One of the biggest reasons a hobby or cheaper paint sprayer has issues is because the paint isn’t thinned correctly. So here’s how to thin paint for a Wagner Sprayer. No more guessing, straight up, here’s how to thin it right!
This step-by-step tutorial uses the Wagner Double Duty Paint Sprayer.
Learn how to use a Wagner Double Duty Paint Sprayer here!
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We’ve received so many questions about our Wagner Paint Sprayer that we decided we needed to dedicate a series of posts on how to use a paint sprayer to refinish furniture.
I could never go back to brushing our paint on all of the pieces we refinish.
Not only does it make painting easier and faster, but it also creates that smooth even finish you see in stores.
Today we’re talking about our Wagner Paint Sprayer, what we love about it, as well as how to thin chalk paint or latex paint for the sprayer.
Do You Have to Thin Paint for a Wagner Sprayer?
Yes!
Actually, most beginner or hobby paint sprayers require the paint to be thinned because they don’t have enough power to suck up and push out anything thicker than stain.
But, thinning the paint a little bit is even a good idea with a professional grade paint sprayer too – it creates a prettier finish!
It’s not rocket science, and the way that I’m about to show you how to thin paint, is a no guessing method!
But first,
Wagner Double Duty Paint Sprayer
When we started painting furniture, we didn’t have any outdoor space to paint in, except for our apartment balcony or the shared entry way.
We lived that way for over a year while we brushed everything on.
When we moved to a home with a garage and a decent sized backyard I was over the moon!
I quickly started researching paint sprayers and had so many questions about how to use them and which one to get.
After talking with my sister and mom who have paint sprayers I decided on the Wagner Double Duty Paint Sprayer.
I’m so glad I did!
What’s so great about it?
- I love that it comes with two containers. Since I’m always using it I end up keeping a constant supply of poly in the small container and change out the color of paint in the big container.
- No air compressor needed. This baby has its own little compressor built-in, so there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a big enough air compressor to run your spray gun.
- It’s easy to take apart and clean out. This is a must as I’m constantly cleaning this bad boy.
- My favorite part is that it is reasonably priced – especially when you take into account the other paint sprayers that have to be connected to an expensive and huge air compressor.
- Not only do I love my paint sprayer, but I love how quickly it paints my furniture. You know the dreaded white paint that takes 5 coats before you get complete coverage? I would dread brushing all of those layers on before. Now painting everything white isn’t so bad since those 5 coats each go on in seconds. Now I get to do other things while I wait for the paint to dry. Who wouldn’t want that?!
So basically if you don’t have a Wagner spray gun already, I highly recommend them!
And no, I’m not getting compensated by Wagner to say that. This is completely my opinion and I purchased this spray gun on my own.
UPDATE: Learn more about the pros and cons of this Wagner Double Duty Paint Sprayer here!
What kind of paint do I use?!
I personally love chalk paint.
We do however have to use a top coat over the chalk paint, but honestly, who likes the feel of dried latex paint on their furniture? Not me!
Polyurethane gives the furniture a nice smooth finish – just like the finishes at the store. So it’s a win win!
And, you can spray polyurethane with this paint sprayer too!
My go to paint is Behr paint made into homemade chalk paint.
I love the color variety it provides as well as how easy it is to get.
I’ve also used Country Chic Paint quite a bit, and it’s amazing.
UPDATE: Learn about my favorite and the Best Paint to Use on Furniture here
No matter what paint you use, latex, chalk, acrylic, enamel, etc. – it has to be thinned.
Supplies Needed:
- Wagner Double Duty Paint Sprayer
- Paint
- Flour Sifter
- Viscosity Cup (mine came with the paint sprayer)
- Whisk
- Water (or paint thinner for oil-based paints!)
- Timer or Stopwatch
So you should have viscosity cup
There is no other way to measure ��
That's the only way I know how to get an accurate measurement.
Thank you for the video,you are using the same paint as I am. This helped me out BIGTIME,thank you….
I’m so glad! Happy painting!
Hello! I plan on buying the sprayer you have suggested. Where do I get a viscosity cup like yours?
Hey Tracey! I’m excited for you! The paint sprayer I use comes with the viscosity cup! Thats one of the many reasons I love it!
Can’t wait for you to bust out your new sprayer!
Natalie