Eyedropper or other alternative?

For paint and solvents I use a syringe with a blunt needle. You can get blunt needles at Small Parts, and the syringes at various places—they are often sold as measuring devices. Get the ones with raised or recessed graduations, as the ones that are only inked on will wash off after awhile.

For retarder and some other things I use a dropping bottle with a blunt hypodermic tip. These are also available at Small Parts.

You can also buy what are called "micropipetts"—an eyedropper with a very long, thin tip. They are fragile, however.

If an ordinary glass eyedropper has too large a tip, you can narrow it by heating it in a gas flame (a propane torch or even a gas range) until it glows orange. Be careful not to leave it too long in the flame or it will close entirely. 

 

 

Thanks Ross! Great info! I also hope this answers Q's for others. It should.

I've always favored using eyedroppers when mixing paint - to me it's easier to convert a mixture formula - for example, 3 parts color X + 6 parts color Y = color Z becomes 3 drops color X + 6 drops color Y = color Z.  Downside is that if I have to mix a larger amount of the paint I want, it takes longer.  Upside is that if I have to mix a second or third batch later, the variances in the different batches tend to be less noticable.

Great question Nam!  I have always used the plastic pipettes like this:

and they work well.  But, after reading Ross' ideas, I may have to get some of those toys as well.

qmiester wrote:

I've always favored using eyedroppers when mixing paint - to me it's easier to convert a mixture formula - for example, 3 parts color X + 6 parts color Y = color Z becomes 3 drops color X + 6 drops color Y = color Z.  Downside is that if I have to mix a larger amount of the paint I want, it takes longer.  Upside is that if I have to mix a second or third batch later, the variances in the different batches tend to be less noticable.

I thank you for the added responses!

But Quincy, isn't there a 'law of diminishing return' on keeping the same formula as we make larger quantities? You know, as though the lesser becomes the greater. I am just asking.

And you Frankie! As I said in the initial post.....Where do you buy this stuff?

PM inbound (unrelated) 

Nam-

I picked up my pipettes at my LHS years ago, I believe they were in a blister pack and sold by Testors.  Here's a link:

pipettes

HTH!

Signal received and returned!

As far as the plastic pipettes go, the hobby branded prices bite... Almost $0.80 each

Check this out: http://www.marketlabinc.com/products/details/375

This works out to about $0.02 each

namrednef

I've never noticed any problems mixing paint in this manner (other than those problems introduced by operator headspace and timing).  I imagion that part of this comes from the fact that that I rarely mix more than I need for the job at hand (I believe the most I've ever mixed at one time is about 2 ounces).  Another thing I try to do is if I need a little more (either to finish or touch up) is to mix the additional paint out of the bottles of paint that I used for the origional mix and make sure that I keep to the correct formula.

If I had to make larger amounts of mixed paints, I would probably go to some sort of weight measurement instead (probably with an attendent growth in expense for tools to accomplish it). 

I also have plastic pipettes like that but find that they don't hold the liquid very well and seem to drip as you move to transfer. Maybe I need better quality, think these were from Micro-Mark?

 

Frankie, Phil, Quincy and Jake thanks for the added help with this question!

I am pretty good at getting a mix right with paint....but never seem to need more than 1/2 oz of paint at a time. I would mix too much and have no place for it afterward!

I happened to be in a hospital the other day and saw some of the disposable droppers that Frankie posted. I asked a nurse about them and a few minutes later I had a bag of 100 in my hand.

But that's because I'm handsome!

I'll get back to ya!

What I have been using are these thin pipetts that are used to feed small birds... believe it or not.  Made of plastic... I pick up a package of 500 for around $20 on e$ay.

 They are just the right size for adding the right amount of paint to my mixing jar and into my sotar.

I use syringes mostly, as they seem to offer the best control and have the most accurate measurements if you're a stickler to certain ratios.  Short of pilfering them from the clinic (don't do that), you can pick some up from the higher-end pharmacies, and generally you'll have to ask for them and show an ID, since they're considered a controlled item in some areas.  Places that deal with cosmetics exclusively have small syringes used for transferring perfumes or oils from those tiny-necked bottles into other tiny-necked bottles.  If you don't mind odd stares when asking for them, lots of counters will give you a handful for free, as the needles are blunt and too large for all but the most determined junkies.  The ones I've used the most, however, are the type used for irrigation after dental surgery, like the ones you're given after having wisdom teeth removed.  They have a larger barrel, so they're easier to hold and have a big capacity.  The tip is molded together with the barrel, and has a 90 degree curve and a needle-fine opening. Just ask for an irrigator syringe or two the next time you visit the dentist, and most of them are happy to oblige.

 

Dropped it and Airth......Great ideas from both! Thanks.....all advice helps someone!

I am having a good experience with the disposable 'eyedroppers' for mixing paint....but it is the mixing of all the clear liquids we use that remain elusive. I believe I have conquered my Tenax7/TnF kit.....getting the hang of it.

I did pick up a box of 1000 cocktail stirrers (plastic straws about 3 3/2nds in diameter) but then I realized I probably shouldn't immerse one in something that might be a solvent!

The paint mixing is pretty much solved.....just need to buy some paint bottles for storage in case I mix too much.

Certainly appreciate your input!

I have problems with the droppers.  I use mineral spirits to thin my paint and such.  I have had 2 droppers, both of them split on the seams (from the paint I believe) the second one I have just completly coated the seam in glue so it stays shut.  Im gona check out those syringes

There are two good things to use as paint stirrers:

Old plastic paint brush handles. Buy a cheap brush with a plastic handle. I use these for disposable applications. Cut off the ferrule, carve the wide end flat—stirring stick that is re-usable.

A piece of steel wire 3/32 inch in diameter or slightly larger. Flatten and file smooth at one end. Lasts forever, unaffected by any paint solvent, a whiz to clean. This is what I use. 

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One thing about syringes: The rubber tip on the plunger dries out after awhile (almost immediately with organic solvents). Get some silicone grease lubricant and reapply as needed. This is also called "stop-cock grease." Badger airbrush needle lube (Regdab) will also work.

 

 

I think I recall your reference to old brush handles from elsewhere Ross. Definitely a good recycling handy tip! I do own a battery powered stirrer that works great but is not always the best choice, of course. Actually I have a whole choice of stirring methods that I've learned from you and others here!

There is an order for 'retarder' I'm waiting for.......Never having used it.....that is the mixing doubts I have right now.....so I'll be bumping this soon about that!

My paint mixing with the disposable droppers .....well it works for me very well! I need to find a cheap source for paint bottles.....just a half dozen or so....until I've emptied some of my own. I have an order amber solvent bottles in place ready to send to Gerald I haven't pulled the trigger on (thinking about other products he has), but Hawkeye doesn't deal in paint bottles.

On a related note.......I have taken to keeping Tenax7 and Ambroid in my mini-fridge and evaporation has been halted.....it gets thick but gets thin within minutes. Oddly though.....my Tamiya cements don't seem to evaporate at all!