Car paint thinner is one of the most important and indispensable components in painting work. There are a lot of them and only certain ones are needed for the correct dilution of the paint. So, in order not to be mistaken, how to dilute paint, acrylic or any other, consider the main types of solvents and their use.

In principle, a diluent and a solvent are one substance. Both serve to bring the material to the required viscosity (paint, primer, liquid putty, base enamel, etc.)
The manufacturer always indicates which solvent is best used for painting a car. Each paint system has its own desired hardener and thinner. Be sure to look at the instructions on the back of the container before use. It will indicate what type of thinner to use, at what temperature and for what material.

It should be said right away which solvents should not be used in order to dilute acrylic paint - these are organic 646, 647, 650, etc. When thinning paint or varnish with them, difficulties in painting may arise. Use them only for washing or other tools. The price for them is not great for cleaning the very thing.

Types of solvents and thinners, which one to choose?

If you have a question, how to dilute acrylic paint? Then there is only one answer, use any branded acrylic solvent. Even if it is of a different company than the diluted paint, varnish, primer, etc. Just don't use the above! A branded acrylic solvent is an order of magnitude more expensive than conventional thinners, but it is recommended to use them for high-quality repairs.

If the branded acrylic is over or you want to save money, then you can use the domestic manufacturer of the thinner materials universal solvent P12. It has been successfully tested on almost all acrylic materials (varnishes, acrylic paint, primers, epoxies). There were no problems or defects. It can be safely considered as a universal solvent. P12 is “normal.

And so, the main criterion for choosing a thinner for diluting paint is the ambient temperature. It is necessary to determine the ambient temperature before painting and, as a result, choose the right one. Temperature affects the drying time of the material. In hot weather, the solvent evaporates faster and the paint does not have time to spread. Defects, coarse shagreen, dust appear. In cold weather, evaporation will be too slow, and more debris is possible and will be.

There are three groups of acrylic thinners:

1. Slow
2. Normal
3. Quick

Therefore, for high-quality work, always choose a material for a certain air temperature.
If it is cold, then use a "fast" thinner at a temperature of 5 to 15 degrees. At normal temperatures between 15 and 25, "normal" is used. And in hot weather from 25 degrees, a slow one is needed. All figures are approximate, for exact definition see the manufacturer's instructions. In the photo below, a series of thinners from Body 740 741 742.

It should be noted that there is no specially thinner for varnish or primer, acrylic. A universal acrylic thinner is used to dilute them. But for the base enamel there is a solvent for the base. Although many use the usual generic.

Transition solvents

In addition to the universal ones, there is also a solvent for the transition. They are not intended for thinning varnishes and enamels. Their purpose is to make an inconspicuous border of the transition between old and new paint or varnish. To do this, the solvent for the transition is applied from a paint sprayer or aerosol can on a dry "dust" in the transition zone of varnish or acrylic paint.

It is extremely important to note that the solvent for the transition over varnish or acrylic paint "acrylic" and for the transition over the base, it is also called "Binder" are completely different products. A paint binder is a kind of transparent base. It is used so that the metallic grain does not stick out like a "hedgehog" in the transition zone, but correctly "lays down", which will provide a high-quality invisible transition.

How to mix paints correctly.

For high-quality painting, the paint and varnish material must be of a certain viscosity, and in order to mix it correctly, there is a special tool:

Each has its own advantages and what to use is the choice of purely everyone. The measuring ruler is reusable, it will last a very long time, in contrast to the measuring cup. Measuring rulers double-sided (different mixing proportions on each side). Basically like this: 2: 1 and 4: 1 and the other option is 3: 1 and 5: 1.
How to use the measuring ruler and glass in the photo below, there is nothing complicated about it.
Before mixing paints, be sure to read the instructions on the package, in what ratio to dilute the material. Below I will tell you in what proportions to mix different paintwork.

Mixing acrylic paint "acrylic":

For Vika paint this is a 4: 1 ratio with hardener and 20% -30% thinner. And for Mobihel 2: 1 with hardener and 10% -20% thinner.

Base mixing:
Base paint is basically a 2: 1 mix. That is, the base itself and half of it is the solvent. Can also be mixed 1: 1.

Mixing varnishes:
With varnishes, it's almost the same story as with acrylics. The varnish is diluted 2: 1 with a hardener and thinner from 0% to 20%. Depending on which viscosity you need it.
All the above figures are approximate, they can change for specific needs and the type of work, and the application technique. In general, see the instructions before use and there will be no problems.

