Make Paint Thinner
Over time, paint often loses moisture, becoming too thick for use in painting. While it can be tempting to throw old, thick paint away, this can quickly become quite an expensive habit. Knowing how to make paint thinner at home is not only quite simple, but can save you money and time as it keeps you from having to return to the paint or hardware store for more paint.
Contents
Steps
Oil-Based Paints
- Obtain a container in which to thin the paint.
- When thinning paint, you must have a small bowl or other object in which you can place it to combine with the thinning agent. As oil-based paints can be difficult to remove, this object ideally should not be something that you still need for other purposes. Once it's been used to thin paint, the object will remain in your arsenal of painting supplies.
- Add the paint to the container.
- Place the amount of paint which you wish to be thinned in the container. For best results, remove any large chunks of dried paint and discard them in an old paint can or trash bag.
- Add the paint thinner to the paint.
- Turpentine or mineral spirits are the primary agents to use when it comes to thinning oil-based paints. Evaluate how much paint was placed in the container, and add the turpentine in a ratio of approximately 3 parts paint to 1 part thinner.
- Mix and evaluate the paint.
- Once you have added the turpentine, carefully combine the two products. A stir-stick of just about any kind works effectively to mix the paint and turpentine together. As with the container, don't use anything to stir the paint that you will need to use for any other purpose after this job is finished.
- Use a paintbrush to apply a small amount of the paint to the surface onto which it will be applied. If the paint still appears too thick, continue adding small amounts of turpentine until the paint reaches the desired consistency.
Water-Based Paints
- Find a container in which you can thin the paint.
- Like oil-based paints, you must first find a container where the water-based paint and thinner can be combined. While water-based paints can be removed with slightly less difficulty than oil-based paints, this container should still be one that you will not miss in the event that it is ruined.
- Add the paint to the container.
- Remove any dried pieces of paint from the liquid you pour into the mixing container.
- Add the paint thinner.
- As suggested by the name, you will use water to thin water based paints. Add clean, cool water in a ratio of approximately 3 parts paint to 1 part water for best results.
- Mix and evaluate the paint.
- Use a stir stick to mix the paint and water. You can then use a paintbrush to apply to it a wall or canvas. As described previously, if the paint is still too thick, continue adding water is small amounts, testing the paint after each addition.
Tips
- Use caution not to add too much of the thinning agent. Oil-based paints take longer to dry than water-based paints. In the case of artists painting with the oil-based forms, the artists often use thicker forms of the paint to build up and add texture to the painting in the form of thicker areas and defined paint strokes. Making it too thin could cause it to run.
- If you are concerned about your ability to successfully make thin paint on your own, you may be able to have the service done for you at a hardware or home improvement store. Be aware, however, that you will typically have to pay a small fee for these services.
