How to Mix Paint Thinner

If you are an artist-in-training who is experimenting with oil-based paints, then you may want a thinner paint that adheres to the canvas in a silkier and smooth finish. Oil-based paints have a thick consistency that provides robust, strong color and finish. Thin the paint by adding a little paint thinner to the paints on your palette. Mixing paint thinner with oil-based paints is not a science. You should add the thinner gradually to reach the consistency you want.

Things You'll Need

• Waxed paper
• Plastic cup
• Oil-based art paint
• Paint thinner made for art paint
• Eye dropper
• Paintbrush

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Line your table with waxed paper.

   • 2

     Squeeze about a quarter-size amount of oil-based paint into a plastic cup.

   • 3

     Open the paint thinner made to work with oil-based art paint. Insert an eye dropper into the bottle. Squeeze the plastic top of the eye dropper to allow the thinner to enter the glass tube. Drop a drop or two of thinner into the paint. Mix the paint with a paintbrush. Continue adding a dropper of thinner at a time and mixing the paint until you get the consistency you want.