To accurately determine the viscosity of a paint, there is a special instrument called a viscometer. The work of the viscometer: the viscometer is immersed in paint, taken out and noted for how long it takes to empty. As soon as the spray begins to drip, the stopwatch is stopped.
114,393 Views

Car painting is a complex technological process that sets strict requirements for the quality of the materials used. diluted with a solvent and brought to the required consistency and viscosity. We will talk about how to properly dilute the paint in this article.
There are several ways to dilute the paint.

You will learn what types of paint are used to paint a car and how they are diluted. We will consider in detail solvents for car paints, their varieties and application technology.

Car paint

Upon completion of the preparation of the car body for painting (equalization of deformations, putty and grinding), microcracks that are indistinguishable to the naked eye remain on its surface. In order for the composition used for painting to fill microcracks, the painter is forced, thereby reducing its viscosity and density. Thanks to thinning, it also adheres better to the surface to be treated, covering it with a thin, even layer.

All types of car paints are made up of three basic components:

1. Pigment - a powdery substance that gives the composition the required color;
2. A bonding base that retains the pigment and ensures the adhesion of the material and the surface to be painted;
3. The solvent, due to which the original consistency is given to the composition.

Different types of paints differ in their physical properties - density, elasticity, degree of fullness and hardness after drying.

Based on the chemical composition of the binder base, materials are classified into three groups:

• Alkyd;
• Acrylic;
• Melamine-alkyd.

Alkyd compounds are made on the basis of alkyd resin - an oily synthetic substance. It is a one-component material that needs to be opened with a layer of varnish after application. All alkyd materials dry at standard atmospheric temperatures.

The advantages of alkyd compounds include:

• Low price;
• Fast drying;
• Durability and color retention when exposed to sunlight.

Melamine-alkyd enamels are the most commonly used spray gun paint for professional painting of cars in special boxes. Its polymerization occurs at an elevated temperature (120-130 degrees),

The color number of the factory paint of the car can be found in the documents for it.

The advantages of melamine alkyd are a wide color palette (compositions with the effect of mother-of-pearl, metallic, matte enamels) and the quality of the final coating. Disadvantages - material consumption (application in 3 layers is required) and the impossibility of using in garage conditions.

Alkyd enamels are three-component compounds that, after drying (at room temperature), form a glossy surface that does not require additional opening with varnish. Such compositions are applied in 2-3 layers, while they dry out faster than other materials.

How to dilute paint for a spray gun

Car paint thinner is added by the manufacturer to the original composition so that the material does not dry out during storage. Before painting the car, you need to dilute the paint yourself, giving it the required viscosity.

When choosing how to dilute car paint, take into account the temperature regime at which the material will polymerize (the painted surface dries after the solvent contained in the composition evaporates from it).

According to this parameter, paint solvents are classified into:

• Fast, used when painting in low temperature conditions;
• Slow - they dilute enamels that dry at elevated temperatures (such compositions provide uniform polymerization and, as a result, better coating quality);
• Universal - for paints that dry at room temperature.

Factory enamel contains a solvent in its composition, and the proportions in which you need to dilute the material, adjusting the viscosity of the paint, depends on its initial concentration. Based on the initial ratio of components, materials are divided into:

• LS - low filled;
• MS - medium filled;
• HS, UHS, VHS - highly filled.

Depending on the initial content of the composition, the percentage of the enamel volume indicated by the manufacturer and the volume of the enamel added to it when diluting the solvent will differ.

The solvent used in the preparation of the composition for car paint must correspond to the type of solvent added by the manufacturer to the material initially (information about it is indicated on the package).

Before self-painting, consult a specialist

There are polar and non-polar solvents that differ in chemical composition:

• Polar solvents are composed of hydroxyl molecules - alcohols and ketones;
• Non-polar - from liquid hydrocarbons (these include White Spirit and kerosene).

A paint with a polar composition will reject the added non-polar solvent, and vice versa. Water-based and acrylic materials, as a rule, are mixed by the manufacturer on non-polar solvents, alkyd and melamine-alkyd ones - on non-polar ones. A xylene-based solvent is universal and interacts with all formulations.

To avoid problems with incompatibility of components, we recommend purchasing materials from the same factory batch or using the solvents recommended by the manufacturer, indicated on the instructions for the composition.

Consider the most common types of solvents and their scope:

1. No. 646 (polar) - an extremely aggressive agent used for cleaning spray guns after painting; it is not used for thinning paint (except for acrylic compounds);
2. No. 647 (polar) - used for diluting nitro paints and nitro varnishes;
3. No. 650 (polar) - applicable for most paints and varnishes, universal;
4. P-4 (polar) - used for alkyd enamels.
5. White spirit (non-polar) - dilutes alkyd and oil enamels.

