saw this when doing a search

[HS93]

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=mtkDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA143&lpg=PA143&dq=compressed+air+gas+torch&source=bl&ots=wrebNxe7M6&sig=q5JbDarWsmahRuxj5jzKcoLc7ek&hl=en&ei=ohYPTcDCI8uEhQeipcy4Dg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAzgU#v=onepage&q=compressed%20air%20gas%20torch&f=false

I like the Idea to keep paint from going hard  Page144


It all reminds me of Boggies workshop

Peter

[andyf]

There's some fascinating stuff in there, Peter. I think my favourite is the aircraft launcher on page 54. I wonder why that never saw the light of day 

As to half full paint tins, I find that storing them upside down helps to reduce skin formation. 

[PTsideshow]

Couple of tricks from the sign painting biz, One is already laid out always store the paint cans lid down. The skin forms on the bottom side of the paint.

Any inert gas will work, a lot of people just open the lid a little and squirt some inert welding gas in. Personally I never noticed any difference.
No need for fancy valves, or filling rigs.

There is an oil sold that you pour on the top of the paint, it seals it. You then pour it off next time you use it. and you can reuse it. I can't remember the name, but I think I have seen it in some art supply catalogs.

There was a small spray can of inert gas being sold a couple of years ago, I don't know if it is still around or not.

All that stuff seemed like over priced when the easiest is just close the lid and turn the can over on it's lid.
 

[Stilldrillin]

All this, "turn it over & stand it on it's lid", is all very well. Until you have a hot summer. 



Ask me why I've got multi coloured paint runs down my workshop shelves.......    

David D

[PTsideshow]

Ask me why I've got multi coloured paint runs down my workshop shelves..

You know some charge extra for that !

Got to keep the rims clean before sealing!

Third thing that a sign writer learns, after learning use only water soluble layout pencils.

The Stabilo's white and blue are the best, charcoal or chalk work well


And never stand a quill or brush on it bristles in the solvents for cleaning or storage between uses.  As the bristles or hair will take on a new direction that seldom leaves 

You hang the brush up from the bottom of the can by clamp or for larger brushes a small hole in the handle just above the ferrule. When some of the letting brushes cost $20.00 to $40.00 USD each you generally only do one!


The fourth thing is never but never oil the bristles with a natural lard oil or vegetable oil. As it makes them more attractive to the insect and rodent population as a foodstuff. Always store them in metal or stout wooden boxes.

[doubleboost]

http://books.google.com/books?id=S98DAAAAMBAJ&source=gbs_navlinks_s
There are weeks worth of reading to be had hear

[BillTodd]

There are some wonderful articles in Popular Mechanics - my particular favourite is one on how to straighten candles   

See also :

Popular Science:

http://books.google.com/books?id=_icDAAAAMBAJ