Tips for Unclogging Aerosol Spray Can Nozzles

Have you ever had an aerosol can of paint clog up on you, refusing to spray its contents, and wasting your hard earned money? Here are a few tips to help you avoid this frustrating occurrence.

Aerosol spray cans are a vital tool in a variety of professions and for a wide range of tasks. Everyone from welders to structural engineers to construction foremen should have a can of ZRC aerosol spray handy and able to be used whenever a project calls for it.

There are times where your can isn’t ready to be used, though. Your can is clogged up and shaking it isn’t enough to fix the issue. You need to clear it out! Thankfully, this isn’t difficult to do.

ENSURE THE CONTENTS IS PROPERLY MIXED

Make sure you thoroughly shake and mix the contents of the can. We recommend that you continue shaking the can upside down for two minutes after the agitator balls starts rattling. This is most important when you are using zinc-rich paints which contain high levels of zinc that may have settled out.

When you finish spraying, turn the can upside down and spray a little paint away from you. This clears the valve of paint residue,
and fills it with propellant that will not harden and clog. The mist will change its color to clear when the valve is empty. 

CHECK YOUR ACTUATOR

When all else fails, replace the little actuator button on top. It may have clogged - not the valve. Be sure to use the same size tip.
Even though they all look alike, all tips are not the same. Using an incorrect tip could be dangerous.

LOOSEN THE AGITATOR BALLS

To help loosen the agitator balls quickly, try a sharp tap of the bottom of the can against a metal surface. 

KEEP CONTENTS IN SUSPENSION

As you are spraying, continue to shake the can to keep all the contents in suspension.

One, two, or all of these tips should do the trick to get your can spraying again. We take pride in not only selling the best cold galvanizing zinc compounds, but also educating those in the industry as well. Our friendly, professional, and knowledgeable team members are always here to answer your questions. If these five tips didn’t work or you have additional queries, don’t hesitate to ask us.