What's new
Van's Air Force

Don't miss anything! Register now for full access to the definitive RV support community.

How To Get Paint Out of Gal Can For Small Batches Without Making Mess

gmcjetpilot

gmcjetpilot

Well Known Member
How to make small batch of epoxy primer and get paint out of large can into paint gun cup without making mess? I have 165ml, 400ml, 600mk disposable cup system for spray gun. To make 165ml batch, half primer half reducer 80ml/80ml. Disposable 45ml cups (plastic) with handle (see picture)? A little waste, but should be straight forward.

The primer is in gallon can like house paint. The tried and true method of getting paint out a gallon can is to pour it out. That can be a mess and not great for 3 oz, to make 6 oz,

The Catalyst is in Gal can with small easily open/close cap. That is easier to pour without too much waste or mess. There are some screw on spouts that should make it easier. Wish paint came in can like catalyst.

SUGGESTIONS REQUESTED
1715226228329.png
 
Last edited:
We do the same thing - we use a small plastic scoop to scoop out a small amount of primer. I save the plastic scoops from laundry detergent boxes.

Another tip for dealing with gallon cans (or any size) I take a 16d nail and punch a few holes around the perimeter of the seal groove where the lid goes back on. This allows the paint that accumulates in the groove to drain back into the can rather than spray all over when you put the lid back on.
 
This is what I use for small batches: stainless kitchen measuring spoons 15ml or 5ml, mixed in paper cup and then poured through strainer direct into gun cup. I don't use the PPS type disposable cup system for small batches.

My epoxy mixes 4:1:1 and I count how many spoons are needed for the batch size. Cleanup is as easy as wiping off the measuring spoon with a paper towel dampened with solvent. The gun is cleaned with gun wash solvent in the normal way and there is not much residue to wash from the cup because of the small batch.



20240509_131441.jpg
 
Dollar store turkey baster. I used two of them when using Akzo Nobel BMS10-11 2 part epoxy primer. Easy to measure and clean, does not make a mess. I bought from my local dollar store here in Canada (Dollarama). Made of Nylon, and only a couple of Canukistan bucks.
 

Attachments

  • Baster.JPG
    Baster.JPG
    13 KB · Views: 20
I bought pro grade gallon mix/pour spouts from the local PPG distributor. They seal tight, and you can mix with hand crank or drill. I kept my $$$ paint in temp controlled area and didn't have any issues with them . Attached picture is cheapo version. The good ones are worth the extra money.
 

Attachments

  • Master-Elite-Paint-Can-Mixing-Lid-Pouring-Spout-1-Gallon-Size-Mix-Blade-Easy-Mess-Free-Stirri...jpeg
    Master-Elite-Paint-Can-Mixing-Lid-Pouring-Spout-1-Gallon-Size-Mix-Blade-Easy-Mess-Free-Stirri...jpeg
    27.7 KB · Views: 38
fixnflyguy said:
I bought pro grade gallon mix/pour spouts from the local PPG distributor. They seal tight, and you can mix with hand crank or drill. I kept my $$$ paint in temp controlled area and didn't have any issues with them . Attached picture is cheapo version. The good ones are worth the extra money.
Click to expand...
Great solution. I used one of these when I built a 12 and it worked great. I used it for Azko primer.
 
fixnflyguy said:
I bought pro grade gallon mix/pour spouts from the local PPG distributor. They seal tight, and you can mix with hand crank or drill. I kept my $$$ paint in temp controlled area and didn't have any issues with them . Attached picture is cheapo version. The good ones are worth the extra money.
Click to expand...
I found out this paint stirrer doesn't reach the 1/4 inch of the gallon can. So when the can had been sitting for a long time, this thing doesn't pick up all the solids. It pours the paint well though. However, the clean up inside the stirrer contraption is a PIA
 
I use disposable cups. The first time, I weigh the cups (tare), then I measure the Part A and Part B accurately by volume into these cups, then reweigh. This determines my mix ratio by weight. I write this on the cans.

For subsequent use, I just mix by weight, which is much easier and not as messy. You can mix up any amount easily— a little bit for wet riveting, or a lot for spraying. I have a West Systems electronic scale, used for mixing epoxy.

V
 
gmcjetpilot said:
How to make small batch of epoxy primer and get paint out of large can into paint gun cup without making mess?
Click to expand...
As others have suggested - Mixing Mate style lids. I've been using them for the past six months with my Akzo primer. Haven't spilled a drop yet. Those lids along with the 3M PPS system makes priming and clean up easy and mess free.
 
60ml catheter tip syringe. Rubberless if you can find them. Almost zero waste. Just what's left in the tip. Slosh some lacquer thinner inside then run a q-tip in the tip to clean. Slosh again and it's clean.
Note. Label the syringe and plunger then apply a section of packing tape. Solvets will wipe the markings off quickly.
 
This works pretty well. It works even better if you cut the point on the Tape with scissors
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top