4 Paint Mixing

Protective Coatings Application
Paint Mixing
© Copyright 2016 Fitz-Coatings Ltd

Paint Mixing
Objective
To understand the importance of paint mixing of both one and two part paints and material handling.
Paint mixing can be hazardous.

Review product data sheets before work commences.
All paints require some form of mixing.
Some paints contain heavy pigments and additional mixing will be required.
Paint Mixing
Illustration of a mechanical mixer in operation on a heavy duty
coating.
Always use a mechanical agitator (mixer) to mix paints, especially

two-part paints. These mixers can be electric or air powered.
The older or thicker the product, the more mixing that will be
required.
Check the product data sheets for mixing instructions.
Paint Mixing
This is an animation demonstrating a two-part paint (base and
activator) being mixed with an air powered mechanical mixer.
The older the material the more mixing that is generally required.
Some products can take 5-10 minutes to fully mix properly.
Mixing of the base alone first may be necessary prior to mixing

with the activator or curing agent (especially heavily build or older
products).
Note;
1. Always refer to the product data sheets for specific mixing

instructions.
2. Manual mixing (boxing) is sometimes conducted, however,
mechanical mixing is always recommended.
Two-Part Paint Mixing

This is a simple animation demonstrating how the base and
activator are mixed prior to use.
It is extremely important that all the contents of the tins or

containers are mixed.
Once the activator is poured into the base turn the activator tin
upside down into another container to ensure you get all the
contents out and all contents are mixed together correctly.
There may be circumstances where the coating has to be filtered
© Copyright 2016 Fitz-Coatings Ltd Page 1

or strained on site.
The appropriate size metal mesh or fabric is simply places over

the paint tin and the materials poured from one tin to another
(boxed).
Most modern coatings are delivered ready for use.
Note; Details of any filtering or straining should be detailed on the

product data sheets or coating application sheets.
Basic Rules
There are some basic rules for the protective coatings applicator
when using two-part products;
Ensure you use the correct base and activator

Use all the contents of the base and activator (do not split can
contents)
Mix the products with the correct mixing tool and mix until
you get a consistent liquid
Be aware of induction periods (time period after mixing before
the product can be used)
Be aware of pot life (usable time of a product after mixing)
It is important that the applicator is made aware of the

recommendations of the supplier and the data sheets must be
made available.
Solvents (Thinners)
Only use solvents or thinners if this is recommended by the
coating supplier. Check the product data sheets.
Adding solvents will change the viscosity of the coating and

change the volume solids also.
If solvents are necessary always ensure that the solvent is the

correct type and the correct percentage is added. This process
should not be a guess but a measured amount.
PPE and RPE

As a minimum the operator must have the following items when
mixing paint:
Gloves -solvent resistant type.

Goggles or a form of eye protection.
Overalls or Coveralls.
Face and mouth protection - to suit the task.
Check COSHH and the Risk Assessments and ensure operatives

understand the process.
Mechanical Paint Mixing

This video demonstrates the use of a powered mechanical mixer
being used to mix a paint coating prior to use.

Paints must be thoroughly mixed to ensure there is no thick
residue at the bottom of the tins and the coating is a uniform
colour with a consistent material.
The thicker or more viscous materials will require additional

mixing.
Heavily pigmented coatings such as zinc rich primers will also

require additional mixing and straining.
Coating Applicator Protection

This animation gives examples of the various levels of masks
available to the operative.
The level of the mask should be detailed in the Risk Assessment.
Read the Health and Safety data sheets and conduct the COSHH
assessments before deciding which is the appropriate mask.
Never compromise on the type of mask.
Look after the mask and ensure it is cleaned after every use and
stored correctly.
The Pot life of a Coating

This animation demonstrates how the pot life of a coating is
affected by temperatures.
The higher the temperature, the 'lower' the usable life of the mixed
coating.
At very low temperature the pot life can be considerably longer and
at higher temperatures, it can be considerably shorter.
The pot life will be detailed on the product data sheets.
Note; The applicator should know the pot life of the mixed coating
and be aware that the pot life is very temperature dependent.
Induction Period
This is an animation of an Induction period.
Some coatings may have an induction period which is defined as

'the period of time after mixing' before the product can be used.
The product data sheets will detail any induction period

requirements.
It is important to comply with the induction period if this is

specified otherwise you could have application and post-
application problems.
Only a small percentage of coatings have an induction period.

