How to Mix Paint That Has Been Sitting for a While?

As a house painter, you know your paint is important.

You want the colors to be bright and true, and you don’t want them to dry out before you have a chance to use them.

But what do you do if you’ve had some paint sitting around for a while?

How can you mix it so that it’s still usable? Keep reading for tips on how to breathe new life into old paint.

Why Should You Mix Your Paint?

If you’re like most painters, you have a few cans or containers of paint that you’ve been meaning to get to.

But for one reason or another, they’ve been pushed to the back of the shelf and forgotten about.

If this is the case, it’s time to bring them out and give them a good mix.

There are a few reasons why you should mix your paint regularly, even if you don’t think you’ll be using it anytime soon.

First, it prevents the paint from drying out. Paint is made up of pigment particles suspended in a liquid binder.

Over time, these particles can settle to the bottom of the container, leaving the liquid binder to evaporate.

This not only makes the paint less vibrant but can also make it difficult to apply.

Second, mixing your paint ensures that the colors are true and consistent.

When the paint dries, the pigments can change slightly in color. By mixing the paint regularly, you can prevent this from happening.

Finally, mixing your paint helps to prevent it from becoming thick and goopy.

Paint that hasn’t been mixed for a while can become lumpy and difficult to work with.

By mixing it up, you can make it easier to apply to your canvas or surface.

How to Mix Your Paint?

Now that you know why you should mix your old paint, it’s time to learn how to do it.

The good news is that it’s pretty easy. All you need is a paint stirrer and a bit of elbow grease.

Step1. Start by removing the lid from your paint container. If there is any dried paint around the rim, use a knife or paint scraper to remove it.

Step2. Next, insert your paint stirrer into the paint and give it a good stir. Continue stirring until the pigment is evenly distributed throughout the binder.

Step3. Once the paint is mixed, replace the lid and give it a shake. This will help to further mix the pigments and prevent them from settling.

And that’s it! Your paint is now ready to use.

If you find that the consistency of your paint is too thick, you can add a bit of water to thin it out. Start with a small amount and add more as needed until you reach the desired consistency.

Shaken vs. Stirred – What’s the Difference?

When it comes to mixing paint, you might be wondering if it’s better to stir or shake the container. While both methods will get the job done, there is a bit of a difference between them.

Shaking your paint can help to distribute the pigments more evenly.

This is because the pigments are suspended in the liquid binder and will settle to the bottom over time. By shaking the container, you can help to keep them evenly mixed.

Stirring your paint is more effective at preventing the pigments from drying out.

This is because stirring helps to aerate the paint and prevents the liquid binder from evaporating.

So which method should you use? It really depends on your preference.

If you’re looking for evenly mixed paint, shaking is the way to go. But stirring is a better option if you’re worried about the pigments drying out.

When to Shake the Paint Can – And How to Do That?

Paint cans should be shaken before using them. This will help to evenly distribute the pigments in the paint.

It’s also a good idea to shake your paint occasionally during use, as this will help to keep the pigments from settling.

To shake your paint can, simply remove the lid and hold the can upside down.

Give it a good shake, then put the lid back on and turn it right side up. Give the can another shake, then open it up and start painting.

When to Stir the Paint that has Been Sitting – The Best Way of Stirring?

Paint that has been sitting for a while should be stirred before using it.

This will help to evenly distribute the pigments in the paint and prevent them from drying out.

To stir your paint, simply remove the lid and insert a paint stirrer into the can. Give it a good stir, then replace the lid and shake the can.

This will help to further mix the pigments and prevent them from settling.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to mix your old paint, there’s no excuse for letting it go to waste. So get to it and start creating some beautiful art.

Just remember to shake or stir your paint before using it, depending on what you’re looking for.

And if the consistency is too thick, don’t forget to add a bit of water to thin it out.