How to mix paint for spraying furniture

Spray painting requires that the paint be accurately mixed so that you get the correct consistency – not too thick and not too thin. Most paint manufacturers give an indication of the ratio of solvent to the paint volume required. As a rule of thumb, 10% solvent is usually sufficient. However, some water based paints are non-drip and comes as a thick liquid that will require a bigger ratio – up to 15%. 

Mixing cups and empty yogurt container

Mixing cups are available in the paint trade. These are ideal for accurately measuring the paint mix. Different sizes are available but the 1 liter cups are the most practical. A spray painter’s ruler is also a handy measurement and mixing tool. 

Most paints used for spray painting must be filtered to get rid of small particles. Paint strainers of various grid sizes are available but the medium mesh size is preferable. Clean paint prevents clogging of nozzles and air holes on the paint gun. Paper strainers can be cleaned and used two or three times before discarding. Reusable paint strainers are also available. 

You could make your own reusable paint strainer by using the 20 liter paint straining mesh that can be bought from your paint dealer and cutting it to fit over a used yogurt container as shown in the picture. Here is what you do:

• cut about 5 cm off the top of an empty yougurt container

  

  Home made reusable paint strainer

• use the top part to insert in another empty container to hold the straining mesh that you have cut out from the 20 L straining mesh
• fit the mesh over the empty container and then press the 5 cm top lid to insert the mesh into the empty container
• Pour the paint and then remove and wash the straining mesh with the required solvent (water or turpentine) to use again.