Paint Mixing Scale Buying Guide: 0.1 g Balances for Refinish Shops and Paint Stores
A paint mixing scale is a 0.1 g balance with 5 to 8 kg of capacity, and the Sartorius Entris II BCE8201-1S (8,200 g x 0.1 g) is on sale for $1,175.00 (regular $1,830.00), in stock.
Reviewed by MNM Scales technicians · Updated November 4, 2026 · Prices checked November 4, 2026
Short answer: a paint mixing scale is a 0.1 g precision balance with 5 to 8 kg of capacity, so you can tare a quart or gallon can and add each toner to the formula weight. For a straightforward mixing bench, the Sartorius PRACTUM5101-1S (5,100 g x 0.1 g) is $929. For more room on the pan, the Sartorius Entris II BCE8201-1S (8,200 g x 0.1 g) is $1,175. For automatic internal calibration and a color display, the Sartorius QUINTIX5101-1S is $1,499. Buy it calibrated: call (832) 290-3120.
This guide is for auto body and refinish shops, paint stores and industrial coating rooms that mix paint by formula weight. MNM Scales has sold, calibrated and repaired scales and balances for over 30 years from our shop in Cypress, Texas, and we are one of the largest scale distributors. MNM Scales is an authorized Sartorius dealer.
What a paint mixing scale needs
- 0.1 g readability: formulas list each toner in grams, often a few grams at a time, so the balance should read in 0.1 g steps.
- 5 to 8 kg capacity: enough for a gallon can plus the paint, with room left for the mixing lid or a larger container.
- Fast tare and stable readings: you tare after every component, so the reading has to settle quickly.
- A data port: RS232 or USB lets the balance send weights to formula software or a printer.
- Easy cleaning: wipe drips off the pan before they dry, and keep the balance level.
Paint mixing scale models compared at live prices
| Model | Capacity x readability | Calibration | Display and ports | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sartorius PRACTUM5101-1S | 5,100 g x 0.1 g | External (weight not included) | Counting, percent and checkweighing; supervisor lock; RS232 | $929 |
| Sartorius PRACTUM6101-1S | 6,100 g x 0.1 g | External (weight not included) | Counting, percent and checkweighing; supervisor lock; RS232 | $1,300 |
| Sartorius Entris II BCE8201-1S | 8,200 g x 0.1 g | External, 5 kg F2 weight (not included) | LED touch display, 12 applications, 182 x 182 mm pan; RS232 and USB-C | $1,175 |
| Sartorius QUINTIX5101-1S | 5,100 g x 0.1 g | isoCAL automatic internal | Color graphic display, Q-Apps including mixing; USB and RS232 | $1,499 |
| Sartorius QUINTIX6101-1S | 6,100 g x 0.1 g | isoCAL automatic internal | Color graphic display, Q-Apps including mixing; USB and RS232 | $1,999 |
Compare the whole range in our Sartorius balance price guide or browse precision balances.
Practum, Entris II or Quintix for paint mixing
- Practum: the PRACTUM5101-1S and PRACTUM6101-1S give you Sartorius weighing with a monolithic weigh cell, mechanical overload protection and a supervisor lock that keeps settings from being changed at a busy mixing bench.
- Entris II: the BCE8201-1S has the most capacity here, a typical stabilization time of 0.9 s, and both RS232 and USB-C.
- Quintix: the QUINTIX5101-1S and QUINTIX6101-1S adjust themselves with isoCAL, the built-in weight, and include a mixing application in Q-Apps.
Formula and tare workflow
- Set the empty can on the center of the pan and press tare.
- Add the first component until the display reaches its formula weight.
- Tare again, or keep a running total, depending on how your formula is written, and add the next component.
- Pour slowly near the target; at 0.1 g a few drops change the reading.
- Send the result to formula software or a printer through RS232 or USB; see how to connect a scale to a computer.
Keeping it level and calibrated
Mixing rooms see temperature swings, drafts from booth fans and spills. Set the balance on a solid bench away from the booth door, level it whenever it is moved, and let it warm up before the first mix of the day. The Quintix models adjust with their internal weight; Practum and Entris II models calibrate with an external weight, such as a 5 kg F2 weight for the BCE8201-1S (not included). Our calibration weights guide lists weights by capacity.
Rules: NTEP for paint mixing
Mixing paint to a formula in your own shop is in-house weighing. If you sell product by weight, use an NTEP model, such as the Sartorius BCE8201-1NUS (8,200 g x 0.1 g) at $1,320. Our NTEP guide explains the certificate. For lab work beyond paint, see our lab scale buying guide.
Texas note: TDA does not require an NTEP certificate for every device, but the scale must meet NIST Handbook 44 and suit its use; some scales do need one, so we recommend NTEP models and can check yours. See TDA’s scales used in trade guidance (PDF) and our TDA scale certification guide, or call us or TDA to confirm your use.
Calibration and rental
- Calibration add-ons: our TDA-registered technicians calibrate your balance in-house before it ships. For the Practum and Quintix models, add in-house calibration with a certificate ($195) or NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate ($495). For the Entris II BCE8201-1S and BCE8201-1NUS, add in-house calibration with a certificate ($250) or NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate ($595). See balance calibration in Houston and NIST vs in-house certificates.
- On-site service: $295 + $2 per mile per visit across the Houston area, plus calibration per balance; see on-site calibration.
- Mail-in, repairs and rentals: use mail-in calibration, have us repair the brands we sell, and rent all types of scales while yours is in for service.
Not sure which paint mixing scale fits? Tell us your largest can, your smallest formula component and the software you use. We will match the balance and ship it calibrated. Shop: 21249 FM 529 Rd, Cypress, TX 77433, visits by appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What readability does a paint mixing scale need?
0.1 g. Formulas list components in grams, so a 0.1 g balance such as the Sartorius PRACTUM5101-1S or QUINTIX5101-1S fits most mixing benches.
What capacity should a paint mixing scale have?
5 to 8 kg covers a gallon can and the paint. The balances in this guide weigh 5,100 g, 6,100 g or 8,200 g.
Which Sartorius balance has internal calibration for paint mixing?
The QUINTIX5101-1S and QUINTIX6101-1S adjust themselves with isoCAL. The Practum models and the Entris II BCE8201-1S calibrate with an external weight (not included).
Can a paint mixing scale connect to formula software?
Yes. All five balances have RS232, and the Entris II and Quintix models add USB. Check your software’s list of supported balances.
Do I need an NTEP paint mixing scale?
Not for mixing to a formula in your own shop. If you sell product by weight, use an NTEP model such as the Sartorius BCE8201-1NUS.
Do you calibrate paint mixing scales?
Yes. In-house calibration with a certificate is $195 for the Practum and Quintix models and $250 for the Entris II BCE8201 models; NIST-traceable is $495 or $595. On-site service is $295 + $2 per mile per visit plus calibration per balance.