When we are using paint sprayer, we need to keep that in mind that we should avoid thicker paints. Oil-based paints are thin to use and really good on the surface.
Adding solvent, adding a half cup of water or spirits can also solve this thinning problem but there are some instructions you need to follow if you are trying to think of using a sprayer.
Spraying is one of our famous and favorite techniques of painting after the 80s. It’s quite easy than brushing in the same place again and again for having a smooth surface.
It’s easy to use if you are aware of using thin paints, about spray machines, and the strategies and techniques to use it on the surface.
Why Do We Need to Thin Paint Before Applying?
First of all, you need to clean the surface where you are going to apply your paint. Using a primer is a must. After using an oil-based prime, do the sanding work as well.
Because the more smooth the surface is going to be the more it will end up giving a good result with your paint. Before coating, the whole surface tries to use a tack cloth for cleaning up the whole surface.
Using tapes before starting to paint is a must. There are paint tapes which you can find in any painting store for taping your home kinds of stuff being destroyed by stains.
The spray pattern test is an important one. Try to use a paper for coming out with the techniques which you prefer for completing your spraying technique.
Shake the sprayer for a minute or two and then start using it. It’s better to start always from the upper side of the surface and then go to the downside.
And coating with a thinner paint might need 2 or more coating for the finishing result.
Using a handle for spraying is also a good idea. Can Gun is an amazing tool for using it like a gun and it gives more comfortable and natural spray paint on the space.
Is it important to make the paint thinner for Spray Paint? Is it Easier to Use than a Roller ?
Spraying is easier to use rather than painting only with a synthetic brush. But for the dripping problem, we need the help of a brush. And the same goes for roller .
Both are easier to use but because of the lacking, we need to improvise it with the help of a brush.
The roller is easy to use but the sprayer is easier to use. But it’s important to focus on the techniques of thinning the paint before applying. And of course, applying the thinner coat three to four times for a smooth result.
Best Use of Spray Paint
- Wood
- Plastic
- Glass or Ceramic
- Metal
Wood can be painted with a sprayer technique but it’s important to sand lightly and if you have already painted on it then you need to sand it for removing the old paint and use primer and dry it before using the spraying paint.
For plastic surfaces, it’s really important to use a big sponge to clean up the surface. And use a primer afterward and sand it to have a smooth finish. In the end, apply the paint with the sprayer.
Using chemical rust is important if the surface is already painted with the old color. A degreaser is good for removing dust from a metal surface. For durability for exterior paint using a primer is important. Then you are ready to apply the spraying paint for having a smooth finish.
Fine-grain sandpaper is good for ceramic or glass coating, after sanding using a cloth and apply primer after that dries out then you’re ready to use your paint with the help of the sprayer.
Good and Bad effects of spraying Paint?
Spraying paint is mostly used for exterior paint because it’s good for application and you don’t need to think much about the staining problem.
You can use it easily starting from the upper side to the lower side. But For interior paint you have to be extra careful because otherwise you’ll find stains on the things which you might not like to watch getting ruined.
Using Sprayer for Walls | Is it a Good Idea?
Well, it’s not a bad idea but there are some of the relatable problems you’ll face when you will using a sprayer. There are solutions as well and all you have to do is to stay careful with the technique which you’ll be going to get from this article.
So the problems are
- Paint dripping
- Using Latex or water-based colors
- Wet primer
- Uneven color coating
Paint dripping is one of the most common experiences you’ll get while using a sprayer. Sometimes when we use too much thinner paint with our sprayer it starts to drip off, sometimes using not a good amount of primer could be a cause.
So for avoiding dripping you need to use a good quality primer a day before you spray your paint. And even after following this, you see a drip then start using a brush to make the surface look smooth before the drips dry out and try to do it immediately if the color is acrylic because those colors dry easily.
Using latex paint by a sprayer machine without any additives for making it thinner can ruin your spray and surface both. water paints are thicker than the oil and acrylic ones. It’s really not possible to have good results with it without adding water, spirits, or any other solvent.
If you have coated your wall with the primer then you need to dry it out on the surface before using any paint, otherwise, the cost of those things will be ruined for just one mistake.
Sometimes it’s important to hold the spraying machine in a way so that the surface of the wall would get an even finish. Holding the spraying machine too much close would create unwanted stains on the surrounded kinds of stuff. And holding it too close can cause dripping.
Spraying Paint Thinner Making Process
If you are using oil-paint colors then you don’t need any extra ingredients for making it thinner because It’s already thin. You can use it without adding anything to make it a thin coating on the surface.
For acrylic, you can use water or acrylic medium for making it thinner for spraying. If it’s water-based paint then you should use water with it.
For every gallon of paint, you’ll need half a cup of water to mix with the color. You can add more water if you think it needs more for making it thin.
Important Tips: Don’t forget to shake the paint if you are using it with an aerosol can otherwise the thick paint will remain in the downside and the color will not work evenly on the surface and it’ll not look satisfying.
Is it Possible to Use Primer inside a Sprayer?
Primer is one of the most important pieces of equipment before painting any surface. A primer is like a rudder of a ship and the ship is the coated paint that goes smoothly to the surface as a ship floats on water in beautiful weather.
There are many brands of primers but primers are thicker most of the time and especially the oil-based primers.
Kilz primer can be used easily inside a spraying machine because this primer is best for most of the interior and exterior painting things.
Do we Need to Use Water for Oil-Based Paints?
It’s not necessary because it’s already thin . Especially the colors which are oil-based can’t mix well with water. Acrylic paint is different from oil-based in this area because it can get mixed with water.
When you are using oil-paint it’s better not to use water rather use a solvent instead of using water. It’s better if the solvent is odorless otherwise it can be harmful to your health.
Why Is Your Paint Too Much Thin After Adding Water?
Most of the cause might be you don’t know which paint you are using. There are three kinds of paints for interior and exterior paints
- Water-based Paint
- Oil-based Paint
- Acrylic Paint
For interior paint, water-based and acrylic are best and exterior oil-based are best because it can bare the temperature problem and it’s really durable.
Water paints are thicker and not best for spraying on a surface. It’s really important to add water with it before using it on a sprayer machine.
Oil-based is a petroleum-based solvent as it’s medium and it’s thinner already so there is no necessity of using any kind of additives. It’s durable and easy to use with a spraying machine.
Acrylic paint needs water for use to make it thinner. Mineral spirits are the best element for making any acrylic paint thinner. With the help of Flow-Aid Fluid is great for thinning acrylic paints.
Oil and water can’t be mixed together. So it’s not possible that water will work on an oil-based paint. If you are using water with oil paint then you’ll end up with a disastrous result.
And sometimes adding too much water with acrylic paint or water paint can cause too much thickness. So, it’s important to remember how much water you need for your color.
Coat 2 or 3 time’s with thick layers on the surface by your spraying machine. It’ll give you a good texture and smooth surface after the paint dries out.
Best Oil-Based Paints for Spraying
- Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior Paint and Primer in One
- All Surface Enamel by Sherwin Williams
- Valspar Anti-Rust Armor Paint at Lowe’s
Spraying techniques can be used by non-professionals. It’s a task by which you can improvise your skills. It’s not difficult, all you need is to know the exact ingredients with a certain amount for use and techniques of a paint sprayer.