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Spray gun paint thinning technology. Practical advice from a professional painter. How to thin acrylic paint. How to work with solvents. What to do if the paint is dry What is the best way to dilute the paint

It is known that the repair includes certain nuances, without which it will not work to properly glue the wallpaper, attach the insulation or cover the walls with paint. This also applies to water-based paint, which must first be diluted. breed water-based paint it is necessary so that it is easier and better applied to the coating.

It is desirable to dilute water-based compositions before painting the ceiling, walls or other coating. If it is not diluted, it will cause a number of difficulties during application - an uneven layer, tubercles on the base, stains, and so on. Next, consider how to dilute water-based paint.

Features of water emulsion

Before you start diluting water-based paint, you should find out what such a composition is. Water-based paint is a paintwork material endowed with excellent environmental performance. The binder component of this composition is water, with which the paint is diluted before use. That is why it can be safely applied to the wall and the base of the ceiling, as the composition is suitable for finishing the room and the interior of the building. The advantages of water-based paints are:

• the ability to paint any type of surface (concrete, wallpaper, wood, drywall);
• environmental friendliness of the composition, in which there are no substances harmful to health, endowed with a persistent aroma;
• durability - the tool will not crumble and crack over time.

Such positive points are considered weighty when choosing paint for covering the ceiling or wall covering. But is it necessary to dilute the composition with special solvents or water?

What is water-based paint - types of funds

Before you dilute water-based paint with water, you need to choose the right type of paint, because there are big choice this tool. It is advisable to make a choice of funds even before going to the store, having read on the Internet with the benefits and negative aspects paints.

The choice of the desired paint directly depends on the place of work and the conditions of staining. Based on the composition, the tool is of the following types:

1. Latex. Most known species, which is known for its functionality. After the product dries, the walls or ceiling can be washed with water. And thanks to the substances present in the composition, it protects the coating from minor damage, cracks and scratches. The correct dilution of the product, which uses water, helps to cover the unevenness of the coating.
2. Acrylic. This look is made from pigments and acrylic resin, which provides a wall or ceiling covering strength and moisture resistance. However, these qualities make the tool the most expensive of all. If the diluted composition is of the correct consistency, it will lie on the coating without streaks and will not leave marks from the brush.
3. Silicone. Such a tool is made on the basis of silicone resin, which is mixed with water, which ultimately gives it the desired consistency. Proper dilution of the composition is a dense mass that easily lays down and evenly covers the walls or ceiling.
4. silicate. It contains pigments, alkalis and glass, which allows you to create a durable layer.
5. Polyvinyl acetate. It contains PVA glue. Such a tool is cheaper, but less durable compared to other types of paint.

To paint walls and ceilings, you need to choose the right composition that will be easy to apply, leave no streaks, and form an even layer as it dries.

After familiarizing yourself with the water emulsion, you can safely purchase the goods necessary for the repair. However, the right product does not promise a uniform and light coverage. In order not to encounter difficulties during staining, you need to find out how water-based paint is diluted.

Steps to take before you start

Water-based paint does not require surface preparation. If you have purchased a composition for the walls, you only need to wipe them from dust and remove the peeling wallpaper. To paint the ceiling, it must first be cleaned with a scraper if the plaster is peeling off the surface.

As you know, during use, it will lie down evenly and will not crumble. In order for the surface to be painted successfully, the following accessories must be prepared in advance:

• construction mixer;
• pure water, which must be room temperature;
• color to give the paint the desired shade;
• brush or roller for applying the product to the base;
• clean container for diluting the composition;
• rubber gloves (although the paint is easily wiped off with water, it is still necessary to protect the skin of the hands).

Is it possible to use improvised means for the correct dilution of paint? No. In order for the product to be evenly mixed and applied to the surface, it is required to use a construction mixer and other accessories that will help prepare the water-based paint for application.

Paint dilution principles

Can water-based paint be thinned with water? It is possible - since water is present in its composition, it dilutes the agent. But the use of chemical solvents is prohibited, as this will spoil the composition of the paint.

