If you’re painting a car, a chassis, or tackling any paint project you need to make sure you mix the paint completely before spraying. As paints and coatings sit on the shelf the parts can separate and you may not get even distribution when sprayed. This could mean a coat of nothing but clear binders or a clogged paint gun with all solids, or no gloss to the paint . If you have an aerosol can it’s easy to shake it by hand for a few minutes before spraying and you’ll be good. Unfortunately it isn’t that easy with quart and gallon cans! We were envious of what the pro paint shops had behind the counter and we decided to offer the same to you at home. Read our how-to instructions for using our Pneumatic Paint Shaker below and get one for your next paint project!
- Unit must be securely mounted on a heavy, solid workbench, stand, floor etc, capable of holding the static weight of the unit and a full gallon (40 lbs. [18 kg]) plus the stresses from rapidly vibrating operation. The use of 1/2” through bolts & nuts or longer lag screws with substantial washers and attachment to a structural member is absolutely necessary.
- Place the Paint Shaker unit over the chosen location then trace the footprint and mark mounting hole locations. NOTE: A certain amount of moisture and excess lubricant may be expelled from the drainage hole of the Air Cylinder. Drilling an additional hole for drainage is advisable. • It is best to locate the Paint Shaker as close to your compressor as possible to minimize PSI and CFM drop through additional hoses and fittings. • Using TFE thread-sealing tape (included), wrap the Air Inlet Valve threads and attach to the inlet port of the Paint Shaker. CAUTION: These are tapered NPT threads, do not overtighten to avoid component damage.
- Disconnect air supply and be sure the Inlet Valve is in the “off” position. To open Paint Can Cradle to accommodate a paint can, rotate the Crank Handle in a Counter-Clockwise direction.
- Gently place the paint can in the Cradle lying on it’s side. Be sure it is equally and fully seated in both Cradle Clamps. Rotate Crank Handle in a Clockwise direction to tighten around paint can. NOTE: Both Cradle Clamps will move equally and quickly toward the paint can, DO NOT overtighten or the paint can may be crushed causing leakage.
- Re-connect air supply then slowly and carefully open Air Inlet Valve to the “On” position. • Observe carefully to see that the Paint Shaker is not loosely mounted and that the paint can is securely clamped in the Cradle. If excessive vibration is observed, shut off Air Inlet Valve immediately and disconnect from air supply.
- Let Paint Shaker operate for 2 minutes then shut off Air Inlet Valve, loosen Cradle Clamps and remove paint can. NOTE: Some paints formulated with high-solids resins or heavy metallic pigments may have accumulated deposits in the bottom of the can. The Paint Shaker will not dislodge these deposits and they must be manually broken up and stirred before being shaken.