You’re about to start with the next project and you don’t know how to fix mix paint for a spray gun.
Before you do anything else you need to find out which type of paint you using, whether it’s water-based or oil-based. Because depending on the type you use you’re going to add their respective solvent, which is water and paint thinner respectively
Now it’s time to test the consistency of the paint. Place a piece of cardboard or other scrap material a few feet away from the gun, and holding the gun about 10 inches from the surface, spray a test strip.
If the paint is too thick, it will appear uneven or “orange-peeled.” But if it’s too thin, it will run or drip. If the paint is perfect consistency, it will go on smoothly and evenly. Once you’ve got the paint mixed correctly, you’re ready to start painting!
Guidelines for mixing paint for spray gun
One of the first things to keep in mind is obviously to mix it with the right solvent. Now, this is not hard to find out if you only read the manufacturer’s instructions. Assuming you got that down, there are a few other things you need to follow.
People mix paint for spray guns, of course, to make it easy for the device to spread but also to you have and even finish. If you have to mix up paint well, and you’re not professional. Chances are you’re going to end up with an uneven finish because the paint sprayer is going to be painting hard to control. You might also end up using more than you initially planned.
Mixing the paint is another important step, but one that you should logically understand is necessary. There are many things you can use to mix the paint from a piece of wood stick to spatulas or anything you can find in and around your house that is hard and strong.
However, the best way perhaps is to use a paint mixer. These mechanic paint mixers make it so simple and easy for you to mix any amount of paint as effectively as anyone ever could.
If you’re planning to use lots of paint or perhaps do more than just one project, it’s justifiable to buy a mechanic paint sprayer. However, if you only got just a simple DIY project and you’re likely not going to use that again. You can use the simple version of the mixer made of wood and about ten times cheaper but it’s not mechanic.
Paint Mixing Ratio Table
Type of Paint | Ratio | Parts (paint/medium) |
---|---|---|
Acrylic | Up to 30% | 2/3 |
Latex | 30% to 50% | 2/3 |
Enamel | Up to 30% | 1/3 |
Emulsion | Up 20% | 1/5, 3/ 10 |
Bituminous | Up to 10% | 1/5 |
Aluminum | Up to 15% | 1/4 |
Oil-based paints | Up to 30% | 1/3 |
Supplies You’ll Need for Mixing Paint paint for spray gun?
Before you start your painting project, it’s always advised to have it organized. This means having all the supplies you need in one place and preparing the area itself.
The supplies you need are:
- Paint thinner,
- The funnel,
- A measuring cup,
- Paint mixer,
- Respirator mask,
- Hand gloves,
- And of course, a bucket or container to mix the painting.
Before you go ahead and prepare the mix for the spray gun, give the instructions that are read and understand the paint and whether it’s the right one for your specific situation and spray gun.
I’ll be talking more about the types of paint you can use for spray guns and how to mix those types for the spray guns. But so far the only thing you need to keep in mind is to be careful to not use any kind of paint without following the steps above.
How to mix acrylic paint for spray gun
Acrylic paint hello is one of the only types of paint that’s ideal to spray paint. Because it dries fast and has more chemical compounds inside compared to other types of paints. And that makes it a lot more elastic and flexible, causing it to cover the painted area better than other types of paints.
Understanding how to mix acrylic paint for paint sprayers is important since it is possible to thin the paint in both water and acrylic mediums. However, depending on which thinner you decide to go for will affect the paint consistency and its results.
Mixing acrylic paint with 30% water will still allow the paint sprayer to coat the surface. However, adding up to 60% water makes it a watery paint that can only be used for washing a surface. Washing the surface is something that painters usually do so that only a small hint of color stays on the surface. Some people call this action staining.
If you decide to thin your acrylic paint with acrylic medium. You should also add only up to 30% to apply it as a proper coating paint. If you have to add more like 60% the application of the paint creates a more transparent look which some people call glaze.
When mixing acrylic paint for use in a spray gun, it is important to use a ratio of two parts paint to one part water. This will ensure that the paint is thinned out enough to be able to pass through the gun without clogging it.
