What Is Paint Thinner

Paint thinners are solvents that can dissolve paint and reduce the paint's viscosity or "thin" it for use in spray applicators or when a thinner mixture is needed to work. Because they dissolve paint, they help remove paint from brushes, rollers, and general spill or splatter cleanup. Any paint left uncovered will begin to harden, dry, and thicken. Thin can counter this. Other solvents can be used to remove paint. These include acetone, turpentine, naphtha, xylene, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and denatured alcohol. Before using solvents, check product labels for proper use and safety.

A paint thinner can be used to clean your tools and equipment after you're done, especially when you're using oil-based paint. A paint thinner can also be used to "thin" or reduce the viscosity of the paint, so it can be used in a spray applicator. Another important use that most people are not aware of is that paint thinner can be used to prevent paint from hardening when left bare. Paint thinner should not be used with latex, shellac, or shellac paints.

The thinner will be applied gradually until the desired result is achieved. Paint manufacturers generally provide recommendations on the amount of thinner to use but generally do not exceed a 4:1 paint to thinner ratio. If for some reason you have added too much thinner, the paint may darken when applied and you will have some problems once you are done. Remember that spray paint, or if you use a sprayer, the paint needs to be even thinner to avoid clogging the machine.