The consistency of your paint is important for a good paint job. Too watery and it doesn’t cover well. Too thick and it can be gloppy and lumpy.
Paint that is too thick needs to be tinned with solvents like water or paint thinner to reduce its viscosity, provide a smoother finish, allow it to dry faster, and even prevent clogging up sprayers.
Let’s look at each of these reasons to thin paint more closely.
Thinning Creates a Smoother Finish
Thin paint is easier to spread with a brush or roller and provides a smoother finish. Thick paint looks goopy and leaves visible marks.
Latex paint purchased recently from the store usually doesn’t require thinning, but if you’re using a sprayer to apply it, thin it to get an even and smooth finish. Thin latex paint with water, and use paint thinner for oil-based paints.
You should always thin oil-based paints before use to bring them to the right consistency.
For more information, check out our guide on How to Thin Paint.
Thinning Helps Paint Adhere Better
Thinning paint helps it penetrate surfaces and adhere more effectively, especially on wood or concrete. If the paint is too thick, it will sit on the surface, giving the finish a blotchy look.
Thin Paint Dries Faster
The thinner the paint, the faster it dries. A thinning agent makes paint less concentrated, allowing it to dry more quickly.
However, make sure not to over-thin the paint because it can drip, look washed-out, and be prone to peeling and chipping.
As a general rule, add ½ cup of water (118 ml) to a gallon of latex paint. For oil-based paint, mix paint and thinner at a 3:1 ratio (three parts paint to one part thinner). Make sure to check out our guide on Uses for Paint Thinner.
Thinning Prevents Clogging in Spray Gun
If you’re using a paint sprayer, thinning paint is a must because sprayers can only work with paints of specific viscosity. Thick paint can clog the nozzle and give an uneven finish. Refer to the manufacturer’s label for the recommended paint viscosity for your sprayer.
I recommend using a viscosity cup to accurately measure the viscosity of the paint.
Thinning Reduces Paint Sag
When painting a vertical surface, thick paint can “sag” – or slide down off the surface – under its own weight.
You should scrape, sand, fix any damage with putty, and repaint the surface to fix sagging paint. Check out our article, How to Fix Paint Drips, for more information.
Properly Thinned Paint is More Durable
Applying two layers of thinned paint is better than one single thick coat. Thick paint is more likely to crack and peel as it dries, while thin paint is more flexible and can handle expansion and contraction of the surface better.
Thin Paint is Easier to Work With
Thin paint not only provides a smooth finish but is also easier to apply and spread. You don’t have to worry much about surface imperfections and brush marks.
FAQs
Does latex paint have to be thinned?
You can use latex paint without thinning if you purchased it recently from the store. If your paint is old or you want to use it with a sprayer, you should thin it.
Is thinning paint the same as mixing it?
No. Thinning is adding a solvent to change the paint’s viscosity. Mixing is stirring the paint to mix all the components thoroughly or combining paint colors to achieve a custom shade.
Can I store leftover thinned paint?
Yes, but make sure to store it in a sealed container and label it as “thinned paint” for easier identification. Its shelf life will be shorter than unthinned paint.
Trust the Pros
Thin paint looks better on surfaces, dries faster, and is easier to work with. It also prevents nozzle clogs when using a paint sprayer. Painting can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be tricky and time-consuming.
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Main Image Credit: banedeki1 / Adobe Stock / License
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