However, you might be thinking now, that if it’s more of a painting thing that deals with color layering, then what does it have to do with acrylic thinning? Adding up to 30 percent water to acrylic paint thins it but still allows it to coat a surface. The fat over lean method is one of the ‘cornerstones to proper painting techniques.’. Mix the water with the paint thoroughly with a clean stick to stir it. Dip your paintbrush in a cup of clean water and then gently tap the water from your brush onto the paint. Once you stir the paint, observe the viscosity of the material. Periodically pull the paint stick out and observe how the paint runs off the stick and into the bucket. Test the paint. Still not getting the particular shade or result that you want? Considering the fluctuations in its natural state that the paint goes through throughout its drying process, along with the various environmental conditions; for the lean over fat method, any drastic contraction in the state of the acrylic paint will lead to immediate cracking. So, if you’re not getting the right shade, we suggest that you employ mixing different colors together than just pouring in thinning mediums. And when it comes to primers, the most effective one we can think of is gesso. Even if you’re itching to represent a piece and looking to use the color depth of acrylic to put your ideas to canvas, things might not go as you may have imagined it. You will have to go for a stronger solvent like odorless mineral spirits every time you use, The flow improvers come equipped with acrylic polymer emulsions, which as we have mentioned before is the same binding agent present in, This is what will allow you to add as much, However, one point of note. When it comes to adding water to acrylic, you will need to be extremely cautious. It’s a trick used by a lot of adept painters where they apply a fat over lean, which means that every layer that you put down on the surface should be thicker than the previous layer. This will prevent a lot of the water seepage, and help you get the viscosity that you’re looking for. Your email address will not be published. W… Use transparent paint for many effects, including color washing, glazing, rag rolling and sponging. The water-thinning technique works for both latex and acrylic paints , such as common craft paints. This is what puts off a lot of acrylic beginner painters from trying out this paint medium in the first place. A few things that resemble a good pouring consistency: 1. And we know how tempting it can get to add a little light wash to bring out the contrast of a beautiful landscape painting and give it an ochre like tint. However, they are quite expensive, and we will be recommending them more for professional use than domestic and practice artworks. Developed by Home Analyst Home Analyst is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Thick or Dry Paint. You will have to go for a stronger solvent like odorless mineral spirits every time you use oil paints. Merely thinning paint with water results in a runny, uneven finish. The thorough process of painting in layers is called the fat over lean method. This will ensure the colors will remain bright and the paint will adhere to the canvas. When it comes to acrylic pouring, which is fluid art, obviously the mixture has to be easy to pour! You might also use a mixing container, like a bowl or … Thinning is the tricky part. How to Thin Out Acrylic Paint for Miniatures. Generally when people refer to paint thinners they are referring to mineral turpentine which would definitely not mix well with acrylic paint. There are a lot of different methods of acrylic thinning emerging in recent trend, so feel free to give them a try whenever you feel like. Required fields are marked *, Acrylic Paint Thinner 101 | How to Thin Your Acrylic Paints, Herein lies the contrast between acrylic and the more oil-based paints. Here's what you do: Pour the paint into the bucket. Best HVLP for spraying acrylic paint. Let’s not overdo the paint thinning. Acrylic paint is made up of pigments that are suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion. When we talk about consistency, we’re talking about the flow and texture of your paint, medium, and additive mixture. Too much viscosity will cause ridges, lumpiness or an orange peel finish. House paint may also be more brittle due to fillers and other additives, making it prone to cracking and flaking. Continue to add water in small increments until the … Although we might like to say that we have covered everything, all methods of acrylic thinning for you today, but that’s simply not the case. Finally, you might feel that a palette knife can be the best tool for mixing the two. Acrylic pouring how to mix house paint as a base paint. Dilute with water. Its working function is much opposed to that of a bristle brush; however, it’s significantly cheaper and will be able to apply a much more even coat of thinned out acrylic paint onto any surface, may it be traditional or even a non-traditional one. And in our experience, it’s best to not mix more than 1:2 (50%) ratio, or it won’t turn out like the way that you want it to. After the Pour. What acrylic mediums can I add to acrylic paint to thin it out? Herein lies the contrast between acrylic and the more oil-based paints. Pour all of the paint from the can into a clean five-gallon bucket, and add a half-cup … This will prevent a lot of the water seepage, and … To spray acrylic (or latex as advertised on US sites) you will need a minimum 4 stage turbine. Palette knives have a tendency to make the acrylic mixture too thin. When added to water it will slowly start to dissolve and become thinner in as a result. Add an ounce or two of water to the can and then thoroughly stir. If you are an artist painting with acrylic paints, you should read through this post as water is probably not your best bet. However, if you encounter difficulties spraying the paint, then you need to … If you need to thin acrylic paint, you need to get a medium specifically for thinning acrylics. It’s quite a staple in any artist’s studio and can be found in any art supply store [try not to get gesso from a hardware store; the ones there are stronger and used primarily for outdoor purposes]. “Back away from the canvas!” Learn when to walk away from … But, before you jump the gun here and immediately start adding water to your paint, it’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to acrylic, you can’t just blindly add water to it. I hope to do another article addressing house paint vs. acrylic paint in the future. Acrylic paint is water-based and thus water-soluble when wet, so water can be used to thin it. And a primer like gesso comes extremely handy if you’re thinning your acrylic to a wash or even a stain. However, the more adept and professional painters know the characteristics and the composition of the products they use inside and out. Start by thinning the paint … Hope you enjoyed our paint thinning guide today. Sealing the finished piece with a UV protectant varnish could help with longevity. You can apply the paint directly from the tubes they come in, or you can thin them to provide a lighter effect on your masterpiece. Oil paints do not dissolve in water, so mixing them with water to thin them out for a painting piece will not work. However water is also a thinner and this would certainly mix with acrylic paint. I used semi gloss latex interior house paint in bright white. Additionally, they are much easier to apply than water, you don’t have to constantly keep in mind the ratios, and best of all there is no need to worry about flaking and peeling as well. Using a Primed Layer to Help with Results, Selecting the Ideal Type of Brush for Thinning Your Acrylic Paint, The Fat Over Lean Method for Painting Longevity, recommending them more for professional use than domestic and practice artworks, getting your acrylic paint to the level of a stain which is even thinner than a wash, non-traditional surfaces like wood or even metal. The flow improvers come equipped with acrylic polymer emulsions, which as we have mentioned before is the same binding agent present in acrylic paint itself. Where herein lies a little secret. For the very first wash for any acrylic art piece, it’s wiser to opt for a much wider brush, at least a couple of inches wider than a standard #6. Your email address will not be published. Gesso attaches itself very easily to most of the non-traditional canvas surfaces and provides a fantastic base for any acrylic based work. Acrylic paints exclusively rely on ‘acrylic polymer emulsion’ which is a binding agent that is highly soluble in water, and thus grants the paint that very property. There are two approaches to using gesso to thin out your paint. Add water to the paint. Different house paint manufacturers use different vehicles and binders, some of which are more prone to yellowing. This will save you a lot of time in the long run, and you will not have to constantly try to brush out the imperfections from the surface with the aid of a smaller detail brush. So what exactly is the fat over lean method? Begin by spending some time stirring and thinning the product to be sprayed. The chances of chipping are even greater especially if the surface that you’re adding it to is a primed one. You should NOT use water to thin acrylic paint. Mix in 1/2 a cupful of water for paint to each gallon paint you use. However, if you’re planning to go for a multi-layered painted surface, then it’s better to go for a more expensive option from an art store. If the paint is easily sprayed and gets you a smooth finish, then you can start the project. If you have thick or dry paint, you are in luck! However, one point of note. But to get the ratios completely right, one trick that we can suggest you try, is to moderate the thinning process. Hence, it’s not surprising that acrylic breaks down so quickly and thins out when water or any other medium is added it. You can get a relatively cheaper brush model for this part, preferably from a hardware store, as all you will be doing with it is applying a wash. Well, that might be ok for casual work, but on professional jobs where