What Happens If You Don't Stir Paint? (Answered) -

The paint has to be prepped before it’s put to use.

If you don’t do this, it will not come out the way you want it to. This is why it’s important to figure out how to prepare paint and whether or not it needs specific changes before being used.

A common question people ask is, what happens if you don’t stir paint?

If the paint is not stirred, it will not turn out as expected. It will be a different shade or color, look uneven, and eventually start peeling. Always stir the paint before using it. This ensures the color comes out as desired.

Most people will have professionals take care of this process. They will use machines to prepare the paint and make sure it’s ready for use.

If not, you can go through an at-home process for stirring the paint and making sure it’s usable.

This article is going to show the reasons why stirring paint is mandatory.

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Reasons Paint Should Always Be Stirred

1. Ensures Color Accuracy

When you stir paint without a stick, you are going to ensure color accuracy.

The same goes for a person that has the paint stirred professionally. The most important thing to focus on is color accuracy.

Let’s assume you don’t stir the paint.

If this is the case, you are going to end up with paint that looks uneven, odd, and unappealing.

The worst part is the paint is going to finish as a different color and/or shade. This is often going to be opposite to what the card might have been showing when you picked up the paint.

This is why it’s always best to stir the paint before using it. You want to make sure the paint color is in line with what the card was showing before you bought it.

2. Prevents Immediate Peeling

Do you need to stir paint?

Yes, you need to stir the paint to ensure color accuracy and avoid peeling. When paint starts peeling, it will look blotchy, uneven, and unappealing.

It’s important to get the desired finish you are after. If you don’t do this, the paint is going to turn out poorly.

Peeling is a real concern because it’s not going to happen over the long term. It’s going to be an issue within days.

This is due to the paint not being appropriately prepared for application on a surface.

3. Avoids A Blotchy Finish

You don’t want an uneven or blotchy finish.

When you don’t stir the paint, it is going to look blotchy from all angles. This is due to the paint’s formulation not being appropriately mixed.

You will even notice this when you first put the paintbrush in the can.

It’s going to feel uneven and that is the first sign of trouble in a situation like this. You might think it will be okay but that is rarely the case.

Instead, you are going to have paint that looks poorly done even if it’s fresh with multiple coats.

4. Avoids Discoloration In Spots

The main concern people have comes down to discoloration.

You always want to make sure the paint is in good condition and that includes avoiding a situation where the paint looks uneven.

This is not just about the finishing of the paint on the wall but also the paint’s color.

If the paint is not stirred properly, it will look light in some places and darker in others. These subtle details are noticeable when it’s spread across a larger surface.

Can You Shake Paint Instead Of Stir?

Yes, you can shake paint instead of stirring it. It’s common for paint stores to “shake” the paint using a machine before selling it to you. It’s recommended to either stir or shake the paint before application to avoid peeling and ensure color accuracy.

How Long Can Paint Sit Without Stirring?

Paint can sit 10-15 years without stirring assuming it is in a sealed can. If not, the timeline is much less and it’s best to prepare it before use.

Final Thoughts

What happens if you don’t stir paint?

If you don’t stir the paint, it will lead to an inaccurate color profile, peeling, and discoloration. It’s always recommended to stir or shake paint before use. This can be done professionally by stores selling paint too.

Do not attempt to use paint without stirring it. This is going to lead to subpar results regardless of how well the paint is applied.

It’s one of the first things you need to account for when applying paint.

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