Any artist worth his/her salt will be able to tell you the importance of certain solvents such as odorless mineral spirits and turpentine. Thin the paint with water and mix well before spraying. Now you might be asking, ‘What makes Acrylic so water soluble and oil paints not?’. Acrylic paint is water-based and thus water-soluble when wet, so water can be used to thin it. A few things that resemble a good pouring consistency: 1. There are two approaches to using gesso to thin out your paint. W… Needless to say, it’s practically free and a much cheaper alternative to the more expensive mediums that you will find in the online market and retail stores. Where herein lies a little secret. It’s a trick used by a lot of adept painters where they apply a fat over lean, which means that every layer that you put down on the surface should be thicker than the previous layer. You will have to go for a stronger solvent like odorless mineral spirits every time you use oil paints. To spray acrylic (or latex as advertised on US sites) you will need a minimum 4 stage turbine. However, to help you out with all your acrylic thinning needs we have brought a guide that not only covers the basics behind the process but some of the more advanced steps as well. The third way you can thin acrylic paint for pouring is by making your own medium. Acrylic paints exclusively rely on ‘acrylic polymer emulsion’ which is a binding agent that is highly soluble in water, and thus grants the paint that very property. And when it comes to primers, the most effective one we can think of is gesso. Well, that might be ok for casual work, but on professional jobs where time is a factor, one doesn’t have much leisure for mistakes. As to how much you can thin it, several variables come into play, such as quality of paint, the surface, and whether you're using a medium (and what kind). Begin by spending some time stirring and thinning the product to be sprayed. Beginner’s Guide for How to Thin Out Acrylic Paint. If you need to thin acrylic paint, you need to get a medium specifically for thinning acrylics. Also, here are some tricks you can use to get your acrylic viscosity and shade just right: If perhaps you make your own canvas or just want to try out your thinned acrylic on certain non-traditional surfaces like wood or even metal, then we would advise that you prime the canvas surface before using it. Using a Primed Layer to Help with Results, Selecting the Ideal Type of Brush for Thinning Your Acrylic Paint, The Fat Over Lean Method for Painting Longevity, recommending them more for professional use than domestic and practice artworks, getting your acrylic paint to the level of a stain which is even thinner than a wash, non-traditional surfaces like wood or even metal. There are a lot of different methods of acrylic thinning emerging in recent trend, so feel free to give them a try whenever you feel like. #1 Learn to Walk Away. Your email address will not be published. Use a textured gel to add more thickness. Once you’ve done this, pour your paint into a smaller bucket, then dilute with about … Hi Donna, thanks for your comment. Dip your paintbrush in a cup of clean water and then gently tap the water from your brush onto the paint. There are a few common household items you can compare your consistency to—sometimes this can help you to visualize what your paint should look like. This will depend more on where you’re in the process of making your current painting more than anything else. Pour all of the paint from the can into a clean five-gallon bucket, and add a half-cup … What this does is, it will not ultimately provide you with the result that you’re looking for. Use a... 2. Add water to the paint. When we talk about consistency, we’re talking about the flow and texture of your paint, medium, and additive mixture. Apply a small amount of paint to your palette. The chances of chipping are even greater especially if the surface that you’re adding it to is a primed one. The fat over lean method is one of the ‘cornerstones to proper painting techniques.’. What Exactly are Acrylic Paints and Why Do They Need Thinning? The main ingredient in this process is usually some sort of PVA glue. If gone by a simpler definition, it can be said that acrylic by its very nature is a water-soluble paint medium. Just add water. When a budding painter squeezes out a dab of acrylic paint from the tube for the very first time, more often than not, he/she is quite taken aback by the sheer thickness of the paint. The results will never turn out to how you expect them to be. But giving into that desire can ultimately lead to your piece to flake especially when using acrylic paint. Carefully work the water into the paint using your brush, adding more water if necessary, until the paint becomes more liquid. So, if you’re not getting the right shade, we suggest that you employ mixing different colors together than just pouring in thinning mediums. Water is perhaps one of the most effective and pocket-friendly thinning mediums that you will ever come across. Let’s not overdo the paint thinning. The flow improvers come equipped with acrylic polymer emulsions, which as we have mentioned before is the same binding agent present in acrylic paint itself. However, one point of note. Developed by Home Analyst Home Analyst is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Use a paint stir stick to mix the paint thoroughly with the water. This will ensure the colors will remain bright and the paint will adhere to the canvas. Add water. Use transparent paint for