How is the remedy diluted correctly? To dilute the composition does not require memorization special technology. In order to properly perform breeding technology, it is recommended to comply with 3 basic requirements:

1. The volume of water used should be no more than 10% of the total volume of the water emulsion. If you opened the paint in advance, you can find out about its quantity on the package. If the product has been previously used, measure its amount in small dishes. After all, if the paint turns out to be liquid, it will drain when applied, which will leave ugly smudges. And a thick layer will lie unevenly, and also leave marks from a roller or brush.
2. Water-based paints are diluted only clean water. Of course, no one will draw liquid from the ditch, but the presence of water impurities in it will degrade the quality and property of the composition. Therefore, in order to avoid trouble, the water emulsion is diluted with pre-settled liquid or purified water is used.
3. Water must be at room temperature. If you collect it from the tap, you need to wait until the liquid warms up a little. hot water use is unacceptable, as this can aggravate the condition and quality of the product. Water needs 23-30 degrees.

Otherwise, applying diluted paint is no different from using other types of this product. The main thing is to properly dilute the water emulsion so that it fully reveals its “technical” qualities. After that, you can try it on a wall or other surface.

Acrylic paints flooded the market, reducing the positions of other varieties. Acrylic on a car masters recommend using for painting most elements of the body, and sometimes the interior. The paint is based on water, it evaporates quickly and the mixture hardens. The substance is also capable of drying out before application, if storage conditions have been violated or the expiration date has expired, it is also recommended to dilute the thick paint. Many people prefer to buy a new liquid than to dilute acrylic paint, in reality, the breeding process is easy and does not require much time.

Decorative coating and its components

The paint is easy to apply on most coatings, providing adhesion and sufficient durability. The problem is often inappropriate consistency paintwork product. Thick paint creates an uneven layer, in some places the saturation is excessive, while in others the original body color is visible. The easiest way to solve the problem is to dilute the substance. Having decided how you can dilute acrylic paints and taking an easily accessible dilution liquid, it will not be difficult to create a high-quality coating.

Acrylic paints are easy to apply on most surfaces.

The composition of the paint always contains 3 main components:

• Water.
• Pigment of the corresponding color.
• connecting substances.

The most important component is an emulsion of polymeric materials, it contains acrylic. High technical, operational qualities and ease of application made it possible to use the paint in many areas. Advantages of the composition:

• suitable for various facade works;
• helps in creating the interior;
• paints various material;
• increased resistance to ultraviolet rays, this allows you to use the tool on the street;
• durability, the material does not burn out, is resistant to peeling, destruction and mechanical damage;
• affordable price. Today, acrylic is ranked in the low price category, it is always preferred for cost savings, although the characteristics provide decent quality;
• application does not require professional skills, a person is able to perform staining on their own.

Applying paint does not require professional skills

Thinning is an important procedure to ensure that the car is painted evenly and with high quality. In some cases, the addition of liquid is optional, and in some situations it is indispensable.

Information on how to dilute paint for spray guns and other coloring methods is applied to the container, but specialists are additionally based on current tasks. For a rough layer, a thick solution is often used, and the finish coloring is done with a more liquid substance. Everything is individual here, but there are some norms that are not recommended to go beyond.

Peculiarities

An important feature of acrylic is naturalness, the environment does not suffer from the use of automotive composition. There are no vapors and a sharp smell from the paint. The advantage of acrylic is the variety of shades, it is easy to get any color with the help of special pigments in the appropriate dosage.

Thanks to water based, the substance is flammable. These qualities contribute to the use of acrylic in residential areas and small spaces. Water evaporates quickly, which makes the material harden faster than analogues. An important advantage of the composition is that acrylic can be diluted even after drying, so the substance will return to its original form. You just need to know how to dilute acrylic paint, and the recommended dilution rates.

Autoenamel acrylic Mobihel

Substance selection

Given the variety of applications for acrylic, the choice of thinning method and type of liquid often differ. To paint furniture or create decor, liquid paint is required. This approach does not eliminate irregularities and defects. In this area, water is more often used, and solvent for alkyd paint should be avoided.

