How to Use Antisplatter Coating When Welding - Kevin Caron

From kevincaron.com - Artist Kevin Caron shows how to use antisplatter coating - whether you prefer the gel or spray - and explains how to use it. He uses the gel, admitting that he has had his can of gel since about 2004 when he got his first welder. The gel is like a grease that you dip your MIG welder nozzle into. You don't have to scoop it; just dip it in to coat the nozzle and tip so when the sparks from the welding splash, or splatter, up, the antisplatter coating helps keep the tip clean and the gas flowing smoothly, contributing to a better weld. Viewers have asked "How do you know if you need it or when you need it?" Caron says emphatically, "Yes, you need it." He explains that there is a gel, which he uses, and an antisplatter spray, but he prefers the gel because he doesn't want to have the compressed spray around - one puncture could result in antisplatter spray everywhere. At least the gel stays contained. How often do you need it? He dips his nozzle in the antisplatter gel about every 10 minutes or so, keeping an eye on the nozzle to make sure it isn't caking up. Caron says you can get antisplatter gel or spray at a welding supply store, or you can even get it at the "big orange box store" in its welding supply area and pretty much anywhere that carries welding supplies. Caron explains that you need the antispatter coating when MIG welding, solid core welding, and can use it for flux core welding by taking the nozzle off and dipping the torch end into it. You don't need antisplatter coating, though, for TIG welding, stick (arc) welding or oxygen acetylene welding. Then Caron shares a tip: if you want to make sure there isn't any splatter in a close or tight area or other section you don't want to have to clean up, you can paint or spray on some antisplatter coating with a brush or your finger directly onto your work, and no splatter will stick to that section of metal. He cautions that you don't want to paint on any antisplatter coating above where you're welding, as it will just "drool" down and get into the weld - just flip over the piece you are welding, if you need to. See more how-to videos at kevincaron.com