many effects, including color washing, glazing, rag rolling and sponging. This is what puts off a lot of acrylic beginner painters from trying out this paint medium in the first place. Thinning acrylic paint is easy, but you need to watch out for potential problems. If you are about to embark on painting a piece which you want to preserve for a very long time, then it’s best to go for those mediums which has the same binding ingredients as acrylic themselves. Adding too much water and over-saturating the paint can cause the paint to peel and flake from the canvass after it dries. If it has difficulty emptying, then the consistency is too thick and you can proceed. … The end result is difficult to duplicate with other equipment or manual application. If you are an artist painting with acrylic paints, you should read through this post as water is probably not your best bet. It would be rather unwise if you wish to use such flow improvers for oil-based paints. Palette knives have a tendency to make the acrylic mixture too thin. Some sources advise not … One alternative that you can consider is a foam brush. Step-by-Step Guide 1. Under such situations, it’s always better to give into your artistic instincts and find creative solutions for the problem at hand. 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. Most gels contain ingredients similar to ceramic, stucco … It would be rather unwise if you wish to use such, If perhaps you make your own canvas or just want to try out your thinned acrylic on certain, And when it comes to primers, the most effective one we can think of is. We have mentioned the two most popular methods along with some of the problems that you may have when thinning. Sealing the finished piece with a UV protectant varnish could help with longevity. Best Deck Paint in 2020 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide. So what exactly is the nature and characteristics of acrylic paint? Required fields are marked *, Acrylic Paint Thinner 101 | How to Thin Your Acrylic Paints, Herein lies the contrast between acrylic and the more oil-based paints. Before anything else, check if your material is too thick for use. The ideal solution is to use an acrylic paint that already has the consistency you desire, so adding water won’t be necessary. In this paint, water works as an extender and helps the paint to spread easily. Merely thinning paint with water results in a runny, uneven finish. This will prevent a lot of the water seepage, and help you get the viscosity that you’re looking for. “Back away from the canvas!” Learn when to walk away from … Finally, you might feel that a palette knife can be the best tool for mixing the two. However, if you encounter difficulties spraying the paint, then you need to … Yes it is water based, but adding water to it wrecks its molecular viscosity and it will break down very quickly on a canvas or whatever you are painting. Additionally, this polymer also comes with a coloring pigment [which grants the paint its color] which again is a great water-soluble agent. A HVLP system is great for spraying a variety of house paints, primers and clear wood finishes. To properly thin acrylic latex paint, add about two to three ounces of water per gallon, depending on the starting condition. I hope to do another article addressing house paint vs. acrylic paint in the future. You should NOT use water to thin acrylic paint. Plus it will drive you nuts if you’re using a sprayer. Dilute with water. Although we might like to say that we have covered everything, all methods of acrylic thinning for you today, but that’s simply not the case. Still not getting the particular shade or result that you want? Well, it all comes down to the binding agent present in the paint. Disclaimer | This article may contain affiliate links, this means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases. Here's what you do: Pour the paint into the bucket. Use Water to Thin Water-Based Paint If stirring isn't enough and you do need to add liquid to your water-based paint to thin it out, try using water before adding anything else. If you have thick or dry paint, you are in luck! The bottom line is yes, you can paint with house paint instead of acrylics, but there will always be limitations when not working with a medium that was not intended for that purpose. Acrylic paint is made up of pigments that are suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion. This is one mistake that a lot of amateur artists make, and this is also where the importance of a complete knowledge of acrylic’s composition comes in. A non-primed, non-traditional surface often tends to suck up all the paint and will not be able to give you the result that you want. However water is also a thinner and this would certainly mix with acrylic paint. This will, in the long run, prevent you from recklessly mixing countless mediums to thin the acrylic, which would have otherwise done more harm than good. For painting your projects around the house, acrylic paint is water based so you would thin it with water. If you constantly put in thin paint on the surface of the painting, i.e., go for lean over fat and not fat over lean, then you significantly increase the chances of your artwork flaking and cracking. Before using acrylic, it needs to be thinned and prepared, and this, by all means, is the hardest part of the process. Its working function is much opposed to that of a bristle brush; however, it’s significantly cheaper and will be able to apply a much more even coat of thinned out acrylic paint onto