How To Unclog Spray Paint Cans

Clogged spray paint cans can disrupt your project. The good news is that you can often prevent clogs and take steps to unclog spray paint cans if blockages do occur.

What Causes Spray Paint Cans to Clog?

Spray paint clogs have two main causes:

• Settled pigment. If you don’t shake the can well enough, settled pigment inside the can results in a clog that can’t be cleared.
• Blocked nozzles. If you don’t wipe spray paint off the nozzle when you're done, the dried paint can create a clog.

How to Prevent Clogged Spray Paint Cans?

To prevent a can from clogging, shake it well before you begin spraying. It’s generally recommended to shake the can for 60 seconds after you hear the mixing ball start to rattle. By shaking the can for at least a minute, you’ll ensure that the paint and propellants are thoroughly mixed. If they are not mixed well enough, settled pigment can cause a can to clog.

It’s a good idea to continue shaking the can while you work on your project. This helps prevent the can from clogging and lets the paint spray on evenly.

You can also take steps to prevent the spray paint can from clogging between uses. Before storing leftover paint, clean the spray paint tip using a cotton swab or lint-free cloth dipped in mineral spirits, acetone or paint thinner. The acetone that’s sold in paint departments is typically more effective than other acetone-based solutions, like nail polish remover.

How to Fix Clogged Spray Paint Cans?

In some cases, you might think the can is clogged when, in fact, the dip tube is simply not reaching the remainder of the paint at the bottom of the can. Some spray paint cans have a small black dot around the rim. Aligning the opening of the nozzle with the dot may move the end of the tube back into the paint, letting you fully empty the can.

If your spray paint tip is clogged, you may need to clean it. The cleaning process depends on whether the tip is removable. Read the label on the can to determine if the tip is removable and how to best clean it.

If the spray tip is removable, twist and pull it off, then soak it in mineral spirits or acetone. Then, if needed, wipe the tip of the nozzle with a lint-free cloth. Spray paints that have removable tips include Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover, Rust-Oleum Stops Rust and Rust-Oleum Chalked.

Tips that are not removable, like on Rust-Oleum Universal Spray Paint, can be cleaned by wiping them with a lint-free cloth or cotton swab that’s been dipped in mineral spirits or acetone. Use the same method to clean Rust-Oleum Stops Rust with Custom Spray 5-in-1’s built-in spray tips – just ensure that the dial is turned to the lock position before you begin.

A spray paint clog can interrupt your project, but it doesn’t have to completely derail it. By taking steps to unclog spray paint cans and prevent clogs from occurring in the first place, you can complete the job without delay.