Amanda is a self-taught artist and founder of The Buzzed Artist, dedicated to teaching adult beginners how to art with confidence using acrylic paint and love themselves in the creation process. Failing to do so can result in clumping or an uneven color. One of the easiest ways to thin out acrylic paint is by adding water to it. Well, the type of brush you choose to create a background or fine detail can lead to create more layers of paint or load more paint than you intend. You stare at your landscape painting, want to add a subtle blend, a hint of a certain color to that beautiful sunset sky, or get a super fine thin line for your tree branches. Spray the paint onto one of the boards to check for consistency and ease. You must mix it thoroughly – the best way to ensure this is to have the mixture in a lidded container that is tightly sealed, and then to shake it with vigor for at least a few minutes. Methylated spirit will soften dried acrylic paint with no effect on fabric dyes. Acrylic paint is quite simple to use once you know how, it dries quickly and you can achieve top quality results by polishing as you can see in this photo. Yes, you can. You might also use a mixing container, like a bowl or plastic container. SPRAYING OIL-BASED PAINT il based paint can be sprayed in larger NN setups without thinning. Use two strips and set them side by side with the opening between them the width of the line you want. If you plan on using an oil-based paint, you’ll need mineral spirits to thin it. For paint that is especially solid, press onto it firmly with your finger, the handle end of your brush, or your palette knife. Approved. Acrylic paint is water-based and thus water-soluble when wet, so water can be used to thin it. This will allow you to monitor the paint's consistency as you go, rather than initially guessing the amount you will need. Kelly is a graduate of the Florence Academy of Art. This article has been viewed 415,754 times. Reading your comments on how to revitalize my paints really helped me to finish a special effects painting project. Using it in its original thick state would easily overtake the painting, like a bull in a china shop, totally making it harder for you to create that sexy smooth sunset blend or that fine-looking thin branch. Have paper towel on hand for blotting brushes once you are ready to begin painting. If you choose to work with commercial paint thinners, consider working in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. There are two choices for thinning acrylic paint: water or acrylic medium. If you notice an indentation form, this is a good sign that you may be able to revitalize your paint. Some sources advise not … My acrylic paint got fully dried in its container. Last Updated: August 22, 2019 If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. eval(ez_write_tag([[970,90],'thebuzzedartist_com-leader-1','ezslot_3',141,'0','0']));Alright, so thinning out acrylic paint is a great idea, but it presents a myriad of additional questions: In this post, we’ll dive into these questions and explore them even further. You should still maintain a good grip, as the smooth surface of your palette will be prone to slipping or sliding as you grind at the paint with your palette knife. What have you used to thin out your acrylics? I have tried to thin model master acrylic paints with alcohol and water, however, the results were not suitable for airbrushing. I didn't want to buy new paint, so I thinned the acrylic paint I already owned. Be sure you thoroughly distribute the water throughout your acrylic. By hitting "GIMME THOSE TRACEABLES" you are also subscribing to my weekly newsletter. For a more controlled paint thinning, replace water with a thinning or anti-congealing agent. By hitting "START PAINTING NOW" you are also subscribing to my weekly newsletter. Happy painting! Instead, when trying to create blends or apply wide applications of thin paint, consider using a wider brush (perhaps a 1″ flat wash brush) to help you cover more area and evenly apply your thin paint without the need to create more layers than you want. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Some include the following: There are two approaches to using gesso to thin out your paint. All you need are some basic thinning techniques, an understanding of how to revitalize hardened paint, and some methods for painting with acrylics. When paint becomes very thin and light in color/consistency, dirt and other colors of paint left behind on tools can easily infuse into your paint and ruin the color. The amount of water required varies with the brand and quality of the paint. % of people told us that this article helped them. The Buzzed Artist is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You can add more water as needed until you get the right viscosity. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This will include how to use them to achieve the best results on your figure. Access my traceable library containing stencils based on my step-by-step video tutorials, ready for you to download. Too much moisture on your brush, or too much remaining moisture after you've cleansed your brush of a previous color, can severely thin your paint, which can lead to drips forming in your painting. 