When it comes to oil paints, there are then two subtypes—synthetic or natural. Over time, solids tend to gather at the bottom of the can, making it more difficult to gauge the true consistency of the paint. Sometimes latex paint can grow thick from either sitting too long in the open air or through disuse. How To Thin Latex Paint Have you discovered that your paint is too thick to use it properly? To fully atomize paint, paint sprayers require a paint that falls within a certain viscosity range. Step 1: Check whether the paint needs to be thinned. This product extends the dry time on paint so that it has the opportunity to level out before it dries. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, Never use petroleum-based products to thin water-based latex paint. Latex is too thick to be distributed through the paint sprayer in a thin and even mist. It seems anything that has a pigment added to it, stains and mars easier and just doesn’t have that super smooth finish. Paint manufacturers tend to cap the quantity of additive water at 8 ounces per gallon of latex paint for spray applications. For a less precise but reasonably accurate way to gauge viscosity, dip some paint with a clean disposable cup and pour it through a kitchen funnel. You can thin paint with paint thinner or tepintine. While a lot weaker and less toxic than these stains, you still need to be careful with mineral spirits – don’t breathe in for too long. Latex paint is water-based paint and generally thicker than oil-based paints. Use a five gallon one and thin a large quantity. House paint is in the latex paint category and can often be treated the same. There are many reasons why you may need to thin latex wall paint. Here is a step by step guide through which you can thicken latex paint. Check the thickness of your paint. For every gallon of paint, you will require ½ cups of room temperature water. Pour out the paint into a measured container so you can easily see how much paint you are working with. If it’s still unsuccessful then try adding a thinning additive. Knowing how to thin it again can save you money over buying a whole new can. Although commercial paint thinners can help loosen up your latex paint, there’s a quick and easy way to salvage the can yourself with a few household products. When spraying with latex enamel paints, the desire exists to thin the paint for sprayer application. To check whether the paint you’ve bought needs to be thinned, the … The consistency change–which occurs because heavy paint particles settle at the bottom of the can while the solvent rises to the top–is problematic for two reasons. Another reason for thinning paint is to allow it to flow through a sprayer. Top coats are designed to go on thinner and flow out. Pour the paint from the bucket into a clean empty paint can, then proceed with your painting project as usual. So for 4 pints of paint you would use an entire cup of water. Wedge the screwdriver’s tip under the lid. As soon as you bring the paint back from the store in mixed condition, latex paint is ready to go. This method may be used on old and new paint cans. There is a major disadvantage of latex paint that it smudges off or starts peeling out after a certain span of time. Uncover water-based stain will allow moisture evaporation and it will again become thicker. It’s made to go on heavy and cover quick and dry quick. Mineral spirits (paint thinner): only to be used for thinning polyurethane and thining oil based stain and varnish. Mix in 1/2 a cupful of water for paint to each gallon paint you use. All of these factors will play a part in how thin you will want your paint … Do not get confused with Penetrol, which is for Alkyd paints (oil-based) having the same effect. However, thinning your paint using water won’t be as effective as using a store bought reducer, or homemade reducer. Comments. Paint is divided into two categories: oil-based (or alkyds) or water-based paints. Before resealing the lid of the can at the end of your do-it-yourself project, add an ounce of water over the top of the paint to keep it from drying out or forming a skin. Determine if your paint is too thick or thin. Let some of it sit in water overnight after stirring.How to thin old latex paint? In fact, there are products on the market that are ready for use. Luckily, thinning latex paint is easy. Now, latex paints have their place and benefits but, because oil paints tend to be thinner at the start and don’t clog up the gun by drying in the nozzle, they are more commonly used in spray guns. If the paint still comes off in globs, add an additional ounce of room temperature water to the bucket and then mix the paint again with the stir stick. Read the following steps to learn how to thin the latex material. How to Easily Thin Out Thick Acrylic Paint Make acrylic paintings you’ll actually love, even if you’ve never touched a brush before In the The Acrylic Artist's