How to Use a Paint Mixer on a Drill
A paint mixer attaches to a power drill to mix paint in the can. It does a much better job of mixing paint than doing it by hand. A mixer is a good investment and is inexpensive. A properly mixed can of paint covers more evenly, and often results in fewer coats being needed. Dripping is kept to a minimum with a properly mixed can of paint. A downside, however, is that the paint mixer may make a mess and spatter paint on the drill. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Select the right mixer. A 10-inch-long mixer may include a nylon impeller on a plated-steel shaft and fit a 1/4-inch drill. Use this mixer for quart and gallon paint cans. Use a 5/16-inch shaft at 16-inches long for a five-gallon can of paint.
-
2
Lock the drill by placing the direction of rotation switch in the center position.
-
-
3
Open the chuck. Rotate it counterclockwise if you're looking down the snout of the drill.
-
4
Slide the paint mixer bit into the chuck; tighten the chuck.
-
5
Set the speed control of the drill to its lowest setting to reduce spatter.
-
6
If your drill is an impact-driver type, switch the hammer setting off. Set the mode switch to "drill" mode.
-
7
Set the direction of rotation switch to forward.
-
8
Place the paint mixer in the can of paint without turning on the drill.
-
9
Carefully squeeze the drill trigger to start the paint mixing. Slowly raise and lower the drill. When the paint has thickened as much as it can, the paint is fully mixed.
-
10
Turn the drill off and let the rotation come to a complete stop before removing the mixer bit from the can.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When mixing, don't allow the impeller to rise above the level of paint in the can, and don't allow the impeller to scrape the bottom of the can.
