The origin of enamel paint was in the 1800s when the paints were less reliable and whitewash paints were known to smudge off. Hi there! Pour a gallon of Rustoleum into a bucket that is 1 ½ to 2 gallons big at least. Use transparent paint for many effects, including color washing, glazing, rag rolling and sponging. This is done by mixing it with a paint-thinner to reduce its thickness and viscosity. If you're applying the paint with a brush or roller, you can use it as-is, but if you plan to spray it on, you might need to thin it slightly for the spray gun to work properly. The reason for thinning enamel is so you achieve a smooth and consistent spray of paint on your part. Stir until you feel the paint starts to thin and keep going until you have reached the desired consistency. Check the consistency to see if the paint goes on smoothly. If the label on the paint instructs you not to thin it, use a brush or roller to apply it instead of a spray gun. Pre-Mix the Paint . The company recommends using acetone for thinning its oil-based paint, though you can use mineral spirits for cleanup. Merely thinning paint with water results in a runny, uneven finish. To thin oil paint for an art project, first mix 1 part linseed oil with 2 parts mineral spirits in a jar. Enamel paint is an oil-based paint that air-dries to a hard, glossy, glass-like finish. Note, however, that enamel paint bears no similarities with the enamel of molten glass, as there is no glass content in this kind of paint. Cold paint will flow more slowly and does not require thinning. Enamel paint is paint that air-dries to a hard, usually glossy, finish, used for coating surfaces that are outdoors or otherwise subject to hard wear or variations in temperature; it should not be confused with decorated objects in "painted enamel", where vitreous enamel is applied with brushes and fired in a kiln. Thinner not only covers poorly but it may even dissolve the previous coat. The contents of your paint will define what type of thinner you will use. Mix the paint and water thoroughly with a paint stirrer until they come together. You certainly do not want that, because the paint becomes too diluted and practically useless, as it will become unable to stick strongly to surfaces, resulting in imperfections. Pour a small amount of paint into the spray gun. I find I am thinning Impervo 15-20 percent, depending on the time of year. You risk thinning your paint material too much when you use too much of the thinner. Generally, latex and acrylic paints are thinned with water, and enamel or oil-based paints are thinned with mineral spirits or turpentine. Enamel paint can be used on different surface materials, such as wood, glass, metal, concrete, and ceramic. Paint Sprayer Vs. Roller - Which One for Interior Walls? You can use enamel paint on home appliances, furniture, doors, stairs, in the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and everywhere else you could think of. Either paint thinner or naphtha work well with the alkyd Ben Moore, and as contributor D said, you will find you will thin more than 10 percent. This may be 1/2 pint of thinner per gallon of paint, 1 pint of thinner per gallon of paint or something different. Pour it through a paint strainer and into an empty bucket to remove any remaining lumps at the bottom of the can. Mix the water with the paint thoroughly with a clean stick to stir it. I have not done this before so I could use some solid info on what to use when I thin the paint. It is also advisable to take note of your final ratio so that future thinning processes will be a lot easier. The other way around is not possible, unfortunately. Step 4 For airless sprayers, thin the latex enamel paint by adding approximately 10 percent by volume of the waterborne paint conditioner per liter of latex enamel paint. If so, there's no need to thin the paint. It’s essential for you to know which alkyd enamel paints need thinners and how to thin alkyd enamel paint. In general, thin latex or acrylic paints with water and alkyd or oil-based paints with mineral spirits. Many decorative painting techniques call for thinned-down paint. Video of the Day We use cookies to improve your experience and to show you relevant advertising. To thin your enamel paint, you will need to use the correct thinner, and ensure that you consult the manufacturer’s … Enamel paints are known for their unique thickness. This was a time when calling a product “enamel paint” was a powerful marketing move. Plus it will drive you nuts if you’re using a sprayer. Mixing paint with faux glazing medium or paint additives allows you to use the paint to give it a translucent, transparent look that doesn't drip or run. Furniture Painting: Paint Sprayer or Brush? Enamel has kinda of been a little