How to Make Primers & Primer Compounds

Determine the color you would like the paint to be and mix the right chemicals together to create these pigments. Titanium dioxide creates white paints, while various oxides create the pigments. These pigments can be bought in powder form and are mixed into the paint vehicle. If the paint does not flow smoothly, add more of a vehicle to the paint until it is easier to apply.

Determine the material you should use to thin the paint, which is usually listed on the paint can label. Paints usually require water or a mineral spirit. Thinners, which are also called solvents, thin out the paint and make it easier to apply to a surface.

Stir the paint in the can until the paint has an even texture. Then pour the paint into an empty bucket. Pour half of the paint needed into the empty bucket, unless the amount of paint surpasses half of the paint can. In that case, pour only to the halfway point of the empty paint can.

Add just as much thinner material as paint, and mix the paint in the can as thoroughly as possible. Put a lid over it before shaking it, and use a mallet to seal the bucket by tapping the rim. Shake it vigorously.

Mix four parts vinyl with one part acrylic. Paints are made of many chemicals, one of most common being acrylic. Acrylic is twice as expensive as vinyl, so mixing the acrylic with latex will help reduce the costs while maintaining certain properties, such as stain protection, improved adhesion and water resistance.