Need help with a problem re: stains/polys

[chpster90bu]

Hello, my friends......I don't know if any of you have this problem, but it sure is a stickler for me. This may sound stupid, but I am having a devil of a time keeping my stains and poly's from getting thick to the point where I can't use them, and the waste is awful. I end up throwing out a lot of material. Once you open the can, after several uses, the lid never stays on properly no matter how careful I am. I had the idea of transferring all my stains and polyurethanes, including BLO to canning jars, as they are supposed to be airtight. Worked for awhile, I thought, but now I am experiencing the same thickness in the stuff and a skin forms that I have to remove, etc. Does anybody have a suggestion of how to store these materials where they don't harden up on you?? I sure would appreciate some input!! Thank you....Bonnie

[Claude]

Hi, Bonnie

I have gained a bit of additional time by first, putting the poly into a canning jar, and storing it inside a box with a closed lid, in the dark. I also usually pour a tablespoon or so of mineral spirits gently on top of it before putting it away. I have heard, but haven't tried, that putting some "inert" gas in the jar to replace the oxygen will help. The one I usually hear is CO2. CO2 is heavier than air, so putting some in gently should displace the air with the oxygen in it that causes the problem. You can buy CO2 spray cans somewhere (can't remember where, though)...Hopefully someone else can remember. Be cautious with the CO2, as it can replace the oxygen in the air you are breathing.

Perhaps the best solution is to buy the poly/stain in the pint containers, transfer to a canning jar, add a splash of mineral spirits, keep in the dark, and just assume you'll throw out half of it or more every year...

Claude

[chpster90bu]

Thanks, Claude! The CO2 sounds too tricky for me, but I'll try the canning jars into the dark box trick. Hope it buys some time for me. What a waste! Appreciate the reply. Bonnie

[AlArchie]

Here's a link to a product that may help. I haven't used it but have talked to folks who have and they tell me it works. It's Argon gas in a can and looks easy to use. If I could get it locally I'd try it. CO2 would probably work, too if you can find it.

Store Leftover Finish With Bloxygen - Inert Gas

Al

[riverwood-dan]

Hi Bonnie , You can buy argon gas from Lee Valley Tools. It's called Finish Preserve and the cost is 12.95 Canadian

[ka0fan]

Something that will help delay the process is to add clean marbles to the air tight container to keep the amount of trapped air to a minimum. Add the marbles and then the
mineral spirits as Claude says.
Not a cure but really does help.

[chpster90bu]

Al, Dan and Terry.....along with Claude's suggestion, I'm going to try every one of these! My finishing section needs a complete revamp! Can't thank you enough for the help....I am so frustrated, and tired of throwing money down the drain! Really appreciate the help, guys! Bonnie

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I haven't tried it, but heard that if you put the lid partially on the can and exhale into the can, you are putting a volume of carbon dioxide that will keep the paint or whatever....worth a try.