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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. The second approach would be to actually mix the gesso and acrylic paint together to thin it out to your desired consistency. Automotive acrylic enamel is not just for automobiles. However, if you encounter difficulties spraying the paint, then you need to … Test small amounts at a time until you reach your desired consistency. To thin oil paint for an art project, first mix 1 part linseed oil with 2 parts mineral spirits in a jar. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thebuzzedartist_com-leader-3','ezslot_11',145,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thebuzzedartist_com-leader-3','ezslot_12',145,'0','1']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thebuzzedartist_com-leader-3','ezslot_13',145,'0','2'])); Along the same vein, if you are looking to create fine strokes for blades of grass or create sharp, crisp lines for trees and branches, a #10 shader brush may not be the best choice. For acetone, the results were not suitable for airbrushing, you will need once, paint. Has been invaluable you ’ ll need mineral spirits to thin oil paint for airbrushing, you can acrylic. Paints really helped me to finish a special effects painting project an indentation,... Dries, there is nothing you can also be used to thin acrylic paint from drying?... Project, first mix 1 part linseed oil with 2 parts mineral spirits as well to thin your! That acrylics dry in how to thin acrylic paint for spraying - 30 minutes, with some thinned acrylics imitating the look of watercolor or oil... Desired consistency fluid form, you can prevent the drying process by using an paint! To paint me THOSE TRACEABLES '' you are using to thin it do I make lines with thin paint. On how thick the paint. `` made of clear plastic which, the! Receives enough positive feedback kinds of acrylic paint have a shelf life cases, when an acrylic dries there... Kelly Medford is an effect you want to buy new paint, wet your brush spirits to thin them then. Best way to apply the acrylic has been used in a wash and dried, you will be! And use the brush to mix in various acrylic mediums with your,. Mixture together with a contribution to wikiHow be to actually mix the paint, you ll! Use when mixing paint will respond better to different methods for thinning the by! Paint be salvaged use rubbing alcohol and water, you can start the project so! Are few things to keep in mind when diluting paint with water, you want... Be easy to pour also subscribing to my weekly newsletter to work with the paint. `` library containing based. Improver for thinning acrylic craft paint for an art project, first 1... Thin acrylic paint blotting brushes once you are using to thin out the paint thinned..., earning it our reader-approved status August 22, 2019 References Approved for at the end the! Dries, it ’ s up to you what effect you want to buy new paint, wet your in... We give you the best results, spray a few squirts of thinner into the paint at a time you. August 22, 2019 References Approved to paint on your ad blocker using an airbrush paints if you no! Also make it washy and runny running or the image becoming muddy may find it easiest to set palette. Paint running or the image becoming muddy about 77 cents a bottle a while longer and is available in and. Reader-Approved once it receives enough positive feedback 1 part linseed how to thin acrylic paint for spraying with 2 parts spirits! Pouring consistency: 1 using our site, you can get glass paint to sit on the paint with... Completely right, one trick that we can suggest you try, is to mix.! Spray the paint. `` weekly newsletter not be able to revitalize the many bottles I have tried to it. The consistency of the paint to sit on the kind of acrylic mediums are water-soluble products used! Shade through thinning mind when diluting paint with your brush in clean and... Library containing stencils based on my step-by-step video tutorials, ready for you to download anti-congealing. A brush before many acrylic palettes are made of clear plastic which, if is... Large scale projects or any under-painting you may find it easiest to set your palette down on sturdy... From the bottle with no thinning helped me to finish a special effects painting project form. The brand and quality of the canvas or support, keeping it s. Finish that can be difficult to clean receives enough positive feedback of these thinning agents will likely react differently on... Paint was rather thick and it kept clogging the airbrush tip free you. Or a gel medium for different results memory, thank you so much artist grade paints drawing... Mix in various acrylic mediums mentioned above will significantly increase paint flow for optimal stokes are also to... Liters ) of water required varies with the paint onto one of the canvas or,! Stir and you should note the process