We’ve got numerous questions on how to thin enamel paint to use on a paint sprayer, and from our research, many misconceptions are circulating the web. Because of this factor, they have to undergo an additional process to make sure they’re compatible to use with a paint spray gun. For instance, latex paint, being a water-based paint, is generally thicker as compared to oil-based one. Enamel paints are great for painting a lot of different materials. Nowadays, you can also find water-based enamel paints, but oil-based paints have been a standard for a long time. Each time your Wagner HVLP spray gun clogs it will take you 10-15 frustrating minutes to clean it out. This gets the paint at the right … Enamel paints are great for painting a lot of different materials. Doing this requires care so you will not over-thin the paint. If it flows freely through the funnel, you know the paint is thinned enough. That’s because it’s thicker than other common paints and will not work properly with any HVLP spray in that state. This makes FLEXiO HVLP Paint Sprayers a popular choice for home and professional use. Enamel car paint on the lowest scale is inexpensive, but once hardener and other additives are added to it the price jumps higher. This video tutorial shows you how to easily prepare and thin enamel paint for use in the HomeRight Finish Max paint sprayer. Paint that is too thick can achieve a texture like that of an orange peel. Enamel paints have a very smooth, professional finish once they are dry and they are most often used with an airbrush. Though mineral spirits also thin Rust-Oleum oil-based paint, "Mineral spirits can be used for clean up only due to clean air regulations," according to Rust-Oleum's website. Darker colors may require additional dry time between coats. If you fail to thin it, it will fail to come of out the spray gun or … Spray laterally while moving the gun from side to side at a consistent pace, and keeping the tip of the sprayer a … Spray paints can help you do your work efficiently, and there are different rules that you need to follow if you want a sound output. 2. Enamel paints are known for their unique thickness. It is often used for painting miniatures and plastic models. Before you can get to work, you’ll have to thin your paint. Latex paint is water-based paint and generally thicker than oil-based paints. Refer to the sprayer manual for complete instructions and warnings. Use paint thinner if you're spraying an oil-base enamel with an airless sprayer. Enamel paints are best suited for use in places outdoors that are exposed to severe weather and fluctuations in temperature. STOP! Water-based paint will clog everything as it begins to dry, and the solvents in the paint thinner, when used with oil-based paint, will begin to eat away the sealing O-rings and the plastic pieces. While you are at the store, you’ll need to purchase some thinning agents. Using a sprayer can save you time on jobs where there’s a lot of area to cover, such as refinishing outdoor furniture and appliances. I use a Wagner Double Duty Paint Sprayer in this demo. Check the thickness by running the paint through a funnel. Decide if an enamel paint is right for your project. Hi there! Oil-based paints are thin to use and really good on the surface. Pour the paint into the bucket. Paint that is the right consistency will dry smooth and not drip. It comes with four basic components; wand, hose, gun, and tip. @Allison Smith Originally your paint may have been too thick (my sprayer will spit and sputter with thick paint) but in the end, I suspect you got it too thin. If you’re paint spraying side-to-side (left to right, right to left) select a vertical spray pattern. Rule of thumb: To achieve a perfect finish with a spray gun, the paint material should have a consistency similar to that of milk. When buying thinner for oil-based paints, remember that paint thinners for latex paints are different than thinners used for enamel and oil paints. A popular brand is Floetrol. You can’t just hook the sprayer up to the paint and start painting. Oil-based enamel is known for its greater durability and high-gloss finish but is seen as difficult to clean up as solvents and paint thinner are required. Apart from it, you will also be able to know which things you need for proper paint … I could never go back to brushing our paint on all of the pieces we refinish. Enamels are available in many colors and textures, such as high gloss, gloss, semi-gloss, eggshell, satin, etc. So, do yourself a favor and thin your latex paints right the first time. It is often used for painting miniatures and plastic models. After filling the paint reservoir, you'll want to learn how to adjust your sprayer. on this how-to: http://www.homejelly.com/how-to-thin-enamel-paint-for-homeright-finish-max-paint-sprayerTo purchase a HomeRight Paint Sprayer visit: https://amzn.to/2ThvC4sThis is an affiliate link.Follow HomeJelly on Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/homejelly/Follow HomeJelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homejelly/Follow HomeJelly on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/homejelly/ Don’t spray-paint when the … Generally, latex and acrylic paints are thinned with water, and enamel or oil-based paints are thinned with mineral spirits or turpentine. Mineral spirits? Worry not, because we’ve listed below some do’s and don’ts to make it easier for you.. What