Author: The Butcher Shop

Have you found yourself with a blocked can? Read our tips and tricks on how to care for your cans.

When using spray cans, it’s really useful to understand some basics of how the can works to avoid issues when spraying.

Most spray cans we sell are very heavily pigmented because they are designed for thick coverage.

This pigment will settle at the bottom of the can, inside the can would look like this bottle of ink.

Therefore it is essential that the can is always shaken before ever spraying the can or you may block the straw and valve with pigment and no longer be able to use your can. You should never spray a can before hearing the ball rattling. Once rattling, continue to shake for at least 30 seconds. 

When first spraying, we would always recommend replacing the cap with the widest spraying nozzle that you have, and using it until the paint is flowing well, and then change back to a skinnier cap if needed.

When changing caps/nozzles always do so gently in a twisting motion, ensuring the nozzle is straight and not on an angle.

In the valve in a small rubber o-ring, and if the nozzle goes in forcefully or on an angle you may damage the o-ring which will damage the seal. Your can may then not spray well, or may start to leak gas meaning you will lose the pressure that is required to spray the paint.

When you’ve finished painting, turn the can upside down and press the cap for a few seconds. You’ll see that paint gradually stops coming out after a few seconds and it will only spray gas afterwards. This means that both the inner valve and the cap have been cleaned of paint, preventing the can from drying inside and clogging up, so you’ll extend the useful life of both the spray can and the cap. 

Nozzles are disposable, and the skinnier the spray pattern the more often you will have to replace them. Paint will build up inside them which may cause paint to splatter, or may just not spray at all.

Trouble Shooting for Blocked Cans

• Remove the nozzle and leave the can upside down for at least 10 minutes

• Find a unused nozzle with a wide spray – Look underneath for use where the slit in the stem is big, the wider the split the wider the spray

• Shake the can until you hear the ball, and then for at least another 30 seconds. Tapping the can may help to dislodge the ball from the settled pigment
• Remove any caps and stopper washers (some cans have a plastic washer under the cap that will stop you from being able to press the cap down to spray)

• Put on the wide nozzle – do so gently in a twisting motion, ensuring the nozzle is straight and not on an angle

• Spray your can until paint is flowing smoothly

• Change caps again if required

• Warming the can slightly in a warm environment, luke warm water etc will increase the pressure inside and help to push any obstructions through the straw

 

This info sheets takes a look at the MTN Primer and Varnish ranges, giving you the info to select the right product for your job.

Two essential products improve the results of MTN applications, primers and varnishes. We will start by generally explaining what each product is and what it is for.

PRIMERS

A primer is a coat that is applied before the final coating of paint, which helps prepare the surface.

You might need to use a primer in different circumstances, such as:

– Easier adherence to non-porous surfaces: For example, using wash primer on polished metal surfaces.

– To prevent absorption on porous surfaces: For example, using white gesso when preparing a canvas for painting with oil and acrylic paints.

– To protect surfaces from humidity and corrosion: For example, using antirust primer when you paint metal garden furniture.

– To save and balance out absorption (sealing and covering the pore) of the final coating of paint: For example, using white base primer when you paint a clay pot or on MDA-type wood.

MTN PRO UNIVERSAL PRIMER

This is a multi-surface primer that helps improve adherence on relatively non- porous surfaces (metals, plastics, glass, ceramic or tiles). Apart from improving adherence, it has antioxidant properties.

MTN PRO ANTIRUST PRIMER

This primer is for iron surfaces, and is used to prevent rust or to protect something that has already rusted (after having removed the rust).

MTN PRO PLASTIC PRIMER

This is a colourless primer that is used as a coating for adherence on POLYPROPLYENE (PP or EPDM) surfaces.

MTN PRO WASH PRIMER

This primer improves adherence on steel, aluminium and other polished metal surfaces. It can also be used on plastic surfaces such as PVC, PC or ABS.

MTN PRO MATT WHITE BASE PRIMER

This is a white acrylic primer with high covering power. It is used as a coating before applying fluorescent, photo luminescent colours or those with low coverage on dark backgrounds. It can also be used as a sealant on very porous surfaces such as wood or clay.

VARNISHES

Varnish is a solution of oils or resins in a solvent that dries when these solvents evaporate. A varnish is used to provide physical and chemical resistance, or to protect objects from the action of atmospheric agents.

You might need to use varnish in different circumstances, such as:

– To protect an object from the weather
– To protect an object or surface from chemical elements
– When you want to change the finish of a paint (e.g. to turn a gloss paint matte)

 

MTN PRO ACRYLIC VARNISH

A very fast-drying varnish. It is used to protect any type of surface. It can be used both indoors and outdoors and in any of its 3 finishes. It does not turn yellow

MTN PRO SYNTHETIC VARNISH

A fast-drying varnish, it is used to protect different surfaces. Excellent resistance to the outdoors in its 3 fiishes. Perfect for wooden surfaces. Tends to turn yellow.

MTN PRO 2K VARNISH

2-component polyurethane varnish. Great resistance to gasoline and chemical products. Excellent response to the outdoors and damp atmospheres. The more coats are applied the glossier the fiish. Apply with protection and in ventilated spaces.

MTN PRO GLITTER VARNISH

A fast-drying, water-based varnish with glitter. Multi-surface (including EPS). Low odour.