Aerosol dispenser temperature indicator

Aerosol dispensers yield optimum performance when used within preferred operating temperature ranges. Performance problems associated with lower-than-preferred operating temperatures include sputtering, decreased uniformity and/or range of spray, shorter open times, and degraded operational properties of aerosolized materials such as adhesives. On the other hand, storage, transportation and/or use of aerosol dispensers at higher-than-preferred temperatures may result in excessive internal pressure leading to rupture of the dispenser, as well as causing excessive overspray and/or chemical degradation of the material to be aerosolized. Preferred temperature ranges thus depend in part on characteristics of the material to be aerosolized and any propellant present to pressurize the liquid in an aerosol dispenser. Such characteristics include viscosity, chemical stability, vapor pressure, specific heat and surface tension. A liquid crystal temperature indicator, and aerosol dispensers equipped with a properly placed indicator, to facilitate using aerosols within preferred temperature ranges or at optimum temperatures. The temperature indicator uses different colors to graphically illustrate temperatures and/or temperature ranges, as well as temperatures above and below optimal temperatures or preferred temperature ranges. Temperature indicators are reusable; they may be self-adhesive and may optionally be transferred from one dispenser to another.