I've got a couple of cans of the Dupli-color DH1608 red paint. What's the best way to store them? Nozzle side up, down, or lay them down on the side, etc??? o No: Also, the reason for storing them that way. So which way is the right way? Would like to have them work the next time I need them...
Probably nozzle side up because the pigments in the paint will settle over time. If you store them nozzle down you could settle pigments into the nozzle that may plug it, also, if you have already sprayed through the nozzle, just turn it nozzle side down and pull the trigger until no more paint sprays out. Then just clean the nozzle tip with laquer thinner or Goof Off or some of the likes. I have some cans of paint that I have stored this way for 15+ years and they still function properly. BTW, remember to shake the can briskly for a minimum of 1 minute after storing it for more than a day or so before you go to spray with it again.
Only reason I ask about the upside down storage is that I heard that there is a tube that goes down almost to the bottom of the can and that when you turn the can upside down to clear the nozzle that the end of the tube is not submerged in paint anymore. And that storing it that way will keep it clear. o No: Never had a can apart... I have had a few cans in the past that were stored nozzle side up, never used, brand new cans that after a few years, would not spray anything at all, no paint or propellant, nothing...Just don't want to have that happen again...
I have no comment on the proper orientation for storage, but as for cans not spraying after several years, it's likely they simply lost their pressure. No seal is perfect; the propellant will leak out at some miniscule rate.
I have tons of spray bombs and alwasy store them upright. Some are years old and most work fine when I use them. A few have lost their propelent it appears but most are good. I even leave some out in my shed all winter without a problem.
