Why Won’T My Brand New Spray Paint Can Spray?
If you just bought a brand new can of spray paint but can’t get any paint to come out when you press the nozzle, you’re probably feeling frustrated. Don’t worry – with a few simple troubleshooting steps, you can get your new spray paint working in no time.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: the most likely reasons a new spray paint can won’t spray are that the nozzle is clogged or the can needs to be shaken up to mix the paint. Try clearing the nozzle with a pin and shaking the can for 2-3 minutes.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through all the possible reasons a new spray paint can won’t spray paint properly. We’ll also provide step-by-step instructions to help you troubleshoot and fix the issue.
Check That the Nozzle Isn’t Clogged
One common reason why a brand new spray paint can may not spray is because the nozzle is clogged. It is important to check the nozzle for any blockages before assuming there is a problem with the can itself.
Look closely at the nozzle to see if it’s clogged with dried paint
Take a close look at the nozzle of the spray paint can. Sometimes, dried paint can accumulate around the opening of the nozzle, preventing the paint from spraying properly. This can happen if the nozzle was not properly cleaned after previous use or if the can was stored improperly.
Use a pin or paperclip to gently clear any blockages
If you see any signs of dried paint clogging the nozzle, you can try using a pin or a paperclip to gently clear the blockage. Insert the pin or paperclip into the nozzle and carefully scrape away any dried paint. Be gentle to avoid damaging the nozzle.
Don’t use anything sharp that could damage the nozzle
It is important to note that while using a pin or paperclip can be effective in clearing a clogged nozzle, it is crucial to avoid using anything sharp that could potentially damage the nozzle. Damaging the nozzle can make it even more difficult for the spray paint to come out properly, and may render the can unusable.
Remember to always handle spray paint cans with care and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have tried clearing the nozzle and the spray paint still won’t come out, it may be best to contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
Make Sure the Can Has Been Shaken Well
If you’re having trouble getting your brand new spray paint can to spray, the first thing you should check is whether the can has been shaken well. Shaking the can is an important step in the process that helps ensure the paint is properly mixed and ready to spray.
Here are a few reasons why shaking the can is crucial:
Shake the can vigorously back and forth for 2-3 minutes
When you first purchase a spray paint can, the paint inside may have settled or separated. By shaking the can vigorously back and forth for a couple of minutes, you help mix the paint and ensure a smooth and consistent spray.
It’s important to shake the can for an adequate amount of time to thoroughly mix the contents.
The ball bearing inside helps mix the paint
Many spray paint cans are equipped with a small metal ball bearing inside. This ball bearing serves an important purpose – it helps mix the paint when the can is shaken. As you shake the can, the ball bearing moves around, agitating the paint and ensuring that the pigments and propellants are thoroughly mixed.
Shaking mixes the pigments and propellants
Paint contains pigments that give it color, as well as propellants that help propel the paint out of the can. When the can is shaken, the pigments and propellants are mixed together, ensuring a consistent spray.
Without proper mixing, the paint may not spray evenly, leading to splotches or uneven coverage.
Remember, if your brand new spray paint can isn’t spraying properly, the first thing to check is whether it has been shaken well. Give it a good shake to mix the paint thoroughly, and you should be ready to spray with ease!
Verify the Can Isn’t Empty
One common reason why a brand new spray paint can may not spray is because it is empty. It’s important to check if there is any liquid left in the can before assuming there is a problem with the nozzle or the paint itself.
Gently shake the can next to your ear to hear if there is liquid inside
A simple way to check if there is any paint left in the can is by gently shaking it next to your ear. If you hear a sloshing sound, it means there is still liquid inside. This indicates that the can is not empty and the issue may lie elsewhere.
However, if you don’t hear any sound or the sound is very faint, it is likely that the can is empty and needs to be replaced.
Check the can’s weight – an empty can will feel very light
Another way to determine if the spray paint can is empty is by checking its weight. An empty can will feel noticeably light compared to a full or partially full can. Hold the can in your hand and compare its weight to another can that you know is full.
If there is a significant difference in weight, it is a clear indication that the can is empty.