Using Single Part Products
Although single part products, such as alkyd paints, do not have
an activator they will absorb air once the paint tin is open and can
thus start to cure (oxidization).
The top layer of the can will skin over in time.
The lids must be firmly re-attached if the product is not used and
to be used at a later date.
Any skinning must be removed and full mixing must be conducted.
Also, refer to the supplier's data sheets and general

recommendations.
Settlement
Settlement can occur with both single part and two part coatings
which have been stored over long periods of time or out with shelf
life.
Additional mixing time may be necessary if the product is within

the shelf life, however, check with the coating supplier for advice
before applying a coating which has severe settlement as the
coating may be damaged and should not be used.
Fire Hazards
Ensure:
Paint Mixing is Hazardous and you should ensure:
That you have the correct extinguisher at hand or nearby.
That you avoid overspills and have spill kits available.
That you never leave open tins unattended.
That you only mix sufficient materials to complete the

workscope.
That you never smoke during paint mixing.
General Rules
Remember the basic rules for paint mixing:
Report Spillages. A company procedure should be in place to

handle spillages.
Wash hands prior to eating, drinking etc.
Keep the mixing area clean and tidy.
Lift tins by the handles.
Do not horseplay when mixing paints.
If in doubt always Ask!

Note: If the paint does not mix correctly advise the coating
supervisor
Summary
Within this training unit, we have reviewed the paint mixing of
single and two-part coatings.
We discussed the use of the data sheets and suppliers

recommendations.
We also discussed the pot life and induction periods and potential
problems with paint mixing.
We also discussed hazards associated with paint mixing.

4 Paint Mixing

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

4 Paint Mixing

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

4 Paint Mixing

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Protective Coatings Application

© Copyright 2016 Fitz-Coatings Ltd

Paint mixing can be hazardous.

Always use a mechanical agitator (mixer) to mix paints, especially

Check the product data sheets for mixing instructions.

Some products can take 5-10 minutes to fully mix properly.

Mixing of the base alone first may be necessary prior to mixing

1. Always refer to the product data sheets for specific mixing

Two-Part Paint Mixing

It is extremely important that all the contents of the tins or

There may be circumstances where the coating has to be filtered

© Copyright 2016 Fitz-Coatings Ltd Page 1

The appropriate size metal mesh or fabric is simply places over

Most modern coatings are delivered ready for use.

Note; Details of any filtering or straining should be detailed on the

Ensure you use the correct base and activator

It is important that the applicator is made aware of the

Adding solvents will change the viscosity of the coating and

If solvents are necessary always ensure that the solvent is the

PPE and RPE

Gloves -solvent resistant type.

Check COSHH and the Risk Assessments and ensure operatives

Mechanical Paint Mixing

© Copyright 2016 Fitz-Coatings Ltd Page 2

The thicker or more viscous materials will require additional

Heavily pigmented coatings such as zinc rich primers will also

Coating Applicator Protection

The level of the mask should be detailed in the Risk Assessment.

Never compromise on the type of mask.

The Pot life of a Coating

The pot life will be detailed on the product data sheets.

Some coatings may have an induction period which is defined as

The product data sheets will detail any induction period

It is important to comply with the induction period if this is

Only a small percentage of coatings have an induction period.

© Copyright 2016 Fitz-Coatings Ltd Page 3

The top layer of the can will skin over in time.

Any skinning must be removed and full mixing must be conducted.

Also, refer to the supplier's data sheets and general

Additional mixing time may be necessary if the product is within

Paint Mixing is Hazardous and you should ensure:

That you have the correct extinguisher at hand or nearby.

That you avoid overspills and have spill kits available.

That you never leave open tins unattended.

That you only mix sufficient materials to complete the

That you never smoke during paint mixing.

Report Spillages. A company procedure should be in place to

Wash hands prior to eating, drinking etc.

Keep the mixing area clean and tidy.

Lift tins by the handles.

Do not horseplay when mixing paints.

If in doubt always Ask!

© Copyright 2016 Fitz-Coatings Ltd Page 4

We discussed the use of the data sheets and suppliers

We also discussed hazards associated with paint mixing.

© Copyright 2016 Fitz-Coatings Ltd Page 5

You might also like