Once the paint and water are mixed together, you can then add any additional colors or thinners that you need to achieve the desired results.
How to mix enamel paint for spray gun”
Enamel paint is the hardest one to mix among other types of paints,. Because it’s hard to find a perfect reducing ratio. Because there is no certain way to mix it. I’ll tell you what I usually do which is often to reduce it to 1/3 parts.
It is also possible to mix it 2/3 part to ensure the paint isn’t too thick to spray from a spray gun. However, you need to make sure that the paint thinner and the paint are from the same manufacturer and work well together.
Another Pro tip with this paint is that you shouldn’t use a funnel. Because the paint is highly sticky
- To mix enamel paint for a spray gun, you will need to thin the paint with paint thinner to the consistency of milk.
- Mix a small amount of paint at a time so it doesn’t thicken while you’re working.
- Add a drop or two of wetting agents to the mixture to help the paint adhere to the surface.
- Stir the mixture well and pour it into the paint gun.
How to mix paint for HVLP spray gun

HVLP spray guns are popular among the DIYer and painting passionate people. Because the spray gun allows for much greater precision people prefer painting with this type of paint sprayer indoors. However, you can of course use this outside for exterior projects. It is just the preference of some of the professionals in this industry.
To mix paint for an HVLP spray gun, you will need to do the following:
1. Pour the paint into a clean bucket.
2. Add the appropriate amount of thinner to the paint, according to the manufacturer’s directions.
3. Stir the paint and thinner together until they are fully mixed.
4. Pour the mixed paint into the HVLP spray gun.
5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to operate the HVLP spray gun.
How to mix different types of paint for spray gun
Mixing the paint is a crucial step as I have mentioned more than once. But I also said that is doesn’t just depends on the way you mix it. There is the type of paint and the mixer at play here.
Among other things, sometimes it is already necessary to know the kind of gun you have on hand.
So, in the upcoming paragraphs, I will explain mixing various kinds of paints for spray gun.
Mixing oil-based paint
Bold do many people know oh, there are many other people who don’t know this. It is that we cannot mix oil-based paint with water. You need to use either paint thinner or perhaps other alcoholic mixers like turpentine or other sorts of spirits.
The best ratio there is 3/1 three parts paint, one part thinner. Although there are many different types of oil-based paints they all act differently, mixing them this way will make sure that you could use your oil-based paint for almost all sorts of spray guns.
- To mix oil-based paint for a spray gun, you will need to first pour the desired amount of paint into a container.
- Next, add an equal amount of thinner to the paint and stir until the two liquids are combined.
- Once the paint and thinner are mixed together, you can then pour them into the spray gun and begin painting.
Rustoleum paint
Rust-Oleum paints are perfect for projects involving metal, wicker, concrete, plastic, and glass. They sometimes already include primer in them sometimes not but regardless they are durable and fast drying. It is also easier to get an even finish with Rust-Oleum paint.
When it comes to understanding the mixing ratio. There is no single correct answer. But like always I’ll tell you what I usually do.
I mix 4 by 3. That means 4 parts paint, l color, and 3 parts paint thinner. This is also another type of paint that you cannot mix with water!
Thus, you should always mix them with acetone, xylene, or mineral spirits. You should not also use lacquer thinner or thinners of this nature. Because they don’t work well with Rust-Oleum paints.
When mixing Rustoleum paint for a spray gun:
- First, be sure to mix the paint well before using it in the gun.
- Second, use a clean container to mix the paint in so that there is no contamination.
- Third, when you are ready to use the paint, thin it out with a little bit of water so that it will flow through the gun easily.
- Fourth, always clean your spray gun after use, and be sure to store the paint in a cool, dry place.
Water-based paint
Mixing water-based paint for a spray gun is probably the easiest of all mixings. Because it only requires you to add more water to the paint.
Acrylic paint and latex paint are both water-based paints. And in fact, they are two of the most popular paints today. Water-based paints are very popular today mainly because of their ease of application, and high rate of adhesion to loads of different Services.
