Mastering Oil Paints — Quick-Mix Ratio Table
When working with weathering effects, filtering, or precise pigment-to-medium ratios, “one drop” of paint isn’t as simple as it sounds—especially if you’re dealing with thick, grease-like artist oils. Unlike fluid paints, these don’t naturally form drops from a pipette or bottle. Fortunately, the Tamiya Stainless Steel Paint Stirrer (the spoon-shaped end) offers a surprisingly consistent “drop” measure when used correctly.
Why the Spoon-Shaped End Works
- Approx. 1 Drop Capacity – The shallow cup holds roughly 0.05 mL of material, close to a “drop” from standard modelling recipes.
- Rigid Stainless Steel – Doesn’t flex under pressure, allowing you to scoop firm paint without deforming.
- Smooth Finish – Releases paint cleanly with minimal residue, making measurements more consistent.
- Easy to Clean – Wipes clean even from sticky oil binders.
Step-by-Step: Measuring Thick Oil Paint by Drops
1. Prepare Your Tools
- Tamiya Stainless Steel Paint Stirrer
- Oil paint tube or jar (e.g., Abteilung 502, Winsor & Newton Artist Oils)
- Palette knife or scrap stick for wiping excess
- Mixing palette or small dish
2. Loosen the Paint Surface
- If the oil paint has separated or formed a skin, stir or knead it inside the tube first.
- For jar paints, mix to distribute oil evenly before scooping.
3. Scoop a Drop
- Dip the spoon end into the paint.
- Fill the cup level—avoid mounding, as this changes the volume.
- A gentle tap against the container’s inside wall knocks off excess.
4. Transfer to the Palette
- Hold the stirrer over your palette and let gravity + surface tension pull the paint free.
- If it’s very sticky, a gentle nudge with a toothpick or another stirrer will release it.
5. Rinse or Wipe Immediately
- For colour accuracy, clean the spoon end between drops to avoid contamination.
- Use a lint-free rag with mineral spirits or odourless thinner.
Bonus Tip: The Paddle Blade’s Hidden Talent
The Tamiya stirrer’s paddle blade end isn’t just for mixing—it’s also a precision dispenser for drops of odourless mineral spirits (OMS). Dip the flat blade into your thinner, and surface tension will hold a small, repeatable drop at the tip. This makes it perfect for adding exact thinner-to-paint ratios, especially when working with oil paint weathering mixes.
Practical Tips for Accuracy
- Be Consistent – Always scoop from the same spot and depth in the paint to avoid density variation.
- Room Temperature Counts – Colder paint is firmer and will mound; warmer paint is softer and levels more easily.
- Count Drops by Spoonfuls – When recipes call for “3 drops,” simply repeat the scoop-and-release method three times.
- For Semi-Liquids – This method also works for gel mediums, waxes, or pigment pastes.
Drop Conversion Chart
| Volume (approx) | Oil Paint Drops (spoon end) | OMS Drops (paddle blade) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 drop | 1 | 1 |
| 0.25 mL | 5 | 5 |
| 0.5 mL | 10 | 10 |
| 1.0 mL | 20 | 20 |
| 2.0 mL | 40 | 40 |
| 5.0 mL | 100 | 100 |
James (Doc) Wooldridge
James is a dedicated scale modeller, researcher, and respected author with a deep passion for the craft. His meticulous approach brings exceptional detail and historical accuracy to every project. Renowned for his super-detailing techniques and authentic colour schemes, James has been featured on Scalemates and even in Google Featured Snippets. As an active contributor to a leading scale modelling Facebook community, he regularly shares innovative techniques and fresh perspectives. He also produces engaging video tutorials for a major scale modelling club and is an accomplished scale model photographer, presenting his work with professional polish. A founding executive of both KSM–IPMS and Kawartha Scale Modellers, James continues to shape and inspire the hobby through visionary leadership, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.💡📏 📐📱🎬 📷 🎥