time is a factor, one doesn’t have much leisure for mistakes. Well, it all comes down to the binding agent present in the paint. Hi Donna, thanks for your comment. There are a few common household items you can compare your consistency to—sometimes this can help you to visualize what your paint should look like. So, if you prefer using the more standard #6 brush to lay down the initial steps of your painting, then we would recommend that you rethink your approach. Well, this might have been true for other paint mediums, but not acrylic. You can also use a funnel to test if you have one handy. Thin the paint with water and mix well before spraying. Yes it is water based, but adding water to it wrecks its molecular viscosity and it will break down very quickly on a canvas or whatever you are painting. If gone by a simpler definition, it can be said that acrylic by its very nature is a water-soluble paint medium. Adding the Thinning Mixture. You can do this by either mixing the acrylic with water on separate palettes or in a small cup. To thin your paint, gather your supplies ahead of time and work outdoors during the day or in an area with sufficient light; this helps you tell when the pigments are properly mixed into the paint. Scoop up some paint into it and let it run through. However, to help you out with all your acrylic thinning needs we have brought a guide that not only covers the basics behind the process but some of the more advanced steps as well. Though this point might seem elementary to many, however, we thought it’s better to point out the importance of this step for those who are still quite new to the method of acrylic painting. Also, here are some tricks you can use to get your acrylic viscosity and shade just right: If perhaps you make your own canvas or just want to try out your thinned acrylic on certain non-traditional surfaces like wood or even metal, then we would advise that you prime the canvas surface before using it. But to get the ratios completely right, one trick that we can suggest you try, is to moderate the thinning process. For painting your projects around the house, acrylic paint is water based so you would thin it with water. Adding too much water and over-saturating the paint can cause the paint to peel and flake from the canvass after it dries. Like the household paint conditioners, the main benefit to making your own medium is price and accessibility. Don’t mess up all your hard work by glopping on paint that’s too thick. Once you’ve done this, pour your paint into a smaller bucket, then dilute with about … Now it’s time to paint. Spray the paint onto one of the boards to check for consistency and ease. Just add water. This is what will allow you to add as much flow improver to the polymer as you want, till you get your desired consistency. Oil paints do not dissolve in water, so mixing them with water to thin them out for a painting piece will not work. This will depend more on where you’re in the process of making your current painting more than anything else. #1 Learn to Walk Away. These mediums have the unique ability of getting your acrylic paint to the level of a stain which is even thinner than a wash. Add a product like Flow-Aid Fluid Additive or Acrylic Flow Improver. Before we get into the entire acrylic thinning process, let us first go over some of the basics of acrylic paint; primarily their construction and their very form and nature. Mixing paint with faux glazing medium or paint additives allows you to use the paint to give it a translucent, transparent look that doesn't drip or run. And acrylic, though might seem daunting at first, once you get to know its very nature and characteristics; the entire process of dealing with it becomes significantly easier. The third way you can thin acrylic paint for pouring is by making your own medium. Gesso. Use a... 2. Before anything else, check if your material is too thick for use. Chances are though, if you’re reading this, … Disclaimer | This article may contain affiliate links, this means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases. Use a paint stir stick to mix the paint thoroughly with the water. Water is perhaps one of the most effective and pocket-friendly thinning mediums that you will ever come across. After checking the consistency of the paint, you can now add water to thin out the paint. Under such situations, it’s always better to give into your artistic instincts and find creative solutions for the problem at hand. This is one mistake that a lot of amateur artists make, and this is also where the importance of a complete knowledge of acrylic’s composition comes in. Needless to say, it’s practically free and a much cheaper alternative to the more expensive mediums that you will find in the online market and retail stores. One alternative that you can consider is a foam brush. After adding a small amount of water and mixing it in, see if that is the … Water: Water is your best friend when dealing with acrylic paints. If you are about to embark on painting a piece which you want to preserve for a very long time, then it’s best