PAINT MIXING & THINNING RECOMMENDATION Proper mixing and thinning is critical to both the application and finish of the paint. Paint must be mixed to a uniform consistency with a low speed air powered or explosion proof power agitator for a minimum of 10 minutes. Alternatively, the “boxing technique” can be utilized with a clean secondary container. Ensure good off-bottom mixing, there should be no “chunks” or “sludge” left in the bottom of the can. This directly affects the sheen and is especially important for Semi-Gloss and Lusterless/Flat finish colors. We generally recommend (and most customers prefer) XYLENE for the thinner. XYLENE can be purchased at your local hardware store. HVLP spray gun: 1 to 5 ratio (1 part thinner, 5 parts paint) Syphon (“old school/conventional”) spray gun: 1 to 4 ratio (1 part thinner, 4 parts paint) When your paint is done being mixed and thinned and your paint gun is set up, make sure to always test for a uniform spray pattern on scrap metal or an inconsequential area of your surface before starting your paint job.