Toolkit, you'll learn what essential tools you need to make vibrant eye-catching paintings that’ll get your soul … Unlike most oil-based paints, latex paint sometimes requires thinning before you start painting. High Volume Low Pressure, or HVLP, paint guns are popular for applying paint indoors. If you do, you'll end up with a runny overspray mess on your hands (and everything else.) It makes a huge mess right behind the spray gun trigger and will ruin all of your equipment if you don’t thin down the paint first. By using normal room temperature water, you can thin the latex paint for brushing. Ensure it is protected with an airtight seal. Here are some easy instructions on how to thin acrylic latex paint successfully. By using normal room temperature water, you can thin the latex paint for brushing. Watch how the paint runs off the stir stick. Unlike most oil-based paints, latex paint sometimes requires thinning before you start painting. You don’t want to do this multiple times and get inconsistent results. Pour all of the paint from the can into a clean five-gallon bucket, and add a half-cup of room temperature water for every one gallon of paint. If thin paint is needed, it is essential to remember that this process changes coverage, spray pattern, and drying time. Nonetheless, coats completely depend on how thin your water-based stain is! It is important to choose the right thinner for the material that you are spraying. Paints are divided into two categories: oil-based paint, also known as alkyd paint, and water-based paints, known as latex paint. So you will have to re-apply another coat of paint. How To: Create a Faux Wood Grain... with Paint! Remove the stir stick from the paint can and hold it over a paint tray or paper plate. Given that an airbrush requires such thin paint, its important that you know what to use for thinning airbrush paint, and how to do so properly… Today we will be discussing the options you have to thin your airbrush paint with. Synthetic oil paint is usually referred to as alkyd whereas natural oil paints are called linseed. Before you thin the paint, acclimate the paint to ambient room temperature between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure that above the Paint Can you position the stirring device so that drops do not get on the floor. Cold paint will flow more slowly and does not require thinning. How to Thin Latex Paint 3 How to Open a Paint Can 4 How to Clean Paint From a Plastic Bucket 5 We Can't Believe This New Paint Can Design Never Existed Before 6 Homemade Waste Paint Hardener Subscribe for weekly inspiration. Because the layers are so thin, I can very quickly produce 3-4 smooth layers. Latex paint thickens over time, creating an uneven or streaky finish on your next project. How to Thin Latex Paint Step-by-Step. Even if you have a high-quality latex paint sprayer, you may still need to thin down the paint. If you are painting an absorbent surface like plaster, you should thin the paint to reduce the number of layers you should apply. For roller and brush applications, add 8 ounces of Floetrol. In some applications, the painter finds that "spraying" the paint is the best method. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Keep reading for how to thin latex paint to the perfect consistency for your next paint job. Remember that a useful lifespan of an opened latex can is two years starting from the manufacturing date. The best way to save paint that is too thin is to add it to a second can of paint. Once you stir the paint, observe the viscosity of the material. House paint is in the latex paint category and can often be treated the same. New, freshly mixed latex paint rarely needs to be thinned for most paint roller and brush applications.Paint manufacturers produce latex paint of a viscosity that works for an average number of applications. When the lid is unsealed, remove it from the paint can. Make sure on the day of painting your paint should be thin so that you can paint accurately. Add Floetrol to the paint. It helps eliminate brush marks and makes application smoother. New, freshly mixed latex paint rarely needs to be thinned for most paint roller and brush applications. Thicker paint works better for old walls or damaged walls. If this is the case, run the power mixer in the can until the paint has the same consistency, from top to bottom. Learning how to thin latex paint for brushing is easy to do. To properly thin acrylic latex paint, add about two to three ounces of water per gallon, depending on the starting condition. Take care not to bend and distort the lid so much that it won’t reseal completely—this will affect the quality of your paint if you intend to save the excess. Test with the viscosity cup or funnel before use. Given that water based paint is just that (Paint with water as the base…), it allows you to use water to thin out the paint. How to thin latex paint for walls. When