If you’re an artist who’s ever held a grudge against a pesky clump of paint that doesn’t seem to glide off, you already know how important paint thinners are. These are incredibly underrated painting supplies, yet their usefulness is totally unmatched. Not all paints, especially not oil based ones, are of ideal consistency. Sometimes, you just need an extra gentle glide for that perfect stroke on canvas that can’t be achieved without the best paint thinner on hand.
You strive to make mesmerizing art but that’s only possible when you have access to the things you need. While water-based colors can be made less thick with a few drops from the tap, the same can’t be said for oil paints. Rest assured, the best paint thinner can ease your quest which is why it deserves a spot at the top of your list. As people’s love for art continues to grow, there are more varieties of paint thinners in the market than ever before. This only means that you have to be more careful in your choice for the sake of your artwork.
The best paint thinner can bring an artist’s most bewildering dreams to life
If there’s anything that makes art special, it’s the unheralded freedom of expression without the need for words. Therefore, every stroke of the brush sends an important, rather elusive, message for the viewer to decode. But crafting these messages in the first place is no easy feat. And that’s where paint thinner comes in. Without it, an artist would be stuck every time the paint they used proved too stubborn and thick.
Why you should buy paint thinner as soon as you can
Better artwork
One of the reasons your artwork may not be turning out the way you want is because the paint you’re using is too thick. However, it’s often hard to let go of a unique shade simply because the consistency isn’t ideal. In that case, using a paint thinner can be a life saver.
Easier clean ups
Paint thinner isn’t just used while you’re immersed in creating amazing artwork. If you’re fond of oil paints, the best paint thinner brand can make your clean ups twice as fast. Oil based paints tend to dry up too fast, making it hard to dissolve residue from different surfaces. Needless to say, plain old detergent cannot get the job done.
Quicker painting
If you’re tired of sitting in front of the canvas for hours on end, a great way to speed up your process is to use paint thinners. When artists use paints with subpar consistencies, their whole art regime can inadvertently slow down. This is because each stroke takes longer than necessary.
How to choose the best paint thinner for your masterpiece?
Choosing between the myriad of paint thinner options today can be a little confusing. However, you must only stick to your regular painting style to settle on a thinner that suits your artistic vision. Some of the best paint thinners out there can be used for blending pencil colors. This is just one of the many amazing benefits of getting your hands on this nifty art staple.
Bottle size
If it’s your first time buying paint thinner, don’t be surprised if you think that the bottle is too small. Paint thinners last a reasonably long time even if they aren’t in extravagant quantities. This is because you don’t really need much of it to begin with. The amount required to even out the consistency of a standard sized paint bottle is very little. Rest assured, a few drops go a long way but do read the manufacturer’s instructions before mixing any the thinner with paint.
Brand
Paint thinner is one of those things that shouldn’t be bought unless they have a reliable label on top. True artists know that the quality of paint supplies is directly determined by the brand they’re associated with and paint thinner is no exception to this rule. As is, paint thinners are not the best thing to breathe in or be exposed to for a long period of time. With unreliable brands, you can get some of the most toxic varieties you shouldn’t even be near.
Type
There are various types of paint thinners, each of which is individually suited to a variety of paints. Oil-based varieties have specific paint thinners and such is the case with acrylics. You must decide what to buy depending on the type of paints you usually use. So, make sure you carefully check the label.
Price
Art supplies are notorious for being expensive and paint thinner is definitely one of them. This doesn’t mean that the category of products are worth hundreds of dollars. Simply that the quantity to price ratio can feel a little discouraging. Remember! Buying paint thinner is a long-term investment because there’s no way you’ll run out of it any soon.
FAQs
Q: How can I use paint thinner?
A: The right way to use paint thinner is to stick to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Make sure you check the back of the bottle for the usage guidelines. In any case, do not make the mistake of using too much. You only need very little thinner for a much greater quantity of the paint itself.
Q: Can paint thinner make me sick?
A: Inhaling paint thinner fumes is undeniably injurious to your health. So, be careful while using it and try to be in a well-ventilated area. Needless to say, extended exposure to the thinner can make people sick and nauseous.
Q: Can I buy odorless paint thinner?
A: Yes absolutely, some paint thinners have an overwhelming amount of odor which makes it hard to use them. If you feel squeamish because of scents, it’s best that you get an odor-free variant.
Q: Can I use water instead of paint thinner?
A: You can only use water as paint thinner if you’re using water solvent paints. Oil paints cannot be dissolved or made less thick without paint thinner.