Thinning paint for spraying

Woodsydad

I have a Wagner homeowner type sprayer. I'm using exterior paint and the guy at the paint store said I might want to thin it with a little water. I am using gallon cans and wont be using it all at once. Should I add some water straight to the can? I've never used this sprayer before so can't judge to only mix the exact amount needed.

Thanks.

Brushjockey

Doing a good job spraying isn't as easy as it sounds...
As far as thinning- I would add a 'splash" to just the cup on the gun, and see how it goes- if it atomizes well, there it is, if it runs too easy- too much. If it spatters- not enough.
it is a learning curve.

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gregzoll

Do not go any more than a measured liquid cup of water. Not a cup as in a cup in your cabinet, or a cup as something you found laying around. I mean a cup as in when you measure liquids in the kitchen with a Measuring cup. Any more than a cup of water and you end up having to repaint it again next year.

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jschaben

Hi - I've been using those sprayers for some time now. First off, I usually start thinning with a paint conditioner, ie. Floetrol or similar if using latex. I haven't found conditioners necessary for oil base though. As Brushjockey pointed out, thinning is kind of seat of the pants thing. I'll start with maybe an ounce of conditioner in a spray cup. The gun should prime itself in 15 or 20 seconds, if not add a little more. Once you get it to spray, add conditioner (up to the max recommended, 10% with Floetrol) then use water until you get good atomization. If it's to thin, add some paint.
One thing I always do before I start with paint is load it with water and make sure it primes and sprays plain water. Those things are very picky about being cleaned and if a small particle of leftover paint messes it up, you wont have expensive and messy paint to deal with while trying to get it going.
Good Luck.

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