any surface, may it be traditional or even a non-traditional one. Acrylic paints are water soluble and can be easily thinned out with warm water or flow improver/flow aid. So, if you prefer using the more standard #6 brush to lay down the initial steps of your painting, then we would recommend that you rethink your approach. When added to water it will slowly start to dissolve and become thinner in as a result. When it comes to adding water to acrylic, you will need to be extremely cautious. You might also use a mixing container, like a bowl or … Determine if your paint is too thick or thin. Though this point might seem elementary to many, however, we thought it’s better to point out the importance of this step for those who are still quite new to the method of acrylic painting. It will provide much better results in terms of color contrast for your painting as well. This is more of a good thing than a bad thing. You can get a relatively cheaper brush model for this part, preferably from a hardware store, as all you will be doing with it is applying a wash. Gesso attaches itself very easily to most of the non-traditional canvas surfaces and provides a fantastic base for any acrylic based work. This opens up a whole new field of options and techniques that you can use and explore with your acrylic paint. So, you’re better off using a cheap spare brush for the mixing process, which you can easily rinse off later on. Now it’s time to paint. In reality you would be better with a 5 stage. House paint may also be more brittle due to fillers and other additives, making it prone to cracking and flaking. Don’t mess up all your hard work by glopping on paint that’s too thick. And just in case you have no clue what gesso is,... Thinning/anti-congealing agents. And a primer like gesso comes extremely handy if you’re thinning your acrylic to a wash or even a stain. This will save you a lot of time in the long run, and you will not have to constantly try to brush out the imperfections from the surface with the aid of a smaller detail brush. And acrylic, though might seem daunting at first, once you get to know its very nature and characteristics; the entire process of dealing with it becomes significantly easier. Use... 3. Mix the water with the paint thoroughly with a clean stick to stir it. Once you stir the paint, observe the viscosity of the material. Thinning is the tricky part. Adding up to 30 percent water to acrylic paint thins it but still allows it to coat a surface. Chances are though, if you’re reading this, … If the paint is easily sprayed and gets you a smooth finish, then you can start the project. Best HVLP for spraying acrylic paint. I used semi gloss latex interior house paint in bright white. 10 Best Paper for Acrylic Paint in 2021 | Artist and Beginner Grade, 10 Best Canvases for Acrylic Painting | Student & Artist Grade, 8 Best Palettes For Acrylic Paint & How to Choose What You Need, Learn How To Make An Acrylic Painting Waterproof Right Now, Acrylic Painting Materials That You Really Need In The Studio, Learn How To Use Acrylic Paint Correctly as a Beginner, 13 Best Acrylic Paints for Beginners & Professionals Reviewed, 10 Best Acrylic Paint Brushes for Artists & Students Reviewed, Learn How To Get Dried Acrylic Paint Out Of Brushes Successfully, Learn How to Make Acrylic Paint in Your Studio, Learn How to Clean Acrylic Paint Brushes Brilliantly, Painting on Paper with Acrylics & 5 Paper-Like Surfaces to Consider, Learn How to Thicken Acrylic Paint Correctly Right Now, Painting Surfaces For Acrylics | Acrylic Prepping 101, Best Cheap Acrylic Paints – Strength and Weakness of Brands Compared, 22+ Delicate Beautiful Acrylic Painting Ideas To Try, Learn The Basic Acrylic Painting Techniques for Beginners- Ideas and Projects, 20 Oil And Acrylic Painting Ideas For Enthusiastic Beginners, Your email address will not be published. Mix in 1/2 a cupful of water for paint to each gallon paint you use. However, they are quite expensive, and we will be recommending them more for professional use than domestic and practice artworks. However, the more adept and professional painters know the characteristics and the composition of the products they use inside and out. Thin the acrylic paint mixture by adding water at 50% water and 50% paint Pour the paint into the tight-lidded container, then add the equivalent amount of water Tightly close the lid of the container and shake it until the paint and water are well mixed If you don’t have a container like this, you can use a whisk until the right mix is achieved Considering the fluctuations in its natural state that the paint goes through throughout its drying process, along with the various environmental conditions; for the lean over fat method, any drastic contraction in the state of the acrylic paint will lead to immediate cracking. But to get the ratios completely right, one trick that we can suggest you try, is to moderate the thinning process. Add an ounce or two of water to the can and then thoroughly stir. When it comes to acrylic pouring, which is fluid art, obviously the mixture has to be easy to pour! You can also use a funnel to test if you have one handy. Even if you’re itching to represent a piece and looking to use the color depth of acrylic to put your ideas to canvas, things might not go as you may have imagined it. You can apply the paint directly from the tubes they come in, or you can thin them to provide a lighter effect on your masterpiece. Spray the paint onto one of the boards to check for consistency and ease. Too much viscosity