spraying with latex enamel paints, the desire exists to thin the paint for sprayer application. When airbrushing latex paint, I always work one section at a time, spraying it from every angle at a distance of 3-6 inches from the objective (depending on the pressure used). If it’s latex paint, follow these steps: Pour the paint into a large bucket. Before we move on to the steps to thin latex paint, let's take a look at some of its properties. If you are using paint that has been around for some time, chances are that it has become a bit thick. But it’s not a paint thinner and should not be used for thinning water-based latex paints for spray guns. But the water-based product also has a downside: It tends to thicken when stored without an airtight seal, at below-freezing temperatures, or for an extended period of time. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can thicken latex paint. Stir the paint thoroughly. If the paint drizzles off of the stir stick in an even flow with the consistency of heavy cream, it’s ready for. Best Trim Paint to Use for Windows, Doors, and Baseboards, The 7 Best Airless Paint Sprayers of 2020, Best Ceiling Paint: What to Know Before You Buy, 5 Methods for Repairing Orange-Peel Texture on Walls, 7 Best Cabinet Paint Brands for a Flawless Finish, How to Reuse, Recyle or Dispose of Old Paint. Step 1: Check whether the paint needs to be thinned. An excellent method of protecting sprayers and conditioning the latex enamel paint is a product called a waterborne paint conditioner. Go slowly and be careful when adding water because this is only a one-way process: You can always add more water to paint to further thin it out but you cannot thicken the paint again. Continue onto the next step. Run the wood stirring stick through the paint to test it. Consult the paint can label or online paint specifications for your specific latex paint. How To Thin Latex Paint. Latex paint is commonly used for interior walls because it is a fast-drying paint. Commercial latex paint thinners are also available at hardware or paint stores. You will get some of the paint to dissolve - hopefully enough for you touch-up. Paint thinner can also be used to 'thin' or reduce the viscosity of paint so it can be used in sprayer applicators. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Learning how to thin latex paint for brushing is easy to do. There is a major disadvantage of latex paint that it smudges off or starts peeling out after a certain span of time. Learning how to thin latex paint can help you save from so much trouble when it is time to start painting. Use big container so there will be space for adding the water. If the paint readily drizzles off of the stir stick, it’s ready for application. Pull out large pieces with the hook end of a paint can opener. A popular brand is Floetrol. When I use my sprayer, I thin my latex paint with just water and although I'm pretty good at "eyeballing" it, I think I got it a little too thin today. Store the can at above-freezing temperatures in a dry place without wild temperature fluctuations, and make sure it’s protected with an airtight seal. Of course, not all latex paints need to be diluted. Even a pinhole-sized gap between the lid and the can is enough to allow water-based paint to evaporate over time. In fact, there are products on the market that are ready for use. Few Pro Tips for Using Latex Paint Paint Thinning. The best way to thin is out is with a product called Flotrol it is an additive for Latex paint. Paint in need of thinning will clog the exit hole and either will not drain at all or will take an unreasonably long time to drain. Ventilation is a must when handling paint due to the potency of the fumes, so carry your latex paint can and supplies into a well-ventilated room or outdoor space. Calculate the amount of water to start off the thinning. The thinning of your paint will be determined by the application you are using, whether you are painting on the interior of a home or the exterior of a home, and the material you will be painting. Latex is a type of water-based paint, which you can thin using water. Mineral Spirits vs Paint Thinner. How To Thin Latex Paint: A commercial paint thinner can loosen up the latex paint, there is an easy & quick way to retrieve.It’s the time to implement the steps how to thin latex paint. If you are starting a home project and have plans to do some painting, it's important to understand the different types of paint available and how to prepare them for use. Any product that goes under the name. Most paint manufacturers include instructions on the label for thinning paint. So, you will have an option to choose based on your preference. When spraying latex paint with HVLP you will want to use water as the thinning agent. Before you paint using any paint application use the stir stick method to evaluate the thickness of your paint. Although oil-based paint