I've realized that (so it seems) whenever I use a metal rod to stir these paints the paint doesn't dry to a matt finish.
Has anyone else noticed this or is it just my imagination?
I know understirred enamel can dry shiny, but I thoroughly stir them (2-3 minutes)
Tom

I think you may be imagining it. I normally use a toothpick but the time taken to stir the paint really depends on how long the can has been sitting. I stir mine until I cannot see or feel any lumps in it.

hope this helps

Cheers
Cliff

I also use a tooth-pick and never have any real problems. If there are lumps, I stab them until the break up and then stir them into the paint. I remove the paint with the tooth pick also ... takes 3 or 4 lifts to get enough and then stick the lid on again.

I have a Badger handheld electric stirrer (looks like one of those battery operated milk frothers) which has a metal shaft... never had a problem...

Being old, I do it the old fashion way, I use the same little screw driver that I used to open the tin with. Like others, I continue stirring until all the lumps and bumps are gone. (OH, some of my Humbrols are well over 20 years old, and I still find them totally usable) I think the secret has been keeping the sealing surfaces clean, and not distorting the tops when removing, and lightly tapping the tops closed with a tiny hammer when done.
(I just used some old -Hardened Leather- Now when was the last time you saw a tin marked "Hardened Leather?......)

I have only ever seen a tin of that in the Natural History museum..






Your butler must be well pleased, no aching elbow for him.. :-) :-) :-)

What works very well for me with new tins and ones that have been sitting around for a long time is to stir up the pigments on the bottom with a stick to loosen it up, then I put 3 or 4 small washers in the tin, cover it back up and give it a good shaking. It works excellent and the paint is always silky smooth when done.
Jim