Solvents for thinning acrylic paint. Dried paint materials: how to dilute acrylic paint intended for painting and walls

Acrylic paints have long and firmly won one of the first places in the paint and varnish market.

This is facilitated by their excellent characteristics:

• Wide color palette, expanding the possibilities of choosing the desired shade.
• Ease of use - the paint is easy to apply to the surface and has virtually no odor.
• Short drying time, allowing for maximum speed of application finishing works.
• Eco-friendly – ​​paints of this type do not contain any harmful substances, therefore can be used in any premises, including children's rooms and medical institutions.
• Hygiene and easy care– surfaces painted with acrylic compounds do not attract dust and are easy to clean without loss of color intensity.
• A layer of dried paint allows air to pass through, but does not allow water to pass through.
• The painted surface will retain its original appearance and functionality for approximately 10 years.
• The paints are suitable for finishing almost any surface: wood, metal, plaster. They are used for interior work, as well as for painting facades and street structures.

The main components of acrylic paint are:

• pigments that give the required shade;
• binder – polymer acrylic emulsion;
• water.

The properties of paint are greatly influenced by the quantitative content of fillers and pigments in relation to the volume of the binder.

It is this that guarantees high-quality adhesion of the paint layer to the surface, low water absorption of the resulting film in combination with its ability to pass air.

It is also important what type of pigment was used to prepare the paint, its quantity and quality indicators. This largely affects such indicators as the hiding power of the paint (and therefore its consumption) and its resistance to light.

Stabilizers and special substances are also added to the paint composition, which improve the stability of the paint during storage and ensure ease of use.

Thanks to this composition, paints have high temperature resistance - they do not crack in the cold, almost do not fade and withstand temperature changes well.

After applying paint to the surface, the water present in its composition quickly evaporates, leaving on the surface plastic film, which holds firmly and reliably protects the structure from external influences.

Acrylic paints are usually sold in the form of a thick mixture that must be diluted before use.

This is done not only to make the paint easy to apply, but also to obtain an even paint layer.

To obtain a paint composition of a density convenient for use, substances such as thinners and solvents are used. Diluents are substances already included in basic composition paints, but without pigments. The addition of these substances does not adversely affect the quality of the final coating, but makes the paint less thick. Moreover, after it dries, the properties of the paint layer do not change, and polymerization occurs just as quickly.

Solvents are used to thin paint and remove it from surfaces and tools. As a result of this effect, the drying time of the paint is reduced, but its properties change (most often worsen).

Special products are used to obtain the required paint consistency. Recommendations for their use are usually provided by the paint manufacturers themselves. Using these means, the applied layer of paint can be given properties such as matte, gloss, and made very durable. upper layer.

In order to decide what exactly to dilute the paint with, you need to think about what specific performance indicators are more important to you. To do this, you need to know what exactly needs to be painted.

And after that, decide on what basis to prepare the solution:

• if you plan to paint walls or ceilings in a room, then it is better to use water as a diluent;
• if you need to paint wooden structures or furniture, it is advisable to dilute the paint with special agents with certain properties;
• if you need to paint metal, you can use ordinary solvents.

Open acrylic composition on water based It quickly loses water and thickens, which causes problems when painting. The thick composition cannot be applied evenly to the surface; marks from the brush or roller remain on it.

The solvent must be added to the paint evenly, stirring it constantly. Mixing is carried out until the composition reaches a uniform consistency. Make sure that the paint does not curl or flake.

For comfortable work with a brush and roller, the paint should have the thickness of sour cream.

If you need to use a spray gun, then the composition must be diluted to the state of rich milk, then it will be sprayed evenly.

Water use

Unlike special means and solvents sold in ready-made form, the water for diluting the paint will have to be prepared, since the water must be clean and cold. It is advisable to use cold, purified water to avoid any solid particles found in tap water getting into the paint.

Next you need to decide on the dilution proportions. To do this you will need a small clean bottle and a pipette. This process requires a careful approach, since if you dilute each portion of paint “by eye”, you can get compositions of different color intensities, which will negatively affect the appearance of the painted surfaces - they will have a different shade.

In addition, you need to be aware that after drying the paint may change color slightly, so it is worth trying different proportions of paint dilution.

Each option must be applied to the surface in an inconspicuous place and wait until it dries.