is renowned for its smooth finish, it has drawbacks, including strong odor, slow drying time and messy cleanup. Since "average" does not apply to every situation, you may need to thin latex paint for applications such as paint sprayers or for older paint that has partially lost water content due to evaporation. If you need to strain, get a cheap strainer from the dollar store. In the paint can insert a stirring tool and then after few minutes pull it out. Hence, you will need to thin it … A standard thin latex stain will only need 2-3 coats. Paint thinners should not be used with latex paints, shellac or lacquers. Repeat this process three to four times around the lid. Consult the paint sprayer documentation for information about this range. Wagner spray guns help reduce the amount of time and effort required by any painting project. If you want to eliminate brush or roller marks, consider incorporating a paint additive like Floetrol instead of water. Thicken Latex Paints. Latex paint is water-based and contains latex. Donning a dust mask and protective gloves, dip a stir stick into the paint for a few seconds, then remove it and hold it over a paint tray or paper plate. The best way to do so is to open using a 3-in-1 painter’s tool. Successful latex paint thinning requires a reasonably precise assessment of paint viscosity and the addition of the correct quantity of water. An excellent method of protecting sprayers and conditioning the latex enamel paint is a product called a waterborne paint conditioner. If your paint is in a metal can, grab a flat blade screwdriver. Latex paints can thicken sometimes when not used and may need to be thinned out before you can start painting. If the paint is too cold, it may give a false impression that it needs thinning. However, paint thinning is not merely mixing your material with water or thinner. Just how much you decide to thin your acrylic house paint will depend on how you plan to use the paint. Solid paint chunks and film that have developed cannot be restored by thinning with water. It helps to thin latex paint in larger patches to help ensure a consistent result. Floetrol is basically a paint conditioner (meant to condition the paint) and it works differently than water. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Pop open the can on a sturdy work surface. If the stick drags at the bottom, the solids have still not completely mixed through. Have you discovered that your paint is too thick to use it properly? One benefit of working with latex paint is its ease of use. Administer whether your paint needs thinning – You don’t require to thin all the latex paints. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. One telltale sign that latex paint has lost water through evaporation is when the lid of the can is encrusted with paint. Also, latex paint can be found as basic paints and glossy ones. Did this article help you? Be sure all the water is incorporated. If, on the other hand, the paint sticks to the stir stick, or if it comes off of the stick in uneven globs, you should thin it before use. I must also state that even if I buy a pigmented topcoat, I always clear coat. Thickening your paint is a great solution as well, as it will give the paint it’s usual thick texture. If you are using paint that has been around for some time, chances are that it has become a bit thick. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. However, as the paint is quite thin, many people want to make the paint thicker. Learning the Ropes. How to thin latex paint for a Wagner spray gun. Step 5: Store the paint properly: Before securing the lid of the can of yourself project, add an atom of water over the top of the paint to keep from forming a skin or drying out. The nozzles have been designed to use paint fresh from the can. The best way to thin is out is with a product called Flotrol it is an additive for Latex paint. Although this task may seem rather daunting at first, thinning paint includes certain techniques that will ensure you of excellent results that you expect. Thanks to its easy clean-up and short drying time, latex paint has a leg up over oil-based paint for easy weekend projects. Step 4: Paint normally as you would do by pouring the paint from the bucket into a clean empty can, proceed with your painting projects. A viscosity cup is essentially a long-handled funnel with a calibrated hole at the bottom. Make sure that you stray off from using any other medium, especially when you are using fine spray guns. Rating: Author: Windows10 Activator | Created at: 05.06.2020. To maintain the ratio in solution, try to cover your stain bucket with a lid after working on it. Many people make mistake by choosing products such as Floetrol for thinning the paint. How to Use Latex Paint in a HVLP Paint Gun. To check whether the paint you’ve bought needs to be thinned, the first step you must do is to assess its thickness. How to Thin Paint. Latex paints are a little thick on the appearance which makes it look a little rough and uneven. I would suggest pouring out the water, drying the paint w/paper towels, and adding 1/8 cup or so of paint thinner. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. Then thoroughly combine the paint and water with a stir stick, using a combination of upward and downward spiral motions. Mix the water with the paint thoroughly with a clean stick to stir it. Another important use that most people are not aware of, is that paint thinner can be used to prevent paint from hardening when it has been left open. In my previous video, “Mixing Paint & Filling a Spray Gun, Small Shop Spray Painting Part V” I simply guessed when I thought I had it thin enough. Add a half cup of room temperature water for each gallon of paint. All you need is water and several clean, empty, gallon cans. Start adding your water little by little and stir as you go. However, as the paint is quite thin, many people want to make the paint … Place the can at above-freezing temperatures in a dry place without the temperature fluctuations. Latex paint benefits from being thick because it makes it durable. The best part: Since latex paint is water-based, regular tap water can be used to thin it—no chemical-based thinners required. Practical Paint Thinning Tips. Luckily you can easily thin your enamel paint yourself. Do not get confused with Penetrol, which is for Alkyd paints (oil-based) having the same effect. Does latex paint need a primer? Bob Vila, What's the Difference? Perform the stir stick test to check for the desired consistency. Allow 1/4 cup of water for every 1 pint of paint. Four ounces of clean, room temperature water is generally a good amount to begin with; you can always add more as needed. Another way to thin out acrylic paint is to mix in various acrylic mediums with your paint. Here’s what you’ll need: Paint (one gallon or one pint) Water Funnel Stirrer or paint stick Bucket Step-by-Step Guide 1. In my previous video, “Mixing Paint & Filling a Spray Gun, Small Shop Spray Painting Part V” I simply guessed when I thought I had it thin enough. If you don’t have one, though, position the flathead end of the screwdriver between the lip of the lid and the rim of the can. If you are using enamel based paint then it will hold on to a surface for a longer period of time. Oil-based paints should be thinned or cleaned up only with petroleum or mineral-based products. That container of half-used latex paint isn't a lost cause just because it's clumpy, chunky or thicker than expected. Water is the carrier of solid products in latex paint. Before anything else, check if your material is too thick for use. The amount of water to add varies according to the current consistency of the paint and the consistency that you desire. These tips also apply to you if you’re learning how to thin acrylic latex paint. Second, it looks uneven and bumpy when applied to a surface. However, the modern ones no longer depend on rubber trees; they are made from synthetic resins of polyvinyl acetate, styrene-butadiene, and other binding solutions. Here's how to thin latex paint to achieve the proper consistency. Learning how to judge this will take time, but it’s an important question you’ll need to answer when you’re learning how to thin acrylic paint. But it’s not a paint thinner and should not be used for thinning water-based latex paints for spray guns. Spills and brushes can be cleaned with regular water, rather than paint thinners or removers. Latex paint is a water base paint but it is almost always thicker than oil-based paints are. Thin the paint. How to Thin Acrylic House Paint. For uniform coating and touch, you need proper thinning. How to Thin Latex Paint 3 How to Open a Paint Can 4 How to Clean Paint From a Plastic Bucket 5 We Can't Believe This New Paint Can Design Never Existed Before 6 Homemade Waste Paint Hardener Subscribe for weekly inspiration. It helps eliminate brush marks and makes application smoother. If the acrylic latex paint still appears too thick, add a half cup of water to one gallon of paint. Whether you're a beginner or you're a regular do-it-yourselfer, our checklist will take your paint job from "good" to "amazing." So, do yourself a favor and thin your latex paints right the first time. Mix the paint thoroughly. Generally, latex has a much thicker consistency that oil-based ones. Yes, you do need to thin latex paint. If you don’t use your latex paint or keep it in open air for the much longer time, then it gets thick. Another reason for thinning paint is to allow it to flow through a sprayer. It looked somewhat like this when wet but after it dried it was basically okay--not perfect but better than it looked initially. A big advantage of using these mediums is it maintains the integrity of the acrylic binders, therefore you’ll still get coverage no matter how much