Abstract: In a paint mixing apparatus, a paint can carrying bail retaining device, said device comprising a retaining ring that is movably attached to a blending bucket, said bucket having a diameter selected such that a paint can easily be inserted therein for the mixing or blending operation. The retaining ring has a radius slightly larger than the radius of the mixing bucket plus the thickness of the paint can carrying bail. The retaining ring has a loading/unloading and a retaining position. When the ring is displaced from its retaining position, which is corresponds to its normal position, into its loading/unloading position, sufficient clearance is created to allow the bail to swing freely into a mixing position, where it rests along the outside of the mixing bucket. When the ring is returned to its retaining position, the bail is secured in the mixing position as a result of a lack of sufficient clearance to allow the bail to swing away from its position along the outside of the mixing bucket.