How to Mix Automotive Paint

Automotive paint is not made the same way as house paint or hobby paint, and certain steps must be taken to make sure the paint is mixed properly. Mixing the paint incorrectly can result in paint that is too thin, which will be visible in the finish of the car. Thin paint also creates a lot of runs in the paint. Thick paint won't be able to come out of the spray gun correctly and will result in visible spots in the finished paint job. Mixing automotive paint correctly will allow you to get the best paint job possible.

Things You'll Need

• Reducer
• Metal container
• Wooden stick/ruler
• Gravity-fed paint gun
• Measuring cup
• Funnel

Instructions

1. Open the driver's door or the front passenger door of the car and locate the sticker in the door jam. There will be a VIN number and a paint code, consisting of letters and numbers. If the paint code cannot be found here, look in the owner's manual or contact the dealer where you bought the car for the paint code. This code can be used when buying the paint from the auto paint store. Give the worker the paint code, and he can mix and give you the exact color of your car.

2. Measure the paint and pour it into a clean metal container. A clean, empty paint container works best. Measure out the same amount of reducer and add it to the paint in the container. Reducer thins the paint so that it can be sprayed through the spray gun, but reducing the paint too much causes thin paint.

3. Use a wooden paint stick or a ruler to mix the paint and reducer together so that they are completely blended. This will take a few minutes of stirring and mixing to blend the paint completely.

4. Pour the paint into the cup of the paint spray gun with a funnel so that you do not spill any paint. Put the spray gun together and tighten the cup so there are no leaks. The paint is ready to be sprayed.

Tips & Warnings

• Mix equal parts paint and reducer. Too little or too much reducer added to the paint will result in a poor paint job.

• Paint should always be mixed in a well-ventilated area. Use a painter's mask at all times.