How to warm a rattle can
Create smoother spray and a better finish
November 24, 2017
I find that warming a can of spray paint under hot tap water makes the spray smoother and creates a better finish. However, it’s tiring having to wait for the faucet to run hot again each time you need to rewarm the can.
Lately, and with good success, I’ve experimented with hand-warming packs used by skiers and hunters. These packs are activated when opened and exposed to air. After opening the pack, I form it around the can — it will not reach all the way around. To make it into a glove-like ring that I can slip the can in and out of, I loosely wrap masking tape around the pack, using a small wad of paper towel between the tape and the can to keep it from sticking.
To insulate the warming ring, I add an outer layer of foil-faced bubble wrap and secure this with more tape.
Using this setup, I’ve found my rattle can stays warm for five hours.
A word of caution: Take this method outside on the first few tries to test that the brand of warming packs you’re using won’t cause the can to overheat and rupture.
Tip submitted by:
Brian Yerich
Stamford, N.Y.