Directions for Paint Thinner
Paint thinner has many uses, both as a paint thinning solvent and as a cleaner. Paint thinner is used to thin oil-based paints and lacquers and clean oil-based paints off tools and surfaces. When an oil-based paint is too thick to flow evenly over any given paintable surfaces, thinner is used to thin its consistency. This makes it easier to apply the paint with a paintbrush or roller and produce an evenly painted surface.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Paint thinner
- Stir stick
- Oil-based paint or lacquer
- Paintbrush
- Cardboard
- Painter's rags
- 2 buckets, 5 gallons
- Soapy water
Instructions
-
Thinning Paint
-
1
Read the directions on the paint container to find the manufacturer's recommendations for how much thinner should be added to the quantity of paint in the container.
-
2
Add the measured amount of thinner into the paint while mixing the paint and thinner together with a mixing stick. Lift the mixing stick throughout the process to see if the mixture drips freely off the tip. If it drips freely, too much thinner has been added. The paint should flow smoothly without dripping.
-
-
3
Apply paint to a piece of cardboard with a paintbrush to test viscosity. Lift the piece of cardboard so that it stands vertically to see if the mixed paint runs down. If it runs, you have thinned it too much, and more paint should be mixed in. If it is too hard to apply and the paint doesn't go on smoothly, add more thinner.
Cleaning Paint From Tools or Undesired Surfaces
-
4
Put on a pair of non-permeable gloves and a pair of safety goggles.
-
5
Soak a painter's rag in paint thinner and scrub the paint until it is removed from the surface.
-
6
Pour enough paint thinner into a 5-gallon bucket to completely submerge paintbrushes, rollers or spray guns. Allow them to soak for a time and rinse them out in another bucket of clean thinner. Allow them to dry and wash them with warm, soapy water. Allow them to dry.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Paint thinner is extremely flammable and should not be used near open flame.
Do not use paint thinner to thin water-based or latex paints.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
