OT Recharging Aerosol Cans

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I know it's off topic, but I couldn't find a better place to put this. Does anyone have any methods for recharging aerosol cans that have lost their charge? I have lots of paint and oil cans that are useable, but the propellant has leaked out of the can. I have lots of r-12 here, and I know they used CFC for propellant for decades. I figured I'd braze a stem onto a valve and hook it to my ac gage set. I figure a 1-2 second shot of liquid r-12 should do it. I think butane and nitrous are also common propellants. Does anyone care to shed any though on this?
Reply:If you have lots of R-12, you should sell it.  It will more than buy you new paint cans.  Last I heard, which was a lot of years ago, R-12 was over $70 a pound.Besides, the handling of compressed gasses can be dangerous and should be left to licensed professionals.
Reply:If I remember right.....My teacher showed me that.....I think he just took a rubber tipped blowgun flipped the can upside down, and at the same time pressed the spraycan and the blowgun to shoot a little compressed air inside. It was only wd40 so I'm not sure what would happen to paint.Miller blue star 2eLincoln 175
Reply:Originally Posted by 76GMC1500If you have lots of R-12, you should sell it.  It will more than buy you new paint cans.  Last I heard, which was a lot of years ago, R-12 was over $70 a pound.Besides, the handling of compressed gasses can be dangerous and should be left to licensed professionals.
Reply:Originally Posted by Gus_Mahn I am a trained professional (that's part of why I have it), and I don't think it's legal for me to sell it.
Reply:Originally Posted by tresiThen you already know that it's illegal to put that R-12 into anything other than an airconditioner or a reclaiming machine.
Reply:Originally Posted by Gus_Mahn.....I'm just the kind of person who hates wasting anything,.....
Reply:I have several paint guns, but I don't like cleaning them much. Every time I'd use the gun, I have to get rid of 1/2 a quart of thinner.
Reply:Half a quart? I spy user error.
Reply:hmm.. wonder if you couldn't use one of those 'side of the can' can taps.  Remember seeing them a time or two to tap Refrig cans.  Tap the can, pressureize it and spray...  ( or make one for that matter )
Reply:I've taken out-of-propellent cans to Home Depot and exchanged them many times.
Reply:http://store.wagaero.com/product_inf...oducts_id=4393There are several makers of items like the above.  You could just put the paint or whatever in this and recharge as often as needed.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:I bought a Rechargeable Aerosol Spray Can just like that from HF for 8 bucks.  But the problem of cleaning it after spraying still exists.FWIW, I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss that R-12 as nearly worthless.  Owners of restored antique cars that used R-12 originally are not about to give up judging points by switching to R134a.WeldingWeb forum--now more sophomoric banter than anything else!
Reply:Stack the cans of R-12 in a pyramid formation. Videotape someone shooting each can with a .22 and send the tape to the Sierra Club or Greenpeace. Make sure you stress that it is R-12 and it will help fight global cooling.Really, for all of the trouble, is it worth doing this when Home Depot sells spray paint for $0.99 a can? I use this cheapo paint often and it holds up rather well.
Reply:Originally Posted by jknight8907Half a quart? I spy user error.
Reply:Make sure you shoot them with a gun with a detacheable magazine and pistol grip (California gun owners will understand).
Reply:Originally Posted by 76GMC1500Make sure you shoot them with a gun with a detacheable magazine and pistol grip (California gun owners will understand).
Reply:Originally Posted by 76GMC1500Make sure you shoot them with a gun with a detacheable magazine and pistol grip (California gun owners will understand).
Reply:Make sure you shoot them with a gun with a detacheable magazine and pistol grip (California gun owners will understand).
Reply:Originally Posted by Gus_MahnMy best gun is a Sata digital 2000. I know you can get disposable paint bags for the cup. Is that what you're talking about? What about the pistol grip? Or are you talking about some anti-firearm law in the People's Republic of Kalifornia?
Reply:But as long as one and only one bad guy is behind the trigger, they will still have problems.  One of many reasons why I don't live there, but Southern NV is becoming more Californian every day.
Reply:They make disposable paint bags for guns?  Wow, I'm sold.  I might start using the paint gun again.  I hated paying $10 in solvent for cleaning every time I  used it.
Reply:Originally Posted by 76GMC1500They make disposable paint bags for guns?  Wow, I'm sold.  I might start using the paint gun again.  I hated paying $10 in solvent for cleaning every time I  used it.
Reply:First of all, if a aerosol can has lost its charge. The paint inside if probly worthless anyhow. Wouldn't waste my time. Don't be a cheap ***. Get some new paint.Second, where the heck did you find lacquer thinner for $28 for a 5 gal can? We pay anywhere from $11-$17 per gal around here.Patriot Performance AutoLincoln Power Mig 255CLincoln AC-225 StickVictor Journeyman O/AQuincy QT-5 Compressor
Reply:a client of mine uses OSHA Blue on everything.  He buys in bulk but he often has touch up work that doesn't warrant all the fuss and bother required to use a spray gun.  He had the local paint company load spray cans with his paint.  It was relatively expensive but, if the paint you have is worth saving, you might see if the local paint store has the equipment to recharge your cans.Originally Posted by Patriot Performance.....Second, where the heck did you find lacquer thinner for $28 for a 5 gal can? We pay anywhere from $11-$17 per gal around here.....
Reply:I use the rubber tip blow gun method often, works fine for me.Millermatic 251Century 180 migSpectrum 625 Syncrowave 250DX