Surface Shield: how to prevent leakage when using spray wand

[Rcroane]

I recently used Surface Shield to coat the inside of my repaired TJ frame (Safe T Caps). I used the aerosol spray cans. I had read a lot of posts about severe leakage occurring at the cap when using a spray wand (read the same issue happening with Fluid Film cans). Sure enough, the first can I tried resulted in a HUGE mess and loss of material. But, I finally figured out a fix that I wanted to share.

First thing to note, the Surface Shield cans I bought from Home Depot ($53 for 6 cans...much better than Amazon) have a female top with a male stem in the cap (see photo). This seems to be a change from the male top that others have mentioned. Secondly, I purchased a two piece Woolwax wand bundle that included a 24" and 36" wand, both with 360 degree nozzle ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PFLB19G/?tag=wranglerorg-20). When looking at the cap that came on the Surface Shield vs. the cap on the Woolwax wand, I noticed that both caps have a slot in the side of the male stem, but the slot on the Woolwax cap is much larger. I figured this is where the leakage was occurring so I set out to find a fix. After several failed solutions, I found that putting a small sleeve of heat shrink tubing on the stem did the trick. The leakage was completely eliminated. I wish I had a photo of the huge mess I had to clean up before this fix. Anyway, hope some of you find this helpful.

Surface Shield can with female top

Underside of Surface Shield cap showing small slot in stem

Woolwax cap showing large slot in stem

Woolwax cap with heat shrink "sleeve" in place

 

[Chad03TJ]

I recently used Surface Shield to coat the inside of my repaired TJ frame (Safe T Caps). I used the aerosol spray cans. I had read a lot of posts about severe leakage occurring at the cap when using a spray wand (read the same issue happening with Fluid Film cans). Sure enough, the first can I tried resulted in a HUGE mess and loss of material. But, I finally figured out a fix that I wanted to share.

First thing to note, the Surface Shield cans I bought from Home Depot ($53 for 6 cans...much better than Amazon) have a female top with a male stem in the cap (see photo). This seems to be a change from the male top that others have mentioned. Secondly, I purchased a two piece Woolwax wand bundle that included a 24" and 36" wand, both with 360 degree nozzle ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PFLB19G/?tag=wranglerorg-20). When looking at the cap that came on the Surface Shield vs. the cap on the Woolwax wand, I noticed that both caps have a slot in the side of the male stem, but the slot on the Woolwax cap is much larger. I figured this is where the leakage was occurring so I set out to find a fix. After several failed solutions, I found that putting a small sleeve of heat shrink tubing on the stem did the trick. The leakage was completely eliminated. I wish I had a photo of the huge mess I had to clean up before this fix. Anyway, hope some of you find this helpful.

Surface Shield can with female top

View attachment 402985

Underside of Surface Shield cap showing small slot in stem
View attachment 402987
Woolwax cap showing large slot in stem
View attachment 402990
Woolwax cap with heat shrink "sleeve" in place

View attachment 402991

Where can I get the sleeve??

 

[Rcroane]

Where can I get the sleeve??

I had bought an assortment of heat shrink tubing on Amazon. I just used one of the smallest sizes. Can't remember the exact size.

 

[phamtinkt88]

I recently used Surface Shield to coat the inside of my repaired TJ frame (Safe T Caps). I used the aerosol spray cans. I had read a lot of posts about severe leakage occurring at the cap when using a spray wand (read the same issue happening with Fluid Film cans). Sure enough, the first can I tried resulted in a HUGE mess and loss of material. But, I finally figured out a fix that I wanted to share.

First thing to note, the Surface Shield cans I bought from Home Depot ($53 for 6 cans...much better than Amazon) have a female top with a male stem in the cap (see photo). This seems to be a change from the male top that others have mentioned. Secondly, I purchased a two piece Woolwax wand bundle that included a 24" and 36" wand, both with 360 degree nozzle ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PFLB19G/?tag=wranglerorg-20). When looking at the cap that came on the Surface Shield vs. the cap on the Woolwax wand, I noticed that both caps have a slot in the side of the male stem, but the slot on the Woolwax cap is much larger. I figured this is where the leakage was occurring so I set out to find a fix. After several failed solutions, I found that putting a small sleeve of heat shrink tubing on the stem did the trick. The leakage was completely eliminated. I wish I had a photo of the huge mess I had to clean up before this fix. Anyway, hope some of you find this helpful.

Surface Shield can with female top

View attachment 402985

Underside of Surface Shield cap showing small slot in stem
View attachment 402987
Woolwax cap showing large slot in stem
View attachment 402990
Woolwax cap with heat shrink "sleeve" in place

View attachment 402991

Thanks for sharing. Do you slit a line on the sleeve before inserting the wand onto SS can? Or you just press the wand into the can? I just bought a combo of WW that comes with only 1 wand so I don't want to mess it up. It's really funny that I have to buy 3 packs of WW for the wand, and then use the wand with SS. Main reason is thinner SS seems to creep better into crevices.

 

[Rcroane]

Thanks for sharing. Do you slit a line on the sleeve before inserting the wand onto SS can? Or you just press the wand into the can? I just bought a combo of WW that comes with only 1 wand so I don't want to mess it up. It's really funny that I have to buy 3 packs of WW for the wand, and then use the wand with SS. Main reason is thinner SS seems to creep better into crevices.

No, I did not make a slit on the sleeve. Just heat shrink it on the cap stem and insert it in the can. Tight fit, but that's what keeps it from leaking. Good luck!

 

[phamtinkt88]

No, I did not make a slit on the sleeve. Just heat shrink it on the cap stem and insert it in the can. Tight fit, but that's what keeps it from leaking. Good luck!

awesome, thanks!