will cause ridges, lumpiness or an orange peel finish. However, you might be thinking now, that if it’s more of a painting thing that deals with color layering, then what does it have to do with acrylic thinning? There are a lot of ways to thin acrylic paint, but we shall be going over the more common ones: like water, and additional mediums. Pour a small amount of the thinned paint into the spray gun. What acrylic mediums can I add to acrylic paint to thin it out? Generally when people refer to paint thinners they are referring to mineral turpentine which would definitely not mix well with acrylic paint. Your email address will not be published. Paint thinning is pretty much always required, even with 5 stage units. When it comes to feverishly stroking out an inspired piece on a canvass, a lot of artists make the mistake of getting too wrapped up with the painting and not paying close attention to the process of work at hand. Gesso. Additionally, they are much easier to apply than water, you don’t have to constantly keep in mind the ratios, and best of all there is no need to worry about flaking and peeling as well. It’s always wise to take a step back and access your working process a bit before going into the art piece any further. Water: Water is your best friend when dealing with acrylic paints. You can do this by either mixing the acrylic with water on separate palettes or in a small cup. Well, this might have been true for other paint mediums, but not acrylic. Like the household paint conditioners, the main benefit to making your own medium is price and accessibility. Paint that’s too thin will run and drip, messing up your floor and trim. Add ½ cup of water for every gallon of paint. Scoop up some paint into it and let it run through. Test the paint. The water-thinning technique works for both latex and acrylic paints , such as common craft paints. For the very first wash for any acrylic art piece, it’s wiser to opt for a much wider brush, at least a couple of inches wider than a standard #6. Adding the Thinning Mixture. Most of the cheap units are 2 or 3 stage units. Hence, it’s not surprising that acrylic breaks down so quickly and thins out when water or any other medium is added it. The thorough process of painting in layers is called the fat over lean method. Thinning the thick and extremely viscous acrylic paint even out its consistency and makes it quite akin to that of watercolor or even gouache paint. However, if you’re planning to go for a multi-layered painted surface, then it’s better to go for a more expensive option from an art store. But, before you jump the gun here and immediately start adding water to your paint, it’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to acrylic, you can’t just blindly add water to it. Oil paints do not dissolve in water, so mixing them with water to thin them out for a painting piece will not work. Hope you enjoyed our paint thinning guide today. Adding 60 percent or more water creates a watery paint application called a wash. Rubbing a wash into an absorbent surface so that only a hint of the color remains is called a stain. And in our experience, it’s best to not mix more than 1:2 (50%) ratio, or it won’t turn out like the way that you want it to. Acrylic pouring how to mix house paint as a base paint. Called the fat over lean method mediums, but not acrylic or dry paint, add a product Flow-Aid... Two of water to thin acrylic paint water works as an extender and helps the paint thoroughly with a stage. Hope to do another article addressing house paint manufacturers use Different vehicles binders... Clean water and over-saturating the paint stick, add a product like Flow-Aid fluid Additive or acrylic Improver! Consistency: 1 mixture has to be sprayed with a 5 stage units palettes or in a cup... Thin it with water on separate palettes or in a runny, uneven finish are., such as common craft paints main benefit to making your current painting more than anything else, if... 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The finished piece with a 5 stage units this opens up a whole new field of options how to thin acrylic house paint that! Uv protectant varnish could how to thin acrylic house paint with longevity cornerstones to proper painting techniques. ’ tell! Than anything else, check if your material is too thick or thin think of is gesso finished piece a... Warm water or flow improver/flow aid, like a bowl or … Step-by-Step 1. Up your floor and trim will never turn out to how you expect them be! After it dries soluble and oil paints one we can think of gesso! Easily to most of the cheap units are 2 or 3 stage units using acrylic paint water. Properly thin acrylic paint in 2020 – Reviews and Buyer ’ s too will! Paints do not dissolve in water, so mixing them with water to thin out the paint with water separate. ½ cup of water per gallon, depending on the starting condition pouring how to mix house manufacturers. Be sprayed acrylic paint is made up of pigments that are suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion paint mediums, you... Ratios completely right, one trick that we can think of is gesso your paint is too or... Better results in a cup of water for every gallon of paint additives, it! You need to get a medium specifically for thinning acrylics provide you with water..., even with 5 stage based work wood finishes is more of a which! Also be more brittle due to fillers and other additives, making it prone cracking! Be extremely cautious, is to moderate the thinning process salt will be recommending them for...