Having determined the shade you like best, the rest of the paint must be diluted in exactly this proportion during finishing work.

• 1:0 – paint without dilution, most often it is used for various design ideas when you need to create three-dimensional forms;
• 1:1 – optimal proportion for finishing work;
• 1:2 – quite liquid composition which is used for coloring smooth surfaces when to reduce dark shade surfaces;
• 1:5 – penetrates well into the volumetric structure of the surface;
• 1:15 is a completely liquid composition, which is used when it is necessary to create color transitions on the surface.

But you can experiment yourself with other proportions, since water in any quantity does not affect the quality of the paint, but only changes the intensity of the shade.

They are manufactured to perform specific tasks, such as changing the texture of paint and making it shiny or matte. Information is given on the product label. When purchasing a solvent, pay attention to the date of its production: fresh formulations provide the best results.

The solvent is a clear liquid. Therefore, if you add a lot of it to the paint, the resulting paint layer can become translucent.

If you add a small amount of the product, the color will remain saturated.

When painting large surfaces with a spray gun, it is better to use special products; this guarantees the best consistency of the composition and uniformity of its application.

Solvents affect paint properties such as:

• shade;
• strength;
• appearance coverings.

Solvents vary in drying time.

Therefore, the product can be selected depending on the temperature and humidity:

• in hot, dry weather it is better to use a solvent with a low degree of evaporation;
• in cool and humid conditions - with high.

If the solvent must be stored for some time, place it in a cool, ventilated area and store the bottles in vertical position. Please remember that these products are a fire hazard.

There are also solvent removers that can remove dried paint from almost any surface.

They are a paste-like gel with a strong odor. It is applied to the surface for 15 minutes, and then the coating is easily removed from the paint. However, these substances will not help remove paint from the skin, so you need to wash it off immediately. chemical composition water until it dries.

How to thin dried acrylic paint

If you forget to tightly close the container with paint, and the water from it evaporates, then the composition irreversibly loses its quality characteristics. There is no way to fix this, but you can restore the paint. True, it will already be of much lower quality, and its use for painting critical structures is not recommended.

To restore you need to take the following steps:

• With a sharp object, the dried paint must be turned into powder;
• then it is poured with boiling water;
• after a few seconds, the boiling water is drained and the operation is repeated;
• Once the paint is sufficiently heated, it can be mixed, although it will not be possible to achieve a uniform consistency.

You can even restore paint that has turned into a tight lump. To do this, it is filled with alcohol several times. But the resulting composition will no longer allow creating high-quality coating.

Having decided to use acrylic paint, you need to remember that the process of diluting it is of great importance. It needs to be diluted to such a thickness that allows you to create an even coating without streaks, roller or brush marks. Frequently refer to the instructions supplied with the composition.

If you open the jar and there is a film on the surface, then you need to remove it and not try to stir it.

This may result in lumps that will leave marks on the surface being painted.

When painting small surfaces, you can use a brush. For large volumes it is better to use a roller or spray gun. If there is a break in work, the tool must be cleaned of paint. The joints of adjacent painted strips must be shaded well. Do not use cross motions when painting. It is better to apply the paint twice, this guarantees the best result.

Acrylic paints are very easy to use, many of them are universal in use and suitable for both interior and exterior use.

The use of paints in everyday life allows not only to protect the surface of the material, but also to create unique design. Modern market offers several types of such solutions, which differ in composition and technical properties.

An important factor when choosing paint is its safety for humans. It is this feature that acrylic composition has, which is very popular.

Features of acrylic

Acrylic paints are a type of water-based solutions. They are produced in the form of a thick consistency different colors. In order for the solution to be applied evenly to the surface of the material, it should be diluted beforehand. Acrylic paint consists of several components:

• Dye. The pigments act as different kinds powder that has been ground into very small particles. This element is made from natural or synthetic substances.

• Acrylic resin. It is used to connect all components together. It is the resin that, after drying, forms a durable film that holds the pigment on the surface of the material.

• Solvent. Many manufacturers use ordinary water for this. But some types of acrylic paints are made based on organic solvents.

The popularity of acrylic paints is due to several of their advantages:

• Versatility. Acrylic can be used to paint almost any material. These paints are not used only for a few types of plastic, which are almost never found in everyday life.