But we will pay attention to what solvent to dilute car paint. There are 2 leading types of solvent that professionals usually prefer:

• Water. The liquid is part of the paint and in correct proportion Definitely won't hurt the quality. Creating optimal density is possible without the use of auxiliary means. The method is cheaper and easier to use.
• special solvents. If you make a choice of how you can dilute acrylic paint, except for water, you need to take into account the dependence of the quality of the solvent on a particular manufacturer. Usually, the recommended diluting fluids are reported on the packaging or on the official website. Such compositions are popular due to the ability to dilute thick paint and additionally give a matte or glossy look.

If, for comparison, consider how to dilute alkyd paint, then only a special solvent is used. Many manufacturers make the composition suitable for dilution with universal solvents, while others create special liquids and sell them separately.

Solvent and its use

The solvent is sold in bottles, it is a clear, colorless liquid with a specific aroma. Most companies sell acrylic-based paints and specialty solvents in parallel. Their use is justified to give additional decorative properties coating. Mobichel, Duxone, Body, Karteks, etc. have a similar approach.

Solvent for acrylic paints Bulmat

Using a special thinner, it is possible to achieve:

• special texture of the coating;
• glossy effect;
• matte look.

In cars, metallic painting is popular, the desired solvent is present in the assortment of most stores. It is sold in banks, the selection will be done in a store or on a thematic forum. A solvent is often used to speed up the curing process, helping to get the job done in a short amount of time.

Choosing the option of how and how to dilute the paint for painting a car, with special properties, a decrease in the main characteristics of its composition should be prevented. An example is the Polysteel paint with increased resistance to temperature, if you choose any solvent with a tendency to burn or deform from heat, the coating will lose up to 40% of its qualities.

There are several ways to distribute such liquids, the most common classification is by drying speed:

• fast. Actively used for low temperatures, helps to fix the paint on the car in difficult conditions;
• average. Classic compositions, there are more of them on the shelves;
• low. Optimally suited for high temperatures, as the substance prevents excessive evaporation.

Thinner for acrylic paints Mr. Color Thinner 1

The ratio in which the composition is planned to be diluted has a key influence on the characteristics. The range of liquids obtained at the outlet varies greatly, it is selected taking into account specific requirements. You can paint with acrylic paint as an almost transparent layer, and a very saturated color.

How to breed

The dilution method is much simpler than enamels, but depends on the method of application. If the painter will paint the surface with an airbrush, the liquid is prepared more diluted.

There are many solvents, but you should choose those that are suitable for metal surfaces. They are purchased at hardware or automotive stores. If you plan to use water, it must be taken distilled, purified from additives, since acrylic is somewhat more whimsical than enamels. When in doubt about the consistency or type of solvent, it is recommended to test mix in small batches.

Today, several basic proportions and methods have been developed for how to dilute paint for painting a car:

• 1/1. Used for initial, rough layers due to low content grease and easier application with a brush;
• 1/2. More often used for the secondary layer, the brush is better saturated with liquid and creates thin, uniform layers;
• 1/5. Differs in the increased adhesion, liquid gets into small time, cracks and other roughnesses. Actual to use for textured surfaces;
• 1/15. It is used for specific tasks - creating a gradient or a special decor with different saturation of the painted surface. It turns out a mixture in which the paint is used only to give a soft, subtle shade. With repeated application, it is possible to create an attractive look with a transition from weak to pronounced color.

Acrylic Thinner X-20A

All paints are sold in the form of a thick mixture, so the question of how to dilute paint for an airbrush is obvious and justified. If you want to achieve a uniform layer using a spray, it is better to use liquid options - from 1/2 to 1/5.

Obtaining the required density

The density of the mixture contributes to the creation of a rich color, but for real tasks it is almost always necessary to dilute the mixture. Work with liquid paint is easier, and the surface is easier to level.

To create optimal density, add:

• water. After drying the composition with water, do not wash the paint;
• special means. It is recommended to study the instructions and advice from manufacturers;
• solvents. It is important to clarify the preservation of the properties of the composition;
• other paints. The acrylic group of paints and varnishes mixes well with each other.

Selection is carried out taking into account the characteristics of the application.