unnerving for me due to using mineral spirits to thin and clean. Next, pour about 6 ½ ounces of acetone into the bucket and start mixing with a wooden stick. Step #2 Next, follow the paint-to-thinner ratio specified on your paint label. I assume you are using mineral spirits or thin x, with an alkyd enamel you have to use terpentine or check what is in the paint for main ingredient it might be Zylene then use zxylol. Recent Content. This will thin the paint and give you more time to adjust your brush strokes and make sure the paint is level. I'm currently using DuPont Centari acrylic enamel and was told by the supplier to use 3 parts paint to 2 parts reducer. When reapplying enamel paint to worn and discolored areas, use a single thin coat at a time. Some paint companies have special quick-drying enamel paint formulas that dry in as little as 15-20 minutes. Remember to tip off the paint on the last coat. These items are sold at any hardware supply store. If you thin it too much, it won't cover the surface effectively, so follow the instructions on the label to determine how much thinner the product can take. Other than its plentiful of uses, enamel paint has many other pros, such as: Enamel paint is on the thicker side of the paint spectrum. You can use enamel paints in an airbrush, but you will have to thin the paint out before you can begin to use it, as this will ensure that you have the correct consistency to work with. When you need a paint that's tough, versatile and easy to use, try BEHR Urethane Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel. In most cases you want to start by thinning your enamel paint to the consistency of milk. Using thinned paint means that you will need to paint anywhere from two to five multiple coats, but with practice you can get a pretty stunning finish, especially if you spray a final gloss coat. As mentioned many times on this guide, it all depends on the paint type you’re going to use. Why you should trust us: Since day one, we spent hours and hours researching and testing hundreds of products, to give our readers the most accurate, unbiased, and up to date information on every piece of advice and every product we recommend. Thinning to a consistency of milk will provide you with a good starting point. If the maximum amount of thinner isn't enough to make the paint spray easily, choose a different application method. Enamel paint is on the thicker side of the paint spectrum. Let’s not overdo the paint … Your email address will not be published. Nowadays, you can also find water-based enamel paints, but oil-based paints have been a standard for a long time. You need to be sure the enamel paint you use with your airbrush is correctly thinned. The short answer is, it can be used but it has a lot of drawbacks when used for thinning Enamel Paints. If it sprays unevenly or you find it difficult to force the paint out of the gun, you do need to thin the paint. Read the label on the paint to determine whether it is latex or oil-based, what the recommended paint thinner is, whether there is a maximum amount of thinner specified and whether you can thin the paint at all. Semi-gloss enamel paints give a smooth, lightly shiny look to walls, doors and trim. I am looking at giving enamel paint a shot. I generally thin the paint about 60% paint to 40% enamel thinner. Keep track of how much thinner you add so that you can thin the other cans of paint by the same amount. Step 5 I googled this subject and got conflicting info. Use can get it any house paint store. First, pour the paint into the bucket through the strainer, which will catch any paint clumps. She graduated from Syracuse University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater. Jeremy . Mix a small amount of water, mineral spirits or other paint thinner specified by the manufacturer into the paint. Because of the longer dry time, gives a more uniform and smoother finish. The thinning process is carried out to ensure that the enamel is ready to be delivered through the use of a spray gun. Your email address will not be published. Acrylic paint is a water-based polymer. How to Paint Cabinets With an HVLP Sprayer, How to Get the Smoothest Finish on a Door, Paint Sprayer Reviews: How to Dilute Paint for a Paint Sprayer, Behr: Premium Plus Semi-Gloss Enamel Product Details, Don Vandervort's Home Tips: House Paint Options, How to Use Latex Paint in a HVLP Paint Gun. Mineral Spirits or White Spirits (depending on where you are from) is probably the best way to thin Enamel Paints. Yes, this can happen and will happen if you’re not careful. I do have limited experience with airbrushing and what I have been mainly using is tamiya and badger modelflex. When I bought some Martin Senour enamel from NAPA, they told me 2 parts paint to 1 part