clean spray can nozzles

[SteamGene]

After using a spray can I invert it and let the nozzle clean itself.  But sometimes ..it happens.   Does anybody have a technique for cleaning clogged spray can nozzles? 
Gene

[kevin2083]

I soak mine in paint thinner overnight then spray them out with compressed air.

[Loco Bill Canelos]

Every time I empty out one of those spray cans I remove the nozzle and toss it in a small can,  I have aboput 20.  Now when one goes bad I just reach into the can and get one that matches the bad one and I am back in business right away. I usually throw away the bad ones rather than try to clean them.

Usually when one went bad it was because I was too lazy to make sure the paint was well shaken in the can.  This forced the thick pigment at the bottom of the can to clog the tube and nozzle. 

Cheers

[Jim Banner]

If I may add to Kevin's reply,
- soak in paint thinner (A.K.A. Stoddard's Solvent, Minerals Spirits) for enamels
- soak in Windex or -40 degree windshield washer antifreeze for latex or acrylic
- soak in lacquer thinner for lacquers or other fast dry paints (lacquer thinner will work for most paints and varnishes but will eat some nozzles.)

If you do not have compressed air available, blow out with a well shaken can of paint.

Poking at a nozzle with a pin or needle will usually destroy it but cleaning it out with the correct size of drill in a pin vice often works, particularly after soaking in solvent for a day or two.

[Loco Bill Canelos]

Jim, 

The info on the latex paint was really great, I had never heard of using windex or washer fluid before.  I will file it in my fixit file for sure!!

I still going to save my old spray nozzles, since I am too lazy to clean the bad ones but I will use your method to soak latex painted parts for sure.

Thanks!!

[Jim Banner]

Bill, the Windex or washer fluid also work for cleaning airbrushes after using them with latex.

If the latex is fully cured in a nozzle, you may have to use lacquer thinner.  If it dissolves, well, it was junk anyway.

I too save old nozzles for exactly the same reason you do.