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Ultrasonic Cleaning of Paint Nozzles?

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  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Ultrasonic Cleaning of Paint Nozzles?
Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 6:53 PM

I never toss a can of spray paint without first removing the nozzle for "future use".

So, I have dozens of paint-clogged nozzles which I'll usually soak in bottles full of paint thinner or xylene. This soaking has limited effect but will sometimes clear the paint clog with a little prodding. Some of the latest nozzles from Rustoleum have a restrictor right behind the paint outlet and the plastic piece is impossible to pry out of the housing without damage.

I have a decent ultrasonic cleaner. I wondered if anyone has tried using one to remove the paint clogs from the passages through the nozzle?

Of course, I have nothing to lose in attempting it I just wondered if anyone has any thoughts or experience in such a venture.

Thank you, Ed

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 8:02 PM

 I should think that should work well, especially if you use something that is a solvent for the paint that is clogging said nozzles - just using water in the ultrasonic cleaner I don't think would work.

 An ultrasonic cleaner DEFINITEWLY cleans small passages - one of the YouTube channels I regularly watch often involves fixing small engines (and sometimes bigger ones), and 99% of the problems are clogged carb jets. He has a larger ultrasonic cleaner that also applies heat, and uses the carb cleaner that comes in gallon jugs (meant to dip and soak parts) in it - and it hasn't failed him yet. A gubnky old carb goes in, and some time later, he fishes out what looks to be a factory new carb - in pieces of course, but all of the jets are cleaned as well as the larger surfaces. Using a paint solvent and sticking paint nozzles in there should unclog them quite nicely.

                                         --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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