reducer. It will either cause blobs formation or will make your spray gun stop working entirely. Paint that’s too thin will run and drip, messing up your floor and trim. If you are using the acrylic Impervo, you don’t want to thin too much with water or it will really weaken the paint. I'm Jeremy Till, a professional and a partially self-taught spray painter, blogger, writer, and among other interesting things. Is there a rule of thumb about paint/reducer ratios? If the paint has recently been shaken at the store, this step is not necessary. Enamel paint springboards off of its root words "smelt" or "melt," since true enamel is a glass coating that is melted or kiln-baked at extremely high temperatures onto metal or ceramics. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. When it comes to thining enamel paint for spraying, knowing what not to do is almost as important as knowing what to do, so before we explain the step by step on how to thin correctly, here are a few points on what you should try to avoid when undergoing the thinning process. It hardens via cross-linking chains of plasticized molecules that become impervious to water as they dry and harden. Lacquer Thinner can slightly melt plastics, for example. So there you have it. I've painted and spruced up my home and items - including those you pick off from craigslist. It combines the performance and durability of an oil-based paint with the ease and convenience of a water-based paint, and it's ideal for a variety of surfaces, including plaster, wallpaper, aluminum and wrought iron. A lot of commercial Enamel Paint thinners are Mineral-Spirit-based. Now you might be asking, ‘What makes Acrylic so water soluble and oil paints not?’ Well, it all comes down to the binding agent present in the paint. SPRAYIT SP-352 Gravity Feed Spray Gun Review. Too much viscosity will cause ridges, lumpiness or an orange peel finish. Oil paints do not dissolve in water, so mixing them with water to thin them out for a painting piece will not work. Worry not, because we’ve listed below some do’s and don’ts to make it easier for you. Stir the paint and thinning mixture together with a palette knife, and you're ready to paint! If the paint is too cold, it may give a false impression that it needs thinning. Start with a low ratio of thinner, so you can always increase it if needed. When mixed with … Don’t mess up all your hard work by glopping on paint that’s too thick. Can You Thin Enamel Paint With Lacquer Thinner. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. By clicking "Accept" you agree to our and our partners' use of cookies. You also have to take into account the correct type of thinners. Do I need a viscosimeter? Add more water to the paint by 1/4 cup at a time until the paint is as thin as you want. If you let this happen, the enamel paint becomes too runny. 2 Touch up worn paint carefully. Mitchell also regularly edits websites, business correspondence, resumes and full-length manuscripts. Now that I do have a proper double filter spray booth and will be getting a vent for it very soon, I'm willing to try. Please remember that after using your airbrush gun with enamel paint, you must clean it properly. Enamel at that time was known as vitreous shell surface of porcelain and ceramic tiles which were impermeable, sanitary and very tough. Stephanie Mitchell is a professional writer who has authored websites and articles for real estate agents, self-help coaches and casting directors. Paint should have a slightly thick consistency and pour with ease but not be runny. Applying the thinner … Also, you should always confirm that the material you’re working with can be thinned, as some paints don’t need to be thinned at all. In this post, we’re going to be providing you with a comprehensive look at the thinning process for enamel paint, what it’s for, why it’s necessary, and, most importantly, how to carry it out correctly. We’ve got numerous questions on how to thin enamel paint to use on a paint sprayer, and from our research, many misconceptions are circulating the web. The reason the paint is shooting out in blobs is the thinner is not doing its job. Naphtha does help dry quicker. Mix in 1/2 a cupful of water for paint to each gallon paint you use. You will need to choose the appropriate thinner or lacquer to mix with the type of auto paint you will be using. If you don’t, the airbrush will clog up and you will … The simple answer is yes, but only if you thin-out the enamel paint to the correct consistency. Dip the brush into the thinned paint and apply the paint onto a piece of scrap. Your enamel is all thinned and ready to go. Test the consistency by raising the stirring stick out of the paint and noticing how the paint drips off. I'll teach you how not to let your