What Is the Best Method of Thinning Latex Paint?

Despite its name suggesting it is derivative of a rubber tree, latex paint is water-based. Most latex paint is primarily water with added binders, usually acrylic or vinyl acrylic. Added pigments give the latex paint its color. Over time, latex paint can clump or thicken, even if properly stored. Thinning the paint helps provide a smoother application. Some spray guns also might recommend thinning even new paint to avoid clogs, although different models use various ratios for thinning. As a water-based paint, water is the easiest, cheapest way to thin latex paint.

Bucket
Measuring cup
Paint stirrer

Instructions

- 1
  Pour a half-gallon of the paint in a separate bucket. This prevents you from overly thinning the entire gallon and allows you to adjust the paint-to-water ratio.
- 2
  Mix a half cup of room-temperature water into the bucket of poured paint and stir thoroughly.
- 3
  Dip the paint stirrer into the bucket and pull up. Watch as the paint drips from the stick. If clumps remain or the paint looks very thick, add another quarter cup of water.
- 4
  Test the paint once more. If it still looks too thick, add another quarter cup of water. If the paint is dripping off the stick very fast and not sticking, it is too thin. Pour about a cup of undiluted paint into the bucket and stir. Estimate the amount so you don't ruin your measuring cup.
- 5
  Paint or spray a test area once you are satisfied with the thinned paint. Pay attention to how well it sticks to the wall and dries. Clumped paint or paint that doesn't mostly dry in an hour indicates the paint remains too thick, while runny paint that dries almost instantly is overly thinned. Adjust the water to paint ratio if necessary.

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