Paint thinning ratios

[Zerhackermann]

I did try to do some searching but I think my newbie status is hindering me from finding the info I need.

(what I think is) relevant info:

Ambient temps: mid 70s - 80 F
Bus: Short ford van cutaway
Paint: Rustoleum tractor paint (blue and white) and Professional Acrylic (green)
Prep: palm sander and manual sanding to rough and clean the existing paint. mineral spirits wipe down after sanding
Paint technique: brush and pad for the edging. 1/4 nap roller for the main

My question: Based on all of this, what ratio of spirits to paint should I be using? I'd like the paint to cover well and "settle" to minimize brush and roller mark (but Im not freakish about it) but I also dont want it drying too quickly.

Ive seen things here about mixing for a sprayer. But Im not using a sprayer

As always, thank you for any ideas or insight

[Rusty]

Thin it very little. Have it machine mixed at the counter of the Big Box when you purchase. They roll their eyes, but will do it.

Spirits? I've not used that. Lacquer thinner, but I spray. Thinner it is, more it flings off the roller. stay out of heat of day and will work better. Rust-O dries slow, catches crap. Some use hardner. Some add clearcoat for one-shot.



Spraying is not hard. harbor freight sells guns for $30 that work fine. Prep is key- tape, tarp, calm day. Try it on some scrap stop-sign or whatever.! try a 3/6 nap roller.

whatever you go with, take some scraps and practice. Really. Is messy stuff, nitrile gloves are nice. Dont think pad will work good.

[Zerhackermann]

Thanks for the tips!

[Njsurf73]

Should be somewhere on the can or the website, but thinning more than 10% is way too much for most paint. If you are a newb to spraying, invest in a flow cup. It looks like a small funnel with a handle... Dip it in the paint and time how long it takes to flow out.

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