Thinning paint for spraying

[garlicbreath]

I need to know how you guys determine if the paint is thinned sufficiantly to spray. I am doing my engine compartment and frame rails with rustoleum oil based paint and want to spray it on, but I have NO clue how much to thin this stuff, and the can only says do not thin more than 5% for brushing or rolling but thin more if spraying. WTF!!! I will be using a cheapo low pressure gun from Harbor freight if it matters.

 

[xCLIFxCATx]

yah im going to be doing the same thing sometime soon and im not sure what to do eaither i was thinking just take some thinner and spray

 

[sledheadak]

if spraying start with 10% then thin as needed to get it to spray properly.wll probly have to mess with the mix ratio to get it to what you want.i wouldnt go more than 20%

 

[jeeptuff]

with rustoleum I use mineral spirits to thin it out.... What kind of gun you going to use to spray it with??? (i.e. HVLP, siphon feed)

 

[ryoken]

As stated, most sprayed paints will be in the 10 to 25% range...

Best way is to do a poorman's viscosity test.. depending on what needle and cap your gun is using, 80, 30, etc, you usually want a stop drip count of between 5 and 7 seconds..

what that means is, take your base paint, add thinner, mix it with a wooden paint stick, pull the stick out and count. When it basically stops dripping, stop counting.. Thick is a 9 or 10 count, about as thick as you'd wanna spray with usually, unless its a specialty needle and cap... A 6, 7 count is more user friendly... add more reducer as needed...