Plus it’s also easier to clean up, and they dry quickly and resist a certain level of fading and flaking. The most important part perhaps might be the fact that they contain little to no VOC which is why they’re mostly used for surfaces like drywall, wood, stucco aluminum, or vinyl siding. But the application of these paints for exterior surfaces is also common.
- To mix water-based paint for a spray gun, you will need to add water to the paint until it is the consistency of milk.
- You will then need to pour the paint into the gun and test it on a piece of cardboard to make sure it is the right consistency.
- If the paint is too thick, you will need to add more water. If the paint is too thin, you will need to add more paint.
- Once you are satisfied with the consistency, you can start spraying.
Valspar paint for a spray gun
- To mix Valspar paint for a spray gun, you will need to add about 10-12% of water to the paint to thin it out.
- Once you have added the water, mix the paint well and then pour it into the spray gun.
- You will need to adjust the pressure on the gun to get the right consistency of paint.
- Start with low pressure and then increase it until you get the desired result.
Dulux paint for spray gun
To mix Dulux paint for a spray gun, you will need the following items: a Dulux paint tin, a mixing stick, and a measuring cup.
- First, use the measuring cup to measure out the amount of paint you need.
- Pour the paint into the tin, and then add the appropriate amount of water to the tin.
- Use the mixing stick to stir the paint and water together until they are fully combined.
- Once the paint is mixed, pour it into the spray gun and you are ready to start painting!
Benjamin Moore paint for a spray gun
To mix Benjamin Moore paint for a spray gun, you will need to add the appropriate amount of water to the paint to thin it out.
You will also need to add a paint conditioner to the paint to help it flow through the gun. Once you have added the water and paint conditioner, you will need to mix the paint thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams paint for spray gun
To mix Sherwin Williams paint for a spray gun, you will need to follow these steps:
- Pour the desired amount of paint into a clean container.
- Add an equal amount of water to the paint and stir until the paint is fully diluted.
- Pour the paint mixture into the cup of your spray gun.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating your particular spray gun.
Behr paint for spray gun
There are a few things to keep in mind when mixing Behr paint for a spray gun.
- First, be sure to use a high-quality paint thinner to thin the paint to the proper consistency.
- Second, always mix the paint thoroughly before using it in the spray gun.
- Third, when spraying the paint, be sure to hold the gun at the proper distance from the surface to avoid over-spraying or under-spraying.
Following these simple tips will ensure that you get the best results when spraying Behr paint.
Latex paint
Mixing the latex paint for the spray gun he’s almost as easy as mixing acrylic paint if not even easier than that. Because latex paint is what’s usually known as water-based paint. This is water-based.
So, it can be thinned with water. The amount of water you add will depend on the paint’s viscosity or thickness.
You can thin latex paint with up to 10% water by volume, but you may need to add more or less to get the right consistency for your spray gun.
To mix the paint, start by adding the water to the container first.
Then, slowly add the latex paint until you reach the desired consistency.
Stir the paint thoroughly before use.
If you’re using a paint sprayer, it’s best to strain the paint before pouring it into the reservoir. This will help to prevent clogs.
Mix paint for Wagner spray gun

Wagner is one of the most popular manufacturers of paint sprayers. They do manufacture all sorts of paint sprayers from HVLP to LVLP, airless, cordless, and all other kinds. Yet their most popular models are HVLP paint sprayers. Assuming that you’re probably asking to mix paint for Wagner HVLP paint sprayers. I will answer how to mix paint for Wagner HVLP paint sprayers.
Remember HVLP paint sprayers are NOT like airless paint sprayers which atomize paint using a compressor and can spray with much higher PSI.
So, mixing the paint for these types of paint sprayers is a crucial step. Otherwise, paint can not only clog your device but also come out in blobs that look awful on the surface.
- First, make sure that the paint is the right consistency. It should be thin enough to flow easily through the gun, but not so thin that it runs off the surface.
- Second, be sure to mix the paint thoroughly before using it. This will ensure that the color is even and consistent.
- Finally, when you are ready to spray, be sure to hold the gun at the correct angle and distance from the surface. This will ensure that the paint is applied evenly and without any streaks.
