Freshly mixed latex paint has the ideal viscosity for application. However, when kept for long periods, your paint will thicken, making it difficult to apply with a brush or airless paint sprayer.
Before you dispose of your expensive paint, consider thinning the latex paint for brushing. Fortunately, latex is an affordable water-based paint, and you don’t need expensive paint thinners to improve its viscosity.
In this post, we will show you how to thin Latex paint for brushing using natural paint thinners like water. We will also share tips on using latex paint for the best results.
How to thin Latex paint for Brushing
Latex paint is water-based, so you can thin it with tap water to achieve the desired viscosity. You don’t need special thinning agents required to thin oil-based paint. Mix a half cup or eight ounces of water for every gallon of paint to achieve an even consistency.
Can Water be Used to Thin Latex Paint?
Latex is popular because it dries faster and provides a smooth texture. However, if left unused on the shelf for long, the paint viscosity can change as it gets thicker. That’s when it becomes necessary to thin the paint.
For oil-based paint, you’ll need special thinners or mineral-based materials. Water is the most suitable thinning solution for Latex and other water-based paints.
First, determine the paint condition and consistency to ensure you achieve the best paint viscosity when thinning latex paint.
Does it require thinning? Once you can establish that, add the correct quantity of water and mix thoroughly.
Why Thin Latex Paint?
Unlike oil-based paint, which is generally thicker, latex paint often has a uniform consistency that makes application easy.
However, exposure to freezing weather can cause the paint to harden, or if left on the shelf for a long time, it can thicken naturally.
When this happens, you’ll want to dilute the paint with water before using it with a brush. Thinning helps you achieve the most appropriate thickness level and better texture.
How to Thin Latex Paint for Brushing: The Pro Guide
Are you ready to learn how to thin latex paint for brushing like a professional? In this step-by-step tutorial, we show you how to dilute your latex paint to ensure optimal consistency and easy application with a brush. Let’s start by getting all the required materials and supplies.
Organize Your tools and equipment
Before we take you through the proven latex thinning process, you must collect all the necessary materials and supplies. Having everything in one place makes your work easier and quickens the process. Besides the can of thick paint, you’ll also need the following:
- Drop clothes.
- Funnel.
- A strainer.
- Latex Paint.
- A cordless drill.
- Tap water.
- A 5-gallon bucket.
- Viscosity cup.
- Latex gloves.
- Scrap piece of wood or cardboard.
- Power mixer with a metal spiral.
- An additional empty can
- A measuring cup for the water.
Step 1: Acclimate the paint
Before thinning the latex paint, you’ll need to set it to room temperature of 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically cold paint tends to flow slowly and may appear like it needs thinning. Acclimating the paint helps ascertain if the paint requires thinning or not.
Step 2: Premix Your Latex Paint
Over time, paint solids tend to settle at the bottom of the can, making it challenging to determine the precise paint consistency. You’ll need to premix the paint before you can thin it.
Using a power mixer and drill, thoroughly mix the paint, then test it with a wooden stirring stick. Keep mixing until the paint ceases to drag at the bottom.
You should run the power mixer in the can until all the solids and solvents are mixed and there’s a uniform consistency.
Step 3: Determine if you should thin the paint
At this point, you should determine if your paint needs thinning to proceed with the next step. Use a viscosity cup with a calibrated hole at the bottom. We recommend a Ford #4 Paint Viscosity Cup or a Zahn Immersion Viscosity Cup.
If you can’t access these, pour some paint through a plastic funnel and observe the flow. If the paint blocks the exit hole or takes too long to drain through the funnel, it’s thick enough and should be thinned. If that’s the case, move on to the next step.
Step 4: Filter to remove impurities
When paint thickens, there’s a chance you’ll have chunks or blobs of thick solids and film, which do not dilute to a standard consistency. Thinning with water will not restore them to normal paint flow, so you want to filter or remove them before thinning the rest of the paint.
To do this, use the end of a paint opener to pull them out of the paint. Next, filter or strain any visible impurities in readiness for thinning.
Step 5: Measure the right amount of water
To ensure you achieve the correct water quantity:
- Measure the water using a fluid measuring cup. The amount of water you add should be proportional to the current paint consistency.
- Ensure the water is clean and within room temperature and measure about eight ounces per gallon of latex paint.
- Add the paint to the large 5-gallon bucket.
Step 6: Add water and mix
After adding the paint into the bucket, it’s time to add the water you measured. Add a few ounces of water to the paint, then gradually increase the amount and mix.
Use a viscosity cup to test the consistency, and keep making adjustments as necessary until you achieve the right flow.
As you work, take care not to add excess water, or the paint will be over-thinned and the color compromised. Keep adding more water as you stir the paint with a stirring stick.
You can pull the stick from the thinned latex paint and observe how the paint flows over it. If the paint clings to the stick or is too clumpy, add more water until the paint develops a smooth, creamy texture.
Step 7: Test the paint
The last step to thinning paint for brushing entails testing it on conspicuous pieces of cardboard or scrap material to establish its texture and desired consistency. Apply the paint with a brush taking care not to leave any brush strokes on the surface.
