nozzles come in male and female form, and with different supply hole sizes, and that whenever you need a spare one, the ones that you have available are of the wrong size or gender. Sods Law I presume.

[jjr2001]

Thanks for the update. WD-40 for a quick clean. Great idea. Saves time and is a great way to clean oil based paint.

I must have 15 "spare nozzles" and 4 or 5 different types. The way I see it you can never have too many!

Cheers, JR