What to do with dried paint

If the paint has had time to dry, it can be returned to a usable condition with a slight deterioration. specifications. It is recommended to use water for recovery.

First, you need to dissolve the cured paint. The piece is placed in a metal container, it is poured with boiling water. Gradually, the liquid will cool, but adding boiling water, support high temperature. After the final absorption of water by the paint particles, they proceed to mixing with the pigment and / or staining.

The overall success of the painting, expressed in the uniformity of the applied layer, largely depends on the consistency of the sprayed paint material. It is the viscosity of the mixture that will affect the operation of the spray gun and appearance cover they have created. In order to prevent defects or problems in working with the tool, we have created a detailed and as short as possible educational program, where popular language explained the most important nuances for the selection and preparation of paint for spraying.

Why dilute the paint

As you know, the diameters of spray gun nozzles can vary significantly and vary within the range: from 0.1 to 4 mm. And we still do not take into account cartridge pistols, which are also included in this group of tools. Judging logically, it becomes clear that an airbrush with a nozzle of 0.1 mm will obviously not be able to actively spit out thick enamel, but will require a mixture of the most liquid consistency. At the same time, if such a “colored water” is poured into the tank of an airbrush with a nozzle of 4 mm, then during operation it will break it into very large drops, which will begin to form smudges on the surface. Based on this, before you figure out how to dilute paint for an airbrush at home, you should clearly determine what diameter the nozzle is installed on your tool.

Now briefly on the points that dilution of paint gives us before spraying:

1. The uniformity of the coating depends on the size of the particles into which the paint is broken when flying out of the nozzle. With optimal viscosity, the applied coating will be as uniform as possible.
2. If the composition has too high a viscosity index for a single spray gun, then the spray will be uneven. Too thick a composition can completely clog the nozzle, stopping the tool from working.
3. A mixture of liquid consistency, will create permanent streaks when sprayed from a large diameter nozzle. At the same time, paint with low viscosity is applied in a very thin layer, which is not suitable for most household needs or car painting. To obtain a decent quality painting, such material will have to be sprayed in several layers.
4. Proper paint preparation for the spray gun gives maximum efficiency, expressed not only in the quality of work, but also in the performance of the tool. If the spray gun is equipped with a suitable nozzle for a given viscosity, but does not have enough power to spray a thick composition, light thinning can significantly unload the tool. At this point, it should be approached wisely, and breeding should be done as carefully as possible.

Varieties of paints

The principle of operation of the spray gun allows it to spray absolutely any fluid materials. Today, there are dozens of paint manufacturers on the market with thousands of different mix options. It is impractical to analyze each product separately, but we will talk about 5 main groups from which all possible derivatives come.

Alkyd enamels. Created on the basis of varnish mixed with various solvents, fillers and color pigments. It is widely used to cover wood, metal and even concrete. White spirit is often used as a thinner for alkyd enamel.

Acrylic paints. They are based on ester polymers. Most often used in painting. As a material in finishing work, can be applied to wood, metal and plaster. Dilute with plain or distilled water at room temperature.

Water-based paints. Like acrylic, they are made on the basis of polymers mixed with water and coloring pigments. Incredibly popular in construction and finishing works, as the cheapest and practical material. All water-dispersed paints can be diluted with plain, clean water.

Oil paints. Represent a combination of inorganic dyes with fillers mixed in drying oils or vegetable oils. They have a high toxicity, but a very bright shade. For example: an excellent paint for metal for an airbrush, it contains red lead. Oil paints are widely used in industries, when working with metal or plastic. Diluted with white spirit, foam, turpentine and other solvents.

Nitroenamels. They are made on the basis of nitrocellulose varnish mixed with inorganic pigments. It is widely used when working with metal, often in painting car bodies. When choosing a paint spray gun for metal, from which nitro enamel will be sprayed, you should definitely consider tools only with a metal case. Dilute given type paint, you can white spirit, thinner 646 or special composition recommended by the manufacturer.

All of the above paint for the spray gun has certain indicators of combination with one or another surface material. Let's single out a certain benchmark for the most common areas of application.

