Decanting spray paint for airbrushing

[lotus123]

If you're going to "pin" this thread (and I agree that it should be) then I'd like to add a couple of pointers.

Instead of struggling with drinking straws which have a habit of coming loose and making a mess, make a decanting nozzle using an old Tamiya nozzle and a piece of aluminum or brass tubing. Drill the original spray jet out of the Tamiya nozzle, then epoxy the tube into place. Make a slight bend in the tube so that you can decant into a container while holding the can upright.



To decant cleanly I put a small piece of cling film over the cup and stick the nozzle through the film. This stops spray back. I then wait a few minutes for the paint to warm up and gas out. To clean the nozzle hold the can upside down and spray out the paint residue. Sometimes I also give it a dip in lacquer thinners.

I usually decant very small amounts directly into the airbrush cup, using only as much as I need. I believe that the paint keeps better in the sealed Tamiya can until I need it, so I don't empty the entire thing into another bottle. If I need larger quantities (or mix colours) I decant into small glass jars and place them in small tubs of hot water to gas out quicker (and flow better).

When the Tamiya can seems empty (no more gas pressure) I remove the top using cutters to extract the last of the paint (there's usually a useful bit in there, and I often get a lot of primer this way). Beware - you have to lift a small edge carefully and wait, because even a "dead can" still has some life here. After the last of the gas has gone, finish lifting the rest of the can top and pour off into a sealable container.

Hope this helps.

[Jay!]

Added to the How-To Depository. Pardon the delay!