What are aerosol paints?
IA finely dispersed pigment, solvent, and resin in a propellant solution. Filling aerosol paints is more complicated than filling a can of brush-type paint. It requires special technique, skill, and experience to make formulations that, when sprayed from an aerosol can, will give a paint job that is better than you get with conventional paint and brush. The dictionary describes an aerosol as a ”suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in air or gas.” However, the term ”aerosol” is now applied to all push-button products propelled by gas from the container.

Today, thousands of consumer products are propelled via safe, efficient and convenient aerosols.

What makes it spray?
The aerosol delivery system dilutes a blend of compatible ingredients and then provides the means to apply it. The paint is mixed with a solution of propellant, much the same as you would mix paint and thinner. The paint product is filled into the aerosol can, and then the cap with valve is crimped. The container is placed under a pressure loader where the propellant is injected. The propellant creates a pressure of about 80 P.S.I., at room temperature, by creating a vapor in the head space of the container. When the nozzle is depressed, the airtight valve opens and dispenses a combination of paint, solvent and propellant, precisely calculated in the correct concentration, spray pattern and particle size. As the product is used, the head space increases, creating more vapor and thus giving a constant pressure down to the last ounce of product.

Why does the color appear to be flat or hazy?
Humid conditions may exist. Try again under less humid conditions. Surface you are spraying may be too hot. Remove the object from direct sunlight or heat; allow surface to cool and continue. Make sure the aerosol can and surface temperatures are between 18 and 30°C. We recommend that you check your local weather conditions before you paint.

Remove the overcap and spray - Right?
For best results, always shake an aerosol can for at least 1 minute until the internal agitator ball rattles. If the agitator ball isn’t moving freely, turn the can upside down and tap the bottom of the aerosol can with the palm of your hand or rubber heel of your shoe to free the ball agitator. Then hold the can at the top and rotate bottom of can in a small circle for at least 2 minutes. Repeat shaking for 10 sec. after 1 minute of spraying to maintain color uniformity. It’s possible to change the color and gloss of the paint by not shaking properly.

Aerosol Paint manufacturing is a complex technology. During the development of various type of paints in aerosol form, the alteration in the formulations have to be made for different surface application viz metal ,wood, ABS plastics, Polypropylene ,careful selection of solvents and its balance, compatibility with Valve gasket and proper aperture to eliminate leakages and clogging of valve and so on....

To determine the shelf life the Can has to be stored at the normal ambient temperature as accelerated tests do give erratic results.

How do I obtain even spray coverage?
Make sure that you’re at the correct spray distance from the surface and vary your spray pattern as illustrated. This will also eliminate a streaky surface appearance.

How long can it be stored?
Samples prepared several years ago still work perfectly; since the can is sealed, it is doubtful that much could happen to the product. All Com-Paint products carry an unconditional guarantee for one year, and should there be a defective valve or a can that does not spray properly it will be replaced immediately, without charge.

Is temperature important when I store an aerosol can?
For best results, aerosol cans should be stored upright and between 18 to 35°C. Storing aerosol cans upside down can cause pigments to settle in the neck of the can or in the valve and cause blockage. Cold temperatures usually won’t harm aerosol cans, however always let cans settle to room temperature before using. We recommend not to store aerosol cans at extreme temperatures for prolonged periods of time.

Can spray lacquers be put over enamels?
Lacquers have a tendency to lift or raise some enameled surfaces. Spray lacquers will work over most baked enamels. Test carefully in an inconspicuous area before proceeding.

How can I use an aerosol color to repair a "small" paint scratch, chip or door ding?
Prepare the surface by removing dirt, grease, rust, wax and moisture. Depending on the size of chip or scratch, use a touchup brush ranging in size from "0" small to "5" large. Spray Com-Paint into an aluminum foil bake cup. Lightly dab your brush into the sprayed color and paint the surface blemish with pen point precision. After the coating has cured and depending upon the visibility of the blemish, you may want to smooth and polish the new finish flaws such as drips and sags. Use 1500 grit or ultrafine sandpaper, lightly "wet' sand the blemish, polish with compounds and waxes to desired appearance.

Are spray paints harmful to the environment?
Com-Paint spray cans do not contain chlorofluorocarbons and other chemical which are harmful to the ozone layer. It meets strict quality standards - - - -

Do yourself and the earth a favor by using these high-quality products.

Is it possible for an aerosol can to burst?
Com- Paint is packaged using every precaution to eliminate the possibility of an aerosol can bursting. Com- Paint Cans are filled under strict Consumer Product Safety, and tested with water solution temperatures of 55°C and pressure to 190 lbs psi. Aerosol cans exposed to higher temperatures can burst. Never store aerosol cans near sparks, heat, open flames or store above 50°C. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or heat from radiators, stoves, hot water and other heat sources that may cause bursting. If punctured accidentally, the contents may be blown out of the can very quickly. Do not puncture, incinerate, burn or place a pressurized aerosol container in a garbage compactor..

Is good ventilation important when spraying paints?
When using an aerosol can remember they’re extremely flammable. You should use extreme caution and use them with adequate ventilation. Avoid breathing vapors or spray mist, open windows and doors, or use other means to ensure fresh air entry during application and drying. Keep area ventilated during use and until all vapors are gone. Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothing.

