Should you water down paint

Question

My father-in-law helps with a lot of basic DIY now that he's retired and he waters down the paint before applying it. Is this normal as it's not something I've ever done myself?

Audrey · Accepted Answer

In my personal experience, some modern emulsions contain primer within the formula and can be quite thick straight from the tin. In certain situations, a very small amount of clean water (within the manufacturer’s guidelines) can help improve flow and make it roll on more smoothly. On new plaster, a proper mist coat (usually diluted as recommended by the manufacturer) is important to allow the paint to bond correctly. It’s important not to over-dilute though, as that can affect coverage and durability.

Some water-based glosses can be slightly diluted (as per the manufacturer’s instructions) to improve flow, but many are designed to be used straight from the tin. Oil-based gloss shouldn’t be watered down with water — only the correct thinner if specified (e.g. white spirit). Over-thinning can affect coverage, durability and finish.

Alan · Answer

In the 50 or so years of decorating I have never watered down paint , lots of paint is too thin to do this , more coats more cost ant time in labour for client

Neal · Answer

The only ever time you need to water down paint is if you want to put a weak mist coat on to start with and thats usually on new plaster

Colin · Answer

If it’s new plastered walls and ceilings the first coat should be watered down it’s called a mist coat and that seals the plaster ready for painting

John · Answer

It helps to water down the paint for the first coat on fresh plaster , usually by 20%.

Liam · Answer

Depends if its thick or not. I only water down if its 10litres in a room as if the consistency isn't correct the next batch will be a darker shade

Gary · Answer

No, you wouldn’t water it down only if you was going over new Plaster so it don’t suck in so quick

Andra · Answer

You can water down the paint for the fist coat of paint but usually you will use undercoat and then paint

Gareth · Answer

You can water down paint.

The benefits of doing so are:
- Easier application. Watering down thick paint can help make cutting in easier as well as making rolling smoother.
- Make your paint go further. If you are using a good quality thick paint (ideally trade) watering it down can increase the amount of coverage.
- Sealing new plaster and filler. A 50/50 mist coat will seal new plaster and patches of filler ready for top coats.

Things to be mindful of: 
- Over-thinning. Only use 1 part water to 5 parts paint to avoid losing the paints durability. (50/50 when (mist coating').
- Cheap paint. Cheaper non-trade paints are usually thinner anyway and watering them down further isn't usually advisable.
- Oil or Waterbased: Use the correct thinner for the correct type of paint. White spirit will thin down oil based paints helping with application.

Tony · Answer

You can do but for cheaper paint then I wouldnt bother.

Should you water down paint

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