strange storage issue - clogged spray paint, rusted metal

[jloehlein]

So, a couple months ago I took a non-working fridge from my house and put it in my garage to store spray paint and some other chemicals (acetone, paint thinner, etc). I also left a box of baking soda in there. I noticed that almost all of the spay paint is clogging, even relatively new cans - an issue I haven't ever had before. I also noticed a ton of surface rust on a piece of steel that developed in the past couple months. Any idea what is going on? I thought the fridge would be a convenient way to store chemicals, but maybe I'm better leaving them in the open?

 

[daveindenver]

My quick guess is that there is a source of moisture in the fridge that is being sealed in when the door is closed - maybe from the freezer that was defrosted or something like that.

 

[tncatadjuster]

Any epoxy stored there, one part is very corrosive, not sure how that would effect spray paint though?

 

[4xdog]

I'm guessing it's too humid in the enclosure, with tight seals and no ventiliation.

 

[b-boy]

Try one of these and see if it makes a difference:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DampRid...BEgIWP_D_BwE&dclid=CJDItvG68dsCFUmtTwodrj0BVQ

 

[jloehlein]

I guess it could also just be trapping moisture. I've got a thermostat with a humidity sensor on that - I'll throw it in there.

Any epoxy stored there, one part is very corrosive, not sure how that would effect spray paint though?

I've got some two part urethanes in there. Something corrosive would explain the amount of rust I found, for sure.

I may just go back to open shelving - the fridge was okay since I had it, but the shelf layout if inefficient.

 

[TRWham]

Try a rod heater as used in a gun safe. I have also seen an old fridge used to store welding rod wired with the light on full time. That provided enough heat to prevent condensation on the contents.

 

[wssix99]

but maybe I'm better leaving them in the open?

ABSOLUTELY!!!

1) Some of the vapors coming off of chemical cans will be flammable. The fridge is sealed. This will create an explosion hazard.

2) Some chemicals will give off corrosive vapors or degrade into other chemicals that give off corrosive vapors. That's most certainly what is causing the rust, so you'll want this out in the open so those things can disperse.

^ This is also one of the reasons we don't leave mixed oily rags in trash cans.