These are the best vortex mixer shakers for miniatures and wargame paint that break up most paint clogs in dropper bottles and pots!
Updated April 29th, 2025, by Rob Baer. This post has been updated with the latest mixers, information, and links.
Nothing kills painting momentum faster than a stubborn paint clog. If your dropper bottles need a jackhammer to wake up, it’s time to bring in a proper paint mixer. Vortex shakers aren’t just lab gear anymore—they’re lifesavers for miniature painters tired of shaking Vallejo bottles like a maraca solo.
This guide covers the five best paint mixer shakers that actually break up pigment sludge and get your paints ready to work, fast. Whether you’re batch painting armies or just trying to un-gunk that one cursed pot of paint, these picks get the job done.
Vortex Mixers
We’ve dabbled with a few other mixers before, and let’s just say… they didn’t exactly shake things up (pun 100% intended). While we were on the hunt for something better, Rob stumbled across some of these gems thanks to a shoutout from Schooner Labs on social media—a source we actually trust.
Even better? These little beasts let you upgrade your paint game by converting all your Citadel / Games Workshop pots into dropper bottles—hello, precision!
In this round, Rob’s walking through the top-tier mixer shakers he’s been using for a few years now, including the trusty, no-nonsense LabGenius Vortex Mixer.
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#5:LabGenius MI0101001 Mini-Vortex Paint Mixer Shaker
The most expensive mixer we’ve tried, it’s probably also the most durable of any we have tested, lasting for nearly three years so far at this point!
Right out of the box, Rob picks up the paint shaker for model paints with both hands; this thing has some serious heft to it, more than you would think. The entire grey bottom layer is a metal plate. The top blue rubber piece may attract hairs and dust, but other than that, this product appears to be super easy and simple to use.
Moving on to the mixing, it’s activated just by applying pressure to the middle of the rubber top. It accomplishes a mix by trying to force the liquid in the container into a vortex motion, hence the name Vortex mixer.
Rob used some mixing aids from Army Painter, which are just small metal balls that agitate and help mix better.
The mixer worked for every brand and type Rob used, thick and thin. The price tag may be higher here, but quality and assurance are something that will always be a big deal!
Click here to get your LabGenuis mixer/shaker for miniatures and wargames paints.
#4: STIGMA Mini Vortex Mixer 5200
This is about half the price of the LabGenius one Rob (check out Rob’s video on how it has held up after a year here) has been using for a while now, but Buyer Be Warned, there are no reviews as of yet, and ours came non-functional from Amazon.
People are often asking for a cheaper alternative, and this doesn’t seem too bad. However, we are not going to say this is the best vortex mixer for miniature paint out there.
They didn’t give specs on size, but it probably won’t make a huge difference in the types of paints it will work on, as it seems big enough for most paints. Here are some specs on this:
This smart little miniature paint shaker comes with an intelligent sensing switch, so all you have to do is press down and—bam!—Your paint’s mixed in under 5 seconds, spinning at a wild 5200 RPM. Bonus: the suction cup base sticks like a champ, so no dancing across your desk mid-shake.
It’s built from tough, high-quality ABS with a chemical-resistant plastic body, meaning it’s safe, super durable, and basically laughs in the face of wear and tear. If you try this out, let us know what you think!
3: Four E’s Scientific Lab Vortex Shaker:
This has a 5-star rating with over 240 reviews, so you know this is going to work quite well! Rob will most likely order one to review it as well; that way, we can see how it holds up during actual use!
Here are all the specs on this one:
Powerful Little Mixer: This hobby paint shaker spins at a fixed 5600 RPM with a 6mm orbital swing—translation: it can mix a full 50mL container in just 3 seconds. It’s fast, efficient, and a total time-saver when you’re knee-deep in paints or potions.
No Desk-Dancing: Thanks to a smartly designed silicone foot pad, this mini electric paint shaker / vortexer stays put while it’s doing its thing—no unexpected desk cha-cha during mixing.
Surprise Bonus Feature: Not just a one-trick pony, this lab mixer has a USB port that doubles as a power bank. So yes, it can mix your paint and charge your phone at the same time. Fancy.
Swappable Silicone Cap: Comes with an extra silicone cap that’s easy to swap out—super adaptable and helps keep your mixer running smoothly for the long haul.
Mixes Almost Everything: This isn’t just for science labs. Whether you’re mixing test tubes at school, shaking up mini paints, tattoo ink, eyelash glue, nail polish, or essential oils—this little mixer has you covered.
