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“Removing Paint From Aerosol Cans”
A great primer is Gray Equipment #20010 by Painters Place in the 11oz. aerosol can for 90cents at WalMart in the HousePaint aisle.
Several years ago I invented a way to remove aerosol paint from its container and Scale Model Magazine ran it in their magazine.
Simply remove the Gray Primer from the can and thin it 35% with Paint Thinner.
It will go on thin and smooth unlike the gritty, sandy effects you get from spraying it out of the aerosol can.
It’s adhesive properties are superior.
Aerosol primers whether Enamel or Lacquer are way too thick and gritty for our 1/64 scale Customs.
When thinned they lay down smooth and of nominal thickness.
Here’s a trick I came up with to transfer paint from the aerosol can to a container so I could spray it with my Airbrush.
Scale Model Magazine saw it online, contacted me and requested to publish it.
You will need a 3″ – 4″ length of plastic drinking straw, some 1″ wide tape, and of course a suitable container.
I collect the empty film cans from local WalMart Photoshops. This soft pliable plastic will not react with automotive paints.
1st—–Butt the straw up to the hole in the button of the Aerosol can. In most cases with Duplicolor, the straw will actually slip over a short protrusion in the button.
2nd—–Wrap the tape around the straw and button so they are held together firmly and tightly.
3rd—–Just spray your paint into whatever container you’ve chosen. The straw will perform like a muffler, choking down the escaping gases and allowing the paint to gently run out the end of the straw.
If you’re only using small amounts of paint, you can just spray the paint directly into your paint cup.
I will add this note here although I haven’t included it before for this post.
I have an alternate method for removing the paint from aerosol cans when I want to completely empty the can and transfer all its contents to another container.
You can of course use my above method to completely empty an Aerosol can but this second method is quicker.
Remove the spray button from the can.
Shake the can to thoroughly mix its contents.
Set the can down on a flat surface.
Using a file sharpen a small nail to a point and with a small hammer gently tap a pin hole just inside the lip at the top of the can.
A pinhole is all you need.
Just barely break the skin of the can.
Allow the pressure to fully escape, about 15 minutes.
Now similarly tap another pinhole opposite from the first on the other side of where the spray button was.
When all pressure has escaped enlarge both holes with a larger nail or phillips screwdriver.
These two holes will equalize the air pressure in the can so you may pour out the contents.
Now you need a suitable container to hold the contents.
You may use any soft plastic container i.e., polyethylene not hard styrene.
I choose either Ketchup bottles or Barbecue Sauce bottles.
Yeah, I do a lot of Barbecuing around here.
These bottles are constructed of soft vinyl like plastic which will not react with the chemicals in Enamel or Lacquer paints.
They also come with the benefit of having a small mouth opening so you may safely pour your thinned paint directly into your AirBrush Cup.
Gently pour the contents of the can into your new container and leave it open for about 4 hours.
Return every so often to swirl around the contents assuring that the gases get released.
The paint still contains propellant in liquid form and will create pressure in your new container if shaken.
Diluting it with the prescribed amount, 35%, of Paint Thinner will deactivate some of this tendency to bubble up and boil over.
I screw on the cap, gently shake the bottle and very easily loosen the cap 4 or 5 times repeatedly to allow all remaining propellant to escape.
So here you have methods of removing paint from aerosol cans allowing you to either release small amounts as in using the Straw Method or to completely empty the can and transfer the contents to another container.
All my painting is done completely with House Of Kolor products, Of Course!!
But I like to give alternate methods so that anyone can get perfect results using products they can easily obtain.
–CadillacPat the UnCustomizer–
Chemical Paint Removers
One of the most common methods for removing old paint is chemical strippers and solvent removers. These come in several forms and should be selected according to personal preference. This means choosing whichever application process or product you are most comfortable with using. Aerosol sprays spray-on as a foam and are by-far the easiest and least expensive option. And regular paint remover sprays are similar, and best for smaller objects and projects.
If you are undertaking a larger project, you might be better off using a thicker chemical paint remover. For example, you can choose a gel or paste-like, brush-on chemical paint remover. This is also best for ceilings and walls to prevent dripping. For removing only a few layer of paint or when working around irregular areas, use a liquid remover because they dry quickly. Although a bit pricier, there are non-toxic, chemical-free solvents available on the market for those who prefer an eco-friendly approach.
Electric Paint Removers
Electric paint removers are sold on the market and come in a variety of styles and models. They contain a heating plate, or heating element, that heats paint until it bubbles and peels, allowing for easier removal. But don’t think this is the only step to using an electric paint removal tool! Manual scraping comes after! The heat tool simply breaks down the old paint so that it can be easily removed with a scraping tool. Electric paint remover tools can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 or more, depending on the retailer, brand, and its features.
On the subject of using electric paint remover tools, scraping is just one other common method for such a job. Although it is manual labor, it is one of the most basic and oldest methods of removing paint and varnish. This is the recommended method for fragile pieces like antique furniture and other delicate objects. To scrape away old paint coats, use a paint scraper tool or a putty knife. If there is an abundance of chipped paint that needs scraped, it is suggested to use a high-pressure water hose to remove the majority of loose paint, and then proceed with manual scraping. To make scraping easier, incorporate a chemical solvent as well.
Sanding
Another manual approach to paint removal is sanding. Using abrasives to remove paint is effective because the grit material of the sandpaper slowly and evenly works away at the old coat. You can use sandpaper sheets or a sanding machine, depending on the object or surface area. If using a sanding machine, choose an electrical orbital disc sander.
For smaller objects or individual pieces, dipping is an effective method for paint removal. Dipping is just that: submersing an object into a liquid caustic solution until the paint begins to slip off. This is generally a method used by professionals since they retain access to the proper tools, supplies, and products.
For the best paint removal outcomes, hire a professional painting service for all your repainting and paint removal needs.