• Concrete, putty, plaster: water-based, acrylic, oil paints.
• Wood: alkyd, acrylic and water-based.
• Metal: nitro enamels, oil paints and alkyd enamels.
• Glass: acrylic and oil.

Viscosity determination

The consistency of a substance can be very approximate, especially when it is determined “by eye”, without the use of special equipment, and even more so, experience. Of course, you can always refer to the fluidity of certain common liquids (oil, kefir, shampoo), but you will never be able to achieve exact indicators in the same way. Namely, the basis of the uninterrupted quality of work is the ability to establish the exact viscosity of the paint for the spray gun. The determination of the viscosity of the paint is carried out by a simple device - a viscometer, and the data obtained are calculated in DIN units or seconds (in domestic models).

The device of the viscometer is extremely simple and consists of a 100 ml container with a hole of 4, 6 or 8 mm and a holder that can be removed. Budget models are made of plastic, and more professional ones are made of polished metal. How to use a viscometer to measure the viscosity of paint, we will tell you step by step:

1. We fill the full container with paint, after plugging the bottom hole of the device with your finger.
2. We take a stopwatch and start it, at the same time removing our finger, thereby opening the way for the mixture to flow out.
3. When the container is completely empty (drops do not count), stop the stopwatch and record / remember the time.
4. We compare the obtained data with the table that comes with the viscometer and determine the viscosity of our paint in DIN.

Average values ​​with a hole of 4 mm:

• Alkyd enamels and nitro enamels - 15-22 sec.
• Acrylic paints - 14-20 sec.
• Water-based paints - 18-26 sec.
• Oil paints - 15-22 sec.
• Water - 13 sec.

It is important to note that the measurement should be carried out at a temperature of 20-22°C. In the cold, the paint thickens, and in the heat, on the contrary, it becomes more liquid.

A visual process of handling the viscometer, with comments, is shown in the video below.

How to dilute

The homogeneity of the ready-to-use mixture largely depends on the component used in the dilution. Before diluting paint for an airbrush, you should familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's recommendations on the packaging, since each paintwork material has its own unique composition. Unfortunately, universal remedy there is no such thing as diluting paint, and although we know such famous solvents as 646 or white spirit, they are far from suitable for all paint and varnish mixtures. For example, acrylic urethane paint is best diluted with P-12 solvent, and if you use the previously mentioned products, you can burn the coloring pigment.

You can use universal solvents only if you do not know the name of the paint and pour it from an unnamed canister. Or, if the quality requirements are as low as possible. In other cases, you should follow the recommendations on the packaging of a particular mixture or on the official website of the manufacturer.

When choosing a thinner / thinner, it is necessary to take into account the temperature of the room in which the painting will be done, or the weather if you will be painting outdoors. According to temperature conditions, solvents can be divided into 3 groups:

• Slow. Used for painting at temperatures above 25°C.
• Normal. In the range of 18-25°C.
• Fast. When the mercury column is between 10 and 18°C.

Glossy paints, such as mother-of-pearl or metallic, are diluted only with slow solvents. Otherwise, irregularities, stripe and cloud effects form on the dried surface.

How to thin paint

The most crucial stage of the entire above guide. It requires increased accuracy, accuracy, and most importantly, regularity. For most varnishes and enamels, the percentage of thinner to be poured in is 5-30% of the total volume, and for water-based paints, it can even reach 50%. Therefore, in order to understand how to dilute the paint for the spray gun correctly, it is necessary to determine its initial viscosity using the aforementioned viscometer. If the consistency is too thick, reduce it by pouring in small portions of diluent, mixing thoroughly and re-measuring until the viscosity is optimal.

You can focus not only on the data of the viscometer, but also on the content of the composition (concentration) indicated on the packaging. Paint and varnish mixtures are low-filled, medium-filled and high-filled. Low-filled paints usually suffice with 5% ± 3%. Highly filled can be diluted up to 30%. Medium-filled formulations are diluted within, between the two previous ones.