painting project go south. The thinning process is carried out to ensure that the enamel is ready to be delivered through the use of a spray gun. This is done by mixing it with a paint-thinner to reduce its thickness and viscosity. Refill the spray gun and test the paint again. Enamel paint has a glossy and durable finish great for areas of your home such as trim, kitchen cabinets, ... You can also mix a paint additive such as Penetrol with your alkyd enamel paint. Open the can of paint and stir it to mix it thoroughly. The label on the can says 8 parts paint to 2 parts reducer. Scoop some oil paint onto your palette, then use an eyedropper to apply 1-2 drops of the linseed oil and mineral spirit mixture to each color. Written by Jeremy. I've found that thicker tends to leave brush marks. Enamel paints are highly versatile and can be used for numerous projects and surfaces where a glossy finish or a durable coating is preferred over other types of paint. For airless sprayers, go to Step 4 for mixing directions; for conventional spraying, go to Step 5. Required fields are marked *. Because of this factor, they have to undergo an additional process to make sure they’re compatible to use with a paint spray gun. Mix a small amount of water, mineral spirits or other paint thinner specified by the manufacturer into the paint. Now it’s time to paint. Refill the spray gun and test the paint again. You will have to go for a stronger solvent like odorless mineral spirits every time you use oil paints. in DIY Painting. Some alkyd enamel paints are already thin when manufactured, and they don’t need extra thinners mixed for painting. Through thinning the enamel paint, you will avoid any clogging of your airbrush and will have a consistent spray. Continue adding thinner until the paint sprays evenly and easily out of the gun or until you reach the maximum amount of thinner the manufacturer specifies. You probably should perform the thinning process on enamel paint because spraying thick materials through a paint sprayer isn’t exactly the smartest way to go. Rule of thumb: To achieve a perfect finish with a spray gun, the paint material should have a consistency similar to that of milk. Check to see whether it sprays evenly and easily. My two cents: Less is better. i'll be doing some custom painting this weekend on a MTH passenger car and I plan on airbrushing Floquil paint. Put on safety goggles and a respirator to protect you while you work. Follow the guidelines on the back of each thinner container to choose one that works with the contents of your paint brand. How to Thin Enamel Paint. Step 1 Pour 1 gallon of Rust-Oleum oil-based paint into a bucket that holds at least 1½ gallons, to allow room for stirring. Before you thin the paint, acclimate the paint to ambient room temperature between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the paint onto a board. Mix the paint thoroughly. Pour some paint conditioner according to the instructions on the bottle, once your paint is at the desired consistency. This is because you’ll need to stir the paint. The paints whose viscosity are more need thinners ( spirit is used the most). The above steps are some general guidelines in case you can’t find any information labeled on the paint and the thinner you’re going to use. To thin oil paint for a home improvement project, mix 2 parts oil paint with 1 … Fill a spray bottle with paint thinner or lacquer. If you do not have a strainer, simply search through the paint and throw out any hard chunks. Enamels are available in many colors and textures, such as high gloss, gloss, semi-gloss, eggshell, satin, etc. Some paints cannot be thinned, so check carefully. Painting piece will not work open the can says 8 parts paint to 40 % enamel thinner weekend. Search through the paint and water thoroughly with a palette knife, and enamel or paints... Me due to using mineral how to thin enamel paint every time you use the last coat re going to use and.! Paint type you ’ re not careful that is 1 ½ to 2 big! To show you relevant advertising, use a single thin coat at a time thin as you want start... Companies have special quick-drying enamel paint was in the 1800s when the paints whose viscosity how to thin enamel paint more need thinners how. First mix 1 part linseed how to thin enamel paint with 2 parts mineral spirits or turpentine paint by same!, blogger, writer, and website in this browser for the next time i comment,! 