Why Is It Important To Mix KBS Coatings Paints?

KBS paints are high-solids formulas, meaning they contain a much higher concentration of pigment particles and protective solids than conventional paints. Because these particles are denser than the carrier liquid, they can settle to the bottom of the can over time. Storing in a cool, dry place is always the best.

An unmixed can can have a thick layer of heavy paste at the bottom and thin, pigment-poor liquid on top. Applying paint in this condition produces the wrong color, weak protection, and poor adhesion. Thorough mixing before every use re-suspends all solids evenly so you get the full color, coverage, and protective performance KBS is known for.

Skipping the mixing step leads to several problems:

• Wrong color — Pigment settles to the bottom; the top layer applies off-color and inconsistently.
• Weak protection — Protective solids won’t be present in the applied coat, leaving the surface vulnerable.
• Poor adhesion — Thin, solids-poor paint won’t bond properly, leading to possible early coating failure.
• Uneven sheen & gloss — Inconsistent solids distribution causes flat spots, blotchy sheen, and mismatched gloss levels.
• Wasted product — The thick sludge at the bottom is unusable if it hasn’t been re-incorporated before application.

Follow these four steps every time:

1. Keep the lid on tight and tip the can upside down for 1–2 minutes before opening. This loosens settled solids from the bottom before mechanical mixing begins.
2. Attach the Hurricane Paint Mixer to a 3/8" variable speed drill (corded or cordless) and tighten securely in the chuck.
3. Mix thoroughly. Start at a slow speed and gradually increased to medium speed (500–1,500 RPM), working the mixer to the bottom and sides of the can for a full 3–5 minutes.
4. Check consistency by lifting the mixer. The paint should be uniform in color and smooth with no streaks or lumps before applying.

No — shaking and hand-stirring are not effective for high-solids paints. The dense pigment particles and protective solids are too heavy to be adequately re-suspended by hand in any reasonable amount of time.

A mechanical drill mixer — specifically the Hurricane Paint Mixer — generates the rotational force needed to pull material up from the bottom of the can and blend it evenly throughout. Mechanical mixing also produces a more consistent finish compared to shaking.

Mix for a full 3 to 5 minutes with the Hurricane Paint Mixer before beginning your project. The goal is a completely uniform color and smooth consistency with no visible streaks or settled material.

If the paint has been sitting for an extended period, it may take closer to 5 minutes to fully re-incorporate all solids.

KBS recommends the Hurricane Paint Mixer — designed specifically for thick, high-solids coatings. Key features include:

• Fits any standard 3/8" variable speed drill (corded or cordless), operated at 500–1,500 RPM
• Blade design that pulls paint up from the bottom for complete mixing
• Mixes in as little as 10 seconds once solids are loosened — no splashing
• Works with pint, quart, gallon cans and 5 gallon pails
• Heavy-duty metal shaft with durable plastic head; easy cleanup
• Two sizes: 9-1/2" shaft for quart/gallon cans and 15" shaft for 5-gallon pails

Yes. The Hurricane Paint Mixer works with any high-viscosity material — paints, resins, epoxies, and other thick coatings — not just KBS products. It is an ideal tool for any project involving heavily pigmented or high-solids materials that require thorough mechanical mixing before use.

Yes. Because high-solids paints settle quickly, you should re-mix the paint every 20 to 30 minutes on any job that takes more than half an hour. A brief 30–60 second stir with the Hurricane Mixer is sufficient to keep the solids in suspension between coats.

Yes. Cold paint is significantly harder to mix because low temperatures increase the viscosity of the carrier liquid, making it more difficult for solids to move freely.

For best results, let the can come to room temperature (65–85°F) before mixing. Do not apply KBS coatings below 50°F or above 90°F. Warming the can to room temperature before mixing also helps the paint flow and level more consistently during application.

Absolutely. Properly mixed paint produces a uniform sheen, consistent color, and even gloss level across the entire finished surface. Thin coats applied from a properly mixed can perform far better than thick coats from an unmixed can.

Mixing ensures the full protective solids content is present in every coat — which is what gives KBS coatings their long-term durability and rust-prevention performance.