How to Mix Paint & Reducer

Why should you mix paint and reducer? It is done quite frequently to help costs. It can give you more value for your money without sacrificing the quality of the finish. The best thing about mixing the two is that this is a procedure that requires no fancy skills so anyone can do it. The only prerequisite is that you should use the same color reducer as the paint you are use.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Reducer of the same color as the paint
• Large container
• Long stick (wooden and acrylic)
• Large mouthed funnel
• Paint gun

Instructions

1. Take the paint and mix it slowly with the stick for about three to five minutes. When you finish the paint should be completely homogeneous and smooth. The stirring should be done brusquely so the paint is mixed evenly.

2. Pour the whole can of paint into the spare container. Do not use a funnel here, as the paint will be too viscous to pour out. Pour reducer into the empty paint container. The ratio of thinning the paint with the help of reducer is normally one to one. So for 500 ml of paint, you need to mix in 500 ml of reducer.

3. Take the reducer and pour it gradually into the container that holds the paint. Stir in continuously. After all the reducer is poured in, continue to stir for a while. You will find that the reducer makes the paint thin but smooth and uniform.

4. Take the large mouthed funnel and with its help pour the paint into the paint gun. At this time, the paint is thin enough to be poured smoothly into the other container. Keep the remainder paint closed when not in use as the reducer will evaporate if the container is left uncovered.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the paint is mixed with the reducer it should be used within two weeks.

• Use the same company or brand reducer as the paint for best results.

• Have an estimate ready about how much paint you need and prepare only as much as you require.

• Not all paints can be thinned in this manner. Enamel auto paints have different ratios, which usually come with instructions on the paint container. The usual ratio for enamel paints would be 16:16:1 where paint, reducer and hardener are involved.

• Though most paints are okay with only mixing reducer, some need activator. Read the instructions on the paint container before taking any action.