Let the paint dry for some time, then add the second coat. Let that dry, too, then observe the outcome. Too thin paint will drip, and too thick paint will develop orange peels or a coarse texture. However, well-thinned latex paint will create a smooth, beautiful finish.
Can Paint Thinners Be Used to Thin Latex?
Ideally, paint thinners are best used on oil-based paints since they’re mineral based. However, water-based paints like latex work best with natural thinners like water. If you’re thinking of thinning your thick latex paint, use water at room temperature.
Furthermore, freshly mixed latex paint doesn’t require any preparations before use. This means you don’t need any special thinner to make latex paint suitable for brushing.
A newly formulated paint will have the appropriate flow and viscosity for application. However, it’s best to thin latex paint whenever necessary. This is especially recommended for using latex paint with a sprayer or brushing on drywall.
How to Revive Old Latex Paint
Old latex paint can thicken to a point where normal application becomes unachievable. When that happens, you’ll want to “revive” the latex paint to improve its quality. Unfortunately, restoring dead paint to its original usable condition is not easy.
You should determine the viability of the paint, as using it in that condition will negatively compromise the quality and appearance of the final outcome. Not only will the paint develop a bad color hue, but it will also peel faster.
Fortunately, premium latex paints are made with high-quality ingredients that ensure a longer shelf life of five to ten years. In case of exposure to temperatures below 40 or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the paint will no longer be viable for use, and the best thing to do is dispose of it.
Safety Precautions when Thinning Latex Paint
Latex paint has relatively toxicity levels and low odor emissions. You will not develop any health complications from inhaling the fumes it might emit.
However, you still want to protect yourself, as the effects of prolonged exposure can have some gradual impact on your health. To ensure safety throughout the process of thinning latex for brushing, follow these steps:
Read instructions: The paint manufacturers understand the components of the paint, how they work, and how they impact your health upon contact. If the instructions say to wear protective gear, do that. If it specifies the number of coats needed to achieve the best finish, follow that. If they recommend specific products for paint thinning, it doesn’t hurt to follow professional advice. In short, read and follow manufacturer recommendations for different products.
Wear protective equipment: This may not be necessary with latex paint, but it doesn’t hurt to be cautious. Gloves are especially necessary, in this case, a face mask if exposed to paint fumes for a long time.
Stay away from fire sources and open flames: Paints are flammable substances, so you want to avoid accidental flames that may be triggered by proximity to fire sources. Work in a well-ventilated room safe from fire hazards.
Choose the right thinning agent: Use the right products for the right type of paint. If working with oil-based paint, use mineral-based paint thinners. If using latex, water will do.
Pro tips and tricks for thinning latex paint to achieve a perfect consistency
Below are some tips and tricks for thinning your latex paint to achieve the best possible consistency.
Avoid using mineral-based products to thin latex or similar water-based paints. Mineral spirits, paint thinners, or similar petroleum-based solvents are meant for oil-based paints.
To avoid or minimize the appearance of brush strokes on the painted surface. Use Floetrol paints additives instead of water. If thinning latex for brushing or rolling, use 8 ounces of Floetrol.
Using water is good and recommended, but it affects the color quality of the paint, so you’ll need to add several coats of paint to retain the original color hue.
To determine if the paint has evaporated inside the can, check if the lid is encrusted with paint. Paint that has evaporated will doubtless need thinning before use.
FAQS: Thinning Latex Paint for Brushing
How do you thin Latex paint to avoid brush marks?
Use the right amount of clean water. Eight ounces for every gallon of water is the standard ratio for perfect texture and consistency. Alternatively, use Floetrol paint additive to retain the paint colors and prevent brush marks.
How much water does it take to thin a quart of latex paint?
Add eight ounces or 118 milliliters for every gallon of paint, equivalent to ½ cup of water. Mix the paint thoroughly with a power mixer, then check its thickness by stirring with a paint stirrer. Once done, run the paint through a plastic funnel. Well-thinned paint will flow easily through the funnel, but thick paint will block the exit hole.
Will thinned Latex dry faster?
Yes. Latex paint will dry faster, even in its standard consistency and viscosity. That’s why it’s the most popular paint choice for homeowners and DIYers. Furthermore, whether water-based or oil-based, thin paint tends to dry faster than thick paint. Thinning Latex with water improves consistency and shortens the drying time since the water evaporates quickly.
Conclusion: Thinning Latex Paint for Brushing
You’ve finally decided to give your old walls a new facelift and finish up some DIY painting projects around your home. You go to the garage to retrieve your long-forgotten cans of latex paint, only to find them thick and stiff. What do you do? You can thin them out, but do you need special paint thinner?
Fortunately, latex paint is an easy-to-use paint, and all you need is tap water to make it usable again. Depending on the number of paint cans and the project size, you can thin your paint using eight ounces of water per gallon of paint.
Water alone is enough to achieve the perfect consistency for your paint. So the next time you want to bin the unused paint, follow the steps in this guide to thin and restore the paint’s usability. Our answer in this post can save you hundreds of dollars worth of new paint and paint thinners.