One of the big problems with solvent based finishes is "drying in the can," and forming a skin on top of the finish in the can. There are commercially available products to help prevent this from happening. But ordinary propane, the stuff in your gas grill, has all the necessary properties to do this also. First, it's heavier than air, so it means it will displace the air in the open portion of the can, It's dry, containing no moisture, and it's CHEAP! To use you need a regulator and hose for gas grill. Before closing up can of finish, slowly add propane to the can above the finish, by using open end of hose attached to regulator and cylinder. Place the lid tightly on can, and next time you open can, there won't be a skim on top of finish, ruining it. Last week, I used some Rustolem that I had previously done this too. When I opened the can, there was no skin on top of the paint, as there was no oxygen in the can to start the reaction needed to set up finish. I dont reccomend trying this using your torch, as it mixes propane with air, defeating the whole purpose for doing it. Credit for this idea belongs to Tom King over at Saw Mill Creek.
Have You Tried Propane?
- Thread starter junquecol
- Start date
I find this idea somewhat dangerous when there are so many safer solutions to the problem.
You can buy pint sized bags of glass floral beads at the dollar tree for $1.25. Drop in enough to replace the air in the can and you are good to go.
My preference is the stop loss bags that allow you to vacate the air from the storage bag.
www.woodcraft.com
You can buy pint sized bags of glass floral beads at the dollar tree for $1.25. Drop in enough to replace the air in the can and you are good to go.
My preference is the stop loss bags that allow you to vacate the air from the storage bag.
StopLossBags - StopLossBags - Quart - 4 Pack
Evaporation and oxidation begin when you first open a can of finish, and each time you open the can it gets worse, eventually rendering any remaining finish unusable. StopLossBags™ are made from a special 3 ply wall, each ply being a different material and thickness to prevent transpiration of...
An explosive gas, sitting in a can with petroleum distillates - what could go wrong?
Aren't those petroleum distillates explosive? According to warning on labels, they are. Exactly how much propane are you filling can with? Probably less than leaks from grill before it's lit. Remember that propane is mixed in the correct ratio to burn. What do you think thas propellant in "rattle cans" of finish is? It ain't air. Propane has been used as a refridgrent for years in Europe. Many new appliances being currently sold in the US also use propane. Must be safer than some expect. Remember, being heavier than air, it's not going to run out of the can, unless you turn can upside down. Then I don't think the propane will be your biggest worry.
Propane is used in the US for refrigeration too, but that is a closed system. Using propane as you describe may be a viable solution. I'll stick with argon or nitrogen.