• Practicality. These solutions are relatively easy to apply, so even beginners can use them. In this case, a uniform layer is formed on the surface.
• Safety. The paint does not emit any harmful substances into the air, as it consists of safe components. Absent during application bad smell, which allows you to work with acrylic without a respirator. The paint does not burn, which is important for domestic or industrial premises.
• Resistance to moisture. Acrylic resin, after drying, forms a durable layer that easily repels water. Therefore, these paints can even be applied to building facades.

Causes of drying out

Thick acrylic paint is quite common, as manufacturers produce it in this form. But its service life is limited by time. The only reason for this composition to dry out is the evaporation of the solvent. A decrease in its concentration leads to hardening acrylic resin, which at the same time begins to bind the pigment.

To eliminate this phenomenon, it is advisable to buy only the volume of the mixture that you completely use. If the solution remains, try to close the lid tightly. This will minimize the evaporation of water or solvent and it will remain inside the paint.

If the paints are completely dry, you can try to revive them. This process is quite simple and involves several sequential operations:

1. Initially, you need to thoroughly grind the dry solution.
2. After this, boiling water is added to it. An alternative could be water bath. But technically these are the same algorithm.

Please note that after restoration, acrylic paint will lose its original properties. Therefore, it can only be used in limited places.

Features of dilution with water

Acrylic paints are a water-dispersion mixture that adheres well to almost any substance. The material differs in consistency and color. Water is used very often as a diluent, as it is an affordable product.

The technology for diluting with water is quite simple and involves performing several sequential steps:

1. Initially, you need to choose the optimal proportion for dilution. It is advisable to dilute in the ratio recommended by the manufacturer. The required volume of paint and water is collected in separate containers.
2. When everything is ready, add thinner to the mixture in small portions and mix thoroughly. If the volumes are large, you can use construction mixer which will allow you to obtain a uniform consistency. When mixed, foam may form on the surface of the solution. You can use the paint only after it has settled and the solution has become homogeneous.

The paint should be dissolved in water in small portions in order to accurately control the selected proportion and achieve desired result. It is worth highlighting several popular ratios that are found when mixing acrylic and water:

• 1: 1 (water: paint). This option is the most optimal and popular. After mixing, the paint turns out thick, which allows you to get a uniform thick coating.

This consistency is used when you need to form a base layer. A special feature of the solution is the absence of clots. Sometimes paint is applied to the surface in several layers. Before re-painting, it is advisable to let the base surface dry a little.

• 2: 1 . Adding a large amount of water allows you to get a liquid composition. It can only be applied using a roller. If you don't need this consistency, then you should leave it for a while to let the paint harden. With this concentration you can get a thin layer. This approach is very often used when decorating residential premises.
• 5:1 and 15:1. Such proportions are quite rare. They are mainly used professional designers. With this dilution, the paint becomes very liquid and almost transparent. With these solutions it is easy to achieve a translucent or half-tone effect.

Acrylic thinners

You can also dilute acrylic paint using special thinners. They consist of special organic solutions that can affect the structure of the substance. Depending on the degree of drying, these products are divided into several types:

1. Fast. They are used in cases where the paint is used at relatively low temperatures Oh. If you dissolve the mixture with these substances, the liquid dries quickly and adheres well to the material it covers.
2. Average. Optimal drying speed. It is advisable to dilute paint with these mixtures in cases where painting is done indoors and at moderate temperatures.
3. Low. Such solutions take quite a long time to dry. Therefore, it is recommended to use them only in conditions with elevated temperature. Such mixtures reduce the risk of rapid evaporation of water, as well as the risk of cracks. For the paint to dry, it takes time to allow a strong bond to form on the surface of the film.

Please note that in a similar way you can also use a color that can change color palette paints. It is advisable to do this very carefully, since it is unlikely that it will be possible to restore the original color.

What else can you use?

Acrylic paint has unique properties, therefore apply universal solvents It's not advisable to be with her. Many online recommend replacing water with acetone or primer. But this approach does not always give a positive result, since the substances can lead to curdling of the paint. If you still want to use this product, then it is advisable to first mix a small amount of paint and apply it to a test surface. When the mixture dries, you should check the strength of the film. Sometimes this ratio can lead to the top layer being washable, and there is no point in using it outdoors or in the bathroom.

Alternative mixtures for diluting all water-based paints There can only be alcohol and ether. But they can also affect the consistency of the paint differently.

