How to Add Solvent to Paint to Increase the Volume

Solvents are liquids that thin paint. They differ depending on the paint base. For instance, water is a solvent for latex paint. For an oil-based paint, mineral spirits will thin the paint. You can add more solvent to any paint, assuming you know the type of paint, and this will increase the volume of the paint. What it won't do is increase the amount of pigment in the paint. This means you get more paint, but it has less covering power. If you are not worried about the opacity of paint and can do with a little less coverage power, adding a solvent to stretch the paint is an option. It's also a solution if, for some reason, the paint is too thick to work with easily.

Paint
Solvent (water for latex, mineral spirits for oil)
Mix stick
Mixing container (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Check the paint can to determine the paint base, latex or oil. Use mineral spirits as the solvent if the paint is oil. Use water if it is latex.
- 2
  Measure out about a quarter the volume of the paint you are thinning. For instance, with a gallon of paint, measure out 1 quart of solvent. You shouldn't use more than that, as you can compromise paint adhesion.
- 3
  Pour your paint into a mixing container if you are mixing large amounts. Otherwise, you can add solvent to the paint in the can.
- 4
  Pour in the solvent in a slow stream. Mix as you go.
- 5
  Stop adding solvent periodically to check the paint mixture. Dab some on the wall. See if the opacity and workability of the paint are acceptable.
- 6
  Continue adding solvent until you reach your desired volume.

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