Can Com- Paint be used in a room where a gas fire or pilot light is burning?
Do not use an aerosol can near sparks, heat or open flames. Vapors do accumulate easily and may ignite explosively. Keep area ventilated during use and until all vapors are gone. Do not smoke, and remember to extinguish all flames, pilot lights, heaters and other ignition sources prior to use.

What should I do before painting?
Read the directions on each aerosol can. At Aeroaids we tailor the instructions for each specific product application to ensure optimum results. Generally, you should prepare the surface by removing dirt, grease, rust, wax, moisture and loose paint. Make sure the surface is clean, dry and free of contaminants.

Is much skill is required for good results?
No. Read the directions carefully and practice spraying on an old carton or box. Release the trigger at the end of each stroke, so as not to pile too much paint at the ends. Spray lightly. Two thin coats are better than one heavy coat. Hold the container 12” to 16” from the surface. Spray painting is fun, and a little practice will enable any amateur to obtain professional results.

Is it necessary to use all of the contents at one time?
No. The valve on top of the can automatically seals itself. Invert can and press the valve for two or three seconds allowing a jet of propellant to clear the orifice.

What should I do with a clogged spray nozzle?
When aerosol paints were first introduced, this was the number one complaint. However, technical improvements in both product and valve have practically eliminated this problem. If the spray nozzle becomes clogged, rotate nozzle 1/4 turn and try spraying again. If the spray nozzle continues to be clogged, remove and clean the nozzle stem using a toothpick and/or by soaking in acetone or comparable solvent to remove dried paint. You may be able to interchange spray nozzles from other aerosol cans. DO NOT stick pins, wire or other objects into the hole on top of an aerosol can. Remember, after using an aerosol can it’s important to clear the valve to avoid having a clogged spray nozzle which affects future performance. We recommend that after each painting project, invert the aerosol can and press the nozzle until clear propellant is emitted, normally for 2-3 sec.

Will it run or sag?
Sagging is caused by pile-up of the paint in one spot, or by the spray can being held too close to the surface. Keep the can moving and release the spray-head at the end of each stroke. Applying several thin coats will result in a much better finish than one thick coating.

What if the can of spray paint is defective?
All Com-Paint products are fully guaranteed and should you receive a container with a defective valve or one that does not spray properly, Com-Paint will replace the can without any charge.

How much will it cover?
Since spray paint is not recommended as a substitute for conventional paint in painting large, flat surfaces, it should be sold for what it does, rather than how much surface it covers. Coverage depends on the type of surface, porosity, thickness of application, and skill of the painter. The benefits of using aerosol paint are the quality of the finish, time and convenience. No brushes or cleaning solvents are required. The cost of the can of spray paint is less than a good quality paint brush.

What’s the spray distance and how do I hold an aerosol can?
Depending upon the type of nozzle and size of aerosol can, the spray distance may vary from product to product. Generally, hold the aerosol can upright 10-12 inches from the surface. Use steady, even strokes keeping the aerosol can parallel to the surface throughout each pass. For best results, spray with even misting passes. When a smooth continuous film has been achieved (the paint has a glare or wet look) allow the paint to dry for at most 5 minutes between coats and then continue. Shake the aerosol can periodically between coats.

How do I get the correct color and gloss?
The right color and gloss is achieved by following the directions on each aerosol can of Com-Paint and by spraying to opacity. Opacity means that light can no longer penetrate the layers of paint and reflect off the surface being covered. If you can see the original surface or the color doesn’t match, opacity has not been reached; apply a few more coats. Remember, repeat shaking for 10 seconds after 1 minute of spraying to maintain color uniformity. Gloss is affected by temperature, humidity, spraying distance, as well as the amount of paint applied to the surface. We recommend that you perform a test sprayout on a piece of metal for spray technique and appearance.

How can I make sure the paint will adhere?
To ensure proper adhesion of paint, scuff-sand rusted, glossy or hard surfaces using a medium to fine sandpaper. Avoid using lacquer thinner, gasoline, carburetor or break cleaner and similar products which leave a thin film on the surface that can interfere with paint adhesion.

How fast does it dry?
Com-Paint Lacquers will become touch dry in 5 minutes and dry hard in 45 minutes.

Can Com-Paint paints resist cold?
Yes. You can safely use it on refrigerated areas. Be extremely careful that the surface is dry and at normal room temperature when being sprayed, and allow it to dry in a well ventilated space for at least 24 hours.

Can spray paints be safely used on children’s toys and furniture?
Yes. All of Com-Paint general-purpose paints are free of lead and can, therefore, safely be used on children’s toys and furniture. When dried, these paints are all non-toxic. Some special application coatings (not general purpose paints) do contain lead pigments.

Are any of the Com-Paint products recommended for repainting or touching up appliances?
Yes. Several colors in our shade range are computer color matched to major OEM color standards.

Why don’t metallic colors match?
When spraying a metallic color, you are actually spraying tiny flakes of metal in a paint coating. These flakes reflect light. The more light they reflect, the brighter the coating’s appearance. When metallic paint is applied too heavily, the metal flakes are being buried under the surface of the paint coating. Here, they can’t reflect light and the color appears dark. When metallic paint is applied too lightly the metal flakes lay on top of the paint coating and reflect too much light making the color appear dull. Here, the metal flakes aren’t being covered by enough paint. By varying your spray technique you can achieve the color you want. Practice on a piece of metal before painting object. There is no substitute for experience when spraying a metallic color.