If the product has thickened, you can try to dissolve it with vodka. It is important to do this gradually, since a large amount of alcohol will change all the parameters of the solution.

According to experts, acrylic paints are the most convenient to use. This is the secret of their popularity. In addition, they are distinguished by bright, rich colors.

Their main component is water, so the drying speed of paint applied to the surface is much higher than that of other types of dyes. But this ability can become a problem. You have to think about how you can dilute the contents of the old jar so that when you apply a layer, its color completely matches the color of the newly purchased jar.

Acrylic paint - main characteristics

This type of painting material first appeared on the market more than fifty years ago. Their positive properties quickly appreciated and within a short period of time they became the most popular finishing material.

This type of paint is perfectly applied to almost all surfaces, which means that walls, ceilings, and floors can be painted with this material. A layer of paint adheres well to wood, metal and a layer of plaster. It turns out that the material is universal.

The main advantages of this material:

• Environmentally friendly. For all materials involved in residential finishing, production premises, offices and other facilities – this is the most valuable quality. The scope of application of coatings that are harmful to health is very limited. There are no dangerous components in acrylic paints.
• Simplicity and comfort to use. Most paints have a strong, unpleasant odor, which in turn requires the use of a respirator when working. We see a completely different picture when using acrylic paints. No discomfort.
• Color palette. Very diverse. All primary colors have many shades, which significantly expands the choice.
• Short drying time. A very valuable quality, as the time for finishing work is significantly reduced.
• The resulting surface is easy to clean and does not lose color intensity.
• The surface coated with this type of dye does not collect dirt and dust.
• The layer applied to the surface allows air to easily pass through. The paint seems to “breathe”, and at the same time, it is an insurmountable obstacle for water.
• A surface covered with a layer of acrylic paint does not need to be reapplied for ten years.

The basis of this coating is formed by the following components: pigment, binder, water. The material that acts as a binder is of synthetic origin. It is called an emulsion formed by polymer acrylics.

The secret to fast drying paint isn't really that. The water evaporates very quickly and a film is formed that covers the entire surface to be painted. The paint itself is resistant to low temperatures, does not flake or crumble.

All acrylic paints can be divided into groups depending on:

1. From the scope of application
2. Ability to withstand various physical impacts
3. Whiteness level
4. Shine of the surface.

Acrylic paints are successfully used for finishing interior and exterior surfaces. They can be divided into universal and combined. Among the coatings produced there are samples with various properties, for example, with resistance to moisture, light, or mechanical damage.

The scope of application of acrylic paints is very wide, and is not limited only to construction and repair work. They are widely used in their work by famous artists and amateurs.

Acrylic can be used to beautifully paint glass or apply a design to a ceramic surface. Create an image High Quality on leather, paper, canvas. All other paints are very limited in their use. They are narrowly profiled. For example, only for painting brick, concrete, plaster, wood or varnished surfaces.

In order to obtain high-quality coverage of all surfaces in the room with optimal temperature and humidity, it is necessary to use a certain type of acrylic. It fits freely both on plaster and on surfaces with relief and on drywall.

How and with what to dilute acrylic paints?

The question is very interesting and often arises among those who have to deal with this type of product for the first time. Situations where you need to dilute the contents of a paint can occur very often. The question is: what caused this need?

The paint itself has a rather thick consistency, which cannot but create problems during the application process. In this case, the paint is distributed very unevenly over the surface. If a can of paint for a long time stood without a lid, then its use without additional dilution becomes impossible.

Another condition when breeding must be carried out is the use of acrylic for restoring furniture or creating an artistic canvas. When using paint that has a very thick consistency, traces of the paint remain on the surface. paint brush or roller.

We can say that the structure of the surface is disrupted, and it becomes not smooth, but has flaws, which in turn is very noticeable.

Since all acrylic paints are based on water, it is quite natural to assume that the main solvent for them will also be water. This is very interesting fact, since after completely dry, the film formed by the paint does not allow water to pass through at all. Therefore, all tools and containers used during painting should be cleaned before everything dries.

Manufacturers, in addition to water, suggest using a number of other substances. But their names and method of use can only be found in the instructions included with the paint container. All of these solvents have the ability to change some properties of the paint. Most often, they have the ability to give the painted surface a gloss or matte finish. These are qualities that are not available to plain water.

