Re-sealing oil based paint cans?

[slackdaddy1]

I use a bit of Rustoleum commercial oil based paint, out of gallon and quart cans.
The paint never makes it to a 2nd project. If I open up the well sealed can, there is a 1/4 - 1" hard layer on top.
I even put the cans in large zipp lock bags and sealed, the still dry out.
The stuff is getting expensive,, how do I extend the shelf life once I open a can ??

 

[The Cobbler]

I just scoop out the skin, mix & use it.
I think the manufacturers are cheaping out with some additive, I have old paint that doesn't skin over. new stuff often seems to very quickly

 

[engineer2]

Clean the sealing groove in the can before paint dries in it.
Tap lid lightly with a rubber mallet to seat it.
Turn the can upside down so the paint can seal any gaps.
Usually works.

 

[scooby074]

If you have a mig gun stick the nozzle in the can and squeeze the trigger for 10 sec. with the wire speed at 0. Mig gas is inert and will chase out the O2. I find this extends the shelf life 10x.

 

[Shiftless]

If you are careful, you can pour a thin layer of mineral spirits on top of the paint to seal out the air. Before using, carefully pour off the mineral spirits and stir the paint,

I have had success just pulling off the hard skin and using the remaining paint.

 

[y'sguy]

If you have a mig gun stick the nozzle in the can and squeeze the trigger for 10 sec. with the wire speed at 0. Mig gas is inert and will chase out the O2. I find this extends the shelf life 10x.

This seems really weird? May have to try this. Be more curious as to how it was first found out!

 

[Copymutt]

All my partial paint cans get a cling wrap layer on top of the paint B4 the lid goes on. One and done. No air contact, no drying.

 

[humpty]

All my partial paint cans get a cling wrap layer on top of the paint B4 the lid goes on. One and done. No air contact, no drying.

This!

 

[scooby074]

This seems really weird? May have to try this. Be more curious as to how it was first found out!

The I in Mig is Inert. Lots of products are stored in an Inert atmosphere. Actually there are companies that sell aerosol cans of argon(?) just to store paint etc. thats where I figured it out from. I was like "Hmm, I got a big *** bottle of Inert gas, maybe I should try that!" Also works well for adhesives. I use mixed gas but I assume that CO2 would work just as well.

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/supplies/finishing/30268-finish-preserve?item=53Z2101

 

[kbs2244]

I have had good luck with the store them upside down idea

 

[rattle_snake]

I like the non-oxidizer insulation solution.

 

[mv213]

The I in Mig is Inert. Lots of products are stored in an Inert atmosphere. Actually there are companies that sell aerosol cans of argon(?) just to store paint etc. thats where I figured it out from. I was like "Hmm, I got a big *** bottle of Inert gas, maybe I should try that!" Also works well for adhesives. I use mixed gas but I assume that CO2 would work just as well.

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/supplies/finishing/30268-finish-preserve?item=53Z2101

I wonder if this works for latex/water based products also?

 

[four.cycle]

Clean the sealing groove in the can before paint dries in it.
Tap lid lightly with a rubber mallet to seat it.
Turn the can upside down so the paint can seal any gaps.
Usually works.

^ yeah. what he said.
I don't turn them upside-down.
Skin on top of oil-based paints is just part of the game. Cut around the edge with a sharp blade and pull it out, saving as much of the paint off the bottom of the skin as possible.

 

[scooby074]

I wonder if this works for latex/water based products also?

I imagine it would help. Pretty much everything Ive tried is solvent based though

 

[joe49]

A few holes punched threw the bottom of the groove in the top of the can will help with not building up paint that will keep the lid from sealing. Then wiping the groove out with a rag with thinner on it will help more. The saran wrap works well. Usually I just peel out the crusts.

 

[david3921]

Saw a prize winner in a mag once. Mix vinegar and baking soda to create CO2. Do it in a bag. It's heavier than air so the gas can be "poured" into the paint can displacing the air inside. I've never done it. I would think using a straw in a zip lock bag would work.

 

[jessesandy]

Take a hammer and finish nail, poke holes all around the groove in the can that the lid fits into. Gives any paint in the groove a way to drain out.