It is convenient to use a spray gun to apply paint

The prepared paint is poured into a viscometer, after which the time it takes for the composition to flow out through its holes is calculated. The seconds obtained are the measured value for the viscosity of the paint.

When painting cars, DIN4 viscometers are used, with a hole diameter of 4 mm. (there are products with a diameter of 2.6 and 8 mm). The viscosity test is carried out at a temperature of 20 degrees.

The standard viscosity for different types of paints is different:

• Acrylic compounds - 19-20 sec;
• Melamine alkyd and alkyd enamels - 15-17 sec;
• Primers - 20-21 sec;
• Oil formulations - 20-22 sec.

It is necessary to dilute car paint to a viscosity of 18-20 seconds. If the measurements show an increased viscosity, you will need to dilute the varnish or paint with an additional portion of the solvent, and vice versa.

To prepare the composition, measuring containers and special rulers are used, on the surface of which the divisions of the proportions of the components are applied (4: 1, 2: 1, etc.).

When diluting one-component compositions (alkyd and melamine-alkyd enamels, 1K primers), only a solvent is added to the material, but if you are working with a two-component composition (2K primer, acrylic enamels), a hardener is initially added to the paint (according to the proportion indicated in the instructions) and only then the mixture the required viscosity is imparted by the solvent.

During the mixing process, dust and mechanical particles can get into the composition, which can clog the nozzle of the spray gun, or, if it is not equipped with a built-in filter, end up on the painted surface. Before pouring the material into the working container of the spray gun, filter or pour the paint through a nylon stocking that covers the neck of the spray gun container.

How much paint is needed for painting a car

The amount of material used when painting a car is influenced by the following factors:

• Dimensions of the painted surface of the body;
• Number of coating layers;
• Material color (to obtain the depth of some shades, it is required to apply more than 3 standard layers);
• The viscosity of the composition;
• Matching the color of the primer and base coat;
• Design features of the spray gun used for painting.

Average calculations show that it takes 150-200 ml to paint one door or wing. enamels, for one bumper - 200-250 ml., hood - 500 - 600 ml. If we talk about the cost in terms of area, then 250-300 ml are needed for 1 m2 of surface. paints.

VIEW VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Consumption also depends on the covering ability of the material: for acrylic compounds it is high, for painting the body of a mid-size sedan it takes 2-2.5 liters, for alkyd and melamine alkyd enamels it will take less - about 3 liters. enamels.

The above volumes are given without solvent - after thinning the paint, the working volume of the material increases.

The woman begins to change with her hair. The beautiful shade of the painted hair must be constantly maintained, because the pigment burns out, the roots grow back. For this purpose, there is a huge selection of cosmetics. But the color scheme needs not only to be chosen correctly in tone, but also to be prepared. Each package contains 2 tubes - a pigment and an oxidizing agent for hair dye. What is oxide, how to choose it correctly.

What is an oxidizing agent in any hair dye for?

An oxidizing agent is an important component of any product. It is this component that allows the color scheme to acquire the necessary pigment. After mixing with it a colorless composition, a shade begins to appear.

Any oxide contains hydrogen peroxide. The active substance is contained in different percentages, but not more than 12%. This information is indicated by the manufacturers on the tube with the substance. It is H2O2 that allows the hair to become colored.

Penetrating into the deep layers of the rods, hydrogen peroxide splits the original color, which is easily washed out. With the help of a pigment base, a new tone is fixed on the curls.

Expert opinion

Catherine the Great

Dermatovenereologist, trichologist and cosmetologist

In some colors, ammonia may be present as an addition. Such agents are considered to be very persistent, but they harm the structures of the rods. Ammonia has a detrimental effect on the curls, damages their stratum corneum.

Hydrogen peroxide is a catalyst for dyeing strands. Without this component, not a single blonde would become a brunette, girls would not amaze with bright and daring shades, and women of age would not be able to hide their gray hair.

How to choose an oxidizing agent

It is advisable to acquire oxide for coloring based on characteristics indicating the content of hydrogen peroxide. The minimum perhydrol content in the developer is 1.2%, the maximum is 12%. Color fastness as a result of staining directly depends on this indicator.

