However, over time, older paint may lose water content due to evaporation and become thick or clumpy.
Gloves, long sleeves and pants, safety goggles, and a mask are always a good idea.
Oil-based paints should be thinned or cleaned up only with petroleum or mineral-based products.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
In contrast, latex paint is water-based and should be cleaned up and thinned only with water.
Water is the carrier of solid products in latex paint.
Paint cans will inevitably experience settling, but that doesn’t mean that they necessarily need to be thinned.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
double-check it is adequately mixed so you might properly assess the thickness.
For precise calibration when using apaint sprayer, invest in a small low-cost viscosity cup.
A viscosity cup is essentially a long-handled funnel with a calibrated hole at the bottom.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Industry-standard viscosity cups include the Ford #4 Paint Viscosity Cup and the Zahn Immersion Viscosity Cup.
Lastly, you’ve got the option to use a paint stick.
Stir the stick into the paint, then watch it as it drips off.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
It should easily drip off the stick in just a few seconds.
If it doesn’t, it needs to be thinned.
Cold paint will flow more slowly and does not require thinning.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
If the paint is too cold, it may give a false impression that it needs thinning.
Pre-Mix the Paint
Mix the paint thoroughly.
If the paint has recently been shaken at the store, this step is not necessary.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Chuck the power mixer attachment into the drill and mix the paint thoroughly.
launch the wood stirring stick through the paint to test it.
If the stick drags at the bottom, the solids have still not completely mixed through.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Strain Out Impurities
Strain the paint.
Solid paint chunks and film that have developed cannot be restored by thinning with water.
Pull out large pieces with the hook end of a paint can opener.
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Remove remaining pieces and other impurities with a fine mesh cone strainer.
Consult the paint can label or online paint specifications for your specific latex paint.
Test with the viscosity cup or funnel before use.
Test the Paint on a Similar Surface
Test your paint.
If it isn’t thin enough, add a small amount of water until it reaches the desired consistency.
Tips for Thinning Latex Paint
Only water should be used to thin latex paint.
It should be added gradually until you achieve the desired thickness.
While it’s sometimes necessary to thin latex paint, thinning does change its chemical properties.
This can impact drying time, particularly in high humidity locations.
Sprayers require paint that falls within a certain viscosity range.
For roller and brush applications, mix 8 ounces of Floetrol.
OSHA Infosheet: Toluene Safety in the Workplace.Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor.
