How to Mix Auto Paint and Reducer to the Correct Ratio
by Jenny Carver
Painting a vehicle involves mixing and preparing the paint. Some paints can be purchased pre-mixed, but do not offer finish quality as high as paint that is separated and mixed just before application. Automotive paint cannot be put into a spray gun and sprayed without first being mixed with reducer. Reducer is paint thinner made specifically for adding to automotive paint. The reducer thins the paint enough so that it can be sprayed through a spray gun, and adhere better to the car surface.
Step 1
Place the measuring cup on a flat surface. Add the desired amount of automotive paint to the measuring cup. Make sure the paint reaches a line on the measuring cup so that it is easier to measure.
Step 2
Add reducer to a separate measuring cup; the ratio is 4:1 of paint to reducer. Once the amount of reducer is measured, add it to the paint.
Step 3
Stir the mixture of paint and reducer with a stir stick. Once the mixture is stirred well, pour it into a clean paint can, and close the lid to keep the paint fresh.
Tips
- Stir the paint well before adding it to a spray gun, especially if the paint was stored in a paint can for any amount of time.
Things You'll Need
- Automotive paint
- Reducer
- Measuring cup
- Stir stick
- Can with lid
Writer Bio
Since 1997 Jenny Carver has served as editor and freelance writer for many offline and online publications including lovetoknow.com, autotropolis.com, "Hoof Beat News," "Import Tuner" and others. Carver owns a custom automotive shop where she has been doing paint and body work, custom interior work and engine building for over 11 years.