medium you add. On the other hand, oil-based paints require the use of oil-based type of paint thinner. How to Achieve Smooth Latex Paint. How to Use Latex Paint in a HVLP Paint Gun. So you will have to re-apply another coat of paint. For precise calibration when using a paint sprayer, invest in a small low-cost viscosity cup. First, gooey paint won’t readily work with rollers, brushes, and sprayers. Traditional latex paints used the resin from rubber trees as binding solutions. We hope that all the points given above are the perfect solutions to solve your queries. Alcohol or any other oil-based solvents are also meant to thin oil-based paints and not water based latex paints. This will help condition the paint so that it’s easier to paint without having any brush marks. Adding water to paint dilutes the paint and thus lightens its color, so additional coats may be necessary to improve the color quality. When evaluating the longevity of paint, storage condition is the key factor that can change shelf life from months to years.Latex paint in pristine original condition, still sealed from the paint store and never used, might last up to a decade. Add Water To The Bucket. DO NOT pour all the water in at once or else you will destroy your paint. If the paint has recently been shaken at the store, this step is not necessary. Paint manufacturers produce latex paint of a viscosity that works for an average number of applications. Remove remaining pieces and other impurities with an inexpensive fine mesh cone strainer. In some applications, the painter finds that "spraying" the paint is the best method. But if it is too thick it won’t flow through the spray gun nozzle. Keep adding water, one ounce at a time, until the paint reaches the consistency of heavy cream. If you are working with latex paint, you can thicken it with hydroxyethyl cellulose. Article in PDF . Water will not thin out dried latex paint. How to Thin Latex Paint Step-by-Step. When thinning, use roughly 4 parts stain to 1 part mineral spirits. Combat evaporation by replacing the crusted lid with a tighter fitting plastic pour-and-store type of lid or by pouring the paint into a sealable paint can. Mixed Paint Shelf Life Estimates . Remove the lid and set aside. By Bob Vila. After the paint has been thinned, mixed, and left to settle (bubbles may develop when vigorously using a paint mixer), brush or roll out the paint on a surface similar to the one you intend to paint. Of course, not all latex paints need to be diluted. Conduct a test to know which latex paints need thinning. To portion out the correct quantity of water, use a fluid measuring cup, not a dry measuring cup. Latex or water-based, paint is often used to paint interior walls or furnishings that are not exposed to the elements. Doing this requires care so you will not over-thin the paint. Because latex paint is water-based, cleanup is much easier. After adding a small amount of water and mixing it in, see if that is the consistency that you want it to be; add more water if necessary. High Volume Low Pressure, or HVLP, paint guns are popular for applying paint indoors. Latex paints are a little thick on the appearance which makes it look a little rough and uneven. How to Thicken Latex Paint … In contrast, latex paint is water-based and should be cleaned up and thinned only with water. Subscribe We respect your privacy. Applying light layers allows me to continue coating the second layer when I’m finished with the first. Push down on the handle of the screwdriver to loosen the airtight seal. Thinning out latex paint can be a relatively simple thing to do given that regular tap water can be used to thin it – No harsh chemicals required. Slowly pour the water into the paint while gently stirring the paint with the wood paint stick. Spray away! A popular brand is Floetrol. On the flip side, be careful not to over-thin your latex paint. Chuck the power mixer attachment into the drill and mix the paint thoroughly. Industry-standard viscosity cups include the Ford #4 Paint Viscosity Cup and the Zahn Immersion Viscosity Cup. Remember that the useful lifespan of an opened can of latex paint is two years. First determine if the paint needs to be thinned. Follow the tips below to prevent the thickening of your paint and learn the best ways to thin water-based paint if prevention fails. Thinning the paint, in many cases, restores it to a usable consistency. Again latex paint is porous, and thick. Yes, you can thin old latex paint with water. Lever the handle down gently and, rather than pry the whole lid off in one go, turn the can so that the screwdriver can break the seal on all sides and slowly drive the lid open. Your best bet to thin water-based latex paints is water. Just how much you decide to thin your acrylic house paint will depend on how you plan to use the paint. Most new models do not require paint thinning before spraying. Open your can of paint.