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Spray Painting
How to Clear the Opening on a Spray Can Download ArticleExplore this Article methods 1 Clearing the Opening of a Spray Paint Nozzle 2 Unclogging a Spray Paint Nozzle 3 Clearing a Clogged Hairspray Nozzle Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson
Last Updated: May 15, 2025
Download Article X
This article was reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson. Jeanine Hattas Wilson is a Professional Painter and the President of Hattas Public Murals, Inc. With nearly 20 years of experience, Jeanine specializes in creating, overseeing, designing, and painting murals. Jeanine holds a BA in Advertising from Marquette University and a Studio Painting Minor from The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. She has studied at The Atelier Artien in Paris, France, Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, and under renowned artists such as Robert Liberace, Michael Siegel, and William Cochran. To date, Hattas Public Murals has painted nearly 5,000 commissioned works of art in homes and commercial and public spaces. This article has been viewed 252,665 times.
When aerosol nozzles are not properly cleaned, materials, such as spray paint and hairspray, build up. Eventually, these materials clog the nozzle, rendering it unusable. Once you’ve removed the clog, you can prevent future build ups by cleaning the nozzle after each use.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Clearing the Opening of a Spray Paint Nozzle
Download Article
1 Clean the nozzle’s opening with warm water. Before you go to extreme lengths to unclog your spray paint nozzle, try removing the built up paint with warm water. Dampen a fresh rag with clean, warm water. Wipe the nozzle’s opening with the damp rag. Test the spray paint on a piece of scrap material.[1]XResearch source
While you may scrape out the loosened paint with a needle or toothpick, please note that this is not universally recommended. Inserting a sharp object in the nozzle may damage the spray system.
You may remove the nozzle or leave it attached to the bottle.
2 Wipe the nozzle’s opening with paint thinner. If the warm water didn’t wash away the paint, you can wipe the opening of the nozzle with paint thinner. Dip a clean rag into the paint thinner. Wipe the nozzle with the rag. Test the spray paint on a piece of extra material.[2]XResearch source
Before you handle the paint thinner, put on a pair of protective gloves.
You may remove the nozzle before cleaning it with paint thinner.
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3 Prevent future clogs. After using spray paint, always clear the nozzle of excess paint before you store it. To clear the nozzle:
Turn the bottle upside down.
Press down on the nozzle until a clear mist comes out.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Unclogging a Spray Paint Nozzle
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1 Soak the nozzle overnight in paint thinner. Remove the clogged nozzle from the spray paint can. Place the nozzle in a small dish of paint thinner. Allow it to soak over night.
The paint thinner should remove or loosen the clog.
When you handle paint thinner, wear protective gloves.
2 Remove the softened paint. Put on a pair of protective gloves and remove the nozzle from the paint thinner. Rinse the nozzle under water to clear out the softened paint.
After rinsing the nozzle, you may carefully insert a needle into the nozzle to remove the paint. Please note, using a needle may distort or widen the nozzle’s tube.
3 Apply an aerosol lubricant to the clogged nozzle. Remove the nozzle from the can of aerosol lubricant and replace it with the clogged spray paint nozzle. Press down on the nozzle to force the aerosol lubricant through it. Repeat until the clog is cleared.
If the nozzle is still clogged, remove it from the aerosol lubricant. Apply the lubricant directly to the nozzle’s interior and exterior opening. Return the nozzle to the can and try to force the lubricant through it. Repeat as needed.[3]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Clearing a Clogged Hairspray Nozzle
Download Article
1 Loosen the clog with hot water. Over time, dried up hair spray particles build up and obstruct the nozzle. Remove the nozzle from the can and hold it under hot water for a few minutes. Return the nozzle to the bottle and attempt to spray the product.
After rinsing the nozzle, you may scrape the dried hairspray particles off of the nozzle with a toothpick or needle. However, please note that this might damage the nozzle and spray system.[4]XResearch source
2 Soak the nozzle in rubbing alcohol. If your nozzle is still clogged, attempt to dissolve the dried hair spray particles with rubbing alcohol. Remove the nozzle from the hair spray. Submerge it in a small dish of rubbing alcohol. Allow the nozzle to soak for several hours. Rinse the nozzle under warm water and return it to the bottle. Try to spray the product through the nozzle.
Repeat if needed.[5]XResearch source
3 Prevent clogs in the future. Hair spray nozzles become clogged with dried hair spray particles are allowed to build up on the nozzle. To prevent this from occurring, clean the nozzle after each use. Remove the hair spray residue with a clean, damp rag.
If your hair spray nozzle is constantly becoming clogged, check the product’s expiration date. Expired hair spray tends to dry faster, causing more clogs.
