When a spray can stop spraying while you’re working on a project, but there is still liquid sloshing around inside, don’t be sad because you can pressurize the can again. Use an air compressor to provide a quick and temporary recharge.
With the help of a tiny nozzle, products like paint are dispensed from aerosol cans. The product is kept under pressure while the can is sealed with a piston. Pressure causes the product to be forced out when the nozzle is opened. The can will burst open if the nozzle becomes blocked because of the increased pressure.
Repressurizing aerosol cans can be done in a few different ways. A bicycle pump is one method. Utilizing a vacuum with a hose attachment is a different option.
The Best Way To Pressurize An Aerosol Can
For the product to be released through the nozzle, propellants like compressed carbon dioxide are typically added to aerosol cans. The product will not be released from the can if the nozzle gets blocked. A bicycle pump or a hand pump can be used to repressurize an aerosol can.
- Over the nozzle opening, squirt a small amount of hot water.
- The nozzle on the can’s top should be removed.
- Wait a few minutes for the pressure to build up before screwing the nozzle back onto the can.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you’re using the right kind of valve for your aerosol can. Hold the can upside-down after removing the nozzle from the can’s top. Place the valve over the hole at the bottom of the can. Push down until it clicks into place. Squeeze the can several times until gas starts to escape from the valve. Once the gas is escaping, squeeze the can until it’s empty.
Caution
Don’t apply too much pressure in aerosol cans. This cannot be stressed strongly enough. Additionally, some aerosols use propane or butane as their propellant because it liquefies and boils off at a constant pressure as the volume of the contents in the can decreases. Because you are using compressed air, which won’t liquefy, your air under pressure won’t remain constant as you use the can.
You can use butane or propane but bear in mind that these are explosive gases and that doing so will be like opening a bag of genuine snakes. It is best to avoid doing this until you are completely certain that you are completely familiar with working with these gas; possible outcomes include harm.
Bottom Line
Hence, aerosol cans can be repressurized. You can accomplish this by using a bicycle pump or another type of air pump. It’s crucial to understand that since it can be risky if done improperly, this should only be done as a last resort.
If you live far from a store or have no other resources available, this tip could help you save some money while also saving you in a pinch. Try this if you want to give the empty cans on your shelf a new lease on life while ensuring they don’t go to waste.