As a designation of concentration, some manufacturers indicate the following markings on containers (values ​​​​are indicated in ascending order: from liquid to viscous): Having determined the viscosity, you can begin the mixing process. It is better to do this in a cylindrical container with even walls (like a regular can of paint). As a stirrer, you can use an ordinary polished stick without burrs, or a metal ruler, in which it is also recommended to smooth the edges. For mixing larger batches, you can use a drill with a special nozzle in the form of a cross.

You can see more clearly how to dilute paint for a bullet gun in the video below.

What to do if the mixture is too liquid

If your solution has lost its viscosity due to excessive dilution, there are only two ways to return it to its former consistency.

1. Add to it exactly the same, but thicker paint. If we are talking about oil, alkyd or nitro enamels, you can try adding an alkyd varnish to the solution, or another binder mixture used in the manufacture of your paint.
2. Let stand for several hours or days, stirring occasionally. Since the solvent tends to evaporate, a certain part of it will come out. It is advisable to increase the evaporation area and install the container in a constantly ventilated place.

Of the extreme options that will clearly affect the quality of the material, you can try to cool the paint in the refrigerator. If the color is white, you can try adding filler (gypsum, chalk, talc).

Even if your paint is too thin, the sprayer will be able to spray it, and even quite well if you install a smaller diameter nozzle. Therefore, do not despair too much and resort to extreme measures.

Save this page to your social media. network and return to it at a convenient time.

With a general look at the problem of preparing paint for application to the surface, it seems that there is nothing complicated about it. If you carefully study the instructions with the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the concentration of the solvent, the degree of viscosity of the paint and other indications, it is almost impossible to make a mistake. But it should also be borne in mind that the instructions for using a particular product also include a commercial component, that is, advice to use products of the same brand, and this can significantly increase your costs.

If you know the principle by which enamels and solvents interact and what is the technology for preparing paint for application on a car, you can save money by replacing expensive solvents of well-known brands with equally high-quality domestic license plates.

Fundamentals of paint-solvent interaction

various solvents. Click on the photo to enlarge.

The result of painting largely depends on how to dilute the paint before applying it to the surface. Enamels for painting cars are already initially a liquid mixture, but the addition of a solvent is necessary so that, firstly, it fits better, and secondly, it forms a coating that will reliably protect the body metal from corrosion and mechanical damage. After painting, in the process of drying the pigment, the solvent evaporates at a certain rate. According to this parameter, such compositions are classified into:

• fast, which are used if the paint is applied at low temperatures;
• slow (long), which are suitable for painting cars in the hot season;
• universal, designed for use in the transitional season.

The final composition of the enamel mixture for painting a car is determined not only by the amount of solvent added to it immediately before application, but also by the concentration of the components that was originally provided by the manufacturer. It is important that some substances in the composition of the paint remain active during storage. On this basis, enamels are divided into low-, medium- and high-filled ones with the corresponding abbreviations: LS (Low Solid) - low-filled, by the way, it is not recommended to dilute them strongly; HD and HS, MS, UHS, VHS (Very High Solid) are highly filled.

What role does fullness play? First, highly filled paint is easier to apply. Secondly, volatility directly depends on fullness, although the viscosity of paints of all types is approximately the same.

Features of the technology for preparing the enamel mixture are also determined by what solvent was used in the manufacture of the paint, since both substances should have approximately the same chemical composition. It is also important what components underlie the enamel itself. For example, in order to make acrylic enamel, you can use the same solvent, since both varnish and enamel are the same acrylic, only with or without the addition of pigment.

Numbered solvents and their composition

Each solvent has in its composition such components as nefras, white spirit, toluene, solvent, butyl acetate, xylene, etc. The properties of the solvent are largely determined by the ratio in which it contains these substances.

Solvent No. 646 is very popular in the field painting works, as its composition is very aggressive. At the same time, due to its aggressiveness, this solvent can not only dilute the paint, but also change its composition, and hence its properties. This solvent can be diluted primer or paints and varnishes based on acrylic, but you should be extremely careful.

Due to the fact that the quality of the substances that make up the solvent No. 646 is not always maintained at the proper level, professional painters recommend using it only for car cleaning. Here, the high aggressiveness of the solvent will come in handy.

white spirit finds the most wide application when degreasing surfaces for painting. They cannot dilute acrylic-based paint, but it will be great to dissolve ordinary, slate or bituminous mastic. Regular mineral spirits may contain impurities that may precipitate over time, so more quality option considered artistic white spirit.