Therefore, when choosing acrylic paint, you need to carefully read the instructions and find out everything existing features application of the product.

Using water as a solvent

The simplest situation is when the paint has to be diluted with water. But this important manipulation is not carried out “by eye”. This requires precise adherence to proportions, otherwise problems may arise. It is very difficult to correct the consequences of such actions.

Therefore, before starting work, you should carefully read the recommendations contained in the instructions. There is always information about the necessary ratios of water and paint for high-quality dilution. If all the rules are followed, the coloring matter of the required consistency is obtained. In this case, all the properties of the paint will remain unchanged.

There are also specific requirements for water, which is supposed to be used as a solvent. It must be clean and cold. Do not dilute all the paint at once. It is much safer if you dilute only a small amount. This way you can empirically calculate the volume of water required for an entire container of paint. Especially if not the entire amount of paint is used.

The process of determining the paint to water ratio requires two things. An ordinary pipette and a small bottle for any drops. Most often, dilution is carried out in a ratio of one to one, less often one to two, one to five or one to fifteen.

The resulting paint consistency has its own characteristics:

• The ratio is one to one. The resulting paint consistency is most suitable for creating a base layer. She has quite high degree thick, but at the same time easy to lay on the surface to be painted, spreading over it in a neat, even layer.
• The ratio is one to two. The result is acrylic that is more liquid than in the first case. It is just as easy to lay on the surface, but the resulting layer is thinner.
• The ratio is one to five. At this amount, the water content in the paint is significant. The resulting colorant is more similar to colored water. Having this consistency, the paint easily penetrates between the bristles that form the brush. The layer of paint applied to the surface has more light shade, compared to the original one. Texture details are usually painted with this paint, since the liquid contents of the can are easily absorbed and do not linger on the protruding parts of the surface.
• The ratio is one to fifteen. In this proportion, the paint is closer to water, containing only a small part of the pigment. With this consistency, it is used to create a smooth color transition between two tones. Or to create a color gradient.

Features of acrylic paints for creating wall paintings

For painting on walls, paints are packaged in small boxes. They are only suitable for decoration and artistic painting. Also, many artists like to use them to create paintings on canvas.

The rules for diluting such paints are very different from those established for acrylic paints intended for large surfaces.

In this case, a pipette is also used to determine the required ratio. Paints are diluted using a palette, both dry and wet. You can use special caps for these purposes.

A wet palette is best. The drying speed of the paint depends on its humidity. The ratio of water to paint depends entirely on the desired shade of paint. The lighter the more water needs to be added. If you need a rich bright color– the ratio will be one to one.

Nuances of the process of diluting acrylic paint

Very often water contains additional chemical elements and chemicals that, during dilution, can affect the quality of acrylic. Therefore, it is best if the water used to prepare the dye should sit for several hours.

During operation, paint may get onto surfaces not intended for painting. In this case, before it dries, it can be easily removed with water and a cloth.

It is very convenient to apply paint using a spray gun. The coloring material used in this method must have a uniform consistency and be of high quality. For these purposes, it is best to choose products from the most famous manufacturers. Only if this condition is met will the application of a layer of paint be carried out efficiently. It is better not to use water at all as a solvent, but only the substances recommended in the attached instructions.

Such solvents, unlike water, can affect the appearance of the resulting surface. The applied layer will be able to change its color and shade and will be more durable.

Solvents can be selected in such a way that they can change the appearance of the applied layer. It is unacceptable to use substances not specified in the instructions from the paint manufacturer as a solvent. In this case, the company that released this product to the market cannot guarantee the quality of the resulting paint layer. All imperfections will become noticeable after the surface has dried or a little later during service.

The solvent should be added slowly with constant stirring.

It is very convenient to use a construction mixer to mix paint and solvent. If necessary, you can change the original paint color. For these purposes, special toners are used. If you add it to paint in small quantities, you can get any color and shade. The result obtained is best determined on the surface intended for painting. To obtain the result, a thin layer of paint is enough. If the resulting shade does not match, additional toner is added.

Traditional methods of applying paint

To do this, use brushes, rollers, and a spray gun. The working tool is chosen depending on the surface to be painted; its structure and area play an important role. It should be remembered that the shade of the applied paint will be slightly different from the shade that has already dried. Therefore, you should not rush and always check the final color of the resulting paint.

