How to Mix Car Paint Properly so the Color Spreads Evenly

It’s important to mix car paint to the right viscosity so the paint doesn’t run lines or leave the car with a shabby finish. Most auto body and repair shops charge you a high price to carry out a car painting job. If you have the right tools and a good understanding of car painting techniques, you can accomplish this task on your own. You need to make sure you mix the paint properly so it spreads evenly and flows out smoothly from the paint spray gun. Before you begin working on a car paint job, research online tutorials and do-it-yourself tips to learn how to paint the car in a few simple steps. Also follow the guidelines give below, to mix automotive paint properly.

Mixing Car Paint:

• Unlike most other paints used in homes, car paint has to be mixed with a reducer so it attains an ideal viscosity. If you don’t know which paint is suited to your vehicle, refer to the owner’s manual or contact your car dealer to find out which paint is best.
• It’s advisable to purchase a mixing pail that has measurement marks that let you determine the correct amount of paint or reducer you need to put in.
• Read the instructions listed on the paint can. Try to get hold of the technical data sheets of the product you’ve purchased as you will get detailed information on the mixing ratios suited to your paint job.
• Remember that the ratio of reducers or thinners that should be used for water based paints, solvent based paints and acrylic paints, differs. You have to thus refer to the instructions listed on the can before mixing the paint.
• Use the mixing pail to pour in the required amount of paint and reducer, or primer and activator. Mix this solution well and strain it before you pour it into the paint cup that’s attached to the gun.
• Although ratios vary widely across several products, solvent based metallic paints are mixed in the ratio of 2:1 (2 parts paint: 1 part thinner) while water based paints are mixed with a 10 percent additive. Remember, this additive also needs to be water based.
• When it comes to 2 part acrylic paints, you will have to use a combination of hardeners and thinners to get the right viscosity. As a general guideline, the ratio of color to hardener is 2:1 with a 10 percent addition of thinner.
• It’s best to not completely fill out the painting cup attached to the gun, because it renders the gun heavy. Also make sure the surface to be painted is clear of dust, particles and dents. Moreover, you must allow the paint to dry out for the recommended amount of time before you finish off with the top coat.

You should carry out the painting job meticulously, so you get great end results. Also remember to park the vehicle in a well ventilated area so the paint fumes don’t affect you.