How to Mix Paint for Spray Painting?
3 Answers
First, match the color using color cards and color codes, and it's essential to understand the properties of the base color. Secondly, if you're not entirely confident about the color accuracy, you can start by preparing a small test batch according to the formula. Finally, practice makes perfect in this craft. Mastering color perception and technical proficiency are essential skills in every industry.
The first step in paint mixing is to check the original car color code, which can be found on the door or inside the hood. Take the code to the color chart book, and the paint mixing technician will help you find the formula. The formula includes the proportions of different color bases, which are weighed with an electronic scale and poured into the mixing cup before being blended according to the ratio. Stirring is crucial—use an electric mixer to ensure even mixing, or the sprayed color may appear uneven. After mixing, test-spray a small color panel, let it dry, and compare it with the original car color. If there’s a deviation, fine-tune the mixture. Light colors tend to appear darker, while dark colors tend to appear lighter, so patience is key during the process. Pay attention to the lighting conditions—natural light is best for comparison, as artificial light can distort the color. The mixing ratio must be precise to 0.1 grams, as even a slight excess of color base can affect the final result.
Paint mixing mainly involves using base paint and tinting colors. Tinting colors are concentrated pigments, divided into several types such as metallic, pearl, and solid colors. First, check the original factory formula to determine the main color ratio. For example, white paint might require titanium white tinting color with a small amount of yellow. Mixing metallic paint is the most challenging because it contains glitter particles, and uneven stirring can cause streaks. Stir for at least 3 minutes to ensure the tinting color is completely dissolved. When comparing colors, don’t rush to check the wet paint—differences are more noticeable after it dries. For dark colors like black, it’s best to add 0.5% blue to counteract yellowing, while light colors can be brightened with a tiny amount of purple. Always close the lid tightly after mixing to avoid oxidation and discoloration. It’s recommended to mix enough paint in one batch, as mixing in two batches makes it difficult to guarantee consistency.
