Paint mixed by shop machine vs paint in the tin

kala85

Is there any difference in paint that is mixed in the shop by a machine vs paint that on the shelf already from the factory.

Stanford

Not initially but if mixed paint is stored for a long time it can seperate again and will need vigorous mixing

kala85

Would there be any difference in quality or colour?

Stanford

I think the quality of the original unmixed paint is better and coverage is also better, a lot of companies will use unmixed paint because they only have to stock white base emulsion and colour tubes so they don't need to carry large stocks or the entire colour range, some contractors will use mixed paint because it is cheaper

ShiverinEskimo

There will be tiny differences in shade between mixed paint and off-the-shelf paint. I was bought 7 buckets of paint as a gift off-the shelf about 6 months ago. Hired a painter this week who said I'd need 10 buckets. None left of the particular colour off-the-shelf so I had it mixed up. The paint shop recommended the mixed paint to be used as the first coat and then to use the off-the-shelf for the next two coats. Painter agreed and is half way through the job as I type. I looked at the two shades side by side and I couldn't spot the difference, maybe a woman could though as they can see millions more shades than men can.

In saying the above, the few painters I got quotes from all said the same thing - they prefer working with trade/mixed paints over the off-the-shelf products. They reckon mixed stuff is better quality vs the off-the-shelf. All seem to think the stuff sold to the likes of Woodies and Homebase is inferior to keep the prices down. Could be anecdotal/perceived quality on their behalf.

The mixed stuff I had made up was a good bit more expensive per bucket than the off-the-shelf - which contrasts what the previous post is saying. I'm not an expert though. But I paid 50 per bucket for the mixed and 40 per bucket in Woodies for the off-the-shelf.

Lumen

I'd have thought the shop mixed stuff would tend to be fresher, so less chance of smelly disasters.

listermint

Lumen wrote: »

I'd have thought the shop mixed stuff would tend to be fresher, so less chance of smelly disasters.

Not always the case if the Bases have been sitting for some time on the shelf.

Any paint shop mix or factory can suffer from this. it depends on rotation.

Alkers

There can be significant variation between two cans of mixed paint - it's recommended you blend the two cans together before putting it on the wall. I always prefer premixed as opposed shop-mixed paint. Also if two tins differ, or you bought too much paint you won't be given a refund.