If you’ve wondered, can I use paint thinner for oil painting, the answer is yes.
Unsurprisingly, oil paint is preferred by many artists. Not only do oil-based paints have superior adhesion, durability, and gloss, but they usually leave a much smoother finish than other paint types.
However, sometimes using oil paint in large concentrations might not be ideal; it can be expensive as well as harmful if you’re exposed to it for prolonged periods of time (thanks, VOCs).
That’s where paint thinner comes in. It can get rid of oil paint from surfaces, brushes, or any other equipment in your studio. Or, if you simply need your paint to have a runnier consistency, paint thinner is your friend.
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Paint Thinner and Oil Paint
Can You Use Paint Thinner for Oil Painting?
Yes, paint thinner can thin paint that is oil-based. A paint thinner can be used with oil paints in order to give them a thinner consistency for easier painting. Paint thinners can also be used to clean painting equipment.
What You’ll Need To Use Paint Thinner for Oil Paint
Here’s a basic idea of what you need in order to successfully carry out oil paint thinning. Please note, the safety glasses, gloves, and respirator are not optional! Working with paint thinner can be extremely hazardous—more on that below. In the meantime, make sure you have some or all of these items:
- Paint thinner
- Oil-based primer and paint
- Mixing containers
- Sealable containers
- Paint stirrer
- Paintbrush/roller applicator
- Brush spinner
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Respirator
- Rags
- Paper towels
What Exactly Is Paint Thinner?
Paint thinner is exactly what it sounds like. As a solvent, paint thinner has the capacity to dissolve paint and reduce viscosity, with the additional benefit of shortening the paint drying process.
So, if you prefer to work with paint that has a runny consistency due to lower oil content or need fast drying, you’ll need to add paint thinner to the mix. Since oil paint is not water soluble, using water is not an option.
Paint thinner has a number of functional purposes as well
. For example, if you leave your oil paint out for a long time, it will harden, dry up and take on a thicker texture.
With thinner, you can solve this issue. Some paint thinners are also specially formulated for cleaning purposes. If you use brushes with oil-based paint, chances are you have a hard time cleaning them. We’ve included a guide below on how to clean your paintbrushes and applicators with the help of paint thinner.
Safety Warnings for Paint Thinner
Many amateur artists have had to learn the hard way to be cautious around paint thinners and other types of solvents (such as mineral/true turpentine, mineral spirits, naphtha, acetone, etc.). But what every artist working with oil paint needs to know is that solvents are toxic to any organic tissue, such as your lungs or skin. This is why, when using paint thinner, you must be careful not to inhale, ingest or absorb (through your skin) the substance.
As a toxic substance, paint thinner might cause you to experience nausea, headaches, lethargy, irritability, and even unconsciousness. This is why you must wear gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator when handling paint thinner.
Good ventilation is very important when it comes to working with paint thinner. When working with solvents indoors, you must make sure it’s in a well-ventilated room. Keep windows and doors wide open, and if you can, use a window fan to help you get rid of solvent fumes inside the room.
It doesn’t stop there—as a solvent, paint thinner can also be highly flammable. If there’s anything in your studio that can cause a spark or a flame, make sure to keep it at a safe distance from your paint thinner.
If possible, leave it outside your room entirely because fumes from solvents can stick around for quite a while, even after you’re done using them. Furthermore, you must make sure to never pour out thinner onto the ground or into drains, as this might pollute the water and/or soil.
Solvent containers should never be completely filled as solvents require space to expand. Close off the container as soon as the solvent reaches halfway.
And finally, always remember to store solvents (paint thinners or otherwise) in a well ventilated area. The build-up of fumes can be toxic and dangerous to inhale, which is why adequate ventilation is required.
How to Thin Oil Paint?
With all of that out of the way, let’s get into the process of thinning oil paint using thinner.
One – Choose Your Thinner
As you may already know, different thinners and solvents exist for different kinds of paint. It’s important to choose one that fits well with your project.
For example, if you mix a thinner that’s intended for use with latex paints, the quality of your artwork will suffer. So, it’s important to choose the best oil paint solvent for your needs. Remember, if your thinner is not to your liking, there are many other paint thinners available to you.
Two – Determine the Appropriate Amount of Thinner
When you buy a new solvent for thinning paint, always make it a point to check the container’s labels to determine the recommended paint-to-thinner ratio according to the manufacturer.
Usually, a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio is recommended for mixing thinner with oil based paints. But whatever you do, always ensure that the amount of paint is higher than the amount of thinner. Otherwise, your paint may become too much thin, and, once again, this will cause your artwork to suffer.
Add thinner gradually as you stir the paint. Then, mix thoroughly and for several minutes while keeping an eye on the paint’s consistency. Always make the thinner mixture in a separate mixing container; otherwise, you run the risk of ruining your entire container of paint.
Three – Test the Mixture
The final step is to double-check whether you’ve mixed proportionate amounts of paint and thinner. Do a test run: apply two coats of the mix to your work surface and see how the paint film forms.
Also, watch out for the drying time. Then, consider whether it’s according to your liking. The second and first layer of paint should be opaque; you shouldn’t be able to see the surface behind it or even previous layers. If you want a thicker consistency, you might have to do the process all over again.
Great job! You’re done.
How to Use Paint Thinner to Clean Brushes?
One of the functional benefits of most solvents is that they can be used to remove paint or in cleaning brushes and applicators (whether it’s after completing an artwork or a paint job). Nothing is more frustrating than trying to paint with a brush that has hardened due to dried oil based paint.
Below is our guide on using paint thinner (specially formulated for cleaning) to clear paint from a brush.
One – Prepare Three Containers
Any professional artist knows to use the three-container method when cleaning their paint applicators with paint thinner or other solvents. This not only reduces waste but keeps the environment safe.
Two – Start Cleaning
Once you’ve gathered your three separate containers, fill all of them partially with solvent. Dip your paintbrush into the first one and rinse it out. Next, blot the paintbrush on a paper towel, then use a spinner to spin it.
Three – Repeat
Repeat the above process with the two other containers.
Four – Separate the Thinner
Once you’re done cleaning your brushes, pour the used solvent into a sealable container. Let it sit for a few days to allow the paint to settle out.
Five – Do a Final Rinse
But this time with water (some people also like to use soapy water). Then, blot the equipment on some rags before hanging them to dry.
Six – Dispose and/or Store Paint Thinners Carefully
After a few days have passed, once you’re done cleaning your paintbrush and applicators, check that the thinner you’ve stored in the sealed container is now clear.
The particles of paint should have settled to the bottom. Once clear, the thinner should be poured out again into a new, clean, sealable container for future reuse as a clean solvent. Alternatively, you can dispose of the paint thinner entirely, but you must make sure to do it safely.
Final Words
We hope our paint thinner guide has helped you to thin oil paint effectively. Just remember to be extremely cautious and safe when handling paint thinners or any other solvent. Good luck!
