How to Repair and Maintain Refillable Spray Cans for Longevity : VIM AR250 & AR100 Maintenance Guide

Whether you're detailing vehicles, cleaning industrial surfaces, applying hair products, disinfecting workspaces, or performing DIY home repairs, a Refillable Spray Can is a versatile, cost-effective tool that delivers precision and control across a wide range of applications. Designed for repeated use and compatible with various liquids—like alcohol, solvents, and water-based solutions—these spray cans outperform disposable alternatives in both performance and sustainability.
(Not sure which model is right for you? [Read our guide on how to choose the right spray can for your needs.] )

However, even the most durable spray can requires regular maintenance to stay in top working condition. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain your Refillable Spray Can—with specific tips for VIM’s AR250 and AR100 models. From diagnosing weak spray to replacing key components, we’ll help you keep your spray can operating like new.

Why Your Refillable Spray Can Won’t Spray & How to Fix It

Whether you're using a generic refillable spray can or a brand-specific model, there's one frustrating problem most users will eventually face — the spray can won't spray. Before throwing it away or replacing the whole unit, here are common troubleshooting steps you can try, followed by specific replacement parts for AR250 / AR100 refillable spray can to help you get back to spraying.

Clogged spray nozzle: Weak spray, uneven mist, or no spray at all

1. Remove and soak the nozzle (AR250-A, AR250-B) in warm water or alcohol-based solvent.
2. Use a pin to gently clear out any blockages.
3. After each use, spray clean water to prevent buildup.

Pressure loss: Spray weakens quickly or doesn’t spray at all

1. Check for air leaks by submerging the can in water and watching for bubbles.
2. Refill air using a manual pump through the valve.
3. Ensure O-rings (AR250-E, AR250-EV, AR100-E, AR100-EV) are sealing tightly; replace if cracked or loose.

Valve blockage: Can is pressurized, but nothing comes out

Disassemble the upper valve assembly (AR250-F) and clean all internal parts.
2. Check for debris or dried residue in the tubes (AR250-C, AR100-C).
3. Reassemble carefully and test before pressurizing again.

Faulty Pressure Release Valve: Constant hissing noise, pressure won’t build

1. Test the valve (AR250-C, AR100-C) by gently pressing — it should release with a short hiss.
2. If air leaks constantly, the valve (AR250-C, AR100-C) may need replacement.

Common Causes of Air Leaks in Refillable Spray Cans & How to Fix Them

Air pressure is what powers your refillable spray can — and when that pressure leaks, the spray performance drops or disappears altogether. If your canister isn’t holding air like it used to, there are a few likely culprits. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common causes of air leaks in refillable spray cans and how to fix them, with a focus on replaceable components like the Schrader valve, O-rings, and threaded connectors used in models like the AR250 and AR100.

Loose or Damaged Spray Nozzle: Pressure drips away unusually

1. Check for hissing sounds around the nozzle when the can is pressurized.
2. Submerge the nozzle area in soapy water and look for bubbles.
3. Depressurize the can and remove the nozzle (AR250-A, AR250-B).
4. Inspect for cracks or wear; clean or replace if needed.

Worn or Damaged O-ring: Air leaks from the seal between upper housing and lower housing

1. Look for air leaking from the edge of the cap during use.
2. Apply soapy water around the cap to check for bubbling.
3. Replace if cracked, flattened, or hardened.

Cross-threaded or Loose Cap: Improper tightening prevents a full seal

1. Inspect whether the cap is sitting unevenly or won’t tighten properly.
2. Depressurize the can and remove the cap completely.
3. Clean the threads and check for any signs of damage or misalignment.

Cracked or Faulty Housing: Damaged housing allows air to escape

1. Check the spray can itself for hairline cracks or wear.
2. Damaged housing might not provide usual performance, please change to a new one.

Leaking Schrader Air Valve: Air slowly escapes through the valve base

1. Perform a bubble test using soapy water over the valve area.
2. If air leakage persists, note that AR250-I is not user-replaceable. Contact support and replace the spray can.

When to Replace Your Spray Can

If your Refillable Spray Can still isn’t performing as expected—even after basic Spray Can Repair steps like clearing the nozzle or replacing O-rings—it may be time to consider a full replacement. Here are the most common signs that your spray can has reached the end of its service life:

Visible damage to the aluminum canister or housing

Cracks, dents, or deformation can prevent proper sealing and pressure retention. These issues cannot be repaired and require replacing the entire spray can.

Severe corrosion or rust on key surfaces

Corrosion near threads, valve ports, or the base of the Refillable Spray Can can affect pressure integrity. If the surface damage is extensive, replacement is recommended to maintain consistent performance.

Damaged or stripped threading on the canister

If the cap no longer sits flush and the threading on the canister itself is worn or warped, a full replacement is likely necessary.

Leaking Schrader valve (AR250-I)

This component is not user-serviceable. If the Schrader valve is leaking, the entire spray can must be replaced. [Contact our support team] for assistance.

Pressure can no longer be maintained

After replacing all seals and refilling correctly, if the Refillable Spray Can still fails to hold pressure, internal damage may be the cause. Replacing the unit ensures reliable, consistent spraying.

