Bottom of a Can of Finish

[rcarmac]

Is it just me or does anyone else have trouble actually finding the bottom of a can of finish. I am one that doesn’t like wasting anything. I guess I don’t do enough woodworking, but if I get to a half of can of finish before it goes bad, I am doing good. I wish they made them in like 8 or 12 oz containers for us smaller volume wood workers

 

[Pointfiveone.5]

StopLoss bags are a go-to

 

[Phil S]

Too save finish I displace the oxygen with propane gas from a torch just a one second burst seems to work well

 

[JNCarr]

Another tip - put what you think you'll need for a couple or three coats in another container (I like single serve yogurt containers) and immediately put the lid back on the original can. After each coat, seal the secondary container with aluminum foil for the next coat. If viscosity starts getting a little high, add a compatible solvent. Also, when doing a wipe-on finish that's taking a long time, get a fresh rag every 20 minutes or so.

 

[Ted P]

Similar to the propane trick, I turn my MIG welder to “purge” and shoot argon/co2 mix into the can before capping.

 

[tri4sale]

I wonder if putting in canning jars and sealing would work too?

 

[Gofor]

With finishes that cure by oxidation (i.e enamels, varnish) the key is to remove all the oxygen in the can before sealing the lid. This most likely would also work with latex and acrylic coatings. Skin on lacquers or shellac can be redissolved by adding solvent. Propane works because it is heavier than air and does not react with most coatings. Because of this it displaces the air in the can giving one a chance to reseal it. (Natural gas would not work because it is lighter than air). This is best done in a calm area with no fan or breeze disrupting the air . Argon or other inert gases that are heavier than air will work.

Of the coatings I have used, Behlens table top finish is the worst for skinning over. Even just decanting what you use and immediately replacing the lid (without an oxygen displacement) will result in it skinning over in a matter of hours.

Using canning jars will only work if you fill them all the way to the top.

 

[Martin Roper]

 

[junquecol]

Bloxygen is Argon gas. Propane is much cheaper.

 

[danmart77]

I have preserved my boat varnish by putting a few marbles in the can and raising the level to the top.

 

[mquan01]

I wonder if putting in canning jars and sealing would work too?

Only if you dont get any near the rim and seal it yo permanently