to go for those mediums which has the same binding ingredients as acrylic themselves. Carefully work the water into the paint using your brush, adding more water if necessary, until the paint becomes more liquid. This opens up a whole new field of options and techniques that you can use and explore with your acrylic paint. In this paint, water works as an extender and helps the paint to spread easily. Any artist worth his/her salt will be able to tell you the importance of certain solvents such as odorless mineral spirits and turpentine. Before using acrylic, it needs to be thinned and prepared, and this, by all means, is the hardest part of the process. Additionally, this polymer also comes with a coloring pigment [which grants the paint its color] which again is a great water-soluble agent. Most of the cheap units are 2 or 3 stage units. The main ingredient in this process is usually some sort of PVA glue. Adding 60 percent or more water creates a watery paint application called a wash. Rubbing a wash into an absorbent surface so that only a hint of the color remains is called a stain. If the paint is still clumpy or sticking to the paint stick, add a little bit more water. The amount of water required varies with the brand and quality of the paint. To properly thin acrylic latex paint, add about two to three ounces of water per gallon, depending on the starting condition. This is more of a good thing than a bad thing. 10 Best Paper for Acrylic Paint in 2021 | Artist and Beginner Grade, 10 Best Canvases for Acrylic Painting | Student & Artist Grade, 8 Best Palettes For Acrylic Paint & How to Choose What You Need, Learn How To Make An Acrylic Painting Waterproof Right Now, Acrylic Painting Materials That You Really Need In The Studio, Learn How To Use Acrylic Paint Correctly as a Beginner, 13 Best Acrylic Paints for Beginners & Professionals Reviewed, 10 Best Acrylic Paint Brushes for Artists & Students Reviewed, Learn How To Get Dried Acrylic Paint Out Of Brushes Successfully, Learn How to Make Acrylic Paint in Your Studio, Learn How to Clean Acrylic Paint Brushes Brilliantly, Painting on Paper with Acrylics & 5 Paper-Like Surfaces to Consider, Learn How to Thicken Acrylic Paint Correctly Right Now, Painting Surfaces For Acrylics | Acrylic Prepping 101, Best Cheap Acrylic Paints – Strength and Weakness of Brands Compared, 22+ Delicate Beautiful Acrylic Painting Ideas To Try, Learn The Basic Acrylic Painting Techniques for Beginners- Ideas and Projects, 20 Oil And Acrylic Painting Ideas For Enthusiastic Beginners, Your email address will not be published. Thinning the thick and extremely viscous acrylic paint even out its consistency and makes it quite akin to that of watercolor or even gouache paint. Learn Affiliate Disclaimer, Best Oil Filled Heaters (Reviews + Buying Guide 2021), Best Radiant Barrier – Reviews & Buying Guide, Best Pellet Stoves to Buy (Reviews & Buying Guide 2021), Best UV HVAC lights (Reviews + Buying Guide 2021), Best Heaters for Large Rooms – 2021 Complete Buyer’s Guide, Best Deadbolts of 2021 to Secure Your Home, Best Zero Gravity Chair For Outside Use in 2021, Best Rocks For Fire Pit Reviews and Buyer’s Guide, 10 Best Deck Paint in 2019 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide. Plus it will drive you nuts if you’re using a sprayer. Most gels contain ingredients similar to ceramic, stucco … Apply a small amount of paint to your palette. Step-by-Step Guide 1. A HVLP system is great for spraying a variety of house paints, primers and clear wood finishes. Best Deck Paint in 2020 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide. Additionally, a primer will allow your paint to last long as well, for it will prevent flaking and the paint will not peel off anytime soon. The results will never turn out to how you expect them to be. Pour a small amount of the thinned paint into the spray gun. But giving into that desire can ultimately lead to your piece to flake especially when using acrylic paint. Determine if your paint is too thick or thin. … No matter how well you’re able to apply your flow additives your painting will not be as durable as you like if you go for the lean over fat option. When a budding painter squeezes out a dab of acrylic paint from the tube for the very first time, more often than not, he/she is quite taken aback by the sheer thickness of the paint. So, you’re better off using a cheap spare brush for the mixing process, which you can easily rinse off later on. The problem at hand floor and trim stain which is fluid art, obviously the mixture has to extremely. 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Certainly mix with acrylic paints, such as common craft paints importance of certain solvents such as mineral... Adding it to is a foam brush of chipping are even greater especially if the paint to your palette go! Solutions for the problem at hand one of the most effective and pocket-friendly thinning mediums that you ’ adding... A surface the ratios completely right, one trick that we can think is! Of certain solvents such as common craft paints spray the paint can and gently!