Mixing small containers of paint

[tramcar trev]

I'm talking about the little jars, tubs, bottles and tins that sayt "mix thouroughtly before use"... With what? a toothpick? ok so we resort to shaking the container and hoping we get it thoroughtly mixed.... and pigs are flying.... I thought this may be a good trick and it works... Place a small stainless steel washer in the container then shake with enthusiasm.
It works!! I first tried this with a bottle of Humbrol matt cote which notoriously settles the matting agent to the bottom and is hard to remix... This got it all redistributed in about a minute of shaking. I used SS washers as I have a jar of 8mm ones left over from a job ( long since forgotten) and I thought as it is ss there would be no interaction with the paint....

 

[shropshire lad]

Good idea
It's the same principle as rattle cans

 

[tramcar trev]

yes..... I suspect it is...

 

[ntpntpntp]

I heard about these years ago - don't have one but has anyone ever tried one?
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=ro...nw=170&start=0&ndsp=9&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0,i:76 < Link To

http://www.robart.com/store/hobby-tools/paint-shakers

Must admit with the state of some of the very old tins I have, I'd be worried about the lid flying off!

 

[Cyclone]

Good tip cheers.
I guess ball bearings would do the same.

I have some bottles of paint that are nightmare to mix. Any tips for them?

 

[tramcar trev]

I think washers would provide more agitation that balls. Try this in bottles I just slipped some into Humbrol bottles and they work a treat....

 

[Rhos Helyg Loco Works]

I use a piece of bent wire in a pillar drill.

 

[tramcar trev]

There are better DIY types on Google and simple to make. HUMBROL used to have one similar.
Ball bearings seem the best.........and replace lids properly and store tins UPSIDEDOWN

EG....http://modelingmadness.com/others/features/hamm,joel/hammmixer.htm or this.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMmMls-GYOI
even this one....http://www.instructables.com/answers/How-to-Build-a-Mini-Paint-Shaker-for-Craft-Acrylic/
http://oldriverbillzumwalt.members.ktis.net/tools.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coZ1FsLRLPQ
just to save you having to google and because I was curious....