Traditional paint thinners can be harsh, so you might be looking for a milder option.To thin oil paints, whip up a batches of mixed linseed and lemon.If you don't have a traditional thinner, acetone or mineral spirits can be used to thin oil paints.If you follow the proper ratios when working in aventilated area, these alternative thinners should work perfectly.Thinning with water will do if you are working with latex paint.
Step 1: Take your materials.
You will need a mixing bucket and a stirring stick.All of these materials can be found at a hardware or paint supply store.
Step 2: Lemon and oil can be mixed.
Put lemon oil and a cup of linseed oil into a bucket.With your stirring stick, stir the ingredients lightly.
Step 3: There is a mixture of lemon and linseed oil.
Stir the paint with a stick when you are working with it.Allow the paint to rest after adding half a cup of the lemon/linseed mixture.
Step 4: Wear a facemask, safety goggles, and rubber gloves.
Paint thinners can give off harmful fumes.To reduce irritation, wear protective gear.It won't matter if they're discolored by thinner or paint if you change into old clothes.
Step 5: Work in an area with good air flow.
If the fumes build up, they can be dangerous.Thin paint in aventilated location for this reason.If you have to work indoors, open doors and windows.A box fan can be put in a window or door to improve air flow.
Step 6: You can choose your solvent.
Mineral spirits or acetone are acceptable thinners that can be used as an alternative to turpentine.They can be used to thin oil-based paint.You can buy it at your local hardware store or home center.
Step 7: To make them thinner, measure out the solvent.
Mineral spirits or acetone have to be used in the correct ratio to work as a thinner.To paint, always use one part solvent.When you are ready to use the solvent to thin paint, add half of the thinner to the paint and stir thoroughly.Add the rest and stir again.
Step 8: Thin the paint in batches with a large bucket.
Thinning paint in large batches will make it more consistent.If your project requires a few buckets of paint, try to keep the consistency as close as possible.
Step 9: Put paint and water in the bucket.
For every gallon of paint, use a half cup of room temperature water.Follow the water as you pour the paint into the bucket.The mixture should be stirred thoroughly with a paint stirrer.
Step 10: Add small amounts of water to modify the consistency.
Adding water will give you the consistency you need if you are looking for a runnier paint.You can leave the paint on the thicker side.When adding water to the paint, take your time.If you add too much, you may need to make the paint thicker.