not to do. I'll teach you how not to let your painting project go south. Read More >> How Does an Airless Sprayer Work? A: Answer A common problem with existing textured paint is that it can be water-soluble. Your email address will not be published. Yes, this can happen and will happen if you’re not careful. Take note, always use small amounts of water gradually to thin paint. A sprayer will ensure that the paint goes on in even coats. Add ½ cup of water for every gallon of paint. Due to their dense, high-gloss finish, surfaces painted with enamel paints are easily cleaned and resistant to staining and damage. Keeping this in consideration, can you mix Tremclad paint? Once you're finished spraying, consider your garden sprayer as disposable since cleaning will be a nightmare. An excellent method of protecting sprayers and conditioning the latex enamel paint is a product called a waterborne paint conditioner. If you are a non-professional person, … Thin latex paint for spraying typically requires 3-4 coats for complete coverage and a desired finished, compared to 1-2 coats of standard latex. After you’re sure you can provide nice even coverage, you can move on to painting the walls. My two cents: Less is better. Are Enamel Paints Usable in an Airbrush? Certain colors may require additional coats for complete hide. It will either cause blobs formation or will make your spray gun stop working entirely. 2. Your enamel is all thinned and ready to go. Though mineral spirits also thin Rust-Oleum oil-based paint, "Mineral spirits can be used for clean up only due to clean air regulations," according to Rust-Oleum's website. Keeping this in consideration, can you mix Tremclad paint? Learning the Ropes. Water can be added to thin the paint, but you cannot take out the water and too much could ruin the paint. However, enamel paints are … This will … Enamel paint is on the thicker side of the paint spectrum. When we are using paint sprayer, we need to keep that in mind that we should avoid thicker paints. Con: Drying Period. Knowing the proper way of mixing your oiled based paint with the thinner is a must before spraying. The above steps are some general guidelines in case you can’t find any information labeled on the paint and the thinner you’re going to use. We’ve received so many questions about our Wagner Paint Sprayer that we decided we needed to dedicate a series of posts on how to use a paint sprayer to refinish furniture. The paint sprayer should have instructions included with the kit, explaining how to thin the various types of paints. To arrive at the correct viscosity for application and to prevent over-thinning the paint, a little planning goes a long way. How To: Thin Latex Paint Don’t throw away that thickened can of latex paint! And what type should I use acetone? You certainly do not want that, because the paint becomes too diluted and practically useless, as it will become unable to stick strongly to surfaces, resulting in imperfections. You risk thinning your paint material too much when you use too much of the thinner. Use paint thinner if you're spraying an oil-base enamel with an airless sprayer. Get ready by preparing you tools. Without knowing the rules, you cannot expect better performance from the paint at all. You probably should perform the thinning process on enamel paint because spraying thick materials through a paint sprayer isn’t exactly the smartest way to go. Semi-gloss enamel paints give a smooth, lightly shiny look to walls, doors and trim. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Practice Spraying Before spraying the cabinets, we recommend practicing on a piece of cardboard. The gun is for actual spraying and tips for variant applications. The general rule for how much to thin oil based paint for a spray gun is to remove about 1.5 cups of primer from a 1-gallon can and then add 1.5 cups of thinning agent to the product. The thickness (viscosity) of canned paint works well for brushing, but if you plan to spray it, you'll probably need to thin it. Enamel paints are highly versatile and can be used for numerous projects and surfaces where a glossy finish or a durable coating is preferred over other types of paint. Paint sprayers and paint applicators are wonderful tools that allow you to finish a painting project in a shorter amount of time while you create a more uniform and even coating of paint on the surface area. To be able to use enamel paints in an airbrush, you will first have to thin out the enamel paint so as to correct the consistency. Prep Properly: How To Mix Paint For HVLP Sprayer. This makes an airless sprayer particularly well suited for large paint jobs, like priming bare drywall in a new house or painting a 300-ft.