Paint Bottles

[slant6]

How do I get the paint to stop drying in the threads of my paint bottles? I have to use plyers to get the covers off of them after they have been sitting for a while. I hate to spend $3 or $4 over and over on the same paint color.

[VW Dave]

If you wipe the threads clean with thinner while the jar is open, it might help avoid any problems. I generally use little amounts of brush paint, and I dip small brushes in the cap rather than the bottle itself; less paint use means less waste and better control IMO.

For what it's worth, a pair of pliers is a regular part of my model 'tool kit.'

[bobss396]

I started storing my enamel jars (yes I do like a couple of enamel brush paints!) upside down, now the lids come off easily. I really don't have this problem with the Tamiya jar paints, no matter how long they sit.

I do keep a pair of Channelocks on the bench at all times just in case. If that fails, we go out to the garage....

Bob

[Olle F]

I used to use channel locks until I found this: http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?M...ct&ID=81313

Works great, and you don't need to worry about crushing the jar. It is a bit flimsy and can bend if you apply too much force, but if the top is so badly stuck that the tool won't remove it, it's usually too far gone to save anyway.

And of course, keeping things clean helps a lot too. I usually make a mess when I stir the paint with a stick (those little Humbrol tin cans can get especially messy when I'm having a bad day), so one trick I use to keep my jars and cans clean is to drop 2-3 BBs in them first time I open them. Then I can just shake them to stir the paint, just like you do with a spray can. It might not help you all that much with the cleaning issue, but it sure makes it easy to stir the paint.

[Dr. Cranky]

I buy 2oz-4oz plastic bottles (pretty cheap by the hundred) with york caps and I transfer all my paints to them . . . the bottles make for easy pouring and little mess, plus they really do a fantastic job if you are using your airbrush . . .

[Cornpatch]

Hi All

With all my paint bottles I make sure the threads are clean and than I dab a little Vaseline on them with a que tip. Very little Vaseline, it woks like a grease and keeps the paint from harding in the lid or on the bottle threads.

I also agree VW Dave abount paint from the lid if you are only going to use a little amount of paint or if there isnt enough in the lid put the top back on shake and start over agai

Jeff

[ismaelg]

For a stuck cap I put it upside down and pour a very small amount of thinner under the cap lip. That softens some of the paint and makes it easier to open.

Thanks,

[JHDrew]

I have also found that if you have a stuck enamel jar lid you can run very hot tap water over it for a few minutes. It will twist off much easier and there will be much less chance of damage to the lid. Clean those threads out like the others have described after you get it open.

[Lownslow]

i started using my heat gun to get them open and it saves the lid from being wrecked

[drnitrus]

I have also found that if you have a stuck enamel jar lid you can run very hot tap water over it for a few minutes. It will twist off much easier and there will be much less chance of damage to the lid. Clean those threads out like the others have described after you get it open.

thats what i do with my acrylic bottles too

[MikeMc]

I buy 2oz-4oz plastic bottles (pretty cheap by the hundred) with york caps and I transfer all my paints to them . . . the bottles make for easy pouring and little mess, plus they really do a fantastic job if you are using your airbrush . . .

where do you get these? are they lacquer proof?

[Jairus]

This has been a problem since the beginning of time and you all have some great ideas!

I have even cut my hand open by putting too much force on a stuck lid, when the glass broke under the strain of squeezing with pliers. (paint really stings in an open cut....) The simplest answer is to wipe the threads clean before replacing the cap when needed and always.... keep a pair of pliers handy.

[Mikey#56]

I have found the "bang it on the bench a few times and then hit on the top with a hammer" method works really well too! It mixes the paint and gets it all nicely stirred up by the time I get the @#$% top off! Acutally, I try to put the vasoline on the threads and keep the jars cleaned up. I really appreciate all the tips tho...maybe this is one way that I can actually tell the wife that I need new paint! I can't get the ^&*^%$ lids off!! Thanks guys!!

[Guest Davkin]

Craftsman Robo Grip pliers.

[Mike Whatshisname]

I keep a Bic lighter on my bench. Just heat up the cap (metal) and the lid turns right off. Kids...use with adult supervision ONLY!!!!!!!!!!!!

[slant6]

Sorry Im so late to thank you all for your help. I forgot to change my setting so that Id know about responses.Thats alot more than I expected. I think Im going to try the vasaline idea first, I seem to remeber my father saying somithing about that a long time ago. I may also try the plastic bottles. And dont worry, I ALWAYS have my pliers nearby (I like the nut cracker Idea too though, Im gonna try that too).

[CaseyG83]

A cheap nutcracker is what I've used for years. Gives you just the right amount of grip, has yet to damage a lid, & always works.

At first i worried that you use one these

But then i figured it must be one these

Please tell me i'm not wrong

[MrObsessive]

If you have a food dehydrator, that'll loosen 'em up also.

Set it for 110°+ for a few minutes and it should twist right off with ease.

[robertw]

I keep several pieces of a rubbery like material that you can buy in rolls to put as liners in cupboards. One piece to hold the bottom of the bottle and the second to help you to grip the top and I can twist most tops off. It has reduced my use of other more severe methods by at least 70%.

Rob W