All oxides fall into several categories:

1. Low percent formulations containing H2O2 in the developer up to 3%. It is better to choose this option for owners of hair with light shades - blondes. They give a slight toning effect. The harm to the hair is minimal.
2. Oxidants with 3% hydrogen peroxide content. Such compositions do not pose a danger to curls. With the help of such means, a radical change in shade will not work - the maximum effect is lightening or darkening of the strands by only 1 tone. Paint with such a developer will not hide gray hair.
3. Oxide 6%. The product is intended for coloring in 2 tones. Often this is the kind of developer that can be found in the kit in packs with red colors. It is used to paint over a small amount of gray hair.
4. Developer 9%. It changes the previous shade by 3 tones. The product is suitable for rods with a rigid structure and completely colors gray curls.
5. Oxidant 12% is an aggressive developer. This composition is able to change the color of curls by 4 tones. Such a tool easily turns dark-haired girls, even with tight curls, into blondes. But a large percentage of hydrogen peroxide adversely affects the hair, thinning and drying out the rods. Therefore, frequent use of such an oxidizing agent is not recommended.

The proportions of paint and oxidizer

When buying a color scheme for home use, the manufacturer must indicate the proportions in which the oxidizing agent and the pigment must be mixed. Usually it is necessary to dilute the paint with the developer in a ratio of 1 to 1. It is enough to squeeze it into a container and pour in the oxide.

If the substance and the oxidizing agent are purchased separately, then in this case they must be mixed strictly according to the instructions attached to the staining process or described on the developer bottle.

Expert opinion

Marina Selyutina

ChudoMed Medical Center, 23 years of experience

The manual should tell you what shade you get when using a certain amount of oxide.

We dilute the paint correctly

The instructions clearly state the product dilution scheme. For these purposes, you will need a container made of plastic, glass or ceramic, but not metal. As well as a spatula made of silicone or plastic.

1. An oxidizing agent is poured into a bowl, then a color scheme.
2. The components interact almost immediately, so you need to mix them thoroughly and quickly. The mass must be of a homogeneous structure.
3. The substance is applied to the roots and distributed over the entire surface of the hair.
4. When painting, the composition is periodically mixed. Otherwise, the wrong shade may appear on the hair.

"Fatal" mistakes

Sometimes the staining result is not as expected. This happens for one reason - the ratio of paint and oxidizer is incorrectly calculated. Ignoring instructions with directions can have different consequences, depending on what mistake is made.

1. Small amount of developer. In this case, the color scheme may take on unevenly or the hair is not pigmented at all.
2. More oxidant than required. In this situation, in addition to uneven coloring, there is a risk of damaging the curls. An excessive amount of hydrogen peroxide, which is part of its composition, dries out the hair, makes it brittle, faded. It is difficult to restore the previous health of the hairstyle after such "stress".
3. Application of color and developer from different companies. The key to successful staining is the use of components from one manufacturer. A different brand of oxidant may contain more or less H2O2 than is required to obtain a particular shade. The ratio of the components in this case must be calculated independently. If the oxidizer and paint are produced by the same company, then they can be used at any percentage of perhydrol in the developer.
4. The exposure time is increased or decreased. On the packaging or in the instructions, the manufacturer must indicate the time interval required for high-quality hair dyeing. Neglecting the recommendation can lead to damage to the rods if the mixture is overexposed, and if washed ahead of time - to uneven staining of the strands.

Review of popular oxidants

All oxidizing agents for paint, regardless of manufacturer or price, contain the same main component - hydrogen peroxide. It also includes:

• water;
• thickeners;
• stabilizers;
• emulsifiers (softeners);
• foaming agents.

Some manufacturers add components of natural origin to oxygenates: vitamins, plant extracts and extracts. This allows the product to have a caring effect on the hair.

See also: mixing proportions of powder and oxygen for bleaching hair (video)

Popular oxidants:

