Latex paint is a water based paint. Latex paints are generally thicker than oil-based paints and must be diluted with water, especially if you want to spread a light coat of paint over the surface using a spray gun or nozzle. Diluting paint needs to be done carefully so that the thickness is right for application and you avoid paint that is too runny.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Determining whether the Latex Paint is Too Thick
Step 1. Open the paint can
If your paint is packaged in metal cans, take a flat-tipped screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver head under the lid of the can. Press the screwdriver handle under the lid to loosen the airtight seal. Repeat this process three to four times around the tin lid. Once open, separate the lid from the can.
This method can be used for both old and new paint cans
Step 2. Stir the paint
Use a stick to stir the latex paint for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir the paint in an up and down spiral motion. This stirring motion will unite the heavy molecules that settle at the bottom with the light molecules that float at the top.
- Another way to stir the paint is to pour it back and forth from one bucket/can to another.
- Instead of using a stick, use an electric drill with a paint stirrer attached.
Step 3. Check the thickness of the paint
Watch for paint dripping off. Gently lift the wand from the paint and hold the wand over the can. If the paint dripping from the stick looks like soft, thick cream, you don't need to dilute the paint because diluting it will actually make the paint useless. If the paint sticks to the stick or falls in clumps, the paint needs to be thinned.
You can also use a funnel to assess the thickness of the paint. Hold the funnel over the paint can. Use a large spoon to pour the paint into the funnel. If the paint flows smoothly through the funnel, it means the paint is diluted enough. If it doesn't flow smoothly, it means that the paint needs to be diluted
Part 2 of 3: Diluting Latex Paint with Water
Step 1. Pour the paint into the bucket
If you are planning an extensive painting project, use a minimum of a 19 liter bucket for this job. Diluting a large amount of latex paint at a time will keep the results consistent.
For quantities under 4 liters, for example 0.5 liters, use a smaller bucket
Step 2. Add water
For every 3.7 liters of paint you intend to use, prepare 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water. Water must be room temperature. Don't add all the water at once as adding too much water will ruin the consistency of the paint. Slowly pour the water into the paint bucket while continuing to stir.
- The amount of water that must be added when diluting latex paint with water will vary depending on the brand of paint. High-quality latex paint is thicker and requires more water. Low-quality latex paints are usually thinner, so they don't need as much water.
- Most paints will require 1.6 cups of water per 3.7 liters of latex paint. However, do not immediately add all the water at once. Start by adding a little water and gradually add it as needed.
- Never add more than 4 cups of water per 3.7 liters of latex paint.
- If you are using 0.5 liters of paint, add 2 tablespoons of water per 0.5 liters of latex paint.
Step 3. Stir the paint and add water gradually
Use a stick to stir the water to mix it well with the paint. Move the stick up and down in a spiral pattern. Remove the wand from the paint periodically to see how thick it is by observing how the paint drips from the wand. If the paint is still clumping or sticking to the stick, add a little more water. Repeat until the paint texture is soft, rich, and creamy.
- Never add all of the water at once. Add little by little. Before adding more water, remove the wand from the paint to see if it's a smooth consistency or if it's still lumpy. Repeat if necessary.
- Instead of stirring the paint, you can pour it back and forth from one 19-liter bucket to another.
Step 4. Pour the paint through the funnel
Hold the funnel over the paint bucket. Use a spoon or ladle to pour the paint through the funnel. If the paint flows smoothly through the funnel, it will also flow smoothly through the spray nozzle. If the paint doesn't flow smoothly through the funnel, add a little more water until the consistency is just right.
Part 3 of 3: Testing and Using Paint
Step 1. Test the paint
Apply the diluted paint to the wood or cardboard with a paint sprayer or brush. Allow to dry before adding a second coat. After adding a second layer and letting it dry, observe the results. Paint that is too runny tends to drip when applied. Paint that is too thick will have an orange peel texture. Paint of the right consistency will dry smoothly and not drip.
- If you are using a sprayer, pour the paint through the filter into the spray tube. The strainer will help to remove debris that could clog the nozzles. Close the tube and take the sprayer. Place the nozzle 20 cm away from the wood or cardboard and spray. The paint should flow smoothly.
- If you are using a brush, dip the tip of the brush in the paint. Apply the paint gently and evenly onto the wood. Allow the first coat to dry before adding the second coat.
- Test your paint thoroughly before applying it to a large surface.
Step 2. Add more water if needed
If latex paint is too thick, prepare an additional half cup of water per 3.7 liters of paint. Slowly add room temperature water while continuing to stir until the paint is just the right consistency. Repeat the funnel test to measure the thickness.
If you are unable to dilute the paint with water, add a commercial additive thinner. This product is very expensive, so you better try it with water first
Step 3. Start the painting project
Once the latex paint has successfully diluted, you can start painting. If you are using a sprayer, pour the paint into the tube through a filter. If you're using a brush, pour the paint into the paint tray. Apply the diluted latex paint gently and evenly.
Remember, properly diluting latex paint is definitely cheaper and quicker than throwing away improperly diluted paint from an already painted item and buying more material
Tips
- Wash the sprayer or brush as soon as you're done. Both of these utensils can be easily cleaned with soap and water. However, both will dry very quickly and will be more difficult to clean once dry.
- Apply more than one coat of diluted latex paint to make the painted surface look better.
- If you want to improve the durability of your paint for an outdoor painting project, use a commercial paint thinner with an ingredient to increase its durability. You can also buy thinner from the same manufacturer as the paint, because the compatibility of the thinner with the paint must have been tested beforehand.
Warning
- Diluting latex paint will change the color and drying time of the project you are working on.
- Do not use water to thin oil-based paints. Use an oil-based thinner.
