It’s important to mix your paint correctly if you are going to use a paint sprayer. Sprayers will not spray paint evenly or provide a smooth surface if you mix the paint too thin or thick. You must find the perfect balance.
Below is a quick guide that shows you how to mix paint for your spray gun.
Paint Supplies You Need to Properly Mix the Paint
● Paint
● Paint strainer
● Water
● Thinner
● Paint sprayer
● Sprayer tips
● Test board
● Safety goggles
● Face mask
Mixing the Right Type of Paint
Since latex paint is water-based, you can thin it out using a small amount of water. Oil-based paint, however, will require mineral spirits for thinning. If you are unsure what to mix your paint with, then look on the paint can. The information should be available on the label. Also, remember that some paint cannot be mixed, so be sure to find the right paint brand and type for your project.
Straining the Paint
No matter how well a can of paint is shaken, it will still contain lumps. Therefore, you will need to strain the paint to remove the smooth paint from the lumps. There are several methods painters use to strain paint. The most common method is to take a pair of pantyhose, stretch them over a can opening, and pour the paint out of the can. This will separate the paint lumps from the smooth paint. You can then mix the paint to the desired thickness.
Test the Paint
Before mixing the paint with a thinner, test it to see how well it sprays along the surface. Put a little in the sprayer container and spray it onto a test board. If it comes out in a fine mist and provides a smooth finish across the surface, then you won’t need to thin the paint. However, if you notice that the flow of the paint is slightly interrupted, you will need to thin it until it flows evenly.
Mixing the Paint
Add water or thinner—whichever is applicable—to the bucket of paint and stir thoroughly. When mixing paint, the recommended water-to-paint ratio with latex paint is a 1/4 cup of water for every 1 gallon of paint.
For oil-based paint, start with a small amount of thinner. Be careful not to add too much. Paint thinner works well with oil-based paint, so you will not need to add much thinner.
Adjust or Change the Nozzle
You can also experiment with different spray tips on the paint sprayer. Test the paint and spray the nozzle tips on a test board before you apply paint to the wall. Continue experimenting with thinner until you achieve a good consistency and excellent coverage.
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