How to Thin Latex Paint for an Airless Sprayer – Ultimate guide

Learn how to thin latex spray paint. This step-by-step guide will show you the proportions of water, paint and additives (thinner, leveling agent) required.

If you plan to use a paint sprayer, it is important to use the right type of latex so you can ensure the success of your project. This article will review everything you need to know about thinning latex spray paint.

Thin latex paint with at least 10% or 1 gallon of paint per quarter cup of water. When you are using something other than an airless sprayer, you need to do this. You may need to increase the water rate by 20-30% if you are using an HVLP sprinkler or portable system.

How to Thin Latex Paint for Sprayer?

1: thin latex paint with water

By diluting latex paint with water, people will obtain a thin paint mixture that can be applied effectively and quickly.

2: Using soap and water to thin latex paint 

Soap is a surfactant that can reduce the surface tension of the thinned mix, so thinning latex paint with soap can thin the mix just as thinning it with water.

3: Thin latex paint with water and glycerin 

Glycerin is also a thinner that can thin a thinned latex paint mix like diluting it with water.

4: thin latex paint with water and Floetrol

Floetrol is another thinner that can thin a thinned latex paint mix just like diluting it with water. Be sure to mix thoroughly before using.

5: fine latex paint with mineral spirits

Mineral spirits are also thinners, so they can be used to dilute latex paint mixes just like water.

6: Dilute latex paint using mineral spirits and Floetrol

Floetrol is another thinner that can thin a thinned latex paint mix just like diluting it with water. Make sure you mix it thoroughly before applying.

7: Latex paint thinned with mineral alcohol and water

Mineral spirits are also thinners, so they can thin the latex paint mix just like diluting it with water.

8: thin latex paint with mineral spirits and soap

Soap is a surfactant that can reduce the surface tension of the thinned mix, so thinning latex paint with soap can thin the mix just as thinning it with water.

9: thin latex paint with mineral spirits and glycerin

Glycerin is also a thinner that can thin a thinned latex paint mix like diluting it with water.

10: thin latex paint with floetrol and mineral spirits

Floetrol is another thinner that can thin a thinned latex paint mix just like diluting it with water. Just remember to mix well before use.

FAQ:

What is the best latex spray gun?

  • Wagner 0518080 HVLP gun for latex. The Wagner 0518080 HVLP Sprayer meets the needs of a variety of paint jobs and is considered one of the best latex paint sprayers. Thanks to its front opening, you can pour the paint without any problems.

How to dilute latex paint?

  • Prepare your workspace. Ventilation is a must when handling paint due to the power of the fumes, so bring your latex paint can and supplies to a suitable location.
  • Determine if thinning is necessary. Start by thinning the paint. …
  • Just add water. …
  • Paint as you normally would. …
  • Store paint properly.

How to thin latex paint to avoid overlaps?

  • Check your paint to make sure it’s latex, which means it’s water-based.
  • Determine how much latex paint you want to thin. Choose a mixing and storage container that can hold a ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part dye.
  • For smaller jobs, pour 4 parts of water into a measuring cup.
  • Stir the mixture with a spoon or paint stick until completely smooth.