
One Shot sign paint is a urethane enamel commonly used for sign painting and pinstripes. It is available in poster paint and enamel, with the latter having a wider range of colours. One Shot paint can be thinned with mineral spirits, white spirits, automotive reducer, or hardener. The paint can be sprayed or brushed on and is suitable for a variety of surfaces, including glass, wood, and metal. It is important to note that One Shot paint, like other oil-based paints, can contain toxins and may not be suitable for all environments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | 1-Shot |
| Type | Urethane enamel |
| Use | Sign painting and pinstripes |
| Owner | P.P.G. |
| Drying time | 2-3 hours |
| Thinning | 15-20% |
| Thinners | 1-Shot brand thinners, mineral spirits, white spirits, automotive reducer, hardener, turpentine |
| Additives | Smith's cream, Frog Juice, fisheye additive |
| Toxicity | Lead-based primer, but lead content was reduced in the mid-1980s to meet EPA requirements |
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What You'll Learn

One Shot's own brand of thinners and retarders
One Shot produces its own range of thinners, reducers, and additives for signwriting paint. The range includes a low-temperature reducer, a hardener, Chromaflo, a clear flattening paste, and a high-temperature reducer. These products are designed to thin paint, reduce viscosity, and adjust flow and leveling without significantly altering the quality of the paint.
One Shot's low-temperature reducer, for instance, improves flow and leveling at low temperatures by reducing viscosity and accelerating drying time. Their hardener product is added to the paint to increase its durability and longevity, especially in outdoor settings. One Shot's Chromaflo additive is designed to improve the flow of the paint and enhance its glossiness, resulting in a smoother finish. Their clear flattening paste is used to create a flat, matte finish on the painted surface. Lastly, the high-temperature reducer is ideal for projects where the paint needs to dry and cure quickly in high-temperature environments.
When using One Shot's thinners and retarders, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and exercise caution, as adding too many additives can reduce the paint's hiding and lasting power. Additionally, it is recommended to test the thinned paint on a small area first to ensure that it is mixed to the desired consistency and that it adheres well to the surface.
Some sign painters prefer to use alternative thinning methods, such as mineral spirits or turpentine, which can be effective but may require more experience to master. These alternative thinners can affect the glossiness of the paint, so they may not be suitable for all projects. Ultimately, the choice of thinner depends on the specific needs of the project and the painter's personal preference.
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Mineral spirits
When thinning paint with mineral spirits, it is recommended to start with a ratio of 4 ounces of mineral spirits per gallon of oil-based paint. It is important not to use mineral spirits with water-based paint, as this can negatively affect the paint consistency and performance.
Some sign painters use mineral spirits to thin 1-Shot paint. One user recommends dipping the tip of a brush into the mineral spirits and spreading it on paper with the paint until it is thin but not milky. Another user notes that they thin their 1-Shot paint with mineral spirits to the consistency of milk or slightly thicker.
However, some sign painters caution against using mineral spirits with 1-Shot paint, as it can dull the gloss and ruin the opacity of the paint. One user recommends only using mineral spirits to clean brushes rather than thinning paint. Another suggests practicing on a piece of glass or old playing cards to get the right consistency before applying the paint to the final surface.
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White spirits
White spirit, also known as mineral spirit, mineral turpentine, turpentine substitute, and petroleum spirit, is a petroleum-derived clear liquid used as a common organic solvent in painting. It is a paint thinner or a component of paint thinners. It is also used as a cleaning solvent, degreasing solvent, and solvent in aerosols, paints, wood preservatives, lacquers, varnishes, and asphalt products.
White spirit is commonly used for thinning oil-based paints and varnishes, particularly during cold weather when oil-based paints tend to thicken. It is important to note that too much white spirit can ruin the colour and consistency of the paint, leading to drips in the finish and making it challenging to achieve an even finish. Therefore, it is recommended to add only a few drops of white spirit at a time and stir it gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.
In addition to thinning paint, white spirit is also used for cleaning paint brushes, removing wax or grease stains, and degreasing surfaces. It is an effective substitute for turpentine as it is less flammable and less toxic. However, it is important to note that white spirit has a characteristic unpleasant kerosene-like odour, although low-odour versions are available.
