How to unclog spray paint?

1cs1267
by 1cs1267

I have several cans of Rustoleum spray paint … plenty of paint still in the can but the nozzles are stopped/clogged up … any suggestions on how to clear the clogs? I just hate wasting the paint as I am a senior and Rustoleum is not a cheap paint! Wish they would produce half size cans!!!!


  11 answers
  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Apr 07, 2020

    Hi there, I would tip them upside down in a bowl with just enough paint thinner (or mineral spirits) in the bowl to cover their nozzles. Should do the trick after a couple of hours of soaking!

  • Gk Gk on Apr 07, 2020

    Here's some info that might help you!

    https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-clean-spray-paint-nozzles

    Krylon makes spray paint in smaller 3 oz size cans. It's an enamel paint. Great if your local stores stock it!

  • Maya Lilia Cruz Maya Lilia Cruz on Apr 07, 2020

    brake cleaner. old graffiti trick. Spray directly thru the cap and make some trickle into the can nozzle. Rinse both immediately because brake cleaner can degrade plastic. Instantly clear. :-)

  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Apr 07, 2020

    Might be dried up in there.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Apr 07, 2020

    Nozzles are interchangeable. I often pull nozzle from another can and use that. Best prevention is to clear the nozzle after you are done painting something. Turn the can upside down and spray for a short while. only gas will come out, thus eliminating paint that could dry in nozzle. Cleaners can also be used after each paint job, but I am mostly lucky using the upside down trick.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Apr 07, 2020

    I agree with Betsy, the needle or pin breaks through the opening where the paint has dried, this was a trick taught to me by my mother. Then spray upside down until it blows clear.

  • William William on Apr 07, 2020

    Remove the nozzle and soak in some nail polish remover. Poking with a needle or pin can enlarge the hole and you'll be spitting paint. When ever your finished spray painting turn the can upside down and spray until no paint comes out. A few seconds and the nozzles won't clog

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Apr 07, 2020

    Have you tried to turn it upside down and spray it, sometimes that works. You could also try putting a needle into the hole to unclog it.

  • Dee Dee on Apr 07, 2020

    Soak it for 5 minutes in acetone, the stuff you get in the hardware store not nail polish remover. Then use a straight pin to unclog. Remember when you use spray paint to turn the can upside down and spray till it stops, that will clean the nozzle.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Apr 08, 2020

    Soaking tips in paint thinner can clear away some of the crusted paint. I put mine in a small mason jar.p to soak.

  • Deb K Deb K on Apr 08, 2020

    Hello, I found this for you, hope it helps you out, Errol Davis from Mississauga, Ont., devised a quick and easy way to unclog a spray can. First, remove the nozzle from the can. Then, get a can of WD-40 and remove its nozzle and put the clogged nozzle on the can of WD-40. Finally, push down on the spray nozzle to a few times and it should clear the clog.


    And from me to you, once you have finished spraying your project, turn the can upside down and spray until no color comes out, this will prevent the sprayer from clogging up with dry paint as you are purging the paint out of it.


    Good luck!