50+ years of modelling and for the first time ever a Testors paint bottle broke. I was mixing a bottle of MM Acrylic Engine Black that I had recently purchased at the LHS. I was using one of those battery operated paint mixers from Micro Mark and it took a chunk out of the side of the bottle near the bottom. Has Testors gone to a thinner bottle or was this a freak occurrence? Anybody have a similar experience? Thanks.

Not with Testors but another brand. … Many years ago, I put a ballbearing into a glass bottle to loosen-up some paint. When I shook the bottle, it broke and launched black paint all over my drafting table and office wall! ... Luckily, it completely missed the drawing I was working on!

These days, I use Vallejo Acrylics in the convenient plastic drop dispensers. Still, I take care when opening the bottles, as occasionally, the tip will stay inside the cap when opening it. In addition, I notice a little pressure buildup in newly ordered bottles — probably because I live at 6,200 ft.

—mike

I guess the law of averages just caught up to me after all these years. Thanks

Just another thought ... I use this handy little non-powered Tamiya Paint Stirrer, I find it very useful.

—mike

http://robart.com/products/hobby-paint-shaker-battery

Try one of these, never made a mess yet, even with Humbrol tins.

Many many years ago , somebody told me never put BB's in glass bottles to mix . So it's not just lately that something like that has happened . It works great with the humbrol tins though .