Hi everybody, I have about a dozen Rustoleum brand spray cans with an odd problem. It stems from the fact that they changed the type of valve that had been in use for years. It is now a male type valve with the stem sticking out of the can, and a large white cap that goes on top. Now, the bizzaro problem I have is this- the valve simply stops working. I've double checked and triple checked my actual nozzles and they are NOT clogged. What is happening is the valve itself just stops working. I can actually push down on the valve with the sides of my fingers, no cap attached, and nothing comes out. Now, it gets even weirder, because they randomly fix themselves. So say, after sitting for a few days, one works again perfect. Spray with it for a while, come back an hour later to use it again and nothin. Every can I have has exhibited this to some degree. Iv'e experimented with storing them indoors, outdoors, hot cold, it doesn't matter. It's maddening! I know others have had this problem with these paints, but has anyone found a fix for it?
The only thing I can see is some kind of clog. A fix I remember hearing a while back is: once you're done painting, invert the can (upside down) and spray until paint stops coming out. This should clear the tube and maybe/hopefully solve the problem.
On those spray nozzles.....are they the ones with a stainless rod down the middle to actuate the valve down inside the tube in the top of the can? Sometimes you get hardened paint under the nozzle assembly, won't fit down far enough for the rod to reach the valve inside the tube and can. Dave
Rustoleum for N models??? While I know that the Georgia Northeastern early in their operation to use Rustoleum to paint their locomotives this is a new one on me.
The problem is Rustoleum is owned RPM who is the parent company of Testors. We remember that fiasco. RPM decided to turn their backs on us modelers and stop producing Floquil & Polly Scale to turn out more profits to the arts and craft type of person. So they probably made this 2 bit change to try and save several thousand if not millions in the long run. My personal opinion.........................I WONT BUY ANYTHING from RPM distributing. I absolutely REFUSE to! Ryan
Yah, but if the can stops working after the first use and you then have to go out and buy another can of paint, just think of the profits to be had... I'm not familiar with the new style valve you are describing Robwill84 but I've had very good luck inverting the cans after use and clearing out the nozzles as Eagle 2 describes. Brian
Reading what has been posted since my last post led me to another thread that mentions Rustoleum and I learned more about the use of these "rattle cans". Thanks for bringing this up, even if some are having some problems with the cans after their initial use... depending on what sort of colors I can find I may start using some myself. Here's a link to the thread I mentioned... http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?156007-RustOleum-Red-Primer
As a user of spray can paints on and off my job I can say that Rustoleum spray cans are not to be counted on. I usually buy more than one of a particular can just in case the first one fails mid job. Unfortunately I'm stuck with what my employer buys so Rustoleum it is. I actually have better luck with the cheap stuff from the local dollar store. Martin Myers
Yeah, I have to agree, Rustoleum isn't what it used to be. The few cans I have used, leak horribly from the inside of the valve. The paint pours all over as you, try to paint the object in front of you. Shame on them... (I haven't taken the 5 or 6 cans back to the hardware store, yet.)
Hmmm.... Sounds like RPM has found a way to maximize profits. First... those that buy the paint and only use a portion at a time without inverting the can and spraying out the propellant to clear the nozzle.... will end up with a clogged nozzle and have to buy more. IF... the user does invert the can to clear the nozzle... they will run out of propellant and get less use of the paint product... and have to buy more. Sounds like a company I don't want to do business with either.