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Community Q&A
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Question What should I do if the ball inside my spray can doesn't rattle? Community Answer Get another can of spray paint. The ball should rattle. If it doesn't, the paint won't mix properly. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 5
Question I've cleaned the nozzle, but the can still won't spray. What else do you suggest? Community Answer Swap a sprayer from a different can (can B), remove the sprayer from the clogged can (can A) and install can B's sprayer. Remember to clean it before you put it back on the on the B can. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 8
Question I have changed the nozzle on a new, unused full can of hair spray and it still will not work. What can I do? Community Answer It is likely there is something else wrong with the nozzle or can, or the new nozzle you've added just isn't a good fit. Take the can back to the store you purchased it from, explain what happened and get a refund or exchange. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
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Video
Tips
If you use hair spray only occasionally, buy small cans to avoid buildup in the nozzle over time. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
When you use paint thinner, wear protective gloves. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need
Water
Paint thinner
Aerosol Lubricant
Rubbing Alcohol
Rags
Toothpick or needle (optional)
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Reviewed by: Jeanine Hattas Wilson Professional Painter This article was reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson. Jeanine Hattas Wilson is a Professional Painter and the President of Hattas Public Murals, Inc. With nearly 20 years of experience, Jeanine specializes in creating, overseeing, designing, and painting murals. Jeanine holds a BA in Advertising from Marquette University and a Studio Painting Minor from The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. She has studied at The Atelier Artien in Paris, France, Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, and under renowned artists such as Robert Liberace, Michael Siegel, and William Cochran. To date, Hattas Public Murals has painted nearly 5,000 commissioned works of art in homes and commercial and public spaces. This article has been viewed 252,665 times. 9 votes - 56% Co-authors: 16Updated: May 15, 2025 Views: 252,665 Categories: Spray PaintingArticle SummaryX
To clear the opening on a spray paint can, first try wiping the nozzle with a warm, damp rag. If it’s still clogged, rinse your rag, dip it in paint thinner, and wipe it again. If that doesn’t work, remove the nozzle from the can and soak it in paint thinner overnight. In the morning, rinse the nozzle with clean water to clear out the softened paint. Make sure you wear protective gloves whenever working with paint thinner. To clear the opening of a hairspray or other aerosol can, remove the nozzle and rinse it with hot water. If that doesn’t work, soak it in rubbing alcohol for a few hours. Then, rinse it with clean water and return it to the can. For more tips, including how to prevent spray paint nozzles from clogging in the future, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Feb 5, 2018
"Soaking tip in alcohol."
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Jeanine Hattas Wilson Professional Painter 9 votes - 56% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 16Updated: May 15, 2025 Views: 252,665
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Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Clearing the Opening of a Spray Paint Nozzle 2 Unclogging a Spray Paint Nozzle 3 Clearing a Clogged Hairspray Nozzle Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson 
How to Get Wet & Dried Spray Paint Out of Clothes 
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Reviewed by: Jeanine Hattas Wilson Professional Painter This article was reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson. Jeanine Hattas Wilson is a Professional Painter and the President of Hattas Public Murals, Inc. With nearly 20 years of experience, Jeanine specializes in creating, overseeing, designing, and painting murals. Jeanine holds a BA in Advertising from Marquette University and a Studio Painting Minor from The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. She has studied at The Atelier Artien in Paris, France, Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, and under renowned artists such as Robert Liberace, Michael Siegel, and William Cochran. To date, Hattas Public Murals has painted nearly 5,000 commissioned works of art in homes and commercial and public spaces. This article has been viewed 252,665 times. 9 votes - 56% Co-authors: 16 Updated: May 15, 2025 Views: 252,665 Categories: Spray Painting Article SummaryX
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1 Clean the nozzle’s opening with warm water. Before you go to extreme lengths to unclog your spray paint nozzle, try removing the built up paint with warm water. Dampen a fresh rag with clean, warm water. Wipe the nozzle’s opening with the damp rag. Test the spray paint on a piece of scrap material.[1] 
2 Wipe the nozzle’s opening with paint thinner. If the warm water didn’t wash away the paint, you can wipe the opening of the nozzle with paint thinner. Dip a clean rag into the paint thinner. Wipe the nozzle with the rag. Test the spray paint on a piece of extra material.[2] 
3 Prevent future clogs. After using spray paint, always clear the nozzle of excess paint before you store it. To clear the nozzle: 
1 Soak the nozzle overnight in paint thinner. Remove the clogged nozzle from the spray paint can. Place the nozzle in a small dish of paint thinner. Allow it to soak over night. 
2 Remove the softened paint. Put on a pair of protective gloves and remove the nozzle from the paint thinner. Rinse the nozzle under water to clear out the softened paint. 
3 Apply an aerosol lubricant to the clogged nozzle. Remove the nozzle from the can of aerosol lubricant and replace it with the clogged spray paint nozzle. Press down on the nozzle to force the aerosol lubricant through it. Repeat until the clog is cleared. 
1 Loosen the clog with hot water. Over time, dried up hair spray particles build up and obstruct the nozzle. Remove the nozzle from the can and hold it under hot water for a few minutes. Return the nozzle to the bottle and attempt to spray the product. 
2 Soak the nozzle in rubbing alcohol. If your nozzle is still clogged, attempt to dissolve the dried hair spray particles with rubbing alcohol. Remove the nozzle from the hair spray. Submerge it in a small dish of rubbing alcohol. Allow the nozzle to soak for several hours. Rinse the nozzle under warm water and return it to the bottle. Try to spray the product through the nozzle. 
3 Prevent clogs in the future. Hair spray nozzles become clogged with dried hair spray particles are allowed to build up on the nozzle. To prevent this from occurring, clean the nozzle after each use. Remove the hair spray residue with a clean, damp rag. 
Community Answer Get another can of spray paint. The ball should rattle. If it doesn't, the paint won't mix properly. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 5 
Community Answer Swap a sprayer from a different can (can B), remove the sprayer from the clogged can (can A) and install can B's sprayer. Remember to clean it before you put it back on the on the B can. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 8 
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