Why Do Spray Paint (Aerosol) Cans Rattle or Make Noise? [Explained!]

Have you ever wondererd why your spray paint or aerosol can rattles when you shake it? If you’ve ever used spray paint before, then you know that the can will shake and make noise as you use it. So, in this article, we will discuss why this happens and what you can do to fix it if your spray paint cans are rattling.

Why Do Spray Paint (Aerosol) Cans Rattle?

The major components in spray paint can are the propellant, Liquid, tube, and nozzle. The nozzle is what releases the paint from the can and it’s located at the top of the can.

But, there is also a pea or marble inside every spray paint can. When you keep using a spray paint can and after some time the pressure inside the can decreases due to low gas and liquid inside the can.

This is when you started to hear this rattling or noise while shaking the can. Since there is less pressure available so whenever you shake the can the marble or pea inside the can moves very fast and makes noise.

When the rattling or noise of the can increases it means that the spray paint can is going to finish soon. This is the time you should buy a new spray paint can.

Also, it means that there will be less pressure inside the can and so when you shake the can, the paint will not be released properly.

How do you stop spray cans from rattling?

You can stop the rattling of the can by placing a magnet at the bottom of the can. Since most of the pea or marble is made of metal so when you place a magnet at the bottom of the can it is going to attract all metal components including pea or marble.

This will stop your spray paint can from rattling. But remember that this method is not going to help if the pea or marble inside of the can is made of glass. In the case of a glass marble, the only solution is to replace the can itself.

How do you shake spray paint cans?

Shaking a spray paint can properly is very important in order to achieve a smooth, even finish. If you don’t shake it enough, the paint will be thick and lumpy. If you shake it too much, the bubbles will create an uneven finish.

Here’s how to do it:

Hold the can with your dominant hand about chest level. Use your other hand to hold the can in place.

Shake the can for about ten seconds, then turn it upside down and shake it some more. If you’re using an old spray paint can make sure to shake it until the ball rattles loudly inside of the container (usually around 15 to 20 times).

After you’ve shaken it upside down, now turn the can right side up and continue to shake it for another five seconds.

Now, press down on the spray nozzle and hold it while you count out loud to ten (or twenty if this is your second coat).

Check that there are no air bubbles under your paint since these bubbles will ruin your finish.

Repeat until the paint is smooth and even. If you’re using a clear coat make sure to shake it at least 30 times before applying each layer of coats.

When finished with your can, be sure to put the top back on and store it in a cool, dry place.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have discussed why spray paint cans rattle. We’ve also talked about how you can stop the rattling of a spray paint can and how to shake a spray paint can properly.

We hope that you enjoyed reading this article as much as we enjoyed writing it! If there are any other techniques you use to prevent spray paint cans from rattling, please share them in the comments section below.

Thanks!

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