Badger - Paint Mixer

[XJ6]

Hello, To All....I was wondering if anybody uses the Badger "Paint Mixer"?

I am always looking for tools of the sort to help me along in this Crazy Addictive Hobby..My LHS has the "Paint Mixer" on sale ($12.99+Tax) and i wonder if one really needs such an item...or should i just stay with "Tooth Pick"...although i figure it would mix the paint good for the airbrush...

Any Feed Back...Would Be Nice....Thanks All.

[Lownslow]

my friend bought one its not worth the money if i really need to mix some paint ill stick a flat piece of wood into a dremel

[Monty]

I have the Micro-Mark version of the tool you mentioned and I consider it virtually indispensable, especially since my paint supply is about 80% enamels (Testors and Humbrol) in jars and tins. The majority of these are over 10 years old, but still work well with the use of the mixer.

I happen to think these units do a more thorough job of mixing paint etc, which is exactly what you want if you're airbrushing.

It's not all that expensive - buy one and tell us what you think.

Edited June 18, 2011 by Monty

[bigmikevee]

Hey Gang,

I got a pack of plastic coffee stirs from the grocery store, work like a charm, use two together if the paint is old and thick, can also be used like an eyedropper to put small amounts in your airbrush. If you want to be frugal, cut them in half, still long enough for Tamiya, Testors', etc. bottles. Best buck I ever spent....well, in this hobby!

Mike

[highway]

I seem to be in the minority of the ones that love the paint mixer. I use it all the time and love it and couldn't imagine life without it.

[Evil Appetite]

I use it, I like it. Doesnt work well for metallics though, for that I use this

http://www.micromark.com/Paint-Shaker-110v-AC,6781.html

[mrmike]

I found the Badger Paint Mixer to be one of those tools that you have to have! I don't use all the time, but it's there when I need it.

[GeeBee]

I bought one a few years ago, don't how I ever did without it, but I use a lot of lacquer based paints that need a good stir if they've been left sitting for a while, for the money it really is a cheap way of mixing up paint.

[crazyjim]

I bought a Badger paint mixer online last year for less than $10.00. I love it and use it all the time.

[Jon Cole]

Wooden coffee stir sticks. Several diff 'colors' to choose from, in an old prescription bottle.

[charlie8575]

If you want a motorized stirrer, go over to a store like Ocean State Job Lot, Big Lots, or a similar store, and get one of the electric drink mixers.

I know several people that use those, and they're essentially the same idea, for 1/3-1/2 the price. They work well for paint, especially if a lot of the pigment is at the bottom because of the shape of the agitator.

Charlie Larkin

[Aaronw]

I've got a paint shaker I really like,

http://www.micromark.com/Paint-Shaker-110v-AC,6781.html

if it is a paint that has been sitting a while I can toss it into the shaker for a minute while I work on something else. For really stubborn stuff I'll chuck an L or T shaped piece of sprue into my Dremel.

[mr cheap]

i have the the robart paint shaker it works realy great i love it and its fast but it cost way to much ..$50.00 is a bit to much ... i was thinking i have a $1.00 jewery cleaner shakes but its very weak .. im going to put 8 1/2 oz paints in it over night ..and see if it works ok ...

Edited June 18, 2011 by mr cheap

[Ben]

Something even cheaper, take a few BB's (ammo for a BB gun) wash them with thinner and put them in the paint. When you shake the bottle the BB's mix the paint. The BB's have oil on them straight from the package so it's best to wash them first.

Edited June 19, 2011 by Ben

[bigmikevee]

Hey Gang,

As usual, lots of good tips here, but......a lot of people say that it is not good to shake your paint, and since I started stirring only, I have to agree with them. There is never paint on the top of the bottle, so never hard to open, never that ring of crud around the lip that sticks to your brush or gets into your airbrush (are these "paint boogers"?) Leave stir in the paint, and give an occassional spin if you need to keep adding more, especially on metallics. Plus, if mixing custom colors or using airbrush, my plastic coffee stirs make small amount transfer really quick and easy. I did trial and error and like this the best, but that doesn't mean I'm right.

What do you all think? Thanks.

Mike

Edited June 19, 2011 by bigmikevee

[XJ6]

Something even cheaper, take a few BB's (ammo for a BB gun) wash them with thinner and put them in the paint. When you shake the bottle the BB's mix the paint. The BB's have oil on them straight from the package so it's best to wash them first.

Thanks for the Reply...I find the BB's to be most interesting...However what about the Acrylic Paints,(Tamiya) I have always understood.. not to shake up Acrylic Paints..causes tiny air bubbles? shortens life expectancy?...

Thanks...

Edited June 19, 2011 by XJ6

[CAL]

I love mine too, it's the best way to mix paint. Even older settled paint comes out perfect every time.

Flat black which like to settle the flat -silicon- is always like a brand new bottle of paint after a good mixing with the Badger mixer.

[CAL]

BBs are no good. The too rust or corrode especailly in waterbased paints.

[mr cheap]

jewery cleaner worked great it took 6hrs ... 2hr test comeing with and with out bb s i started new link when i couldnt find this one..

Edited June 19, 2011 by mr cheap

[XJ6]

"Thanks" for the Advice...I was at my LHS today and went ahead and bought the "Badger Paint Mixer" another tool for the work bench I believe i will get good use out of it..I Hope Cheers...

[tabsscale1]

"Thanks" for the Advice...I was at my LHS today and went ahead and bought the "Badger Paint Mixer" another tool for the work bench I believe i will get good use out of it..I Hope Cheers...

you won't be disapointed The one i have now is over 5 years old and i have worn one our that was over 10 yearsold when it gave up