How to Mix Paint to Make It Transparent

Muralists and decorative painters use transparent paint to create a variety of different effects. Since ancient times, artists have employed the traditional technique of glazing. Several thin layers of paint give the illusion of depth to landscapes and other types of wall paintings. Faux finishers often apply washes and glazes to reproduce the look of an antique surface. While you can buy premixed glazes, mixing your own transparent paint is a straightforward process that allows you to make the exact shade you want.

Latex paint
Bucket
Water-based glazing medium
Stir stick
Paintbrush
Scrap paper

Instructions

- 1
  Pour a small amount of latex paint into a large bucket. Add the glazing medium.
- 2
  Start with a ratio of one part paint to four parts glazing medium. Add as much as 15 times the amount of glazing medium to the paint, depending on the effect you want. One gallon of glaze is sufficient to apply at least one coat of a faux finish to the walls of a medium-sized room.
- 3
  Stir the glaze thoroughly to completely blend the medium with the paint. Test the paint on a sheet of scrap paper to see if it is the desired transparency. Add more glazing medium if necessary.
- 4
  Mix enough glaze to complete your entire project. Matching the exact level of transparency in two different batches of glaze can be difficult to achieve.

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