How to Thin Paint for Walls: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Tips to properly dilute oil- and water-based paints
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If you have some old, dry, or thick wall paint, don’t throw it away just yet. You may still be able to use it after you thin it. The most common paint is latex-based, which can be mixed with water for thinning. Oil-based paint can be trickier to work with since it requires specific mixing agents like turpentine, but it’s still possible to do it yourself. In this article, we’ll teach you all the steps to thin both latex and oil paint, plus how to test it and determine if it needs to be thinned.

How to Dilute Paint

To thin latex paint, first stir the paint thoroughly, then gradually add 4 oz (118 ml) of water and mix until combined. Test it by pouring the thinned paint through a funnel. To thin oil paint, add 1 part turpentine for every 3 parts of paint you use and mix thoroughly. Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.

Section 1 of 4:

Thinning Latex Paint

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  1. If your paint is old and hasn’t recently been shaken, solids can settle at the bottom of the can. Mix the paint thoroughly to gauge its true consistency, then remove and discard any dried paint chunks or impurities. [1] Then, pour the paint into a large container. A 5-gallon bucket (19 l) is a good choice for large painting projects, as it will eliminate the need for multiple mixing sessions.
    • To remove large pieces of dried paint, pull them out with the hook end of a paint can opener. Remove other impurities or smaller pieces with a mesh cone strainer.
    • If you’re unsure if your paint has settled, run a wooden stirring stick through it and see if it drags against the bottom. If it does, the paint needs to be mixed.
    • For best results, make sure your paint is at room temperature, as cold paint will naturally be thicker.
  2. The exact amount of water you’ll need depends on the current consistency of your paint and the consistency you want to achieve. The general rule is to add ½ cup (118 ml) of water for every gallon (3.7 l) of paint. Never add all the water at one time, and instead gradually mix it in at a slow pace while you stir. [2]
    • Most paint manufacturers don’t recommend adding more than 8 oz (236.5 ml). of water per gallon of paint. If you’re unsure how much to add, consult your paint can label or search for your specific paint online.
    • If you want to use the paint as a stain, mix the paint and water in a 1:1 ratio to create a really thin texture.
    • Only use water to thin latex paint , never paint thinners. Paint thinners are made with petroleum, which is incompatible with water-based paints like latex paint.
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  3. Stir thoroughly and continuously while keeping an eye on how the paint texture changes. Periodically remove the stick from the can to observe the consistency of the paint. Keep stirring until the paint reaches a creamy texture. [3]
  4. Hold a funnel over the paint bucket and run some paint through it using a ladle or spoon. The paint should flow freely through the funnel without clogging or backing up. If the funnel becomes clogged, the paint is not ready and needs additional thinning. This is an important step if you are going to use a paint sprayer for your project. [4]
    • Continue gradually stirring and adding small amounts of water to the paint until it passes the funnel test.
  5. If you don’t have a funnel and don’t intend on using a paint sprayer, test the paint’s thickness on a surface similar to the one you’re going to paint. Brush or roll the paint onto the surface and examine its consistency. If it isn’t thin enough, gradually add more water until you achieve your desired results. [5]
    • If you want to eliminate brush strokes or roller marks, add a paint additive like Floetrol instead of water. Use 8 oz (236.5 ml) of Floetrol per gallon of paint.
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Section 2 of 4:

Thinning Oil-Based Paint

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  1. Oil paint will permanently stain almost any surface it comes in contact with, so take care not to spill any while you are working. Choose a pair of gloves that you don’t mind getting stained, as the paint will not wash out, and put down a drop cloth , a plastic sheet, or old newspaper to protect your work surface. Work in a well-ventilated area, as well. [6]
  2. Use a wooden stirring stick to ensure the paint is thoroughly mixed and discard any dried pieces you see. [7] Make sure to use a container dedicated to oil paint, as the stains will be irreversible. Using a large container that can hold all of the paint will help reduce the number of times you’ll need to repeat the thinning process.
  3. A “part” refers to the specific unit of measurement you’re using during this process, like gallons, milliliters, liters, or ounces. For example, if you’re using 3 cups of paint, you’d add 1 cup of turpentine . Mineral spirits will also work in place of the turpentine. [8]
    • If you’re unsure how to measure in parts, check the measurements of your mixing container and adjust accordingly.
    • Do not use water to try to thin oil paint. Water and oil don’t mix, so it would cause the paint to separate.
  4. Use a stirring stick that will never be used for anything else and mix for several minutes. Monitor the consistency as you stir, and stop when the paint appears to have a creamy texture. [9]
    • There may be some trial and error during the mixing phase. Slowly add additional thinner to the paint if you feel it isn’t as thin as you’d prefer.
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Section 3 of 4:

Testing if Your Paint is Ready to Use

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  1. A wooden panel or piece of drywall are good texting materials to determine if your paint is ready for your project. Allow the paint to dry completely, then add a second coat. Once the second coat has dried, pay attention to how the paint looks. The goal is for the paint to have a smooth, dry texture on the test surface. [10]
  2. If your paint still hasn’t reached the right consistency, try stirring in small amounts of water or turpentine depending on the type of paint you’re using. Carefully monitor the texture while you mix so your paint doesn’t become oversaturated. [11]
    • If you’re unable to achieve your desired results using water, purchase a paint thinning product for latex paint from a hardware store.
  3. Depending on your project’s needs, choose either a paint sprayer, brush, or roller to apply the paint to your intended surface. Check the quality of the paint between coats and remix materials as often as needed.
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Section 4 of 4:

Determining if Your Paint is Too Thick

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  1. Working in a well-ventilated room will make a noticeable difference during the paint thinning process. Latex paint produces potent fumes that can be dangerous if over-inhaled. Your work area should include windows or vents if working indoors. Outdoor workspaces are usually your best option to avoid fume irritation. [12]
  2. Household paint generally comes in latex or oil-based options. [13] Depending on which type you use, the steps for thinning will be different. Latex paint is water-based and is typically easier to mix. Thinning oil-based paint requires specific mixing agents that are not usually found around the house. Check the label on the can to confirm what kind of paint you have.
  3. If you don’t have a paint can opener tool , a standard flat head screwdriver is a good substitute. Insert the head of the screwdriver between the lid and rim at the top of the can and gently lever the handle in a downward direction. Turn the can clockwise to loosen the seal and drive the lid open. Avoid prying the entire lid off at one time so it can be preserved to seal the can again. [14]
  4. Using a paint stirrer or stick, stir for 5 to 10 minutes. Use full and deep rotations so the paint molecules are properly combined. Lift the stirrer from the can and allow the paint to drip over a paint tray. As the paint drips off the stirrer, it should have an even flow and a consistency that resembles heavy cream. If it falls off the stick in globs, it needs to be thinned. [15]
    • Your goal with stirring is to combine the heavier molecules that settle at the bottom of the can with the lighter molecules at the top.
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      Video

      Things You’ll Need

      Latex Paint

      • Latex paint
      • A large container
      • Water
      • Paint stirrer
      • Funnel (optional)

      Oil Paint

      Tips

      • Adding water to paint dilutes its color, so you’ll probably need multiple coats to achieve your desired look.
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      • Even a pinhole-sized gap between the paint can and the lid can cause water-based paint to evaporate and thicken, so make sure your lid is on securely after using latex paint.
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      • In general, the lifespan of an opened can of latex paint is 2 years.
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      Warnings

      • To avoid inhaling paint fumes, work in a well-ventilated space and wear safety goggles and a mask.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/6BQtN6BzNpU?t=11
      2. ↑ https://www.finehomedecorideas.com/how-to-thin-latex-paint-for-brushing/
      3. ↑ https://www.finehomedecorideas.com/how-to-thin-latex-paint-for-brushing/
      4. ↑ https://www.coolcircuit.com/how-to-thin-latex-paint/
      5. ↑ https://www.housebeautiful.com/home-remodeling/a27044419/how-to-test-paint-swatches/
      6. ↑ https://artignition.com/how-to-thin-oil-paint/
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/6BQtN6BzNpU?t=11
      8. ↑ https://artignition.com/how-to-thin-oil-paint/
      9. ↑ https://mysketchjournal.com/12-ways-on-how-to-thin-oil-paint/
      1. ↑ https://www.housebeautiful.com/home-remodeling/a27044419/how-to-test-paint-swatches/
      2. ↑ https://www.housedigest.com/1297357/how-properly-thin-out-latex-paint/
      3. ↑ https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/painting.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/painting.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-open-a-paint-can/
      6. ↑ https://www.coolcircuit.com/how-to-thin-latex-paint/

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