Knowing how to thin paint helps ensure your finished paint job looks smooth and professional: Stir the paint thoroughly and add water to dilute latex paint. Use paint thinner to dilute oil-based paints. Test by mixing a small batch of paint until you get the consistency you want.
Thinning paint is essential to get the finish you desire. If the paint is too thick, the surface may appear gloppy and lumpy. This guide will walk you through the steps to thin latex and oil-based paints.
| Project Overview Estimated time required: 15 minutes Skill level: Beginner |
Safety First
When working with paint or thinner, you should always be in a well-ventilated space and wear these safety gear:
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Long pants
- Respirator
- Safety goggles
- Closed-toe shoes
- Chemical protection gloves
Thinning Latex Paint
Latex paint purchased recently from the store should be ready for painting with a brush or roller without any mixing. However, the paint may thicken over time because of water evaporation. If your paint is old or you want to use it with a sprayer, follow these steps to thin latex paint:
Stir and Check if the Paint Needs Thinning
Stir the paint thoroughly with a paint stirrer for 10 minutes. Lift the stirrer from the can and watch how the paint drips. If it drips evenly and has a consistency of heavy cream, you can use it without thinning. You should thin the paint if it falls off the stirrer in globs.
Add Water to the Paint
Before adding water to a large amount of paint, test on a small batch. The general rule is to add ½ cup of water (118 ml) to a gallon of paint. Pour water slowly into the container while gently stirring the paint with a stirrer.
Note: Don’t use chemical paint thinner to thin latex because it can cause the paint to separate and become unusable.
Test the Paint
After you thin the paint, test it on a similar surface where you’ll paint. If the paint runs or drips, add some paint to thicken it. If it’s too thick, add water.
If you’re happy with the consistency, pour the paint into a large container and thin it using the same technique. Make sure to add water slowly because you can always pour more water to thin the paint but can’t thicken it.
Thinning for Paint Sprayer
If you want to use a paint sprayer, we recommend using a viscosity cup to accurately measure the thickness of the paint. Refer to the manufacturer’s label for the recommended runout time.
Thinning Oil-Based Paint
Unlike latex paint, you should thin oil-based paint before use to bring it to the right consistency. Use petroleum- or mineral-based products for thinning. Don’t use water because water and oil don’t mix and can cause the paint to separate.
Choose an Appropriate Paint Thinner
The type of thinner depends on the specific oil-based paint you’re using. Check the manufacturer’s label to know if the thinner is compatible with your paint. In general, use the following:
- Turpentine or mineral spirit for oil-based paint, varnish, and stain
- Lacquer thinner for lacquer paint
- Shellac for denatured alcohol
Make sure to check out our article, Uses for Paint Thinner.
Stir the Paint and Add Thinner
Stir the paint thoroughly. Transfer a small amount into a container or bucket to test the mixture.
Add thinner slowly into the paint. The general rule is to mix paint and thinner at a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio. Stir the paint for five to 10 minutes until you see a heavy creamy texture.
Test the Paint
Apply the thinned paint to a similar surface you’ll work on. If it drips, it’s too thin, so add more paint. If it’s too thick, add thinner.
Once you’re happy with the consistency, mix a large amount of paint in a container using the same technique.
FAQs
Yes, but make sure to open the windows and doors and turn on the fans for proper ventilation.
No, water doesn’t mix with oil. Mixing water can separate the paint and make it unusable.
You should thin paint for a smoother finish, better paint adhesion, and faster drying. Check out our article on Why Does Paint Need to be Thinned for more information.
Thin Paint The Right Way
Latex paint usually doesn’t require thinning, but if it’s old or you want to use it with a paint sprayer, thin it with water. Thin oil-based paints with paint thinner to achieve the right consistency.
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