VALUEDEBUT Mini Vortex Mixer:
Seeing how this vortex paint mixer shaker was “designed” to use tattoo ink, that should mean it works great as a mini paint shaker.
We have been using this one for a few months now, and it holds up to use so far! The best part is this vortex mixer shaker for miniatures and wargames paints is almost half the price! That is something we couldn’t argue with!
This is slightly smaller than the LabGenius one, but not by much, so it probably won’t make a huge difference in the types of paints it will work on. Here are some specs on this:
Super Easy to Use: No rocket science here—just plop your sample on top and let it do its thing. The surface is smooth, the design is compact, and best of all? It’s maintenance-free. Plus, it’s small enough to toss in your bag if you’re on the move.
5-Second Mix Magic: With a wide voltage range (110V–240V), this little powerhouse works pretty much anywhere. It’s got the mixing chops to handle most liquids in just 5 seconds. Just set it on top and watch the vortex do its magic.
Stays Put, No Wiggles: Equipped with six rubber suction cups, this tattoo vortex mixer locks down like a champ. No slipping, no sliding—just steady, wobble-free mixing every time.
#1 Onilab Vortex Mixer For Miniature Paint:
At the time of this writing, the Mx-Mini is rated the #1 best seller for Vortex Mixers on Amazon.
It also has 219 reviews with a 4.4 rating, which is pretty good for a miniature paint mixer, as some of the ones we’ve seen in the past only get a couple of reviews, and then they are gone.
Here are the specs on what we think is the best paint shaker for a miniature mixer!
Easy-Peasy Operation: This little guy is super lightweight and compact, perfect for one-handed use. Just press down to start, lift up to stop. No buttons, no fuss. And yep, it’s easy to carry around wherever your paint-mixing adventures take you.
Small But Mighty: Don’t let the size fool you—its brushless DC motor packs a serious punch. It’s maintenance-free and powerful enough to mix a full 50mL container in under 3 seconds. Fast and built to last.
Mixes More Than Just Paint: This mini vortex shaker isn’t just a lab tool. It’s also great for school test tubes, hobby paints, eyelash glue, nail polish, tattoo ink, essential oils—you name it, it’ll mix it.
No Slide Zone: With silicone suction cups on the bottom, this mixer stays put. No hopping, no sliding—just smooth, stable mixing every time.
Plus, this is easy to buy with only a $40 price tag! Get yours today, as it won’t break the bank and can improve your hobby 10x!
FAQs About Paint Mixers
What Should I Look for When Choosing a Paint Mixer for Tabletop Miniatures?
Consider the following factors:
- Power and speed settings: Opt for a mixer with variable speed settings to control the mixing process.
- Compatibility: Ensure it’s compatible with the paint containers you commonly use.
- Durability: Look for well-built mixers with sturdy materials.
- Noise level: If you prefer a quieter workspace, choose a quieter model.
- Brand reputation: Check reviews and recommendations from fellow miniature painters.
How Do I Use a Paint Mixer for My Miniatures?
Using a paint mixer is simple:
- Attach your paint pot or bottle to the mixer.
- Turn it on at a low speed to start mixing.
- Gradually increase the speed until your paint reaches the desired consistency.
- Mix for a few seconds, and your paint is ready to use!
What are the Advantages of Using a Paint Mixer Over Manual Shaking or Stirring?
Paint mixers offer several advantages:
- Consistency: Paint mixers ensure uniform paint consistency, eliminating the risk of uneven pigment distribution.
- Time-saving: They mix paint much faster than manual methods, allowing you to paint more efficiently.
- Preservation: Reduces the risk of over-shaking, which can introduce air bubbles and potentially spoil your paint.
- Precision: Enables you to mix the exact shade and consistency needed for your project.
What is a Paint Mixer, & Why Do I Need One for Tabletop Miniature Painting?
A paint mixer is a tool designed to thoroughly mix paint, ensuring a consistent and smooth texture. For tabletop miniature painting, it’s crucial to have well-mixed paint to achieve precise and vibrant colors while avoiding clumps or streaks on your miniatures.
That does it for this one, and if you purchase any of these vortex paint mixer shaker for miniatures and wargame paints, let us know what you think!
Click Here to Get the Best Paint Mixer / Shaker For Miniatures!
Which do you think is the best paint shaker for miniatures?
