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
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
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