The spray can has reached the end of its service life

After extended use, multiple components may wear down over time. If overall performance continues to decline even after basic maintenance, upgrading to a new Refillable Spray Can is the most efficient solution. [Browse our full range of spray cans here.]

How to keep your refillable spray can in peak condition

A well-maintained Refillable Spray Can can deliver consistent, reliable performance through dozens of refill cycles. By following a few simple maintenance habits, you can greatly extend its lifespan and reduce the need for frequent Spray Can Repair.

Rinse after every use

Always flush the spray nozzle with clean water (or a suitable solvent, depending on your application) to prevent buildup and clogging. This is especially important if you're spraying materials that dry or harden quickly.

Clean the nozzle and valve components regularly

Remove the nozzle (e.g., AR250-A, AR250-B) and soak it in warm water or an alcohol-based solution to dissolve any residue. For the valve assembly (AR250-C, AR100-C), occasional disassembly and cleaning helps prevent blockages and ensures smooth spraying.

Inspect and replace O-rings as needed

Over time—whether through frequent use or prolonged storage—O-rings (AR250-E, AR250-EV, AR100-E, AR100-EV) can become brittle, flattened, or lose elasticity. Replacing worn O-rings early helps maintain a reliable seal.

Avoid over-pressurizing

Excessive air pressure can strain seals, damage internal components, or cause uneven spraying in many standard spray can models. However, the AR250 and AR100 are equipped with built-in pressure release mechanisms that automatically vent excess air—preventing over-pressurization and ensuring safe, reliable operation.

Store in a cool, dry place

Exposure to heat, moisture, or chemicals can lead to corrosion or material fatigue. Store your spray can upright in a clean, dry environment when not in use.

Use only compatible replacement parts

To ensure safe and effective Spray Can Repair, always choose manufacturer-approved components. Incompatible parts can lead to leakage, poor fit, or reduced sealing performance.

Check for leaks regularly

Perform a quick bubble test using soapy water over key connection points (nozzle, valve, cap, Schrader valve). Catching and fixing small leaks early helps prevent larger problems down the line.

Why VIM’s Refillable Spray Can Outperforms Other Brands

If you’re looking for a refillable spray can that delivers consistent spray quality, durability, and long-term value, VIM is the name professionals trust. While many generic brands cut corners in materials and performance, VIM focuses on what really matters—a better, safer, and more efficient spray experience.

• Professional-grade construction
  Made with high-quality anodized aluminum, VIM’s spray can is built to resist corrosion, pressure fatigue, and everyday wear. This is not a disposable tool—it’s a reliable asset for repeated use.


• Smooth, clog-free spray performance
  Precision-calibrated nozzles and valve components ensure an even, controlled spray pattern, reducing product waste and improving surface coverage. Say goodbye to splattering or uneven flow.


• 4 refill options for different workflows
  VIM offers multiple refilling methods to suit your operation—whether manual or automated. This flexibility supports everything from small studios to high-volume production lines.
  1. Bicycle/hand pump
  2. Air compressor
  3. Semi-auto refill base (AR250-S)
  4. Fully automated refill machines


• Compatible with a wide range of liquids
  VIM’s spray can is engineered to work with alcohol, solvents, cleaners, and water-based solutions, making it a versatile tool across automotive, industrial, cleaning, and beauty applications.
  Note: For optimal performance, avoid using liquids that tend to separate (e.g. emulsions) or are too thick in consistency—such as high-viscosity automotive paints—as these may affect spray quality and clog internal components. Always ensure the liquid is well-mixed and appropriately filtered before use.


• Smart safety features
  Built-in pressure relief valves help automatically vent excess air to avoid over-pressurizing. That means safer operation—no guesswork, no risk to users or equipment.


• Long-term maintainability


• VIM provides easy access to spare parts and encourages routine care, like nozzle cleaning and O-ring replacement. With proper upkeep, one spray can goes a long way.

Conclusion

Maintaining your Refillable Spray Can with regular cleaning, inspection, and timely part replacement is the best way to avoid downtime and ensure consistent spray quality. With proper care, common issues like clogged nozzles, air leaks, or worn O-rings can be easily resolved using basic Spray Can Repair steps—extending the lifespan of your equipment and keeping your workflow uninterrupted. Especially for professionals who rely on precision and reliability, routine upkeep is far more cost-effective than constant replacements.

What sets VIM apart is our commitment to long-term performance and user-friendly design. Both the AR250 and AR100 feature high-quality anodized aluminum bodies for corrosion resistance, smart pressure relief valves to prevent over-pressurizing, and multiple refill options to suit a variety of setups—from manual pumps to fully automated machines. All components are engineered for durability, easy disassembly, and straightforward maintenance. Backed by a full range of compatible spare parts and responsive support, VIM’s Refillable Spray Can system is built not just to perform—but to last. Choose VIM for a safer, cleaner, and more efficient spray experience.

Ready to restore or upgrade your spray can? [Explore our full line of VIM refillable spray cans and replacement parts here] and keep your operations running smoothly.