Very often it becomes necessary to dilute an additional amount of paint of exactly the same shade. To do this, leave a little paint at the bottom of the old jar to compare shades.

What to do if the remaining acrylic paint has dried out?

Because of acrylic dyes contain water, they dry out very quickly. This quality is not always useful. Paint in a container that is not tightly closed may lose water. Because of this, the consistency of the substance will change. When the water completely evaporates, the paint polymerizes.

1. It is very difficult to return the contents of the jar to its original state, but it is quite possible to make such an attempt, but only if there is a sufficient amount of water left in the paint. If there are small clots in the contents of the container, and the paint has not completely thickened, there is hope to fix everything. To do this, you need to add a little suitable solvent recommended by the manufacturer or water along with alcohol.

2. If the paint dries too much, you can try grinding it into powder, adding a small amount of boiling water and draining it after a few seconds. Then do this procedure again. All this is done to ensure that the paint warms up well. After the third time, the boiling water is not drained, but left in the jar along with the paint, which needs to be thoroughly stirred.

Paint returned in this way will no longer be of the same quality as before it dried. There will still be some lumps in it. Because of this, the applied layer will be less durable.

3. It is better to throw away strongly dried paint, which looks like a lump, immediately, since you will most likely not be able to get anything useful from it. You can proceed as in the method indicated above, only after the second time, not boiling water is added again, but water with alcohol. The quality of this reclaimed paint will be very poor.

How to work with acrylic paints correctly

The most important thing when working with acrylic dyes is the preparation process. The better and sufficiently diluted the paint, the better the result will be. Do not use very thick dye. There will be very noticeable marks from the roller or brush on the surface, especially after everything has dried.

Important!

Acrylic is a paint that requires careful dilution and equally thorough stirring. When diluting with a solvent, especially water, the recommended proportions must be strictly observed.

You cannot start your work without studying the instructions. If a film has formed on the surface of the contents of the jar, it must be completely removed. It is unacceptable to mix it with the rest of the paint, as this will significantly reduce the quality of the paint. If you plan to apply several layers, you need to pause between paintings to allow the paint to dry.

Acrylic paints, also known as water-dispersed or water-emulsion paints, are produced in a ready-to-use form. However, during storage they may thicken, or simply during operation it becomes necessary to use a more liquid consistency. Therefore, let’s figure out how to dilute acrylic paint.

Properties of acrylic paint

Paint on acrylic base consists of a liquid sticky substance that contains a certain dye - pigment. When dissolved, most of the paint is water, and the composition allows you to add it in any quantity. When the liquid adhesive dries, it becomes clear and can no longer absorb water. Moreover, it is no longer washed off with water.

Advantages of acrylic paint:

• Dries quickly
• After drying, it is not afraid of water
• Fits well on almost any surface
• Allows you to freely apply any number of layers
• Does not have a pungent odor

The properties of acrylic paint to dry quickly and apply to any surface allow it to be widely used in various fields. When the paint dries, it simply releases water without polluting the environment.

Since after drying the composition is not afraid of water (the drying process is irreversible), acrylic paint is often used not only for interior but also for exterior work.

However, do not think that water-emulsion paint is ideal option allowing you to get a good final result without spending much effort. To work with it, just like with other dyes, you need quality training surfaces. Before purchasing paint, you need to look at which surfaces this paint is suitable for.

Another characteristic of acrylic paint is that its base can be not only water-based. It may contain resins that are soluble in organic liquids. These dyes have an extended storage temperature range: from – 30 to +40? C, but at the same time they have a harmful effect on the human body. Water-based paints cannot be stored at negative temperatures. Once frozen they simply disintegrate.

How to dilute acrylic wall paint?

In addition to giving the paint the desired consistency, there are thinners that give the paint special properties, For example:

• Smooth glossy surface
• Matte surface
• More durable top layer

For these purposes, special formulations are used, produced separately for each brand by its manufacturer. It is advisable to adhere to exactly those compositions that are indicated in the instructions for use.

You should not experiment when choosing a thinner, since it is not always possible to guess the end result, which can emerge as an unexpected nuisance after a certain time.

How to dilute acrylic paint and how to change its color?

To give the paint the consistency necessary for work, it is necessary not to add paint to the thinner, but to add thinner to the paint in small portions, while continuously stirring the composition with a construction mixer.

