Do not use glass jars for storage

[upnick]

Hi All,

Like all of us from time to time i use glass jars to store mixed up paint etc ....... i was doing the same with my PVA mix for balllast the top gets gunged up with the solution & next time you need it the top is hard if not impossible to remove save a trip to your local A&E dept and store it in plastic milk containers if the top is gunged on them at least it will give rather than glass breaking on you resulting in a nasty injury.

[ezdays]

That's true, I save most every kind of plastic jar for just that. But, just a word from someone that's been there, when it comes to paint, make sure what kind of paint and the type of plastic jar you are using. Years ago I had some paint that I mixed the color and wanted to save what was left so I put it in a plastic jar. It took just a day or so, but when I looked at it again, the paint had melted the jar and was dripping all over the place. Some plastics are impervious to solvent-based paint, the one I used wasn't. I use acrylics mostly now, and that's not any problem with plastic, but sometimes I use lacquer, and that goes back into glass or metal cans even if I do have a tough time getting the lids off.

[upnick]

That's true, I save most every kind of plastic jar for just that. But, just a word from someone that's been there, when it comes to paint, make sure what kind of paint and the type of plastic jar you are using. Years ago I had some paint that I mixed the color and wanted to save what was left so I put it in a plastic jar. It took just a day or so, but when I looked at it again, the paint had melted the jar and was dripping all over the place. Some plastics are impervious to solvent-based paint, the one I used wasn't. I use acrylics mostly now, and that's not any problem with plastic, but sometimes I use lacquer, and that goes back into glass or metal cans even if I do have a tough time getting the lids off.

In the case of solvents that have to go into glass jars ezdays if the top wont budge hold it upside down in warm water it breaks the seal on the jar making it easier to open.

[Steamtrains]

It's always a good idea to clean the jar "threads", as well as the top's BEFORE closing. Saves a lot of wear & tear....

[viperman]

Another good tip is to store the glass jars upside down, this prevents air from getting in since the paint creates a barrier, and therefore can't cure the top layer to keep the jar lid tight

[ezdays]

In the case of solvents that have to go into glass jars ezdays if the top wont budge hold it upside down in warm water it breaks the seal on the jar making it easier to open.

Yep, that works most of the time, but I've had times where I've had to punch holes in the lid because there was just too much paint holding it tight. We did screen printing and pouring a good quantity of the paint back in the jar wasn't always the neatest procedure. Jam and jelly jars with quarter-turn lids worked best, but even they can get stuck shut if you're sloppy. Plastic jars are neat, sometimes you can squeeze the jar and loosen the lid that way, try that with glass. hock:

[nachoman]

When my paint jars get stuck, I turn the hot water on in my faucet to a slow stream. then lay the jar on it's side in the sink with the lid to the jar directly under the stream. You want the hot water stream to hit on the lid and not on the jar (it's okay if some splashes on the jar). After a few minutes, the lid comes off rather easily with your hands, or you may need a pair of pliers to help grip the lid. If it does not break loose easily, put back under the water for a few minutes.

[MountainMan]

I just clean the threads and apply a light coat of Vaseline. They always open right up, first time - every time. 8-)