Painting Advise Needed

[David Dunlop]

I have several small jobs coming up with my 52-Set restoration involving the repaint of several front panels with a custom mixed enamel paint.

When I had the paint mixed, I could only get it done in a 1-Gallon can, for which I did not foresee any problems at the time. Now that reality is finally looming over the horizon, however, I see one major problem in simply transferring the small amounts of paint I will require from the large gallon can to a smaller mixing jar and the final paint sprayer jar, without creating a huge mess and cleanup every step of the way. See the photo for the size drops involved.

I recall years ago that small metal syringes were common for removing heavy gear oil out of drums and into transfer cases etc., and I am wondering if one of these might work with transferring enamel paints?

Has anyone worked their way around a similar painting problem?


David

[Barry Churcher]

David, I use the plastic lids of spray cans as a dipper and transfer the paint that way. Takes a couple of shots to get enough paint in the jar but there is no muss, no fuss. Simply scrape the excess paint from the lid back to the can and at the end of the job the lid/cap goes in the garbage. I think there would be a lot of clean up with the gear oil tool.
Barry

[Skip Inge]

I use a device called a Mixing Mate.

Look on YouTube or Amazon for more information. It allows for stirring and for controlled pouring when using a one gallon can of paint. Do NOT store your paint long term with this lid though. It is not as air tight as a regular one gallon paint can lid due to the shaft that leads to the stirring handle. It should be perfect for your needs.

[r.morrison]

Hi David: There are two inexpensive items you could use. One is a plastic "lip"that snaps on the rim of the can, after the lid is removed. It's ideal for pouring into trays etc. The one that would probably work best for you is a plastic lid that snaps on the gallon tin, after the lid is removed. It has a built in pouring spout with a screw on lid. ideal for the small jar you're eventually going to need to get it into. If Rona doesn't have them, try Cloverdale Paints. Just phone them and see if they sell them. I've used them for years.
Good luck.....Robert

[David Herbert]

How about a waxed paper cup as a ladle and throw it away afterwards. The flimsy plastic cups disolve in some kinds of thinners so are best avoided !

David

[David Dunlop]

Thanks everyone for your input on this. Much appreciated.

I was puttering in the Laundry Room this morning and realized there was a stack of clear plastic laundry soap measuring cups sitting on the shelf and Barry's idea for spray paint lids came to mind, so problem now solved.

Best regards,


David