"The Hangman" GW Paint Pot to Dropper Bottle Tool

So for years I've been putting off transferring my 200+ bottles of Citadel paints to dropper bottles. Mainly because I didn't look forward to the tedious process of pouring and trying to get it into the bottle, holding the funnels, or simply waiting for paint to literally crawl down at a snail's pace.

So I've created a tool that allows you to use the power of your vortex mixer to quickly transfer paints, get more out of the Citadel pots, and most importantly, use much less flow improver/thinner/dilution.

Please make sure TO READ ALL DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY as this tool has some “tricks” up its sleeve and isn't simply a pour and walk away tool (I mean you can do that, but it sorta defeats the point of the tool).

First, these are the bottles and funnels I used to base the measurements off of. Others might work, but these are the ones I used:

bottles:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNK75R5C?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

funnels:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FDSCTLC?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

ball bearings:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0953NYC8Q?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

Tools you'll need (see picture):

OLD/CRAPPY brush to help loosen paint on sides and bottom

Flow improver/thinner/other dilutant

bottle with tip and lid

pair of clippers (you'll need to clip off the hinge on the Citadel pots)

squeeze bottle is handy though not required

Funnel

ball bearing

Step 1

Clip off the hinge flush on the old Citadel bottle (DO NOT SHAKE OR STIR THE BOTTLE FIRST! You want the paint in the bottom and not stuck in the lid). Take lid off and set aside.

Step 2

Put ball bearing in new bottle and place into base of the Hangman (see pic)

Step 3

Place funnel. ROTATE HANDLE ON FUNNEL SO IT SNUGS INTO GROOVE AND WON'T POP UP (this is very important for later steps!)

Step 4

Add a good squeeze of thinner (about a tablespoon) to Citadel pot. Use old brush to slowly mix in, scraping sides and bottom very thoroughly. Put brush in water for later but make sure to scrape off on edges of paint pot to keep as much paint as possible.

Step 5

Pour Citadel pot into funnel. Watch level as the first pour will be large clumps and will quickly “fill” the top, so you will only be able to pour a little. (see picture).

Step 6

With funnel handle in groove and full of paint, set base with your hand on it on top of Vortex mixer (see video of paint draining). The vortex will quickly suck down even thicker paint. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until pouring is taking too long.

Step 7

Place Pot bracket down “slide” on mast of Hangman. PLEASE NOTE THE FACE THAT PRINTS ON THE PRINT BED GOES TOWARD THE SKY (UP). This is important because the hole is tapered as Citadel pots are smaller at the lid. This means the taper should be widest at top and smallest at bottom on the bracket orientation when installed.

Step 8

Quickly insert Citadel pot and make sure it is “snug”. As with step 6, place on Vortex and allow to mix for a solid minute or so. This will shake loose most of the paint and also drain it through the funnel.

Step 9

Remove bracket, funnel and bottle and place tip on bottle and screw on cap. Remove plastic label from Citadel pot and wrap on new bottle. Place in rack and continue (see picture). I keep all my old Citadel pots just in case I find myself on a project, run out and need just a brush full of paint before I can make it the store to buy more.

PLEASE NOTE IF YOU ALREADY HAVE BALL BEARINGS IN YOUR CITADEL POTS, YOU WILL NEED TO REMOVE THEM WITH TWEEZERS BEFORE STARTING TRANSFER. THEY WILL CLOG UP THESE SIZE FUNNELS!

Please let me know if it works out for you and if you have any questions or notes on the prints.

Edit 1: Added Funnel by request.  If you print it to use it, I would suggest lower layer count and possibly varnishing it before using to allow for rewashing/reuse.  PLA tends to stain and not be as non-stick as plastic.