There are special toners to change the color of paint. The range of colors that can be achieved with them is truly limitless. To obtain the desired shade, you will first have to mix the toner with a small amount of paint, adding the toner to the paint while mixing. Then, as in the case of diluting paint, add the resulting solution to the container with the main amount until the desired color is obtained.

Acrylic paints can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray gun, depending on the real conditions and opportunities. Don't forget that paints change color slightly as they dry. Based on this, before painting the entire required area should do trial work on a small surface. Upon completion of the work, it is advisable to keep a small amount of paint in a closed state for the purpose of possible restoration in the future of a previously painted surface.

Widely used in repair work, both indoors and outdoors.

These mixtures are easy to use, but the point is that they have a thick consistency and must be diluted.

Otherwise, the coating will be uneven or too saturated. How to dilute acrylic paints to the required thickness and how to do this?

Acrylic paints appeared half a century ago. Since then they have gained well-deserved popularity.

These products can be used to paint any surface: wood, metal, and even. Among the others coloring matter they have many advantages, among which are:

• An environmentally friendly substance, it is safe because it does not contain elements that poison the environment.
• They are easy to work with because they do not have a bad smell.
• They have a huge number of different color shades, which is not present in other types.
• The mixture dries quickly and you don't have to wait long to use the painted item.
• The surface after painting becomes smooth, it is easy to clean, and the paint does not wear off.
• Dust and dirt do not accumulate on it.
• The painted area “breathes” but does not allow moisture to pass through.
• The paint is of high quality and does not require renewal for 10 years.

The composition of the mixture is as follows:

• coloring pigment
• connecting elements

The role of the binding element is played by an acrylic-based polymer emulsion, hence the name of the mixture in question.

What to breed

Before using the composition for its intended purpose for some types of work, it must be diluted. This is necessary because the thick mass lies poorly and unevenly on the surface. When considering the question of how to dilute acrylic, two methods stand out. This dye can be diluted with water or solvent.

Water

It is already present in the paint, so it is an ideal thinner.

It must be remembered that once acrylic dries, it becomes water-repellent, so brushes and rollers should be washed immediately, without waiting for drying. Cool and clean liquid may be used. The dilution process requires the following proportions:

• 1:1 – the mixture is not too greasy and thick. It does not form lumps on the brush and the surface is smooth. Suitable for applying a base coat.
• 1:2 - the mixture turns out to be liquid and the painting tool is perfectly saturated. Apply thin layer easy and fast.
• 1:5 – a colored water solution is obtained. The applied layer is translucent. Typically, this proportion is used to apply paint to a structural surface. All irregularities are well soaked and painted over.
• 1:15 is a clear, barely colored liquid, used in decorative finishing for a smooth transition from tone to tone.

The choice of proportion for dilution should be based on the purpose and characteristics of subsequent work.

Special solvents

They are required to thin the paint if you want to achieve a glossy, matte or other look. Select a solvent based on the manufacturer.

Some of them speed up the drying time, which is important during repairs. The solvent looks like a simple transparent liquid with a special odor. They are distinguished by drying speed:

• Dries quickly - suitable for repairs in cool weather.
• Drying speed is average.
• Low speed – ideal for repairs in hot weather. The rate of moisture evaporation is reduced, and the painted surface does not crack.

Dilution is carried out in the same proportions as in the version with water.

Thinning dried paint

How and with what to dilute acrylic paints if they are dry - first of all, it is necessary to determine the reason for their drying:

• If it has been exposed to low temperatures, it is better to throw it away because crystallization has occurred and the mixture cannot be restored.
• If the shelf life has expired, then you can try, but it’s better to throw it away too.
• If this happened due to moisture evaporation, then it can be revived.

You can restore dried paint in the following way:

• Crumble the dry mixture as finely as possible.
• Add boiling water to it to warm the mass.
• Without allowing the water to cool, drain and add boiling water again.
• Mix the mixture thoroughly and you may be ready to use it.
• To achieve the desired thickness, this paint can be diluted in the usual way.

Acrylic dyes can be diluted with a regular solvent, or even with vodka. But it is better to use special solvents or water. There is nothing complicated here - you need to pour water in small portions, constantly stirring and checking the thickness. By following the advice, you can safely take on renovations and bring all your planned design solutions to life.

DIY solvent for acrylic paints - on video: