Help: The Best Way/safest Way To Drain Out Paint From Spray Can?

Can I invert the spray can and release all the gas first?? THanks.

I don't recommend that method myself, although it may very well work fine.

There is a tutorial on BriansModelCars.com in the tutorials section which outlines my preferred method.

I don't recommend that method myself, although it may very well work fine.

There is a tutorial on BriansModelCars.com in the tutorials section which outlines my preferred method.


Thanks Ray. I need to make by own pink primer for my ferraris. Will it explode? :smile:

Thanks Ray. I need to make by own pink primer for my ferraris. Will it explode? :smile:

I don't actually know to be honest, although I would say I don't think it would.
They tell you to turn the can upside down and spray to clean the nozzle, I don't think they'd tell you to do something that would be dangerous.
The tricky part is, once you've got all the propellant out the can, how do you get the paint out?
You can't drill a hole as that would be unsafe.

The few times I've wanted to do this, I've only wanted small amounts of paint for touch-ups, etc. All I do is grab a pop bottle lid and tilt it about 45 degrees, then tilt the can a little bit and spray away. There's a little overspray (so don't do it over your mom's favourite artpiece) but 99% of the paint goes into the lid. If you wanted to drain the entire can, I would probably just spray it into a pop bottle (clean and dry, of course), then transfer it into whatever container you want to put it into. In fact, a pop bottle might just make a good storage container!

Just brought 2 can of Tamiya Large White primers and X-7 to make the pink primer....I inverted the spray can already, and try to release most of the gas in next two days, and then drill the bottom, to get the paint out...Hope it goes smoothly, no explosion. hahaha will see :eek:

I've read people getting paint from automotive cans by simply spraying into a jar/container, then pouring into a airbrush as they had more control over an airbrush than a spray can.

Seeing that you want to achieve this with Tamiya spray, it should theoretically easier, as Tamiya's paint is a lot thinner.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

i always just take a large funnel (sometimes i make one out of paper or cardboard), put that in the top of what ever container i want to store the paint in, then spray till i have how much i want.

For best results, heat the can as you would if you were going to paint the car and shake very well.

To get paint out of a Tamiya can get a drinking straw, and place that over the nozzle, then just simply spray the paint through the straw into the new jar. Easy as pie, and no overspray..

here is how to do it:

http://www.briansmodelcars.com/tutorials/tutorial.asp?TutorialID=3&CurPage=1

here is how to do it:

http://www.briansmodelcars.com/tutorials/tutorial.asp?TutorialID=3&CurPage=1

Dooh, Vric, you had me a inch behind you !!!

Exactely what I was searching for but you beat me !! The ideal ressource to drain the paint... and it work well.

Oh I just finished spraying pink primer on the F50. I chose to direct spray into a pop can, which was in warm water bath. After the primer was in the pop can, I used a metal rod to stir continously until no more gas bubbles coming out. First experience is good, and saves a lot of primer by using airbrush. Thanks for all of your replies. Thanks again. :D

The link Vric posted is the way I do it now. However, I HAVE done it the other way too (let the pressure out and drill hole in can) and I wouldn't recommend it. If you somehow convince yourself to do it that way, here's some things to think about:
- make absolutely sure that the nozzle is depressed for a long time. When the pressure is released, it cools the temp of the can/paint down. Then as the can slowly increases back to room temp, guess what, it builds back up some pressure. I rigged up a little device that held the nozzle down overnight to be sure all the pressure was out.
- watch out for clogs/plugs. It happens. You might think the pressure is out, but it's not. No good way to be sure of this, so you're on your own...

Or, here's a better suggestion. Do it the way shown in the link on Vric's message. Much easier, and less risky...

Murray

I ended up creating a nozzle just for this (for Tamiya cans) using ally tubing and superglue.

I use empty small glass jars (usually Model Master) to decant into. I first cover the top of the jar with plain old duck tape (yup..duck, not duct!) and then cut an "X" into the tape that will just allow the nozzle to fit into the jar and a triangle at the edge of the inside jar lid (to allow the gases to escape) and decant away!

hth,
Bill

Hi Bill, do you have pics of your special nozzle? :D

Hi Bill, do you have pics of your special nozzle? :D

I'll post a link...but like most things that work, it ain't much to look at
;-)>

release most of the gas in next two days, and then drill the bottom, to get the paint out...

So, TireGaint, did you drill the can yet?

So, TireGaint, did you drill the can yet?
Oh I just finished spraying pink primer on the F50. I chose to direct spray into a pop can, which was in warm water bath. After the primer was in the pop can, I used a metal rod to stir continously until no more gas bubbles coming out. First experience is good, and saves a lot of primer by using airbrush. Thanks for all of your replies. Thanks again.

LOL, that straw mod is pretty ghetto. I've taken paint out of Testors cans before. I inverted the can and got all the gas out. Then got a nice large clear plastic bag (make sure you're wearing gloves!). I stuck my hands inside the bag and used a bottle opener to make 2 holes in the bottom of the spray can. Then just pour out.

Worked for me, and yes, they do explode if there's even any trace amount of gas or if ambient temperature drops, which is why you need the bag.

clem..

maybe it you turn it upside down then you'll reease all the compressed air and then when you spray it the right way up noting will happen and you can pierce the can but i'm not responsible it this goes wrong

SAFETY FIRST!!

Guys, thank you so much on the replies. :D