Getting to the Bottom of the Barrel: Maximizing Resources from Empty Cans
In design and making, resourcefulness isn't just a virtue; it's a pragmatic necessity. When you’re in the middle of a project and you hit the bottom of a can of finish, you often find yourself in a pinch. However, what looks like an empty container still holds valuable material. These little tricks are all about conserving resources and maximizing the yield from what you've already paid for.
The Polyoil Problem: Squeezing the Viscous Gold
Viscous liquids like polyoil or some thick varnishes tend to cling stubbornly to dried, flaky bits inside the can. This can leave a surprising amount of good product trapped and unusable.
To solve this, you need to be hands-on:
Gear Up: Always wear appropriate gloves. Polyoil is sticky, and you don't want it on your skin.
The Squeeze: Carefully reach into the can and manually squeeze the dried, solidified pieces. Because the liquid is so viscous, a lot of the usable product is simply clinging to these chunks. By pressing or kneading them, you can squeeze out that trapped liquid and drain it back into the usable batch.
This simple, hands-on action can yield a significant amount of extra material, preventing an unnecessary trip to the store or a costly project delay.
Thick Pastes and Silicones: The Long Spoon Method
For thick pastes like silicone, caulk, or even heavy-body paint at the bottom of a wide container, the issue is that they are too dense to simply pour out. The remaining material clings to the walls and is concentrated at the very bottom.
The pragmatic solution here is simple and low-tech: use a long, sturdy stick or a makeshift tool like a flattened, long spoon.
Reach Deep: Use the tool to scrape the walls and aggressively scoop the thick material from the base.
Consolidate: Drag and pull the paste towards the center of the opening.
Because these materials are so thick, they hold their shape, making them easy to scoop out completely. This method is effective because it tackles the residue not by thinning it, but by physically scraping the material off the contact surface.
The Pragmatic Payoff
These tips all boil down to the same principle: don't be afraid to get it dirty. Hesitation is the only thing that stops you from recovering that extra oil or paste.
Remember, the small residues from multiple cans add up to a significant quantity over time. By being resourceful and applying a little effort, you ensure that you are fully utilizing every resource, which is always the most pragmatic way to operate.
