Decanting Spray paint for Airbrush use.

Since it's a relatively nice day out (Above freezing, supposed to get to 40f, Woo Hoo!) I figured I'd decant some more of the spray primer that I use on my models.

It's a decent primer. I'd like to use GW's primer, but at about $25.00 a can, that's way too much for me. I think i paid $7.00 for this can, a better deal, i think. I haven't used GW's sprays yet so I can't say for certain. Many people use them, so they should be good. But anyhoo...

Decanting

• Supplies:

Paint

Jars or bottles to put it in.

Plastic wrap

Rubber bands-binders

Tape

Knife

paper towels.

• Location:

Outside. Do this in a very ventilated area. Outside is very ventilated.

• Readying the spray can.

I did this one last summer so I don't have any pix of it. Basically, get a BENDY straw and tape it to the spray nozzle thingy. Take the nozzle off if you can, don't want to accidentally press the nozzle down no do we.

Attach the nozzle back on the can when you're outside.

• Readying bottles

Take some plastic wrap and put it over the tops-openings of the jars-bottles. Then wrap a binder-band around that. Use your knife to slice an opening for the straw to enter the pot.

Make the hole a little bit bigger than the straw.

You don't want the straw tight against the wrap. If you do this, there will be no room for the pressure to escape from the spray. It made a hell of mess the first time i did this years ago.

Ready for outside.

I decided to use the box my new air compressor came in to protect the picnic table. This can be messy. The wind wasn't bad either. I don't advise doing this on a windy day...unless you're in a shed or garage.

...and we're moving....

The next step is pretty simple, stick the straw into the pot and press the trigger and fill the bottle.

Once that is done, hopefully without a mess, I tape the tops of the bottles over the plastic wrap. The paint is now degassing the propellant. I cut a small slit into the tape to allow the gas to exit the pot. If you don't do this, the pressure will build up and eventually push the wrap and such off the bottle. And probably make a big mess.

Once you have the slit or hole for the gas to exit, you're pretty much done. Find a place where it can sit safely for several hours to degas. I'm writing this about an hour after decanting and the paint is still off gassing. It will take some time. I probably shouldn't need to say this, but I'm gonna, don't put the pot near open flame or bad electrical work. Bad things may happen. We don't want bad things to happen, do we? No.

Well, that's pretty much it. After some time, cap the pots and you're ready. i've found that when i shoot them through my airbrush, i can still smell the 'spray' - propellant from time to time, so as with most airbrush jobs, have a ventilated area where you use them or wear a mask.

Hope this was informative. i'f I missed anything, let me know.

Cheers!