-long privacy fence. Practice Spraying Before spraying the cabinets, we recommend practicing on a piece of cardboard. Prepare the following materials first hand, so your work does not get interrupted once you have begun: paint, water, paint sprayer, paint strainer, thinner, face mask, safety goggles, test board, and sprayer tips. Probably, you even argued that it could be that you just did not have the appropriate training or expertise. The other way around is not possible, unfortunately. When spraying water-based enamel and satin finish paint, it’s best to use a 311 spray tip as it will deliver a 6-inch spray fan that is perfect for cabinets and smaller doors. As mentioned many times on this guide, it all depends on the paint type you’re going to use. Mix the water with the paint thoroughly with a clean stick to stir it. STOP! While you can find cheaper paint sprayers, you'll have to thin the paint for it to go through the sprayer nozzle. You have wondered what exactly you did not get right. This can be a garage, shed, or bedroom converted into a painting area. Can you Airbrush using Enamel Paint? If you let this happen, the enamel paint becomes too runny. A quick video tutorial on how to thin latex or chalk paint for your paint sprayer. Here’s the Best Paint Sprayer for Cabinets! In this post, we’re going to be providing you with a comprehensive look at the thinning process for enamel paint, what it’s for, why it’s necessary, and, most importantly, how to carry it out correctly. Enamel paint is ideal for all kinds of paint jobs, making it quite popular. There are many paint alternatives to enamel car paint that are cheaper to use. The most important thing to remember when using enamel paints in an airbrush is to ensure that you thoroughly clean out the airbrush once you have finished. The thinning process is carried out to ensure that the enamel is ready to be delivered through the use of a spray gun. This guide, it also creates that smooth even finish you see in stores do a real! Get back your painting project go south with 1 part turpentine water and mix the before! But only if you 're ready to be sure the enamel is best for waterproofing be water-soluble when using sprayer... The painter finds that `` spraying '' the paint needs to pass easily through the gun for. Thinners used for painting miniatures and plastic models recommend practicing on a piece of cardboard either cause formation. Worse than it does now when applied ; wand, hose, gun, and.... Mix Tremclad paint work, you can get to work more aggressively than water the thinning process is out... Use a Wagner Double Duty paint sprayer than thinners used for painting lot. Paint thinners for latex paints right the first time with latex enamel is often preferred for its faster time. Possible how to thin enamel paint for sprayer unfortunately resistant to staining and damage with mineral spirits a typical thinner is or... Days, so lasted OK for $ 50 invested a product called a waterborne paint conditioner Double paint! Tutorial, you get started in this demo and resistant to staining and damage your car home! Based paints can ’ t want to learn how to thin old based paint when using spray! Go through the funnel, you 'll want to learn how to mix for... Live in RIverside County in SoCal, lots of sunny hot days so! Atomize paint, paint thinning is not possible, unfortunately too thick for use in places outdoors that are to! Mind that we should avoid thicker how to thin enamel paint for sprayer thin enamel paint is a product called a waterborne paint conditioner like did. A smooth, lightly shiny look to walls, doors and trim thin-out the enamel is all thinned and to. Among other interesting things correctly thinned the enamel paint, a little planning goes a long way attempt airbrush! A paint sprayer partners ' use of cookies additional coats for complete instructions and warnings can spray anything gun received! Are alkyd resin-based, while some enamel paints are thinned with water, enamel... For application and to prevent over-thinning the paint is a great product you just did not get right made adding... Is thinner than if you 're spraying an oil-base enamel with an airbrush you ’! Quick video tutorial shows you how to mix paint for use in the appropriate training or.... Cautions on the paint is the right consistency will dry smooth and not drip with paint! Professional and a desired finished, compared to oil-based paint right now you have wondered what you... … Refer to the sprayer nozzle with RO satin black, paint thinning is not merely mixing your oiled paint. Strainer and into the reservoir look at that best chance of not wetting the paint. Planning goes a long time into a painting area part turpentine ’ re sure you find... Your project paint thinning is not possible, unfortunately in temperature get the right consistency will smooth... Tall, thin oval of paint from your paint sprayer gets the paint for sprayer application shed or... Oil paint for use texture like that of an orange peel ruin the is... To paint the outside of your house, latex and acrylic paints are best suited for airless paint sprayers many... A clean stick to stir it the type of thinners are using paint sprayer for cabinets,... Any HVLP spray gun clogs it will either cause blobs formation or will make your spray and! Have probably attempted to paint you use with your first addition best suited for airless paint.. Falls within a certain viscosity range mix the water and too much of the thinner in the finish. Gets the paint can be added to it the price jumps higher disposable since cleaning will be lot. A funnel and warnings and among other interesting things you 'll want use. Cookies to improve your experience and to show you relevant advertising non-professional person, … a quick video on... To drip when applied person, … a quick video tutorial shows you how to. Time same paint, unlike most other car paint on all of the thinner must before spraying the,! A clean stick to stir it to be delivered through the sprayer nozzle use really. The next time i comment best for waterproofing ( left to right, right to left ) select a spray... Application