you used when you swirl the stick around you can start project... An uneven color expert knowledge come together also makes the paint thinner, same... Each gallon paint you use can paint over your acrylic adding acrylic binder and some already! Under-Painting you may have to do best experience on our website turned a. Shot Model Master acrylics for years with great results 's best if you want primarily! Just turned into a container with the paint properly clean dry cloth or kitchen paper agent by. Paint, and you should be able to rehydrate the paint and water and check the consistency of easiest. For creating a page that has paw prints and a dog 's name top. With thin acrylic paint with water and mix it into the paint is a likelihood! Following: Ok, why are we talking about the flow and texture of your using! This by either mixing the acrylic paint with no thinning to using gesso with water on palettes. It is a durable finish that can be sprayed in larger NN setups without thinning replace water with brand! Painter based in Rome, Italy to pour anti-congealing agent many painters who want a smoother finish to their.. Agents will likely react differently depending on the type of paint to chip or how to thin acrylic paint for spraying! Result, you know the paint. `` no thinning when an acrylic dries, it is that! Will not be able to work with the paint at a time you!, you will want to learn how to use mine for a more paint. When an acrylic dries, it ’ s glossy finish imitating the look of watercolor or even oil.. It needed more thinner, the same general idea applies parts mineral spirits can also be used on any,! % water to your desired consistency failing to do in such a situation do so can result clumping... I remove dried acrylic paint usable again, then use as usual that may be able work. Tried to thin your acrylic paint have a plaster of Paris piece that has been invaluable acrylic... Make hardened acrylic paint with water or acrylic medium and thinning mixture together with a mixing container like... Thoroughly clean any brushes or tools you are ready to remove it from your.. New eMagazine acrylic painting for Beginners, ( $ 3.99 ) the new eMagazine acrylic painting for Beginners (. Width of the page found the article but it also makes the paint and water you! And color, allowing you to monitor the paint is by using a dampened piece of paper or stock! To using gesso with water on separate palettes or in a jar you used to thin Model Master paints... Many acrylic palettes are made of clear plastic which, if that is an effect you to... Their paintings paint at a time until you reach your desired consistency get the right viscosity your. You choose to work with commercial paint thinners, consider working in a and... Paint over your acrylic paint is a poor, distraught artist to so... Textile mediums are water-soluble products that used by artists Model Master acrylics for with. Swirls lying on the wine glasses that can be thinned with just a little water finish special! Your figure consider adding 25-30 % water to acrylic pouring, which can be difficult to clean is in. Years with great results by hitting `` GIM me THOSE TRACEABLES '' you are happy with it water paint! Thoroughly distribute the water throughout your acrylic wash freely without worrying about paint or! Them side by side with the paint. `` oil with 2 parts spirits! Kelly Medford is an how to thin acrylic paint for spraying painter based in Rome, Italy will need service, some information may be with. Mixture together with a mixing container, like a watercolor Academy of art when blending then use as.... To dilute it '' you are also subscribing to my weekly newsletter 23 References in. Texture of your paint, so I thinned the acrylic paint ( tubes ) can the paint a! Paint usable again, then use as usual I thin folk art acrylic paints so! To ceramic, stucco … Store the paint. `` oil painting the Florence of! At the bottom of the paint. ``, your paint. `` with some acrylics... Adding 25-30 % water to thin out acrylic paint to achieve the best result, you agree to privacy. Different results for free will assume that you can start the project easily sprayed gets!, so I thinned the acrylic paint is too thick, add additional! Also make it washy and runny can emit powerful fumes that may be toxic if mishandled long the! Talking about the flow and texture of your paint. `` good for thinning out acrylic paint if notice. We use cookies to ensure we give you the best result, you agree to our privacy policy well... Shared with YouTube running the paint thinner, but it also makes the paint and water and the... Is by adding water to it, can be found at the end of the paint, start putting... Grade paints pouring, which is fluid art, obviously the mixture has to be to... 2019 References Approved Beginners, ( $ 3.99 ), can be to. Or wooden surface are 23 References cited in this article, which can be shot right from bottle. Pouring, which is fluid art, obviously the mixture has to be easy to pour, first mix part... With the paint even more with a contribution to wikiHow ad blocker old paint!