The tasks of mixed are an important part of daily work in various works of constructionBecause if done incorrectly it can lead to unacceptable or poor quality results. With the emergence of new technologies, the paint mixer It has become a frequent solution, and in this technical article we will talk about its types and the correct use of it. In another article, we also talked about its uses and applications, specifically.
We have seen, for example, the typical concrete mixers or cement mixing machines, also called “spinning tops”, that are powered by electric or fuel motors, ranging in size from portable two-wheel models to those that are mounted on trucks.
However, when it comes to professional work on a smaller scale, or even that carried out by the hobbyist at home, there are other methods and tools simpler, but no less effective, for mixing Construction materials liquids and powders, such as paints, mortar, adhesives, stains, grouts, plasters and similar substances. Let’s see what those methods are and tools.
1) The basics: an auxiliary element
It is known that everyone who decides paint your house or business, or you hire a painter to do it, you are familiar with an old, but still acceptable technique: to mix paint, the lid of the container is removed, a wooden rod is immersed, the content is gently stirred, optionally, diluent and / or toner are added, stirring continues and finally the desired purpose is achieved: the painting It is homogeneous and ready to start applying it on the desired surface.
But of course, we are in the 21st century, in which inventions and advances are reaching out to us. Because if one light painting we move to other denser materials, such as adhesives, plaster, putty, epoxy coatings, pastes, enamels, resins or mortar, then we will verify that the trick of the wooden rod no longer works. Since power tool manufacturers knew about this before us, they launched some very useful devices that come to solve the problem for us.
2) What’s new: a drill accessory
When introducing the drill, we mentioned that one of its many functions is to mix painting and related materials. The incredible versatility of the drill is given by the amount of accessories that can be attached to it. And precisely one of those accessories are the mixing rods for drill.
These rods are part of the tools used for previous work or paint preparation and other materials to apply. They consist of a cylindrical galvanized metal shaft, which at one end has a hexagonal chuck insert (commonly 3/8, 1/2 and 5/8 inches) and the other has two or more blades driven by rotation through the drill. . They can have various sizes and shapes, adaptable to shake the contents of containers from small to large. In the figures below we see some examples of rod design, as well as its placement in a drill.
Drill Paint Mixing Rod
Rod – Paint Mixer in Drill
For its part, this video shows us one of these rods in full operation.
3) The really innovative: exclusive tools
It is true that a electric drill Common may be suitable for mixing small volumes of materials, mainly liquids, at low revolutions (approximately 500 rpm). But when we have to handle large volumes or higher viscosity materials, it is no longer the first choice. Since a drill It is designed to run for only a few seconds, mixing in these conditions will cause the engine to quickly overheat and even burn out. On the other hand, prolonged operation of a drill it will also produce user fatigue.
Therefore, technology has responded to these demands by providing us with tools alternatives that are very powerful and perfectly indicated for the tasks of mixed paint, mortar and related materials.
Depending on the manufacturer, we can find two types of electric tools for mixing these materials.
a) Drill-mixer
Outside the conventional line, this drill It is specially designed for fans of the DIY who wish to have a robust tool corded that serves a dual purpose. That is, it is not only designed for mixing liquid and powdery materials, but can also be used as drill, because it is equipped with a toothed crown chuck, as well as the forward and reverse rotation function.
It is very comfortable to maneuver thanks to a pistol-like design, with a rear and a side handle, both non-slip, which provides a solid grip. It features a soft start and integrated electronic controls allow speed to be preset and fine tuned.
In the following figure we see one of the models of drill-mixer with its main components.
Parts of a mixer drill
The mixer drill is a tool powerful enough (about 1000W) to easily handle mixing, the chuck can accommodate drill bits or mixing rods hex drive up to 1/2 inch (13mm) and travel speed exceeds 500rpm.
Generally the drills-mixers offered by recognized brands also include in the kit a mixing paddle spiral type paint, as well as an accessory to change the rod according to the user’s need.
b) Mixer
These are tools even more dedicated, since they are specially designed for mixing and do not fulfill any other additional function. Withstand long time operation and use mixing rods similar to those we have just seen, since, according to the manufacturer, they can have two types of fit:
- Hexagonal with special adapter for the mixer head.
- With a metric M14 thread (as shown in the figure below), so any rod that has that type of thread can be screwed into these mixers without problem.
Paint mixer
The paint mixers and mortar are corded electric units, provided with two speeds reaching about 500 rpm (gear 1) and 800 rpm (gear 2), and an ignition switch that can be locked for continuous operation. They are also very powerful, since they are generally equipped with a motor of about 1400 W that allows them to reach high values ​​of torque or speed, so that the speed required for mixing can be optimally adjusted to the consistency of the material to be mixed.
The figures below represent a paint mixer Y mortar with its main components, as well as how to use it.
Paint Mixer Components
Use of paint mixer
Same as him drill-mixer, offer a smooth start and speed can be preset and precisely adjusted thanks to the electronic controls built into the tool. The side handles are wide and ergonomic, allowing a very comfortable grip that reduces fatigue.
The benefits of this type of paint mixer, mortar and similar materials benefit bricklayers, tile setters, painters and even the home user.
What is the best way to use paint and mortar mixers?
For a successful task and to ensure the maximum benefit and durability of a paint mixer It is very important to follow the series of tips that we present below.
a) Use the appropriate mixing paddle
The shape of the stirring end of the rod varies depending on the material and / or volume to be mixed, as different materials have different mixing requirements. If we use the wrong rod, the material does not homogenize properly, creating lumps in the mixture. Therefore, we must never use the same rod to mix different materials, for example, paint, adhesives, mortar or plaster, but choose the one that is suitable for each material or group of related materials. The figure below serves as an orientation guide about the main designs of mixing rods, as well as its main uses.
Paint Mixer Rods Usage Guide
b) Use a suitable container to mix mortar
When we choose a container for the mortar mix, we must take into account the total amount of mixture. Too small a container will cause material to splatter, dirtying the work environment and causing unnecessary loss of material. To recognize the correct size of the mixing container, make sure that the stirrer end of the rod, once we introduce it into the container, is completely covered by the material.
c) Use proper mixing speed and time
If the speed of the mixer is too low, the material component (s) will not be homogenized correctly and therefore its properties, once applied, will not be the desired ones. The same happens if we do not give enough time for a complete mixing, which will result in a longer work, lack of adhesion of the material, formation of holes or cavities, etc. It is always advisable to increase the mixing speed progressively as the material becomes homogeneous.
d) Always keep the mixing paddle clean
Dry material residues that stick to the stirring end of the wand can dislodge and contaminate new materials with foreign particles. Furthermore, the deposition of successive layers of material can render the rod completely useless. So let’s extend the life of the mixing paddle, either by having a container of water nearby to submerge it after mixing (as we observed in the video) or by spraying it with hot water to remove resins, or cleaning it with a solvent indicated by the manufacturer after mixing. mix paints.
With the correct care, we can make good use of these paint mixers, which certainly mean a great saving of time and money, while guaranteeing us an optimal homogenization of the materials for which they are designed.
