What is "decanting" spray paint?

[LyleW]

Need a volunteer to take this one? Pics would be good.

[DoogsATX]

Decanting is simply the act of removing spray paint from its container so it can be shot through an airbrush. Sounds messy, but it's really very simple.

1 - Get a container (glass is recommended, spray paint will eat right through certain kinds of plastic) and a drinking straw.

2 - Cut straw to about a 3-4" length. Hold one end tight against spray nozzle, other end in transfer container. Some people tape the straw, but I find this overkill. Some kind of latex or similar glove is recommended, though.

3 - Spray paint into container

4 - LET IT SIT FOR AT LEAST AN HOUR! The spray paint when it first goes into the container will be extremely volatile since it's still got the propellants mixed up in it. These have to boil off before it's safe to use. It's worse with some paints than others. Tamiya's AS-12 will literally explode out of the bottle if you try to stir it too soon. Ask me how I know!

5 - Once it's outgassed, use the paint as you would any lacquer paint.

[LyleW]

Thanks!

[LyleW]

No worries. Just reinforces the info you guys supply.

[Thomas_M]

I just edited Dougs and Jimmys post by highlighting important parts of their posts.

Everybody should be really careful doing this! SPAModeler is not responsible for any damage or harm when trying this!

[KSaarni]

Great posts, but my question is more, why to decant ?
I can somehow understand if decanting from a spray can with paint you don't find in jars, but when people are decanting Tamiyas spray cans etc...

So simply, why ?

- Kari

[Thomas_M]

Still wondering myself...

[BlackSheep214]

My guess there is no thinning of the paint for airbrushing.