White spirit is widely used in the paint industry, especially in western Europe, where about 60% of its consumption is for paints, lacquers, and varnishes. It is also commonly used in households for various tasks such as cleaning paint brushes, auto parts, tools, and removing adhesive residue from non-porous surfaces.
When thinning paint with white spirit, it is important to start with a small amount and gradually add more until the desired consistency is achieved. This process ensures that the paint does not become too thin or watery, which can affect the final outcome of the painted surface.
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Turpentine
When thinning 1-Shot paint, some sign painters prefer to use turpentine over other solvents like mineral spirits because it preserves the gloss finish of the paint. As one painter explains, "I personally ONLY thin with turpentine. Mineral spirits can dull the gloss. I only use a few drops, mostly I like the paint straight from the can." Another painter agrees, stating that they use "mostly turps" and that mineral spirits "can kill the gloss".
However, it is important to note that turpentine is considered the most toxic option among commonly used solvents. Health experts recommend odourless mineral spirits as the least toxic choice for painting. Turpentine should be used sparingly and in a well-ventilated area to mitigate its strong odour and potential health risks.
Additionally, when thinning 1-Shot paint, it is important to consider the project and the temperature. Some sign painters opt for mineral spirits, automotive reducers, or wax and grease removers depending on the specific requirements of the job. For instance, wax and grease removers are favoured for car lot striping because they dry quickly and are less likely to be smeared.
Sign painters also need to be mindful of the surface they are painting on. Practising on surfaces similar to the final product, such as metal, urethane paints, or glass, can help prevent issues like paint absorption and wavy distortion. Thinning the paint to the right consistency, similar to that of milk or slightly thicker, is crucial for achieving the desired results.
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Automotive reducer
1-Shot is a leading manufacturer of paint for sign painting, sign writing, and pinstriping. They offer a range of oil-based, high-gloss enamels suitable for interior and exterior use on metals, wood, and glass. Sign painters often need to thin their paint for specific applications, and there are several methods and products available to achieve the desired consistency.
One popular method is to use a dedicated 1-Shot reducer. 1-Shot offers a range of reducers and hardeners to thin their lettering enamels. These products are designed to work specifically with 1-Shot paints and can provide consistent results. However, some sign painters have expressed dissatisfaction with the new formula, claiming that traditional methods of reducing paint no longer work as well since the company removed lead from their products.
Sign painters can also use automotive reducers to thin 1-Shot paint. Automotive reducers are designed to reduce and harden automotive paints, and they can be mixed directly with the paint to achieve the desired consistency. One painter mentions using PPG or DuPont Automotive Reducer for this purpose. This method may be suitable for applications like race cars and motorcycles, but it might not be the best choice for signs or wall jobs.
It's important to note that thinning paint with automotive reducers or other additives can affect its durability and coverage. Adding too much reducer can make the paint prone to peeling or blistering. Therefore, sign painters must exercise caution and consider the specific requirements of their project before thinning their paint.
Additionally, some sign painters use mineral spirits or turpentine to thin 1-Shot paint. These solvents can help achieve the desired consistency, but they may dull the gloss or affect the opacity of the paint. Sign painters need to experiment and gain experience to find the right balance of thinner and paint for their specific application.
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Frequently asked questions
1-Shot paint is most commonly used for sign painting and pinstripes.
One Shot has its own brand of thinners and retarders. Turpentine, mineral spirits, white spirits, and automotive reducers are also used to thin 1-Shot paint.
When spraying 1-Shot paint, thin the paint by 15-20%. When thinning for airbrushing, thin the paint until it reaches a viscosity that will run through your airbrush. When thinning for brushing, thin the paint to the consistency of milk or slightly thicker.
2-3 hours is common. Cold weather can delay drying times, while additives like hardeners can speed up dry time.
1-Shot paint originally contained a very high amount of lead, but this was reduced to meet EPA requirements in the mid-1980s. Lead paint has been banned in paint sold in the US since the 1980s, but 1-Shot paint may still contain other toxins. Always read the label to check for carcinogens or other hazards.










































