Scanning through our Facebook timeline, we saw a comment asking us to write about Boysen thinners and reducers. We strive to provide you with useful tips and ideas you can use for your own paint project, so for those of you who are still working on your master DIYer or Boysen pintor badge, you better take notes. This one’s for you.

In our previous post, Painting Cleanup Tips, we’ve mentioned the use of paint thinners as an effective cleaning agent for sundries soaked in oil-based paint. But that’s not all there is to it, thinners play a very important role in the success of your paint project.

Thinning solvents are used to adjust the viscosity or lapot of solvent-based paints. Since most paints are ready to be used and have a consistent thickness attuned with brush and roller paint application, most of the time, the need for thinners and reducers arises when you use a different method, for example, by spray. But before anything else…

Why is Viscosity Important?

The thickness or thinness of the material determines how it behaves on the surface you put it on. For example, imagine spilled water, see how the liquid easily spreads everywhere. Because of its very thin nature, it’s hard to control its flow. Now, imagine your morning pancakes. The syrup that you smother it with is sometimes so thick, it’s hard to spread it evenly. Consider this when deciding on the paint you’re going to use. The viscosity of the paint is a key indicator of its ability to deliver an even and uniform coating. While thicker paints are a better option to prevent running or dripping when using brush and rollers, it cannot be used for spray painting, where you need a thinner consistency for the paint to flow out of the nozzle easily.

A Guide to Boysen Thinners and Reducers

Technically, all thinners and reducers work in the same way. But each type of paint can only accommodate a certain amount of thinner or reducer without affecting its integrity. What you need to know is the product you’re going to mix the thinning solvent with to ensure compatibility and good workability. We’ve made an infographic for easier recall. Strictly follow the Boysen recommended mixing ratio and you’re halfway through a successful paint project.

Important note: Some paint products are ready to be used as supplied and do not need thinning such as Elasti-kote and Permatex B-3101, make sure to read the technical data at the back of the Boysen can to know how to maximize the use of each product.

Expect more Boysen Tutorials and tips this new year. Leave your comments below on what you want to know and we’ll do our best to help you. Just subscribe to this blog to stay up to date with the latest blog post. For urgent concerns, call (02) 8363-9738 local 417 to 418 during office hours or write an email to ask@myboysen.com.

Author

Jess is a copywriter who brushes up on her paint knowledge daily. Together with Boysen professionals, she makes the technical stuff easier to digest. When she’s not writing, she searches the internet for the latest dessert bar.

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