I have used latex and acrylics for larger stuff but I have some 5" and 12" letters to crank out on a concrete wall. I am considering using a latex paint instead of 1Shot this time. Whats the best way to thin for lettering? Floetrol, water, ?
Any advice from the water pros would be great...
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Floetrol works great. Don't thin any more than you have to, less chance of runs. If you are using regular latex paints, be prepared to add a 2nd coat. Latex doesn't cover nearly as well as 1Shot.
[ April 01, 2003, 05:25 PM: Message edited by: Si Allen ]
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Si's right...for a change! (only kidding Si, most of the time I agree with whatever you say. Mainly because you are bigger than me.)
Thin as little as possible, but some will be necessary since it dries so fast. Floetrol will help slow down the drying time but will also reduce the coverage. Just plan on double coating everything since latex very rarely covers the first time. Since it dries so fast you can put on the second coat almost immediately.
By trial and error you will find a comfortable range of reduction, just like you did with One-Shot. And your hands won't be sticky all the time. Much healthier, too.
Keep us informed on the progress.
Posted by Jeff Ogden (Member # 3184) on :
I never thin latex. Usually I'm standing there wishing it was a little thicker.Floetrol would be the choice if I did have to thin (actually, your making it slicker, as well as sloweer drying). I got an artist friend who uses a few drops of glycerin in her acrylics. It helps it slide better. Another use for additives would be when your blending colors in latex,.
I find it helps to wash the brush out often, when painting letters with latex. Paint build-up slows you down. Posted by Mark Fair Signs (Member # 289) on :
i like to thin latex as little as possible. like the folks above i use floetrol.(made by flood products)
like jeff says, wash the brush out often. on the antique signs i do, i like to see the brush strokes.(no need to double coat) when i "distress" the sign it pronounces all the brush strokes.
i keep a dixie cup with water in it on my palette, just to tip the brush in every once in a while just to give better "flow".
my 2 cents.
bubba
Posted by Brad Ferguson (Member # 33) on :
Floetrol is good. Makes it nice and creamy.
Latex is a good choice on masonry as the alkylies are not as successful in attacking the paint as they are when it's oil base. Also, latex allows moisture in and out, another plus.
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