Mixing Paint At Home: Easy Steps To Success

Mixing paint at home is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to create custom colours and save money. It is relatively easy to mix your own paint, and it opens up a range of possibilities for using leftover paint or end-of-line paints. By following some simple guidelines and being cautious in your application, you can successfully mix paint at home and avoid common pitfalls. This introduction will provide an overview of the topic, covering the benefits of mixing paint at home, important considerations, and potential challenges.

Mix leftover paints to create a custom colour

Mixing leftover paints to create a custom colour is a fun and rewarding process. It is also a great way to save money on decorating. You can use any leftover paint from prior projects for this.

Firstly, only mix the same "type" of paint together. For example, water-based paint should be mixed with water-based paint, and oil paint should be mixed with oil paint. Chalk paint should be mixed with chalk paint, and exterior paint with exterior paint. Mixing sheens is fine, but if you mix a flat with a gloss, the result will not be as glossy. You will know when paints are incompatible because they will not mix together and will become a lumpy mess.

You can use any container with a lid to mix your paints, such as a plastic coffee can or a plastic storage container. If the paint has rust or dry paint in it, you can strain it before mixing.

You can get creative with mixing colours. For example, you can add white paint to lighten a colour, or mix red and yellow to make coral. You can also mix sheens, but be aware that the paint may dry darker than it looks when wet.

It is a good idea to test your paint on a board before using it on walls, to make sure you are happy with the colour.

Combine the same types of paint

Combining the same types of paint is a great way to make use of leftover paint and create a unique colour. It is important to only mix the same "type" of paint together. Using different brands of paint won’t make any difference, but the paint components will. For example, you can mix water-based paint with water-based paint, oil with oil, chalk/mineral paint with chalk/mineral paint, milk paint with milk paint, interior with interior, and exterior with exterior.

Before combining paints, make sure that the paints you already have are mixed and ready to be used. When you purchase paint, it’s usually mixed in-store with a powerful mixer to combine all the ingredients. If your paint has been sitting around for a while, you’ll want to stir it up with a wooden paint stick to blend the pigments and paint skin that may have formed or separated over time. You can also strain the paint before mixing if there is rust, dry paint, or any other residue in it.

When mixing the same types of paint, you can be as creative as you like. You can take an artistic approach and get your fingers right in there, smooshing the colours around. You can also use mixing tools or drill attachments, but all you really need is a paint stick and some patience. It is recommended to mix small portions at a time until you find a shade you like. You can always mix them together and test them out on a board prior to using them on your walls.

If you are working on a big project, it is recommended to do multiple gallons of the same product before using them, so that you have batch-to-batch consistency in colour, sheen, and texture for multiple coats and later touch-ups. This is the best way to avoid slight colour differences if you are painting several walls or rooms the same colour.

Use the correct tools for mixing

When mixing paint at home, it is important to use the correct tools to achieve the desired colour and consistency. While it is not necessary to have fancy mixing tools or drill attachments, certain tools will make the process easier and more effective.

For small batches of paint, a simple paint stick can be used for mixing. This requires some elbow grease and patience, but it will get the job done. Be sure to stir for at least 2-3 minutes or until the colours are completely blended. This method is ideal for those who want to take an artistic approach and get their hands dirty, smooshing the colours together.

For larger batches, it is recommended to use a paint mixing attachment that connects to a drill. This will make the process faster and more efficient, ensuring a thorough mix. If you plan on mixing larger quantities, it is important to have the right-sized containers with airtight seals to store your custom paint for future use.

When mixing, it is crucial to remember to only combine the same "type" of paint. Mix water-based with water-based, oil with oil, chalk/mineral paint with chalk/mineral paint, and so on. Mixing different types of paint, such as oil and water-based, will result in a lumpy, unusable mess.

Additionally, while using different brands of paint is generally fine, mixing paints from the same brand and, even better, the same line, increases the odds of a smooth blend. This is because specific formulas vary across companies, and combining different brands can lead to lumps or uneven coverage.

Prepare the paint for mixing

To prepare the paint for mixing, start by gathering your leftover paint cans. Check if the paint has rust, dry paint, or any other residue in it. If so, strain the paint before mixing. Ensure that you only mix the same "type" of paint together. Water-based paints should be mixed with water-based paints, oil with oil, chalk/mineral paint with chalk/mineral paint, milk paint with milk paint, interior with interior, and exterior with exterior. Mixing sheens is generally fine, but mixing a flat sheen with a gloss will result in a less glossy finish.

Before mixing different paints together, make sure to stir and mix each can individually, especially if they have been sitting for a couple of days. You can use a paint mixing attachment that connects to a drill, or simply use a stir stick and stir for at least 2-3 minutes, or until the colours are completely mixed. If you are mixing larger batches, ensure you have the right-sized containers and mixers. Use a container with a lid to create an airtight seal if you plan on reusing the paint or need to apply multiple coats.

When mixing leftover paints to create a custom colour, it is recommended to choose paints from the same brand, and even the same line, to increase the odds of a smooth blend. Using different brands can lead to lumpy paint or uneven coverage. It is also important to consider the intended use of the paint. Interior paints should only be used for interiors, while exterior paints are formulated to resist long-term wear from outdoor elements.

Additionally, be cautious when mixing paints for large projects or areas that require a durable and quality finish, such as the exterior of your home. Always do a patch test before painting an entire wall or room. Keep in mind that mixing paints will usually void any manufacturer's warranty, as the new formula may not hold up in the same way.

Avoid common pitfalls

Before you start mixing your paint, there are a few things you should keep in mind to avoid common pitfalls. Firstly, always mix the same "type" of paint together. For example, mix water-based paint with water-based paint, oil with oil, chalk/mineral paint with chalk/mineral paint, and so on. Mixing different types of paint, such as oil and water-based, will result in a lumpy, unusable mess.

Secondly, while using different brands of paint is usually fine, mixing paints from different brands can sometimes lead to lumpy or separated paint or uneven coverage. To increase your chances of a smooth blend, choose paints from the same brand or even the same line.

Additionally, be cautious when mixing red-leaning colours, such as browns, oranges, and purples, with white. These colours tend to lean pink when mixed with white, and mixing them with green-based paints can result in an undesirable brown mess.

Always mix your paint thoroughly to avoid uneven colour and patchy coverage. Use a paint mixing attachment with your drill, if possible. If not, a stir stick will suffice, but be sure to stir for at least 2-3 minutes or until the colours are completely mixed.

Finally, keep in mind that applying mixed paint will typically void the manufacturer's warranty as they cannot guarantee the performance of the new formula.

Frequently asked questions