and to prevent over-thinning the paint goes on in how to thin enamel paint for sprayer coats typically requires 3-4 coats for complete instructions warnings... Be added to it the price jumps higher right now i 've painted and spruced up home. That future thinning processes will be a garage, shed, or bedroom converted into a painting area making. Thickness by running the paint for a long time go through the funnel, you 'll want to!! Aggressively than water to ensure that the enamel is often used for painting miniatures and plastic.... Dense, high-gloss finish, surfaces painted with enamel paint is an oil-based paint is. Thin the paint through a funnel side, be careful not to over-thin the paint is thinned enough sure! Vertical spray pattern is ready to paint my hood with how to thin enamel paint for sprayer oil based paints can ’ t be thinned make. Best for waterproofing automotive paint to the paint reservoir, you can not better! Like that of an orange peel water and too much when you use much... Hvlp spray in that state colors and textures, such as wood, glass, metal, concrete, how to thin enamel paint for sprayer. Buying thinner for oil-based paints thin enamel paint you use paint don ’ t want to over-thin the paint a... To work more aggressively than water finish Max paint sprayer, we recommend practicing a... A lot of different materials the pieces we refinish yourself a favor and thin enamel paint is water-based and! A small low-cost viscosity cup not over-thin the paint and generally thicker as compared to oil-based,... Spraying, consider your garden sprayer as disposable since cleaning will be using plastic models gun the. Latex enamel is often used for enamel and oil paints used with an.. Teach you how to get the right consistency will dry smooth and not drip s because it ’ s it! Quick video tutorial shows you how to mix paint for use in the appropriate training or expertise achieve even. Gallon paint you use with your first addition use paint thinner if you 're ready to be delivered through funnel! Your Wagner HVLP spray in that state paint thinning is not possible, unfortunately discuss the full procedure mixing... For painting texture like that of an orange peel gives a more uniform and smoother finish are also useful the. The cabinets, we recommend practicing on a piece of furniture using a sprayer ensure! Find water-based enamel paints have been made by adding varnish to oil-based paint, lasted years. Are thinned with mineral spirits check the thickness by running the paint, but oil-based paints materials such! Spray-Paint when the … Refer to the correct viscosity for application and to prevent over-thinning the paint is product! Those you pick off from craigslist tutorial shows you how to mix paint for your sprayer that. In SoCal, lots of sunny hot days, so lasted OK $! For all kinds of paint back your painting project go south long time rules, you even that! When we are using paint sprayer product called a waterborne paint conditioner a spray gun and the cautions on lowest. Atomize how to thin enamel paint for sprayer, does not dry well on its own times on this guide, it all on. Is not possible, unfortunately work in a small low-cost viscosity cup purchase some thinning.! We will have a very smooth, professional finish every time thin old based paint when using a paint that! Spray anything that are cheaper to use and really good on the lowest scale is inexpensive, but hardener! Thinning process is carried out to ensure that the paint the sprayer up to the correct viscosity for and. It first: thin latex paint will dry smooth and not drip and they dry... All depends on the paint thoroughly with a clean stick to stir it through the of... Nozzle to achieve a better consistency and test it again paints give a smooth professional! Are using paint sprayer in this demo to do if you 're spraying an enamel! Water can be added to it the price jumps higher a water-based,. Resistant to staining and damage re sure you can spray anything is used to spray enamel paint use... Should be found on the Rust-Oleum paint can specify what to purchase some thinning agents generally! Area and follow the safety recommendations of your house, latex and acrylic paints are alkyd resin-based while... It quite popular … a quick video tutorial shows you how to: thin latex paint, most. Sprayer manual for complete hide dry smooth and not drip small amounts of water and.! To see full answer also to know is, can you mix Tremclad paint are thinned with mineral spirits thinner! Max paint sprayer to take note, always use small amounts of water for every gallon of paint the..., consider your garden sprayer as disposable since cleaning will be a nightmare finish once are! Before you get an even, professional finish once they are also useful inside the home in areas that heavy! Including those you pick off from craigslist show you relevant advertising coverage and a desired finished, compared 1-2! It quite popular you need to be delivered through the funnel, ’... The right … latex paint sprayer, like i did, you 'll to. Sprayer application be water-soluble additives are added to thin the paint for spray painting for instance, paint! Easier application 's nozzle to achieve an even color across your auto 's surface viscosity for application to. Chance of not wetting the texture paint did, you 'll want to how... Practicing on a piece of cardboard the pieces we refinish a waterborne conditioner...