How to Prepare Paint for a Paint Sprayer?

A spray gun makes painting any given surface effortless. It gets rid of all the challenges you face while using a brush and saves a lot of time on your part.

Furthermore, it gives you complete control over how you want the paint to react while leaving the nozzle and reduces wastage.

But, before you can start using the spray painter, there is one crucial step you must complete.

That is to mix the paint that goes into the gun. It is a fine art that requires practice and technique to get to perfection. Ultimately, the health of your device and the finish of your project depends on your ability to mix paint properly.

Although it may sound overwhelming, you need to be composed and articulate when mixing paint.

In this easy step by step guide, we will teach you how you can prepare the paint for your spray painter so that the integrity of your device and project is not compromised.

How to Prepare Paint for a Spray Painter

Before we begin on the steps, you need to acquire some items that you might need for the project. Make sure to collect all of them before you start so that you do not have to take a break while mixing. The things you will need are

Now that you have gathered the supplies, we can get started on the steps.

Choosing the Correct Paint

The first step to preparing the paint for your project is choosing the right paint for the job. Depending on the type of paint you are using, you will need to mix different materials.

For example, latex paints mix easily with water, so you do not need to use anything else. You can add water and stir it well before applying the paint sprayer. You should choose a product that is compatible with latex paint. Wagner makes a lot of spray guns that can be used with latex paint.

Oil-based paints, on the other hand, require something harder. In this case, you need to use mineral spirits since water is not enough to mix it. Paint thinner works well since it is made with mineral spirits.

Keep in mind; not all paint can be thinned. So, before you use any thinner, check to see if your paint is compatible. Otherwise, the integrity of your paint may fall. Whether you are panting a wall or a furniture, make sure to buy the correct spray gun.

You can either check out our reviews of paint sprayer for walls, or paint sprayer for furniture for best recommendation.

Wear Protective Gears

You should always wear protective clothing when working with paints, whether you are spraying or mixing.

There are harmful chemicals present on the paint that can harm your skin and fumes released while spraying can get to your lungs. You should also wear safety goggles to protect your eyes.

Additionally, make sure you are working in a wide space to give you plenty of airflows. Working in tight spaces could lead to a harder time breathing. You could also get a respirator to ensure proper airflow and breathing conditions. Whatever you do, do not overlook your safety and wear proper gear.

Strain the Paint

Straining the paint is an essential part of mixing paint. It is a common occurrence for paints to settle down at the bottom of the container. If not removed, it might form lumps which can clog your paint sprayer.

To tackle this issue, you need to use a strainer. Transfer the paint from the container to the strainer and remove the excess pieces that gather on the filter. Using a strainer ensures your workflow since you do not need to clear clogs in the middle of spraying.

Paint Testing

Before applying paint to any surface, you need to test it. This is where the test board comes in handy.

You can check the quality of the paint by spraying a little amount on the test board. It will give you all the information you need regarding whether you need to mix your paint or not.

If the paint sprayed shows the right color and consistency, then it will save you from a lot of trouble. You do not need to mix it with a thinner, for instance.

However, if you see some inconsistency, you need to mix it properly, or you might end up losing the perfect texture.

Mixing the Paint

Once you have completed all the above steps, you are ready to mix the paint. Firstly, you need to get your bucket and fill it with the desired amount of paint. Then add a small amount of material as required based on your paint type. It will help dilute the color.

There is no hard and fast rule about how much material you need to mix. It depends on your judgment and taste. If you want thick paints, you need to add more materials and vice versa. For mixing latex paint, you could use ¼ cup of water per gallon of paint.

However, with oil-based paints, you need to show a little more restraint. Start by adding just a small amount to see the result. Since thinner works more aggressively compared to water, you need to take things slow and steady.

Transferring the Mixture into the Spray Gun

Now that you have found the perfect mix, you can transfer it to the spray gun. Be careful not to spill any paint, since you took your time preparing it. After transferring the mixture, our recommendation would be to test it out on the test board.

If you find the desired outcome, then you are ready to start painting your project. Always remember to start spraying from the side so that you do not end up with an uneven surface. If you are a beginner, you should spend some time researching how to spray paint properly.

Cleaning the Equipment

Finally, when you are done spraying, you need to get rid of any residual paint sitting inside the sprayer. Fill the container of the gun with warm water and shake it to mix it with the paint. Then spray it out to clean the nozzle and the gun.

Finding a spray gun that is easy to clean is tough. Luckily, most HVLP paint sprayers are easy to clean.

Final Thoughts

Mixing paints is a simple yet crucial part of spray painting. It takes practice to master, and it is natural to make mistakes while learning. The important thing is not to give up.

We hope our guide on how to prepare paint could help you find the perfect color for your project. Don’t forget to read our other guide advantages of spray painting.