Thinner No. 647 is used when painting a car with nitro varnish or nitro enamel, but care should also be taken when working with it due to the aggressive composition.

Thinner #650 is softer. It is suitable for most paint materials.

Another popular composition is R-4. They are diluted with alkyd enamels and paints made on the basis of chlorinated polymers. Pure toluene or xylene is also suitable for the latter.

Polar and non-polar solvents

An example of solvents for paint. Click on the photo to enlarge.

The answer to the question of how to properly dilute the paint is determined by what material is used to paint the car: polar or non-polar. The solvent should be selected on the same basis: if the paint for the car is made on the basis of a polar substance, then the agent for dissolving it must be polar. In order to act for sure, it is better to purchase enamel and solvent from the same series.

Polar solvents include alcohols, ketones, and other substances that have a hydroxyl group in their molecules. Non-polar agents are kerosene, white spirit, and several other liquid hydrocarbon-based formulations. So, water-based paint and water-soluble acrylic enamels interact well with alcohols and ethers, but they reject white spirit. Alcohol and white spirit are two completely different substances that under no circumstances can be replaced by each other.

Acetone only reacts with polar substances. Xylene can be considered a universal solvent, since it actively interacts with both polar and non-polar substances. Suitable for most classic enamels and benzene.

How to properly dilute the paint?

Many, if not most home craftsmen, are familiar with this situation: they opened a jar, and the paint in it was thickened. It doesn't matter - you can always dissolve it.

Basic rules for diluting paints

The most important rule is that like dissolves like. Agree, it's silly to use for dilution oil paint acetone and expect that the dissolved paint will be of a uniform consistency and without coagulated clots.

Therefore, first of all, carefully study the label on the can of paint and understand its composition. At worst, find out at least the type of paint in the can.

Diluting the paint, start with a small test amount. Having placed quite a bit of thickened paint in a small bowl, add a little to it, and if, after thorough mixing, it acquires the necessary viscosity without losing its properties, you can safely proceed to dissolve the main volume of paint.

Be careful with the amount of thinner, add it to the paint in small portions.

Remember: you can almost always make liquid paint from thick paint, but thick paint from liquid paint is very problematic.

At the end of the dilution of the paint, before starting the painting work, get rid of debris and undissolved elements by filtering it through a sieve or a layer of gauze.

Water-dispersion paints

As the name suggests, these paints are made up of water, pigment, and a binder.

Among the family of water-dispersion paints, consisting of gouache, watercolor and acrylic, the latter is the most popular and in demand, because after drying it is not afraid of water and precipitation.

Acrylic paints are environmentally friendly, they are suitable for both interior and exterior decorating.

Despite the fact that recently on the market building materials special chemical compositions for dissolving water-dispersion paints, the main agent for diluting water-based paints is clean cold water.

Oil paints

Widely distributed due to their moderate cost. Ideal for (walls, roofs, etc.) due to the fact that they form a protective layer that prevents the penetration of moisture.

In the production of oil paints, a dye is used and different kinds essential oils.

It is for this reason that when diluting thickened oil paint, it is advisable to use drying oil, oil-resin varnish or white spirit.

enamels

The family of enamels is represented, perhaps, by the widest range among other types of paints. Depending on the brand of paint, a specific type of solvent will be required.

Enamels PF-253 and PF-266 can be diluted with both turpentine and. To dilute the paints PF-115, GF-230, PF-1126 you will need white spirit or turpentine.

Enamels of the Extra brand are best diluted with a solvent, although the use of the already mentioned turpentine or white spirit is allowed. KO-112 and KO-168 are excellently diluted with solvents R-4, R-6 or No. 646, and PF-133 and PF-223 enamels with xylene. To dilute the NTs-132 paint, you will need solvents No. 645 or No. 646.

Despite the apparent strict binding of enamels to certain types of thinners, most solvents are interchangeable. So do not be afraid - experiment, mix and paint.

Good luck to you! May you succeed!