
Behr paint is known for its thickness, but there are times when thinning is required, such as when using a spray gun. The Behr Premium Plus 'Ultra' range includes a paint and primer in one product, which can be thinned with water at a rate of no more than 1/2 pint per gallon. However, thinning paint is not recommended by some, as it may result in a faded colour. If thinning is necessary, it is important to do so slowly and in small amounts until the desired consistency is achieved.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you thin Behr Paint and Primer in One | Behr Paint is the thickest paint on the market. Thinning is not necessary unless you are spraying it and are worried it is too thick. |
| How to thin Behr Paint and Primer in One | You can thin with water at a rate of no more than 1/2 pint per gallon. You can also use a product called Floetrol or Flotrol. |
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What You'll Learn

Using a spray gun
When using a spray gun to apply Behr paint, there are several steps to follow to ensure a smooth and consistent finish. Firstly, it is important to prepare the surface to be painted. The surface should be clean, dry, and smooth. If painting interiors, it is advisable to remove any items from the area to avoid overspray, use drop cloths to protect the floors, and enclose the area with plastic sheeting to prevent paint drift.
Next, you will need to thin the Behr paint. Behr Marque paint, for example, can be thinned with a maximum of 1/2 pint of water per gallon of paint. It is recommended to add water slowly and mix thoroughly until the desired consistency is achieved. The ideal consistency is similar to that of milk. It is important to note that thinning the paint too much can cause it to run, so thin coats are preferable.
Regarding the setup, the type of spray gun and tip being used will influence the thinning process and flow rate. A high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) setup is commonly used, and the compressor size, hose length, and diameter should be considered. Additionally, the air pressure should be at full power for HVLP to achieve efficient spraying.
Finally, when using a spray gun, it is crucial to follow safety precautions, such as wearing a respirator and ensuring adequate ventilation during the painting process.
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Adding water
Behr paint is water-based, and thinning it with water is possible. However, it is not recommended unless you are using a spray gun and are concerned that the paint is too thick. If you are using a roller or brush, Behr advises against thinning the paint.
If you are using a spray gun, you can thin the paint with water, but it should be done slowly and gradually, adding a little water at a time. The general recommendation is to add no more than 2 ounces of water to thin a gallon of paint, or no more than 1/2 pint of water per gallon. This equates to a dilution rate of 10-20%.
It is important to note that thinning the paint too much can make it drippy and runny, so it is crucial to add water slowly and in small amounts. Thinning the paint will not increase the coverage area, but it will make it easier to work with when using a spray gun.
Some people have added water to Behr paint and achieved good results, reporting that the paint still covered walls very well, even when thinned. However, it is important to note that thinning the paint may affect its colour and adhesion. Therefore, it is always recommended to test on a small area first to ensure the desired results are achieved.
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Using Flotrol
While some people choose to thin Behr Paint and Primer with just regular latex paint, others opt for a product called Floetrol. Floetrol is a paint additive that can be used to thin latex paints without fading the colour. It is particularly useful for roller and brush applications, as it helps to eliminate brush or roller marks.
When using Floetrol with Behr Paint and Primer, it is recommended to add 8 ounces of the additive. This can be done gradually until the desired thickness is achieved. Floetrol is especially useful when painting in hot temperatures, as it can help to keep an edge.
It's important to note that while Floetrol is designed for latex paints, there is a similar product called Penetrol that is meant for oil-based paints. These products are valued for their adhesion and "wet" characteristics, providing a smooth and consistent finish.
Some users have shared their experiences with Floetrol, stating that it works well and provides a more comfortable alternative to using water as a thinning agent. However, it's worth mentioning that water is generally recommended as the best option for thinning latex paints, as it is cost-effective and readily available.
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Using paint thinner
Behr paint is water-based, and users have reported success in thinning it with water. However, it is important to note that thinning with water may make the paint drippy and may affect its ability to cover walls. It is recommended to use no more than 2 ounces of water to thin a gallon of paint. This can be done slowly, adding a little water at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
Some people have also used paint thinner to thin Behr paint, but it is important to note that this may cause the colour to fade. Additionally, one user reported that the paint thinner did not mix properly with the paint and sat on top of it instead.
Another product that can be used to thin Behr paint is Floetrol, which is said to thin the paint without causing colour fading.
When thinning paint, it is important to start with a small amount of thinner and add more as needed to avoid making the paint too runny. It is also recommended to use thinner coats of paint rather than thick coats, as this can help with overspray when using a spray gun.
Overall, while thinning Behr paint with water, paint thinner, or Floetrol is possible, it is important to do so slowly and carefully to avoid negatively affecting the paint's consistency and coverage.
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Mixing with latex paint
Behr paint is water-based, and you can thin it with water. However, it is recommended to not use more than 2 ounces of water to thin a gallon of paint. If you add too much water, the paint may become runny and drippy, and may not cover walls well enough. It is best to add water slowly and mix thoroughly until you achieve the desired consistency.
If you are thinning Behr paint to use in a spray gun, it is important to consider the type of gun and tip being used. Thinning the paint will make it easier to spray, but you should still be cautious to not make the paint too runny.
You can also use a product called Floetrol to thin Behr paint. Floetrol is specifically designed for latex paints and helps with adhesion and "wet" characteristics. It allows you to thin the paint without fading the colour.
When thinning paint, it is generally recommended to apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat. This will help ensure better coverage and a smoother finish.
Additionally, when thinning Behr paint, it is important to consider the surface you are painting on. For example, if you are painting on MDF, it is recommended to use an oil-based primer before applying latex paint.
Overall, thinning Behr paint with water or a product like Floetrol can be a suitable option, especially when using a spray gun. However, it is important to do it slowly and cautiously to avoid making the paint too runny.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you may need to thin the paint first. Behr is the thickest paint on the market, so thinning it will make it easier to spray.
You can thin Behr paint with water. Do not add more than 2 ounces of water per gallon of paint. Add the water slowly, testing as you go, until the paint sprays smoothly and consistently.
Yes, you can use a product like Floetrol or Flotrol. These products thin the paint without causing it to fade.











































