Have you ever contemplated the idea of mixing different paint colors? Or wondered if the very idea is practical? Can you mix spray paint with regular paint?
Well, the concept of mixing paint colors isn’t new, except that it can get messy if not done correctly.
You can only mix spray paint with regular paint if they have similar properties. For instance, only oil-based paints can be mixed with oil-based spray paints, while water-based spray paints can also be mixed with water-based paints.
For you to be fully conversant with spray paint and regular paint mixing, we created this guide to help you learn the ropes, from basic details to expert steps. Read on.
Can You Mix Spray Paint with Regular Paint?
Yes, you can mix spray paint with regular paint if they’re the same. For example, you can mix water-based paints with water-based spray paint, oil-based paint with oil-based spray paint, and so forth. You shouldn’t attempt to combine both types of paint without clearly understanding the different paint types and their properties, or you’ll create a costly mess.
Is It Possible to Mix Regular Paints and Spray Paints to Create New Shades?
Sure it is, as long as the two paints have similar components. The most common types of paint are usually oil-based and water-based. Therefore, mixing water-based paint with oil-based spray paint is impossible because oil and water are incompatible.
Again, most regular paints, like acrylic spray paint, are typically water-based, so if you mix these with oil-based spray paint, the results will be disastrous. You may even end up with more problems, like a clogged nozzle, if you attempt to spray paint it.
What are the Conditions for Mixing Spray Paint with Regular Paint?
Can you mix spray paint with regular white paint? Yes, you can, but you must meet two essential conditions: the paint must have similar properties and ratios. If you can maintain both, you won’t have problems mixing paint for a spray gun.
Maintaining the correct ratio is the fundamental rule of mixing paints with regular paint. Generally, conventional paints are thicker than other paint types requiring you to dilute with paint thinners to reduce concentration.
What Tools Do You Need To Mix Paint Faster and Easily?
To mix paint easily and faster, you’ll need to work with spray paint mixing kits. You’ll first have to choose the paint you want to mix and remove the impurities by straining it on a paint strainer. The other tools and essentials you’ll need include:
- Water
- Paint sprayer
- Face mask
- Safety goggles
- Test boards
- Spray paint mixing cups
Face mask
These tools are necessary to help you maintain personal safety as you work to achieve a uniform blend of colors. Once you have gathered them, the next step is knowing how to use them.
How to Mix Spray Paint Colors: Step-by-Step Guide
As we have pointed out, the rule for mixing paint colors with regular paint is maintaining the proper paint components and ratio. For best results, follow these steps for guidance:
Step 1: Select Your Paint
Choose the type of paint you want to work with, water-based or oil-based, depending on your project specifications.
Step 2: Put on Safety Gears
Step two entails safety. Spray paints are generally toxic, and you should protect yourself from inhaling the fumes and from direct contact with your eyes or skin. Wear your work clothes (a pair of overalls will do), eye goggles, and face mask. Once you’re safe, move to the next step.
Step 3: Use the Paint Strainer
Paints are not entirely pristine, meaning they contain minor impurities here and there. That’s when it becomes necessary to strain them to eliminate the pollutants.
Here you’ll need a paint strainer to remove the clogs, lumps, and other impurities. The paint cups should serve as a container that you should use to give the paint a smooth and subtle texture, usable on any spray gun.
Step 4. Test Your Paint
At this point, you should thin out your paint to achieve a uniform texture. But before you add paint thinners, test to see if the paint is too thick and needs a thinner.
To do this, add a small amount of paint in a spray gun, and try it on the testing board. You don’t need to thin if it produces adequate coverage without the nozzle clogging. However, if it develops clogs, then consider thinning it.
Step 5: Mix the Paint
Now let’s get to the actual task of mixing regular paint with spray paint. Your biggest challenge at this point is getting the spray paint from the canister.
First, shake the can, then carefully loosen the nozzle to remove it, ensuring there are no spills or paint splatter.
With the nozzle out, pour the spray paint into the mixing cups and combine it with the regular paint to achieve your desired color. Use your preferred paint thinners (water or mineral spirits) to adjust the paint thickness.
Step 6. Place the Mixture in The Spray Gun
After mixing your paint thoroughly, transfer it to a spray gun. Do it in moderation, not a large amount at once. This is to avoid overloading the spray gun, which may become heavy when it’s time to spray.
Step 7: Clean the Equipment
After you’re done mixing your paint, cleaning immediately should be next. Use mineral spirits to clean up the spray gun nozzle to ensure no lumps or clogs that may affect how your painting turns out.
Leaving the paint stains to dry on the nozzle and other tools will present additional problems during future use.
Can You Mix Two Different Spray Paint Colors?
The best way to add color and beauty to different surfaces is by using spray paint.
As we have already seen, you can achieve two unique colors or one vibrant color by mixing the two together without creating a muddy mess.