1. Professional color developer with Estel De Luxe brand. It is the standard paint pigmentation agent. There are no additional ingredients in it. An oxidizing agent with a hydrogen peroxide content of 3% to 12% is available in vials of different volumes (maximum 1000 ml). Product price from 65 rubles. for a bottle with a capacity of 60 ml up to 500 rubles. for 1 liter.
2. Professional activator from Kapous. This product, in addition to the typical components, contains ginseng extract and rice protein, which contributes to a gentle effect on curls and reduces damage to them. The oxidizer is packaged in bottles with different capacities - from 150 to 1000 ml. The content of H2O2 in oxygen is from 1.5% to 12%. The minimum price for a small bottle in online stores is 70 rubles. Liter containers of this brand are sold for 300-350 rubles.
3. Oxidizing agent with the Londa Professional brand. In addition to the standard components, etidronic, phosphoric and salicylic acids have been added to it. The consistency of the developer is creamy, mixes well with the pigmenting agent, without lumps. Gets gently on the hair and evenly dyes the strands. As with other manufacturers, 3, 6, 9 and 12 percent oxygenates can be found. Price per liter - 550-600 rubles. Smaller volume bottles (150 ml) are commercially available for single use.
4. Loreal Recital Preference line. It is intended for home use. An additional component of the developer is glycerin. The paint is easily diluted with an oxidizing agent and a pigmenting agent. After staining, the curls do not lose their softness, they become smooth. You can find a developer with a minimum (3%, 6%) peroxide content, and with a maximum (9%, 12%). The cost of a 1000 ml bottle is from 900 rubles. In specialized cosmetic stores, the product is sold by bottling in small containers for single use.
5. Developers "Matrix". They are considered to be among the best among the competing products. These products can only be found in professional stores. When combined with the dye of the same brand, the hair after dyeing looks natural and well-groomed. For the procedure, you can choose an oxygenate with any active substance content (hydrogen peroxide) from 3 to 12%. The disadvantages of the product include the high price - the cost of a liter bottle is from 600 rubles.
6. Wella Professional. Another manufacturer trusted by professional stylists and many women. The oxidizing agent contains active polymeric compounds that have a beneficial effect on the structure of the curls. The developer mixes well with the color scheme and lays down evenly, ensuring full coverage. On sale there are emulsions for paints with a hydrogen peroxide content of 1.9 and 4%, as well as oxidizing agents 6%, 9% and 12%. The cost of a liter bottle is from 800 rubles. The product is sold in small portions for one application (60 ml each), the price is from 100 rubles.

Separately or together

Some women do not see the need to buy separately color and developer. Indeed, a wide variety of ready-made kits is presented on the shelves of cosmetic stores and supermarkets. They are easier and more familiar to use than professional products. And the characteristics, at first glance, are the same. However, it is not.

Standard sets are designed for all types of hair, without taking into account the individual characteristics of a particular woman's hair. Often, the result of staining from a store color scheme is not happy - the shade differs from the one declared by the manufacturer. Sometimes the color lays down unevenly, there are unpigmented areas. This is because the developer from the kit has a standard percentage of perhydrol.

With professional paint, the risks are minimal.

Advantages:

1. Profitability. The standard package is for one application for medium length hair. A tube of color and a bottle of developer can be enough for 2-3 uses, depending on the length of the curls.
2. Independent ability to select the durability and intensity of the shade. By varying the percentage of hydrogen peroxide, you can achieve the required performance.
3. 100% match color. The exact proportions of the active substance (peroxide) to obtain the required color are detailed on the butyl.

Carrying out painting work involves not only the preparation of paint and varnish, but also the preparation of the correct composition for this procedure.

The result as a whole depends on the physical properties of the painting material.

If the work will be carried out using a spray gun, then the composition must be liquid, so it will be possible to avoid smudges. But holding brushes in your hands, you should use a viscous paint.

As a rule, all manufacturers indicate how their product should be diluted, but sometimes the instruction can be an excellent promotional event that promotes a related product of the same brand, and it may not be cheap.

To minimize costs, to obtain high-quality components for painting a machine, you should know the criteria for choosing a paint, solvent, their interaction conditions and much more.

When carrying out high-quality grinding work of the body, some cracks still remain on it. To fill in any micro cracks, apply a lighter paint.

Otherwise, the appearance of small deformations on the surface of the car, which is painted, is possible.

It is also not worth diluting the paint too much, because this is fraught with the appearance of shagreen, while the surface will dry for a long time and worse, and who knows what may occur during this time.

This result directly depends on the paint, but varnish plays an equally important role as a result, it is responsible for the gloss and strength of the coating that was previously applied.

But all the same, the solvent is added to the paint so that it falls more easily on the surface, the question remains only in proportion, which depends on all the conditions where the painting is carried out, accounting for technologies, volumes and many other points.

Other physical damage depends on the quality of the applied coating.

Solvents are subdivided depending on the temperature and time for which the paint will dry, but the first step is to decide on the paint, how to choose it?

Choosing a paint for painting a car

Depending on the concentration of the components, all enamels are subdivided into: high-filled, filled to the middle, low-filled.

In the first case, such paint is marked with the abbreviation VHS, but low-filled ones are recorded as LS.

"Fullness" is a property that is responsible for the viscosity and volatility of a material. Knowing this criterion, you can determine how much solvent and other components are added to the paint so that it does not dry out.

