Paint can have different viscosities, depending on the type or techniques used to mix colors. Sometimes it needs to be denser than it is when you open the jar that contains it. You may need to thicken it to hide a darker color on a wall, or to use it for finger painting. Thickening agents can help you achieve the desired color density and add texture to your work.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Latex Wall Paint
Step 1. Purchase a thickener
You can buy it at a store that sells home remodeling items. Many latex paint thickeners are composed of water-soluble hydroxyethylcellulose, which works well with latex.
Check the label to make sure the thickener you want to buy is suitable for latex paint
Step 2. Add the thickener to the paint
Read the directions on the thickener bottle to figure out how much to use. Typically you will go in a spoonful at a time based on the amount of paint you need to use.
- For best results, add a smaller amount than required and then continue slowly adding the content until you get the density you want.
- Adding more thickener than recommended can cause the paint to crack and crumble once applied to the wall.
Step 3. Mix the paint
Use a stick to mix thickener and paint together. The paint will thicken as you mix. If the paint isn't thick enough, add more thickener in small amounts at a time.
Step 4. Test the paint
Paint a small part of the wall to see if it is dense in the right place. Wait for it to dry completely before checking the result. It shouldn't flake off and it shouldn't have any cracks. If the result looks good and has a homogeneous color, you can continue painting the rest of the wall.
Method 2 of 4: Thicken the Tempera Paint Used in Schools
Step 1. Make sure you have all the necessary materials available
You will need cornstarch, water, a saucepan, gouache paint, and a sealable container. Before you start, make sure you have everything you need.
Step 2. Heat the cornstarch and water
Add 4 teaspoons of cornstarch and 3 cups of water to a saucepan. Stir them until they combine together. Heat what you have obtained over low heat, stirring frequently. Keep stirring until the cornstarch is dissolved and the contents are smooth and thick.
Step 3. Cool the content
When it becomes smooth and thick, remove it from the stove and let it cool. Stir the contents after it has cooled completely. # Add the cornstarch mixture to the paint. Slowly add the mixture to the tempera paint, stirring occasionally. Use a spoon to gradually add the cornstarch mixture or slowly pour it into the paint. Keep adding until you get the desired density.
Step 4. Set the leftover cornstarch mixture aside
Use a sealable container to store it. You can use it in the future, if necessary.
Method 3 of 4: Acrylic paints
Step 1. Buy a medium to add to your paintings
Many art shops have paint additives suitable for mixing with acrylic paints. Liquidex and Golden are two well-known manufacturers of additive agents for paint. If you want to keep the color of your paint, get a matte medium or gel that dries quickly.
- Add a small amount of the chosen medium to your painting;
- Mix and check the density on a small piece of paper;
- Dry the sample and observe the color and density of the stroke;
- Add more if you want the paint to be denser.
Step 2. Use a texturizing gel to give body to the paint
Many gel compounds contain additives to simulate the effect of sand or putty. Combine the gel with your paint to give it more structure.
You can also try adding sand or sawdust in small amounts to add texture
Step 3. Pour some modeling clay
Incorporate a small amount of modeling paste to add density to your paint, so that it is then visible in the brush strokes.
Modeling clay turns white when it dries and may alter the original colors of your paint
Method 4 of 4: Oil Paints
Step 1. Combine beeswax and turpentine to create a paste
Combine one part of beeswax with 3 parts of turpentine. Stir until you get a homogeneous mixture.
Step 2. Work the paste obtained into the paint to obtain the desired density
Mix the paint and paste to your liking.
Step 3. Use a ready-made medium
Choose it from the various options that are offered in stores that sell material of this type. There are many commercial painting mediums that are used to add texture and density. Choose one based on the final result you want to achieve; some mediums can change the color and brightness of the painting.
- Combine the medium following the instructions on the package;
- Then add the amount necessary to obtain the density you prefer according to your needs.
Advice
- Add thickeners slowly and in small amounts until you reach the desired density. In order to use the paint correctly, be careful not to make it too thick
- To avoid staining yourself, use gloves when mixing thickeners with paint.
- Before you begin, read the instructions on the thickener packaging. Make sure you choose the right one for the type of paint you need to use.
- Leave the water-based paint package open to allow the water to evaporate, resulting in a denser paint. * A small amount of textured paint thickens the emulsion. Mix it with a hand whisk. However, it is advisable to do this in open and not closed places. The paint color will be lighter.
Warnings
- Try painting on a small part of a wall before painting the entire wall.
- Do not use cornstarch as a paint thickener used to paint walls. Over time it can create mold. * Make sure an adult is using the stove to heat cornstarch and water.
- 1 or 2 drops of Wintergreen oil will help prevent mold growth, but it is toxic and should be used with extreme caution. It must not be accessible to children.