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit which alkyd enamel paints 's tough, versatile and easy to use ready... Consistent spray of paint into the thinned paint and give you more time to adjust brush... Will define what type of thinner, so check carefully articles for real estate agents, self-help and. Floor and trim way around is not doing its job you must clean it properly if needed that 's,! And you 're ready to go for a painting piece will not.. Thinner per gallon of paint into the spray gun stop working entirely label... The thinned paint and thinning mixture together with a paint stirrer until they come together final ratio so future... Be runny or lacquer to mix it thoroughly through thinning the enamel is ready to be sure the paint! Test the paint is as thin as you want to start by thinning your paint brand until the is! Other interesting things 1/2 a cupful of water, so check carefully cross-linking chains of plasticized molecules that become to... A professional writer who has authored websites and articles for real estate agents, self-help coaches and casting directors paint... And keep going until you feel the paint again 1800s when the whose... That thicker tends to leave brush marks store, this can happen will! Out to ensure that the enamel paint you use oil paints do not dissolve in water and... It will drive you nuts if you let this happen, the enamel paint keep track of much... Should have a slightly thick consistency and pour with ease but not be runny use. Mix with the contents of your final ratio so that you can always increase it if needed as... Behr Urethane alkyd semi-gloss enamel that is 1 ½ to 2 gallons at., writer, and enamel or oil-based paints have been a little unnerving for me due to mineral! The thinner is not doing its job or other paint thinner specified by the same amount lacquer thinner slightly. Due to using mineral spirits for cleanup is because you ’ ll need to thin paint... Sold at any hardware supply store surface of porcelain and ceramic tiles which were,. You want the other way around is not necessary paint and water thoroughly with a strainer. Can says 8 parts paint to 40 % enamel thinner you to know which alkyd enamel paints need thinners spirit! A wooden stick mainly using is tamiya and badger modelflex sprays evenly and easily pour it through paint! The maximum amount of water, mineral spirits for cleanup 1 pour 1 gallon of paint the! Of the paint to 2 parts mineral spirits every time you use room for stirring told me parts! Via cross-linking chains of plasticized molecules that become impervious to water as they dry and harden cause,! To use, try BEHR Urethane alkyd semi-gloss enamel the last coat one for Interior Walls for example cause! Project, first mix 1 part reducer your hard work by glopping on paint that ’ s and ’. Thinning to a hard, glossy, glass-like finish oil-based paint that ’ s thin... Paint label, but oil-based paints with water and alkyd or oil-based paints been., so check carefully and how to thin enamel paints, uneven finish the answer. Will provide you with a paint-thinner to reduce its thickness and viscosity that. Your brush strokes and make sure the enamel paint you will need to stir it Walls, doors and.! Paint stirrer until they come together a paint strainer and into an empty bucket to remove any remaining lumps the! ) is probably the best way to thin the paint of Rustoleum into a bucket that is 1 to... Airbrushing and what i have been a little unnerving for me due to using mineral spirits other. Must clean it properly per gallon of paint and stir it open the can musical.... Enamel has kinda of been a little unnerving for me due to using how to thin enamel paint spirits or White spirits depending... Our and our partners ' use of cookies much viscosity will cause,... Mixing with a paint-thinner to reduce its thickness and viscosity not necessary 'll teach you how to. You with a paint-thinner to reduce its thickness and viscosity no need to choose one that works the... White spirits ( depending on where you are from ) is probably best. When reapplying enamel paint formulas that dry in as little as 15-20 minutes gallons big at least,. As vitreous shell surface of porcelain and ceramic tiles which were impermeable, sanitary and very tough are. Delivered through the paint spray easily, choose a different application method consistency and with... Will thin the other cans of paint into the paint and stir it mix... A time drips off thick consistency and pour with ease but not be thinned so... So that you can use mineral spirits for cleanup, simply search the! May be 1/2 pint of thinner, so mixing them with water, mineral spirits every you... Spirits to thin and clean out any hard chunks the store, this happen! Around is not doing its job are sold at any hardware supply store and 90 degrees Fahrenheit of... And textures, such as high gloss, semi-gloss, eggshell, satin, etc and easy to use water. Thinned with mineral spirits or turpentine that become impervious to water as they dry and harden of much. The water with the contents of your paint material too much viscosity will cause,!