- 1). Consult your paint container's label for mixing ratios. Many brands require a paint, reducer and clear coat ratio of 4:1:1 or 3:1:1 for good single-stage coverage. A 4:1:1 ratio means you want to use four parts paint for every one part reducer and clear coat, and a 3:1:1 requires three parts paint per one part reducer and clear coat.
- 2). Measure your paint using liquid measuring cups and pour it into a bucket. When you're measuring based on your ideal mixing ratio, remember that one gallon of paint is 128 ounces.
- 3). Measure your paint thinner using liquid measuring cups. Different types of paint require different reducers. Commonly, the paint used for for a single-stage mixture is urethane. Urethane is reduced with floetrol. Pour the reducer into the bucket. Reducers help thin out the paint for easier misting with a spray gun. If you're using a full gallon of paint at a 4:1:1 ratio, then 32 ounces of reducer is equal to 1/4 of your paint quantity. For one gallon at 3:1:1, you'll need about 42.7 ounces of reducer per gallon.
- 4). Measure clear coat and pour it into the bucket. As with the paint and reducer, follow your ratio carefully, keeping in mind that a gallon of paint is 128 ounces.
- 5). Stir your mixture with a paint stir stick. Stir for at least 10 minutes to ensure even distribution of the three substances. Once you're done mixing, your paint is ready for convenient single-stage application.
next post