Opening a painting tube typically involves unscrewing the cap, but sometimes the cap can become stuck.
Opening a Standard Painting Tube
Most new painting tubes are sealed. To open one:
- Remove the cap by unscrewing it.
- Use the point on the top of the cap to pierce the foil or plastic seal inside the tube's opening.
- Squeeze the tube gently to dispense the paint.
Dealing with a Stuck Painting Tube Cap
Caps on paint tubes can get stuck due to dried paint around the threads. This is a common issue, especially with tubes that haven't been used in a while. Fortunately, there are simple methods to loosen them.
According to one method, you can loosen the stuck cap by running the offending tube top under a hot tap for a minute or two. This gentle heat can help expand the cap or soften the dried paint bonding it to the tube threads.
Steps to Loosen a Stuck Cap:
- Run Under Hot Water: Hold the top of the paint tube under a running hot water tap for about 60-120 seconds. Make sure only the cap and the very top of the tube are under the water, avoiding getting water into the tube itself if possible.
- Attempt to Twist: After heating, dry the cap and tube top and try gently twisting the cap counter-clockwise to unscrew it.
- Stubborn Cases: If the cap is particularly stubborn after running it under the tap, the reference suggests a more intensive heat treatment: immerse in hot water for a few minutes until it can be easily removed. You can do this by placing the tube top-down in a mug or bowl of hot water.
Important Tips:
- Always dry the tube and cap thoroughly after using water.
- Use a cloth or paper towel for better grip when twisting the cap.
- Avoid using excessive force, which could damage the tube or cap.
By applying heat, you can often soften the dried paint acting as an adhesive, making it much easier to unscrew a stubborn painting tube cap.
