The StopLossBag system offers a way store paints and varnishes without the exposure to air that causes the contents of a partially used can to skin over. The connection between the funnel and the bag spout is a slip fit that holds as long as both are dry and you’re careful not to pull them too far apart while pouring. Both the author and the editor inadvertently separated the connection in mid-pour, spilling some of the cans’ contents and discovering that the bag and funnel cannot be reconnected when slippery with paint or varnish. The instructional video on the StopLossBag website shows the joint being pinched by hand during the pour. A small hose clamp provides a secure hands-free connection. The clamp only needs to tight enough to gently pinch the funnel nozzle against the threads at the base of the bag’s spout.
SBM photographs and video
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I’ve had mixed success with filling partial cans of product with argon. So I just may give these bags a try. They do seem a bit unstable during the fill process, but small wooden support box would be easy to make and just might prevent a big mess. Thanks for showing this.
Been using these for several years for varnish and Cetol Marine and their gloss product. Work great! But rather than using a funnel which I found wasted too much of the pricey elixir, I use a 150 mL disposable plastic syringe to transfer out of the can into the bag. When finished, a quick rinse with paint thinner let’s you use the syringe many times over. Eventually the rubber tip on the plunger swells up and makes it dfficult to slide. But eBay has these syringes for very reasonable prices. Actually I also use them for transferring latex paint whenever I have the need for small amounts. No Stoploss bags required for these.
The StopLoss bag filled with xylene-based 1026 is still in great shape 8 1/2 months later and shows no sign of being degraded. The 1026 is also in great shape. If it were still in the can, a good portion of it would have been lost to skinning.
I just sent a message to Duckworks about these clever bags. I have reduced eight partial cans of varnish and boat paint to eight bags that fit in one shoebox. Great space saver, and excellent if using mixed paints with flattening agents so that the gloss is consistent for touch up until your bag runs out. Some method of support for the bag and funnel is necessary when filling, I’ve found, after cleaning a large expensive puddle from my workbench.
We have been using these bags for several years with great success. Recently I came across a bag of Epifanes varnish for 2019. I opened it, added a touch of naphtha and started varnishing. No problems at all. Great product.