When it comes to thinning paints, artists tend to use a variety of paint thinners or acetone. But, which is better? Can you use acetone and paint thinner with acrylic paint and oil paint?
While both of these substances can be used as paint thinner to improve the viscosity of the paint you are working with, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they can be used on both oil paint and acrylic paint.
For instance, it is not recommended that artists use most types of paint thinner if they work with acrylic paints. Acetone, on the other hand, is great for thinning acrylic paint.
Today we are going to take a look at the differences between paint thinner and acetone. By the end of this post, I hope you will have the information you need to choose the right thinning agent for your art projects.
Continue reading to learn more.
Paint Thinner and Acetone Comparison
| Factors | Paint Thinner | Acetone |
|---|---|---|
| Use with oil paints | Yes | Yes |
| Use with acrylic paints | No | Yes |
| Use with caution | Yes | Yes |
| More than one type | Yes (turpentine, mineral spirits, and alcohol are most used) | No |
| Used to thin paint | Yes | Yes |
| Used to clean art materials | Yes | No |
What is Paint Thinner?
Paint thinner is used by artists to thin oil-based paints. This liquid solvent is also used to clean art supplies, including paintbrushes.
There are a few different types of paint thinner used by artists. Most commonly, you will find turpentine, mineral spirits, and alcohol in most artists’ studios.
Paint thinner is made from petroleum distillates, and you will find that it has a very strong odor. I don’t care to use it often, as I have environmental allergies and paint thinner causes me to have sinus and breathing issues.
How Is Paint Thinner Used With Oil Paints?
Many artists like to use paint thinner in their oil paints to achieve a bit of transparency in their paintings. Paint thinner will dilute the paint and reduce its viscosity, allowing the artist to be able to make it easier for the paint to glide across a canvas.
The trick is to not use so much paint thinner that you end up diluting the paint colors. It is important to use the proper ratio to keep this from happening.
I recommend using a ratio of two parts paint thinner to one part oil paint. If you find that this is too much paint thinner, you can play around with the mixture until you come up with the ideal ratio for your painting needs.
Can You Use Paint Thinner With Acrylic Paints?
While some artists do like to use some chemical paint thinners to thin their acrylic paints, it is not something that I would recommend, especially for beginners.
Instead, try using mediums that are made for this particular purpose. You will have much better luck, and the end results will be more pleasing.
If you use mineral spirits as a paint thinner for oil paints, keep it strictly for your oil paints. This should never be used to thin acrylic paint. Also, never use white spirit for thinning acrylic paints.
Mineral spirits are petroleum-based, and this can prevent the paint from adhering properly to the canvas.
Paint Thinner Safety Precautions
When working with paint thinner, be sure to take all of the safety precautions that are recommended by the manufacturer. Work in a well-ventilated area, and wear rubber gloves and a face mask.
Paint thinner can cause skin irritation, and it can also cause breathing issues. If you inhale too many paint thinner fumes, it can lead to several other health issues.
Never smoke when using paint thinner, and never use it around an open flame.
What is Acetone?
Acetone is another solvent, and it is colorless (but not odorless). Solvents are generally used to break down or dissolve paints, and to thin out artist’s paints. Acetone is often one of the main ingredients in nail polish remover.
You can use acetone to thin oil paint. I recommend using 100% acetone, because there are no other ingredients added. It is simply pure acetone. Acetone that is mixed with other ingredients may not work as well to thin your oil paints.
In order to use acetone for thinning oil paint, try using a ratio of one part acetone to three parts paint. Add half of the acetone and stir it into the paint, mixing it completely.
Then, add the rest of the acetone and mix it into the paint once again. This method of mixing acetone with oil paint will ensure that the acetone is properly distributed with the paint.
Can You Use Acetone With Acrylic Paints?
Unlike paint thinners, it is okay to use acetone to thin your acrylic paints. But, I do not recommend this for beginners because it can be quite tricky to get the ratio just right.
The ratio is a bit different than it is for mixing acetone with oil paints. Use a ratio of one part acetone to four parts paint.
Again, I suggest using a medium that is designed for use with acrylic paints if you need to change the viscosity of the paint.
Acetone Safety Precautions
Just as with paint thinners, you need to take certain safety precautions when working with acetone. While it is a great way to thin paint, it is a solvent, and it has harmful fumes.
Be sure that you are always working in a well-ventilated area when adding acetone to oil paint. Ideally, you should be working outdoors. If you are working indoors, make sure that the windows are open and that you have fans turned on to ensure good air flow.
Always wear a mask to prevent respiratory issues. Also, you should wear gloves to avoid any possible skin irritation.
Which is Best, Acetone or Paint Thinner?
Most artists have their preferences when it comes to using paint thinner or acetone. It really will depend on the type of paint you are using, and the applications you are using the acetone or paint thinner for.
Paint thinner isn’t the right thing to use when thinning acrylic paints, but it is ideal for thinning oil paints. Acetone is the better choice for acrylics, and an even better choice is to use a medium that is meant for thinning acrylic paints.
If you are going to be cleaning your paintbrushes and other art materials, I suggest using turpentine, which is a type of paint thinner. Acetone isn’t the best choice for this purpose.
Conclusion
There are likely going to be many times when you find you need to thin your paints, and you will need to use the right materials for the job.
Paint thinners and acetone can be used to thin oil paints, but paint thinners should not be used with acrylic paints. As I mentioned, it is best to use a medium that is made for this purpose to achieve the best results with acrylic paints.
Sari Green is a semi-professional artist and professional writer. She has been hosting paint & sip parties for the past couple of years, and truly enjoys helping other people to create their very own masterpieces. She loves to create, and you never know what she’s going to come up with next!