Before applying paint, you should always read the instructions for it.

How much paint does it take to completely decorate a car with it? This question is of interest not only to beginners in this business, but also to more experienced motorists who have already encountered this issue.

The solution to this issue must be approached individually. The amount of paint used is also affected by the previously selected solvent.

They also happen polar and non-polar... To avoid possible compatibility problems, many experts recommend using the product of one manufacturer, because this is the only way to avoid all kinds of defects.

A paint made of polar components is mixed with the same solvent where there are substances of the hydroxyl group - ketones, alcohols, etc. non-polar substances include other substances, for example, white spirit, kerosene.

Trying to make a replacement is strictly prohibited. In order to change the viscosity of the consistency, you can use a special viscometer device.

Such a device will not cost as much as you think, but its role is irreplaceable. The holes of this container are calibrated.

When working, you can use viscometers of different volumes and diameters. How many seconds the material will flow out of this device, such are the indicators of its viscosity.

To obtain the most accurate data, all work with the device must take place in a certain temperature regime.

To correctly determine the type of composition, you should understand what kind of solvent is fixed in the instructions for the paint.

For example, if the composition contains acetone, then it contacts only with polar compounds. Many people consider xylene and benzene to be universal solvents; they are not so attached to the constituent components of the paint.

Paints and varnishes have their own numbers, which allows you not to get confused in the options presented:

• No. 646 is a very aggressive solvent that dilutes the paint and can make real changes to its composition.
• No. 647 - also a very aggressive composition, dilutes nitroenamel and nitro-varnish, requires increased safety;
• No. 650 - softer action, used with many paints and varnishes;
• R-4 - for paint containing chlorinated polymers.

How to thin the paint for a spray gun

The speed of spreading and drying of the paint depends on the external temperature. To protect and avoid a bad result, manufacturers try to play it safe and recommend each thinner to be used at a certain temperature.

Car enamels are provided in liquid form, and when you open it, this does not mean that it is ready for application, you need to know the proportions that will allow the paint to lay easily and evenly on the metal surface.

When adding a solvent, take into account the composition of the paint, because it may already contain a certain amount of it.

It is not necessary to engage in self-measurement and add a solvent to the eye.

Therefore, a solvent is ideal for painting a car, which:

1. It is used at low temperatures, the paint dries quickly, so drips do not even have time to appear.
2. If the ambient temperature is within 25C, attention should be paid to a solvent with an average evaporation rate.
3. If the temperature is above 25C, then a solvent with slow evaporation properties is suitable. When the paint starts to spread over the surface, the car owner will receive durable body protection.

If your chosen color is "mother of pearl" or "metallic", then there is nothing better than a slow solvent.

This is the only way to achieve a uniform color and the absence of other defects.

The paint is ready and all that remains is to filter it, the most common way is to use an ordinary nylon stocking for this, only after this procedure can the surface be painted.

How much paint is needed to paint a car

Painting involves a certain amount of use of materials, consumption depends on a number of reasons:

1. What surface is covered, its dimensions;
2. Due to the paint brand, the coating spreads differently.
3. Sometimes the paint needs to be applied several times to achieve the desired color.
4. It is important to know which primer was used, its color and qualities.
5. The spray gun and its most important properties are important when painting the body.

Correctly diluted paint is not so consumed, which allows you to save money and achieve high-quality painting.

A viscometer will be no less useful instruments in work, but if it is not at hand, it is enough to use a regular ruler.

Only experienced craftsmen can dilute paint with a solvent by eye, but for beginners, this instruction is needed.

Two-component enamel assumes the following proportion: 100 ml of hardener plus 500 ml of solvent is mixed with a liter of paint.

In order not to get confused with the proportion, it is best to use a measuring ruler or even a glass. An equally important task is to achieve the required viscosity.

If there is no device at hand for measuring this indicator - a viscometer, then you can use the folk method: if the paint does not pour, but drips, then everything is normal with the viscosity.

The fluidity of the paint is an important factor when using a spray gun, in this case a liquid composition is required for a device with a small diameter of nozzles, but if the work is carried out with a roller, then the density is important here.

Before you start painting, it is best to test the diluted substance on a coating that you do not mind using.

To make sure that the diluted material is correct, you do not need a lot of substance, you need to wield a brush or a device a couple of times.

Do not forget that fluidity directly depends on temperature, it turns out that the warmer, the greater the viscosity.

It is not worth keeping the paint in the container for a long time, over time it will harden, therefore, for full-fledged work, it may be necessary to dilute a new proportion of the solution.

The overall paint success, expressed in the uniformity of the applied layer, largely depends on the consistency of the sprayed paint and varnish material. It is the viscosity of the mixture that will affect the operation of the spray gun and the appearance of the coating created by it. In order to prevent defects or problems in working with the tool, we have created a detailed and as brief educational program as possible, where the most important nuances of choosing and preparing paint for spraying were explained in popular language.

Why dilute paint

As you know, the diameters of spray gun nozzles can vary significantly and vary within the range: from 0.1 to 4 mm. And we still do not take into account the cartouche pistols, which are also included in this group of tools. Having reasoned logically, it becomes clear that an airbrush with a 0.1 mm nozzle will obviously not be able to actively spit out thick enamel, but will require a mixture of the most liquid consistency. Moreover, if such a “colored water” is poured into the spray gun tank with a nozzle of 4 mm, then during operation it will break it into very large drops, which will begin to form smudges on the surface. Based on this, before figuring out how to dilute paint for a spray gun at home, you should clearly determine what diameter nozzle is installed on your tool.

Now, briefly on the points that paint thinning before spraying gives us:

1. The uniformity of the coating depends on the size of the particles into which the paint is broken when flying out of the nozzle. At optimum viscosity, the coating will be as uniform as possible.
2. If the composition has too high a viscosity index for a single spray gun, then the spray will be uneven. Too thick composition, it can completely clog the nozzle, stopping the operation of the tool.
3. A mixture of liquid consistency, will create permanent smudges when sprayed from a large diameter nozzle. At the same time, paint with a low viscosity is applied in a very thin layer, which is not suitable for most household needs or car painting. To obtain a decent quality paint, such material will have to be sprayed in several layers.
4. Correct preparation of paint for a spray gun gives maximum efficiency, expressed not only in the quality of work, but also in the productivity of the tool. If the spray gun has the right nozzle for the viscosity, but is not powerful enough to spray a thick formulation, slight dilution can significantly relieve the tool. This point should be approached reasonably, and breeding should be done as carefully as possible.

Varieties of paints

The principle of operation of the spray gun allows it to spray absolutely any fluid materials. Today, there are dozens of paint manufacturers on the market with thousands of various mix options. It is impractical to disassemble each product separately, but we will tell you about 5 main groups from which all possible derivatives come.

Alkyd enamels... They are created on the basis of varnish mixed with various solvents, fillers and color pigments. It is widely used for coating wood, metal and even concrete. White spirit is often used as a thinner for alkyd enamel.

Acrylic paints... They are based on polymers of esters. Most often used in painting. As a material in finishing works, it can be applied to wood, metal and plaster. Diluted with plain or distilled water at room temperature.

Water-based paints... Like acrylics, they are made on the basis of polymers mixed with water and coloring pigments. They are incredibly popular in construction and finishing works as the cheapest and most practical material. All water-dispersed paints can be thinned with plain, clean water.

Oil paints... They are a combination of inorganic dyes with fillers mixed in drying oils or vegetable oils. They are highly toxic, but very bright in color. For example: excellent paint for metal for a spray gun, it contains red lead. Oil paints are widely used in industries when working with metal or plastic. Diluted with white spirit, foam, turpentine and other solvents.

Nitroenamels... They are made on the basis of nitrocellulose varnish mixed with inorganic pigments. It is widely used when working with metal, often in painting car bodies. When choosing a spray gun for paint on metal, from which nitro enamel will be sprayed, it is imperative to consider tools only with a metal body. This type of paint can be diluted with white spirit, thinner 646 or a special composition recommended by the manufacturer.

All of the above paint for a spray gun has certain indicators of combination with one or another surface material. Let's highlight some benchmark for the most common areas of application.

• Concrete, putty, plaster: water-based, acrylic, oil paints.
• Wood: alkyd, acrylic and water-based.
• Metal: nitro enamels, oil paints and alkyd enamels.
• Glass: acrylic and oil.

Determination of viscosity

The consistency of a substance can be very approximate, especially when it is determined "by eye", without the use of special equipment, and even more so, experience. Of course, you can always refer to the fluidity of certain common liquids (oil, kefir, shampoo), but exact indicators can never be achieved using the same method. Namely, the basis for uninterrupted quality of work is the ability to establish the exact viscosity of the paint for the spray gun. Determination of paint viscosity is carried out by a simple device - a viscometer, and the data obtained are calculated in DIN units or seconds (in domestic models).

The device of the viscometer is extremely simple and consists of a 100 ml container with an opening of 4, 6 or 8 mm and a holder that can be removed. Budget models are made of plastic, while more professional ones are made of polished metal. How to use a viscometer to measure paint viscosity, we will tell you step by step:

1. We collect the full container with paint, having previously plugged the lower hole of the device with our finger.
2. We take the stopwatch and start it, simultaneously removing the finger, thereby opening the way for the mixture to flow out.
3. When the container is completely empty (drops do not count), stop the stopwatch and write / remember the time.
4. We check the obtained data with the table that comes with the viscometer, and determine the viscosity of our paint in DIN.

Average values ​​with a hole of 4 mm:

• Alkyd enamels and nitro enamels - 15-22 sec.
• Acrylic paints - 14-20 sec.
• Water-based paints - 18-26 sec.
• Oil paints - 15-22 sec.
• Water - 13 sec.

It is important to note that the measurement should be carried out at a temperature of 20-22 ° C. In the cold, the paint thickens, but in the warmth, on the contrary, it becomes more liquid.

An illustrative process of handling the viscometer, with comments, is demonstrated in the video below.

How to dilute

The homogeneity of the ready-to-use mixture largely depends on the component used in the dilution. Before diluting paint for a spray gun, you should familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's recommendations on the packaging, since each paint and varnish material has its own unique composition. Unfortunately, there is no universal means for diluting paint, and although we know such famous solvents as 646 or white spirit, they are far from suitable for all paint and varnish mixtures. For example, acrylic-urethane paint is best diluted with P-12 solvent, and if you use the previously indicated means, you can burn the coloring pigment.

You can use universal solvents only if you do not know the name of the paint and pour it from an unnamed canister. Or, if the quality requirements are as low as possible. In other cases, you should adhere to the recommendations on the packaging of a specific mixture or on the manufacturer's official website.

When choosing a solvent / thinner, it is necessary to take into account the temperature of the room in which the painting will be carried out, or the weather, if you will paint outside. According to temperature conditions, solvents can be divided into 3 groups:

• Slow. Used for painting at temperatures above 25 ° C.
• Normal. In the range 18-25 ° C.
• Fast. When the value of the mercury column is between 10 and 18 ° C.

Glossy paints such as mother-of-pearl or metallic are diluted only with slow solvents. Otherwise, bumps, streaky and cloudy effects will form on the dry surface.

How to thin the paint

The most critical step in the entire guide above. Requires increased accuracy, accuracy, and most importantly, regularity. For most varnishes and enamels, the percentage of thinner poured in is 5-30% of the total volume, and for water-based paints, it can even reach 50%. Therefore, in order to understand how to dilute paint for a spray gun correctly, it is necessary to determine its initial viscosity using the aforementioned viscometer. If the consistency is too thick, lower it by pouring in small portions of thinner, stirring thoroughly and re-measuring until the viscosity is optimal.

You can focus not only on the viscometer data, but also on the composition filling (concentration) indicated on the package. Paint and varnish mixtures are low-filled, medium-filled and highly-filled. Low-fill paints usually need 5% ± 3%. Highly filled can be divorced up to 30%. Medium-filled formulations are bred within the limits, between the two previous ones.

As a designation of concentration, some manufacturers indicate the following marking on containers (values ​​are indicated in increasing order: from liquid to viscous): Having determined the viscosity, you can start the mixing process. It is better to do this in a cylindrical container with smooth walls (like a regular paint can). As a stirrer, you can use a regular polished stick without burrs, or a metal ruler, with which it is also recommended to smooth the edges. For mixing larger batches, you can use a drill with a special nozzle in the form of a cross.

You can see more clearly how to thin the paint for the puller in the video below.

What to do if the mixture is too runny

If your solution has lost its viscosity as a result of excessive dilution, there are only two ways to return it to its former consistency.

1. Add to it exactly the same, but thicker paint. If we are talking about oil, alkyd or nitro enamels, you can try adding alkyd varnish to the solution, or another binding mixture used in the production of your paint.
2. Let stand for several hours or days, stirring occasionally. Since the solvent tends to evaporate, a certain part of it will come out. It is advisable to increase the evaporation area and install the container in a constantly ventilated place.

Of the extreme options that will clearly affect the quality of the material, you can try to cool the paint in the refrigerator. If the color is white, you can try adding a filler (plaster, chalk, talc).

Even if your paint is too thin, the pulverizer will be able to spray it, and even pretty good if you install a nozzle with a smaller diameter. Therefore, do not get too desperate and resort to extreme measures.

Save this page in your social. network and return to it at a convenient time.