11 best solvents for oil painting and how to dilute it yourself
Oil paints are often used in painting. They are also used to decorate the premises. These substances can vary greatly in consistency. Some manufacturers release their products in finished form, while others offer consumers products that are too thick. Therefore, the question of how to dilute oil paint is considered very relevant. For this, it is permissible to use various means.
Why You Need to Thin Oil Paint
There are oil dyes in stores that differ in purpose and texture. Thicker products have more vivid colors. It is allowed to apply them in 1 layer. In addition, they retain their shade and texture for a long time. However, sometimes the paint needs to be dissolved. This is usually done in such cases:
- the composition remained open for a very long time and acquired a solid consistency;
- the work is intended to be carried out using a spray gun;
- it is necessary to paint a wooden product;
- a base coat is required.
Best Solvents
There are many substances that can be used to dissolve oilraiders.
Turpentine
This substance is often used to dilute oil paints. To do this, use the following composition types:
- Woody - made from bark and twigs which contain a lot of resin. Initially, a dark solution is obtained, but after processing it becomes transparent.
- Turpentine - obtained by distilling the resin of conifers. In fact, it is an essential oil. This substance has many positive properties. Therefore, it is used not only as a solvent.
The benefits of turpentine are:
- natural composition;
- reduction in paint drying time;
- a variety of fund types.
In addition, the substance has disadvantages:
- specific smell;
- the need to work in a well ventilated area.
white spirit
It is quite a popular product that is easy to use. It does not evaporate too quickly, which makes it possible to carry out the coloring slowly.
The advantages of the composition are as follows:
- ease of use;
- slow evaporation;
- no effect on the tint of the composition;
- reduce dye consumption;
- affordable price.
In this case, the tool also has disadvantages:
- the presence of a specific smell in certain substances;
- the need for strict adherence to technology.
Special Thinner 647
This tool is very popular and is often used to dilute oil dyes. Its advantages are:
- the ability to bring the dye to a soil solution;
- use as a degreaser;
- affordable price.
At the same time, the substance also has many disadvantages:
- unpleasant smell;
- highly flammable;
- improve the absorption of paints by the coating;
- the need for careful kneading when combined with a dye.
Gasoline and kerosene
These funds are used exclusively in extreme situations, if there are no other types of solvents.
These substances are considered highly volatile. They also evaporate easily at room temperature.
The advantages of the formulations are:
- the possibility of using old thick dyes - it is better to use kerosene for this;
- the ability to achieve a matte finish - this effect is provided by gasoline.
In addition, the substances have many disadvantages:
- toxic effects on the human body - vapors of substances cause poisoning, which is accompanied by headaches, dizziness, nausea and other manifestations;
- flammability;
- risk of explosion.
Drying oil
This oil dye extender is considered universal. It is initially present there as a pigment thinner.
There are many types of drying oils to consider when making a working fluid.
The advantages of the composition include:
- ease of use;
- the formation of a thin film on the painted surface;
- variety of material types.
In this case, the substance also has disadvantages:
- an increase in the drying time of the layer - observed with an excessive amount of drying oil in the paint composition;
- the need to use the same type of drying oil that is present in the paint composition.
Linseed oil
This substance is actively used in painting. It is practically odorless and completely harmless to health. Dyes are easy to mix and retain rich shades.
At the same time, the following benefits are characteristic of linseed oil:
- ease of mixing with paint;
- lack of pungent odor;
- Health and security;
- preservation of saturated shades of dyes;
- short drying period;
- economic consumption.
In addition, the composition also has disadvantages:
- lack of varnish in the composition;
- obtain a matte surface after staining;
- low resistance to destruction.
Art varnish
This substance gives the dyes rich shades, makes the layers more durable and shiny. The advantages of artistic varnish are:
- the ability to keep colors saturated;
- give the coating an enamel shine;
- short drying period;
- high strength of layers;
- a variety of types of these substances.
At the same time, funds have some disadvantages:
- loss of texture of strokes after processing;
- the need to comply with application technology.
Dual diluent
This substance is based on linseed oil. However, a little artistic varnish is added to it - it can be cedar or fir substance. This component helps to thicken the paint and facilitates mixing. In this case, the composition increases the speed of drying of the layers.
The advantages of using this type of thinner are:
- ease of mixing with paint;
- an increase in the drying rate of the layers;
- the possibility of obtaining a coat of paint;
- creating rich, deep shades.
Disadvantages of thinner include:
- the need for strict observance of proportions;
- high price.
pinen
This substance is made on the basis of turpentine. However, it is transparent and odorless. Therefore, the composition does not cause yellowing of dyes. Pinene helps thin high quality paints. It facilitates the mixing of substances.
The advantages of the composition are as follows:
- seamless consistency;
- high drying speed;
- mix of high quality paints.
At the same time, pinene also has disadvantages:
- give the surface a matte texture;
- insufficiently durable result.
Thinner No. 3
This tool is made on the basis of 3 components. It includes varnish, oil, thinner. In doing so, the oil helps thicken the smears and ensures that the components are mixed evenly. The thinner accelerates the drying of the coats and the varnish strengthens the paint.
The benefits of the substance are as follows:
- uniform mixing of components;
- an increase in the drying rate of the dye layers;
- durable coating;
- preservation of brilliance and saturation of shades.
In addition, the composition also has disadvantages:
- the need to conform to technology;
- high price.
Solvent
It is a refined product which differs in its hydrocarbon composition. Since the composition is obtained by evaporation of oil at low temperatures, it is considered quite light and has a short evaporation time.
The advantages of the composition are as follows:
- light composition;
- high evaporation rate;
- the possibility of obtaining a glossy surface.
At the same time, the composition also has a drawback:
- high price.
How to properly dilute oil paints with your own hands
To dilute oil paints, you must follow these rules:
- Open the dish with paint, assess the degree of its density and mix thoroughly.
- Determine the proportions you want. They are different for each substance. The exact volume depends on the density, but it should not exceed 5% of the total.
- Pour the composition into a container for work. During staining, the substance may become thicker.Therefore, it is worth adding a solvent periodically.
It is worth doing the work very carefully, since the composition of the oil and all other substances are considered toxic and flammable.
How to dilute art paints for painting
Oil painting agents can also vary in texture. Therefore, they must also be brought to the optimal texture. For this, it is allowed to use the following means:
- oil - you can dilute the paints with products based on flax, hemp or sunflower seeds;
- pinene - also known as Thinner #4;
- multi-component compositions - these include a twin and a T-shirt.
The material should be chosen according to your personal preferences. This will help you achieve the desired result. However, it is important to respect the proportions. Excess solvent causes a violation of the structure of the dye.
Additional tips and tricks
To get good results, you should follow these rules:
- All thinners are considered flammable. Therefore, you cannot prepare the mixture near smoking areas or other sources of fire.
- Such formulations have a pungent odor. Therefore, it is necessary to mix paints only in well-ventilated rooms or outdoors.
- Solvents are considered hazardous chemicals. Therefore, if it comes into contact with open areas of the skin or mucous membranes, they must be rinsed well with clean water.
The use of special solvents makes it possible to give oil paints the desired consistency. At the same time, it is important to choose the right composition and strictly follow the recommendations for use.