 Keeping your spray adhesive fresh and ready to go is like holding onto a secret weapon in your crafting arsenal. But let’s face it, if you don’t store it right, that magic can fizzle out before you know it! Let’s dive into some straightforward tips on how to store your spray adhesive so it’s always ready when you are💡
Keep It Cool, Keep It Dry
Your spray adhesive is a bit like a temperamental artist—it needs the perfect environment to stay on top of its game. A cool, dry place is ideal. Heat can make the adhesive turn into a gloopy mess, while moisture can weaken its sticking power. Pro tip: Store it in a cabinet away from any heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight. Your basement or a closet could be a perfect spot!
Seal It Tight
Leaving the cap off? Big mistake! That’s an invitation for the adhesive to dry out, turning your handy spray into a useless can of sticky clumps. Always make sure the cap is on tight after each use. If you lose the cap (it happens!), covering the nozzle with a piece of plastic wrap secured with a rubber band can help keep things airtight.
Store Upright
Storing you can upside down or on its side? Let’s rethink that. Keeping it upright helps prevent clogging and ensures the spray nozzle stays clean. Clogged nozzles are a common complaint, but this simple trick can save you the frustration.
Check for Expiry Dates
Yes, spray adhesives have expiry dates! Using them past their prime can result in weaker adhesion or, worse, a non-functioning spray. Tip: Mark the date of purchase on the can so you’ll always know how old it is. If it’s getting close to the end of its shelf life, plan your projects accordingly or consider a new can.
Solutions to Common Storage Problems
Problem: Clogged Nozzle
- Solution: Run the nozzle under hot water or soak it in a bit of acetone (nail polish remover works great) for a few minutes. This can help dissolve any dried adhesive. After cleaning, test spray on a scrap piece of paper to ensure it’s clear.
Problem: Spray Adhesive Becoming Gummy
- Solution: If your spray adhesive starts to feel thick or gummy, it might have been exposed to too much heat. Unfortunately, there’s not much that can revive it. To avoid this in the future, make sure to store it in a cooler, stable environment.
Problem: Can Feels Full but Won’t Spray
- Solution: This could be due to a clogged valve inside the can. Try shaking the can vigorously and tapping the bottom against a hard surface. If that doesn’t work, it might be time to say goodbye to that can and get a fresh one.
Final Thought: Storing your spray adhesive properly isn’t just about keeping it safe—it’s about ensuring your projects turn out exactly how you envision them. With these tips and solutions, your spray adhesive will stay in tip-top shape, ready to help you craft, create, and stick with ease!
This should cover the basics along with some practical solutions for common issues!
