How to Thin Enamel Paint For Spray Gun – Detailed Guide

Do you want to know how to thin enamel paint for a spray gun? Are you looking forward to understanding what the thinning process is? How does a spray gun work with thin enamel paint? Is it necessary to thin enamel paint for the spray gun before using it? Let us discuss these questions below.

Enamel paint exists in different colors and brands. It gives a glossy glass-like uniform finish to all materials like metal, glass, ceramic, wood, etc. Enamel paint for the spray gun is easy to use. Paint can be oil-based and water-based. Enamel paint is oil-based paint, while latex paint is water-based paint.

Enamel paint is thick and dense in nature because it is oil-based paint. So, the user can not use it directly, specifically for a spray gun. When thick enamel paint pours directly into the spray gun, it can destroy its function. Different thinners are used to thin enamel paint for the spray gun.

How to Thin Enamel Paint For Spray Gun – Getting Started

Importance Of Thinning Enamel Paint For Spray Gun

As I mentioned above, enamel paint is a thick paint. Users can not apply it directly. Direct application by a spray gun may cause a messy appearance on the surface plus can also damage the function of the spray gun. To avoid a messy, untidy, damaged look of the surface and spray gun, users should know how to reduce thickness and viscosity and thin enamel paint.

Thinning process is simple but tricky at the same time. Some instructions are given in a few brands of enamel paints, by following them accurately, the user can get the required result. But if there is no instruction given on the paint jar, then the user should know the exact proportion of mixing thinner with enamel paint for the spray gun.

Let us discuss some types of thinner used in enamel paint for the spray guns.

Types Of Thinner

• Acetone is the only solvent that is strong enough to dissolve dried paint.
• Glycol ethers are used in water-based acrylic architectural paints to extend dry time.
• Methyl ethyl ketone is used in printing industries for manufacturing paraffin wax.
• Mineral spirits (white spirit) is a clean, clear product for thinning oil-based paint.
• Naphtha is an excellent thinner for oil-based paint and great for cleanup after painting.
• Toluene is commonly used for paints and coatings. It can be too strong for many conventional coatings.
• Turpentine is the oil-based paint used in coating, bonding, and penetrating all types of wooden surfaces.
• Xylene can be used to thin specified oil-based paint and is an excellent solvent for cleaning tools and equipment immediately after use.

Process Of Mixing Thinner With Enamel Paint

Different types of thinner are available for the spray gun. Spirit mineral is the best option to thin enamel paint for the spray gun. Spirit mineral or white spirit is also known as mineral turpentine. Put enamel paint in a jar and then add mineral spirit to it. Mix enamel paint with mineral spirit in a ratio of three parts of paint and one part of mineral spirit, i.e., 3:1. Mix them well. There should be no lumps or dry paint left over after mixing. It’s ready to use. But before using and even making it, users should keep safety measures in mind.

Concluding Guide to Thin Enamel Paint For Spray Gun

I learned that using thin enamel paint for spray guns is just a game of the proper ratio of thinner and enamel paint. The user should know the exact ratio. Too much thinning or less thinning can ruin the appearance of any material. For mixing, follow the instruction given and beware of the balance as well, which is 3:1