What Do You Use to Thin Latex Paint?

Thinning Latex Paint for White-Washing

• Applying a white washing effect to wood gives a clean look to the wood while still allowing the grain of the wood to show through. To thin latex paint for this application, use one part flat white latex paint and one- to four-parts water, depending on desired effect. Mix well using a paint stirrer.

Thinning Latex Paint for a Color Washed Effect

• Thin a colored latex paint in a ratio of one part paint to nine parts water and apply over a light base coat or to unpainted wood to give a soft, muted appearance of color. This color washed effect adds just a hint of color and is often used to give a finish a weathered look.

Thinning Latex Paint for Faux Finishes

• To apply faux finishes such as dragging, antiquing and glazing thin latex paint using a latex glaze. Mix one part paint with as much glaze as is necessary to achieve the desired results. Water can also be added to help achieve the right thickness. Typically a dragging finish is mixed with one part paint, one part glaze and two parts water.

Thinning Latex Paint to White-Wash Trees

• To help prevent sunburn on young trees a mixture of one part latex paint and one part water can be applied to the tree before planting. Preventing sunburn is necessary for trees such as the nectarine; keeping the tree free of sunburn keeps it healthy, which in turn helps to prevent infestation of the Shothole Borer.