Uses for Paint Thinner

There are so many uses for paint thinner in household DIY projects. It can dilute oil-based paint, clean painting tools, strip paint, and clean up paint spills.

The reason paint thinner is effective is that it’s a strong solvent that breaks down paint molecules … so well, in fact, that it can damage finished surfaces if not used properly. I discovered this the hard way in my early DIY days when I ruined a table. More on that later.

Safety First 

Paint thinners are highly flammable and release dangerous fumes, so work in a well-ventilated space and make sure to wear safety gear: 

• Long-sleeved shirt
• Long pants
• Safety goggles
• Respirator
• Chemical protection gloves
• Closed-toe shoes

Use It to Thin Paint

Paint thinners are solvents that change the consistency of paints, stains, enamels, and similar products. Adding paint thinner to the paint will change the consistency and give a smoother finish. 

Check out our guide on how to thin paint to learn more about thinning latex and oil-based paint the right way. 

Choose an Appropriate Paint Thinner

Select an appropriate thinner for your type of paint. 

• Oil-based paint, varnish, and stain: Turpentine or mineral spirit
• Lacquer paint: Lacquer thinner
• Shellac: Denatured alcohol

Check the manufacturer’s label to make sure the thinner is compatible with your paint before purchasing.

Don’t use paint thinner to thin latex paint because paint thinners can separate latex and make it unusable. 

Mix a Small Batch

Store the paint at room temperature before mixing it because cold makes paint thicker. 

Mix paint and thinner in a container or bucket at a 3:1 (three parts paint to one part thinner) or 4:1 ratio. If the paint runs, there’s too much thinner, so you should add more paint. Add thinner if the paint is still thick. Work on a small batch of paint until you get the consistency you want. 

Test the Mixture

Spray the paint onto the surface to test if it adheres evenly without dripping or appears too thick. Once you’re satisfied with the mixture, mix a large batch. 

Use Paint Thinner to Clean Painting Tools 

Paint thinners do a great job removing oil-based and dried latex paint from brushes, rollers, and other tools. You can use soapy water to clean latex paint if it’s still wet. 

Pour the Paint Thinner Into a Container

Get a small glass or metal container and pour paint thinner into it. Don’t use a plastic container because the paint thinner may damage the plastic and leak through it. 

Soak and Clean Paint Brushes and Rollers

Place paint brushes and rollers into the container and let them soak for 30 seconds. Move the tools around in the container to help break down the paint. 

Remove the tools and clean them with soap and warm water. Once you get rid of all residues, rinse the tools and blot them with a towel before hanging them to dry.

Clean Paint Trays

Use a dry cloth to wipe off excess paint from the tray. Pour some thinner into the tray and spread it across with an old roller. Use a putty knife to remove any stubborn, dried paint. 

Pour some thinner into a rag to wipe any remaining residues. Wash the tray with warm, soapy water and let it dry. Make sure to wash the roller you used to apply the thinner. 

You can use the same method to clean painting tools that don’t fit inside the container. 

Use Paint Thinner to Strip Paint

Paint thinner works fine if you want to strip paint from a small surface. If you’re working on a large wall or furniture, using a paint remover is a faster and better option. 

Here’s how to strip paint with a paint thinner:

Apply Paint Thinner to The Surface

Apply a thin layer of paint thinner to the surface with an old paint brush. Let it sit for 20 minutes to soften the paint. Some brands may require a longer time, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s label. 

Remove the Paint 

Once the paint has softened, use a putty knife or paint scraper to remove the paint from the surface. If it’s difficult to remove the paint, reapply paint thinner. 

If you’re working on a porous surface like wood, avoid using too much paint thinner because it can seep inside the surface. 

Clean the Surface

Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to prepare it for repainting. 

Clean Paint Spills With Paint Thinner

When it comes to paint spills, the quicker you act, the easier they are to remove. You can use paint thinner to remove paint spills from hardwood, concrete, and tile. 

Scrape off as Much Paint as Possible

Use a putty knife or paint scraper to scrape off as much paint as possible from the surface. Be careful not to gouge, scratch, or otherwise damage the surface. If the paint is still wet, you can remove a lot of it just by scraping. 

Apply Paint Thinner to The Surface

Dampen a microfiber cloth with paint thinner and gently rub the affected area. Keep repeating until you get rid of the paint entirely. 

I once painted my room while my wooden table was still inside. I didn’t cover the table properly, and some paint splattered on the surface. I tried using water to clean it off, but without success, so I used paint thinner. 

Unfortunately, I applied too much force while using paint thinner to remove spills and ended up fading my table’s beautiful finish. Being a bit more gentle with my strokes would have helped preserve the table’s finish. 

Clean the Surface

Wash the area with water and wipe with a clean microfiber cloth.

FAQs

If Your Patience for Painting is Thin, Hire a Pro

Paint thinner can be used to thin paint, clean paint brushes and rollers, strip paint, and remove paint spills. It’s a very versatile product, but it’s also a chemical.

Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.

See Related Articles:

How to Thin Paint

Why Does Paint Need to Be Thinned?

Main Image Credit: Carolina Jaramillo / Adobe Stock / License