How Long Does Paint Stay Mixed After Shaking? (Solved!)
Jeff "King of the Castle"
Painting is a great way to freshen up your home, but it can be frustrating when your paint doesn’t stay mixed.
If you’ve ever had to shake your paint can for what seems like forever, only to have the paint separate again within minutes, you know how frustrating it can be.
Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to ensure that your paint stays mixed while you work.
And in this article I’ll take a closer look at them, so let’s dive in!
How Long Does Paint Stay Mixed After Shaking?
When you have a can of paint, you need to make sure that it stays mixed so that the color is uniform.
When you mix up a batch of paint, you need to shake or stir it up well to make sure that all of the ingredients are properly mixed.
However, even after you shake it up well, the paint will eventually start to settle and the colors will start to separate again.
So, how long does paint stay mixed after shaking?
The answer to this question depends on a few different things, but in general you should be able to get a good hour or two of work in before it starts to separate.
From the variants below, you can see that there are a few different factors that will affect how long your paint will stay mixed after shaking:
The Type Of Paint
For starters, the type of paint that you are using will play a big part in how long it stays mixed after shaking.
Some paints are more prone to separate than others.
For instance, oil-based paints are notorious for separating and will usually need to be shaken up every few minutes while you’re painting.
On the other hand, latex paints are much more stable and can often go for an hour or even longer without needing to be shaken.
The Size Of The Paint Can
Another factor that will affect how long your paint stays mixed is the size of the can you’re using.
Smaller cans of paint will usually need to be shaken more often than larger ones. This is because the smaller the can, the more air is mixed with the paint.
The Temperature Of The Room
Finally, the temperature of your room will play a part in how long your paint will stay mixed.
If it’s very hot in your room, the paint will start to separate more quickly than if it’s cooler.
This is because the warmer the temperature, the faster everything will start to mix.
On cooler days, you can often go a lot longer without having to shake your paint can again.
And if you do notice that your paint is beginning to separate, simply give it a good shake and you should be good to go!
How To Make Sure Your Paint Stays Mixed As You Work
One of the biggest problems people face when trying to mix their paint is that it just won’t stay mixed.
Luckily, there are a few simple tips and tricks you can use to ensure that your paint stays mixed while you work.
1. Use A Paint Stirrer
These handy little devices can be found at most hardware stores and will help to keep your paint mixed while you work.
Simply insert the stirrer into your can of paint and give it a good stir.
The paint stirrer will help to keep the paint mixed and will also prevent it from separating while you work.
2. Use A Paint Strainer
A paint strainer is a great way to keep your paint mixed while you work.
Simply put the strainer over the top of your can of paint and pour the paint through it.
This will break up any of the larger chunks of paint, helping to keep them mixed.
3. Use A Paint Shaker
If you have a large amount of paint to make and don’t want to spend the time stirring, consider purchasing a paint shaker.
Paint shakers are designed to mix large amounts of paint quickly and easily. Simply pour your paint into the shaker and turn it on.
It will take just a few minutes to get all of your paint mixed up, and you can even leave it on while you work to keep the paint mixed.
Can You Shake Up Old Paint?
If you have some old paint that’s been sitting around for a while, you might be wondering if it’s still good to use.
The answer is: maybe. If the paint is still in good condition and hasn’t separated, then it should be fine to use.
However, if the paint has started to separate or looks like it’s starting to dry out, then it’s probably best to throw it out and buy a new can.
To determine if your paint is still good, you should take a look at the consistency of the paint.
If it’s still in one piece and doesn’t separate when you try to mix it, then it should be fine to use as usual.
On the other hand, if the paint has started to separate or looks dry and crumbly, then it’s probably time to get rid of it.
How To Mix Interior Paint?
If you need to mix paint at home, the first step is to gather your supplies.
You will need a can of paint, a paint stirrer, and some newspaper or other disposable surface that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Once you have everything together, simply pour the paint into your mixing container and use the stirrer to mix it up.
Be sure to mix the paint thoroughly, as you don’t want any lumps or clumps in your final product.
You may also need to add water to the paint to thin it out if needed. You can check the label on the paint for more details about how to mix it properly.
Once the paint is fully mixed, you can use it as usual. Just be sure to clean up your work area when you’re finished, as paint can be very messy!
While you can mix interior paint with a stir stick, an electric drill mixer is another option that will help make sure all of the ingredients are evenly combined.
If you have an older home, your walls may be uneven and you may need to use a paintbrush to apply the paint evenly.
Be sure to do a test patch on the wall first to see how the paint will look before you start painting the entire room.
Your best bet is a paint tray with a hinged cover. The cover will help you keep your paint mixed properly even after it has been shaken up.
You can also use a roller with an extender handle to make it easier to reach walls that are high up on the ceiling or far away from the ground.
In general, interior paint will not stay mixed for very long. As time goes on, the ingredients in the paint will separate and you will need to shake or stir it again.
It is important to do this periodically if you want your paint to look its best over time.
Conclusion
Paint can last for a long time if it is stored properly. However, over time paint will start to separate and will need to be mixed again before it can be used.
If you notice that your paint has started to separate, simply give it a good stir and it should be fine to use.
However, if the paint has separated significantly or looks like it’s starting to dry out, then it’s probably time to get rid of it and buy a new can.
Always make sure to follow the safety instructions when using paint, and be sure to store it appropriately so that you can get the maximum life out of your paint.
I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. If you have any further questions about how long paint stays mixed after shaking, or if you have any tips to share, please feel free to leave a comment below.
I would love to hear from you!