However, to create new shades of color or colors, you can only mix different types of paint, not spray paint.
For example, if you want to create a lighter shade of purple, you could mix a large amount of blue paint with a small amount of white paint. The same is impossible with spray paint because the results may be unpredictable.
This is because there’s no guarantee the pigments in each color may have the same reaction when mixed together. In all probability, you could end up with a muddy or streaky finish that could affect the paint’s ability to dry.
What Kind of Paint Can You Use with Spray Paint?
There are quite a number of different types of paint that are compatible with spray paint. For example, it’s safe to use acrylic paints with spray paint, whether it’s water-based or oil-based. Sometimes, you can also use enamel, urethane, and latex paint.
Depending on your painting project and the outcome you desire to achieve, you can use specialty paints like Chalkboard, Metallic, or Glow-in-the-Dark paint.
Oil-based primer paints are also recommended for surface preparation to improve adhesion and surface texture. To ensure you’re on the safe side and have the best results, always read the manufacturer’s recommendations before using any products.
Can You Mix Acrylic Paint with Latex Paint?
If you have considered the idea of mixing acrylic paint with latex paint (sometimes called wall paint), you’d be thrilled to know that you can easily combine the two. Acrylic and Latex paint tend to mix quite well, especially if you use fluid acrylics, which ensures the application dries faster and creates a neat finish.
Latex is an excellent choice for blending with acrylics because latex paint is, in essence, a specialized acrylic in itself, making the two highly compatible.
You must, however, use fluid acrylics if you want your work to be clean without scratches or blotchiness. Such problems always arise when you mix latex with standard acrylics, which are associated with uneven drying resulting from moisture in specific patches of painted areas.
In contrast, fluid acrylics are of higher quality and produce high-quality finishes though they cost a little more than standard acrylics. However, once you are able to mix and modify them with your wall paint, you can get your walls a stunning, professional facelift without a hitch.
The process of mixing acrylic with latex paint is relatively straightforward. All you have to do is add a few tablespoons of water to your wall paint, mix it up thoroughly to soften it up a little then add your acrylic paints.
As for the amount of acrylic you can add to your wall paint, the amount depends on your preferences but, most importantly, on the size and specifications of your project.
However, it would be best if you were careful not to add too much paint since it would make it difficult to soften the color and achieve a uniform shade.
Why does my spray paint scratch off?
If you notice premature scratches on your paint, it could be due to a few reasons. One possibility is your failure to spray the paint evenly, causing some areas to have more paint than others. The result of such inconsistency is scratches and chipping.
Another possible cause could be using the wrong paint type on the substrate. A surface that’s too dirty or too smooth will not bond with the paint causing it to scratch off.
FAQS: Can You Mix Spray Paint Colors?
Can You Use Spray Paint and Acrylic Paint Together?
Yes, you can use acrylic and spray paint either by mixing or simultaneously to create a visually appealing design. For instance, you can create a base layer of color on a surface using spray paint prior to adding acrylic as a top layer. Always apply acrylic and aerosol paints on a clean, dry surface.
Can Regular Paint be Turned Into Spray Paint?
Yes, you can turn regular paint into spray paint with just a few tools. You’ll need a few spray bottles, a hose, and a caulking gun. Fill the spray bottle with the paint and add some water to dilute it into a thin liquid, creating a spray paint texture.
Does Spray Paint Need a Top Coat?
Yes, spray paint requires a top coat to protect it from dust and grime. A top coat helps preserve the paint’s shiny glow and makes it resistant to fading and other forms of wear.
Is it Okay to Paint my Indoors With Spray Paint?
Yes, spray paint is a flexible and versatile formula that can be applied indoors and outdoors. Using it for indoor projects is highly recommended as it will help you complete the job faster than other paint application techniques. Always maintain safety when spray painting indoors and ensure the room has enough ventilation to improve the flow of air.
How Long Should Spray Paint Dry Before Adding a Clear Coat?
The answer to this question isn’t a definite one. The time it takes for spray paint to dry before adding a clear coat is influenced by various factors like paint type, paint viscosity, and weather conditions, etc. However, according to spray paint experts, a waiting time of at least 30 minutes is recommended before a clear coat can be applied.
Content Summary – Mixing Spray Paint Colors
Now you know that you can easily mix spray paint with regular paint so long as you understand the differences between the two formulas and their properties.
Generally, spray paint is an aerosol formula made of a mixture of pigments and propellants. You must be careful when handling these chemicals since they can be toxic.
When mixing spray paint and regular paint for a spray gun, it’s best to use the same brand since compatibility is guaranteed. For example, Rust-Oleum spray paints are best mixed with Rust-Oleum paints. And when doing the actual mixing, do it thoroughly to ensure the outcome is homogeneous.
Finally, test the mixture on a testing board to confirm if the texture is appropriate for your substrate and project. And with that, we hope we’ve answered your question: can you mix spray paint with regular paint?