Remember, it is always a good idea to check the can’s expiration date as well. Over time, the paint inside the can may dry up or become unusable, resulting in a can that appears to be full but doesn’t spray.
If you have verified that the can is not empty and is within its expiration date, there may be other factors causing the issue, such as a clogged nozzle or a faulty valve. In such cases, it is recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or contact their customer support for further assistance.
Check for Issues with the Nozzle and Spray Head
When you’re experiencing difficulties with your brand new spray paint can, it’s important to first examine the nozzle and spray head for any potential issues. Here are a few things you can check:
Make sure the nozzle is aimed in the right direction
One common mistake is not aiming the nozzle correctly. The nozzle should be pointed towards the desired surface at a distance of around 8-12 inches. If the nozzle is not aligned properly, the spray may not come out as expected. Take a moment to adjust the nozzle’s position and try spraying again.
Ensure the nozzle isn’t loose or detached
Another issue that can prevent the spray paint can from working properly is a loose or detached nozzle. If the nozzle is not securely attached to the can, it can cause leakage or blockage, resulting in a lack of spray. Check to see if the nozzle is tightly screwed onto the can.
If it is loose, tighten it until it is snug. If the nozzle is detached, you may need to replace it with a new one.
Confirm the spray head moves when the nozzle is pressed
The spray head is responsible for releasing the paint when the nozzle is pressed. If the spray head is not moving or seems stuck, it can prevent the paint from being sprayed. Gently press the nozzle and observe if the spray head moves.
If it doesn’t, try tapping it lightly to loosen any possible blockages. If the spray head still doesn’t move, it may be a sign of a faulty can, and you should consider contacting the manufacturer for assistance.
Remember, these troubleshooting steps should help you identify and resolve common issues with the nozzle and spray head of your brand new spray paint can. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to the manufacturer’s customer support for further guidance. Happy spraying!
Look for Problems with the Spray Can’s Propellants
When you’re excited to start your next DIY project and your brand new spray paint can won’t spray, it can be frustrating. One of the most common reasons for this issue is problems with the spray can’s propellants.
Propellants are responsible for creating the pressure needed to spray the paint onto the desired surface. If there’s an issue with the propellant, it can prevent the pressure buildup necessary for the paint to spray properly.
Faulty propellants prevent pressure buildup needed to spray
A faulty propellant can be a major culprit behind a spray can that won’t spray. If the propellant is not functioning correctly, it may not generate enough pressure to push the paint out of the can. This can happen due to a manufacturing defect or even improper handling during transportation or storage.
It’s important to check the propellant canister for any visible damage or leaks that could be affecting its performance.
Store spray cans properly to avoid propellant breakdown
Proper storage of spray cans is crucial to prevent propellant breakdown. Extreme temperatures, such as exposure to excessive heat or cold, can cause the propellant to degrade over time. It’s best to store spray cans in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Additionally, avoid storing them near any heat sources or in areas prone to temperature fluctuations, such as garages or attics.
According to experts at Family Handyman, keeping the spray cans in an upright position can also help prevent propellant breakdown. This ensures that the propellant is distributed evenly throughout the can and reduces the chances of it settling in one area.
Cans stored for a long time may lose propellant power
If you’ve had the spray can sitting on your shelf for a long time, it’s possible that the propellant has lost its power. Over time, propellants can slowly evaporate or dissipate, resulting in reduced pressure buildup.
This is more likely to happen with older cans or ones that have been stored for an extended period. If you suspect this is the case, it might be time to replace the old can with a new one to ensure a proper spray.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions for proper storage and usage of spray paint cans. By taking care of your spray cans and keeping an eye on the propellants, you’ll be able to avoid any issues and enjoy a smooth and hassle-free spraying experience.
Conclusion
With a bit of troubleshooting and testing, you should be able to get your new spray paint can working properly. Start by clearing any clogs from the nozzle, shaking the can vigorously, and making sure the can still contains liquid paint.
If it still won’t spray, look for issues with the nozzle, spray head, or propellants.
Following the tips in this guide will help you identify and fix the problem. And soon you’ll be able to get back to your spray painting project. Just remember to shake the paint can for a few minutes before each use for best results!