Mix paint for electric spray gun
To mix paint for an electric spray gun, you will need to follow these steps:
- Begin by pouring the amount of paint you will need into a clean, dry container.
- Add the appropriate amount of thinner to the paint, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Stir the paint and thinner together until they are completely mixed.
- Pour the paint mixture into the cup of your electric spray gun.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating your spray gun, and begin painting!
Mixing paint for an airless spray gun?
Before I had mixed paint for airless spray guns I want to tell just a few differences between the airless spray guns and a normal spray gun.
While this is not an article that goes deeply into the differences one of the means is that Airless spray guns sodomize the paint by using a high-pressure compressor.
Thus, airless spray guns can handle paint without the need of mixing it with a paint thinner. Though this means you use up a lot more paint than you would otherwise which is why you still can mix the paint.
To mix paint for an airless spray gun, you will need to add a thinner to the paint. The amount of thinner you add will depend on the type of paint you are using and the conditions you are spraying in.
You will also need to stir the paint thoroughly to ensure that the thinner is evenly distributed. Once the paint is mixed, you can pour it into the airless spray gun and start spraying.
How to mix 2k paint for spray gun
To mix 2k paint for a spray gun, you will need a 2k paint mixing cup, a stir stick, and a measuring cup.
- Begin by adding the base coat color to the 2k paint mixing cup.
- Then, add the hardener to the paint and stir until it is thoroughly mixed.
- Next, measure out the clearcoat, and add it to the paint mixture.
- Finally, stir the paint again until it is completely combined.
How to mix paint for ozito spray gun
To mix paint for use in an ozito spray gun, start by pouring the desired amount of paint into a clean, empty bucket. Add an equal amount of water to the paint and stir until the paint is fully dissolved. Next, add a small amount of paint thinner to the mixture and stir again. Once the paint is thinned to the desired consistency, transfer it to the spray gun and begin painting.
What ratio do you mix paint for the spray gun?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it will depend on the specific paint and spray gun being used.
However, as a general guide, you should mix the paint at a ratio of 1 part paint to 2 parts thinner. This should give you a good consistency for spraying and will help to prevent the paint from clogging the gun.
This can be adjusted as needed depending on the specific paint and project requirements. You will need to determine the ratio each time with each painting job. You can also get a viscosity cup to delete you and check if you need to add thinners or not, I will also assist you in understanding how much thinner you need to add.
Also, make sure to do thorough research end find the right mixing ratio for your specific painting job. Because mixing it because mixing paint is one of the most crucial parts of spray paint. If you have too thick of paint, your paint will come out in blobs. However, if you have a top thin, it’ll not be a good coat and perhaps start to run once on the surface.
Verdict
Mixing paint for paint sprayers is of the most important parts of the job. If you end up having too thick of paint, you won’t have a quality finish. Plus the paint might come out in blobs and not evenly.
However, if you end up having too thin of paint, your paint is going to start to run before you even paint for a few minutes.
Thus, mixing it to the perfect levels dictates how effective your painting project will be. It will also help you do the job much faster, because, with the right amount of mixture and the right kind of consistency of paint, your job goes a lot smoother, and a smooth finish you’ll have.
FAQs
In most cases heading up to 10% paint thinner or water if using water-based paint is the recommended amount. However that depends on the type of paint you using oh, and the type of paint sprayer as well.
For example, if you’re going to be using Rust-Oleum paint, which is known to be very thick. you might end up adding almost 50% paint thinner. However, if you’re using latex paint which is water-based thus, a lot thinner compared to other types of paint. Our general rule of thumb might apply here.
Either way, you need to do your research yourself and find this out before you mix the paint. One thing I can tell you is that your paint shouldn’t be too thin! Because it’ll cause runs, can sometimes cause cracks, bubbles, and dry clumsily.
First of all, if you have thick paint go it’ll be hard oil paint sprayer to spit that. Additionally also cause ridges, blobs, lump, or peeling at the finish. Worst of all perhaps, you won’t have even finish.
Yes, you can use any paint in any spray gun. The only thing is you need to mix them correctly to the right consistency and mix them well with the right type of paint thinner or medium. And you also need to keep your spray gun clean, always!