When I open a new bottle of  Testors Model Master enamel, the first thing I do is drop in three steel BBs and shake it until it is thoroughly mixed. Next, I transfer about 1⁄3 of the new bottle to an old bottle I have put aside. Then I add lacquer thinner (not mineral spirits) until the paint is the consistency of 2-percent milk. This old bottle is the one I use for airbrushing. I use the new bottle for brush-painting and refilling the airbrushing bottle.

There is nothing in enamel paint for the BBs to harm, but they will rust and discolor in acrylic paints.

Always clean the lip and threads of the bottle and the inside of the cap before storing the paint. I save old bottles and caps, placing them in a jar of mineral spirits to soften and remove residual paint before storing them for future use. If you have to mix colors, you’ll have a bottle to use.

Tip submitted by:
Donald PoggemillerBurlington, Iowa