How to Mix Auto Paint and Reducer to the Correct Ratio

by Jenny Carver
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Painting a vehicle involves mixing and preparing the paint. Some paints can be purchased pre-mixed, but do not offer finish quality as high as paint that is separated and mixed just before application. Automotive paint cannot be put into a spray gun and sprayed without first being mixed with reducer. Reducer is paint thinner made specifically for adding to automotive paint. The reducer thins the paint enough so that it can be sprayed through a spray gun, and adhere better to the car surface.

Step 1

Place the measuring cup on a flat surface. Add the desired amount of automotive paint to the measuring cup. Make sure the paint reaches a line on the measuring cup so that it is easier to measure.

Step 2

Add reducer to a separate measuring cup; the ratio is 4:1 of paint to reducer. Once the amount of reducer is measured, add it to the paint.

Step 3

Stir the mixture of paint and reducer with a stir stick. Once the mixture is stirred well, pour it into a clean paint can, and close the lid to keep the paint fresh.

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