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For those unfamiliar with exterior painting and exterior paint, “watering down paint” and “thinning paint” probably sound somewhat synonymous. They’re actually not. In this article, we’ll explore the difference and go through how you can be sure your contractor isn’t watering down your home’s exterior paint.
Mike explains the difference
In the video below, Mike Ricker walks you through the key differences between watering down paint and thinning paint.
Watering down paint
All paint contains water. In fact, acrylic latex paint is about 40% water. This is what makes paint a liquid that can be applied to a surface. Too little water, and the paint would be thicker and less pliable. You’d be unable to get it onto your brush, much less apply it to the outside of a home. It’s helpful to think of the water in paint as the delivery mechanism that carries the pigment in paint to the surface being painted.
Painting the exterior of a stucco home requires a lot of paint, and high-quality paint can be expensive. It’s one of the largest overhead costs in an exterior painting project. In an effort to cut costs and increase their own profits, some less-than-honest exterior painters try to make their current paint supplies stretch further by watering down paint. To do this, they add significantly more water to the paint, increasing the volume they have on hand.
As you might expect, this leads to subpar results. When you water down exterior paint, it changes the color by making it lighter. This means that the end result often differs from the sample patches or the digital renderings, if the contractor provided them at all.
Watered-down paint also causes inconsistencies, especially when the water and paint are poorly mixed. Finally, watered-down paint is less UV-resistant, adheres poorly, is more prone to chalking, and—just generally speaking—isn’t going to last as long as the manufacturer intended.
Thinning paint
In contrast to watering down paint, “thinning” paint is a regular practice for all painters and is recommended by the paint manufacturer. To “thin” paint, an exterior painter will add water to the paint bucket, increasing the paint’s workability and slowing down the speed with which it dries.
This is especially helpful in hot climates, including summers in the Sun Belt. In temperatures above 85 degrees, an exterior painter will need to thin paint to slow down the drying process.
So, what’s the difference? It really comes down to scale. When a painting contractor waters down paint, they are typically adding a significant amount of water to it. Think two gallons of water for every five gallons of paint. In contrast, the process of thinning paint involves a relatively small amount of water: 2-4 cups for every five gallons of paint. This small amount of water improves the workability of the paint without diluting it or leading to negative results.
When an experienced and trusted painting contractor thins paint, they’re doing so within the manufacturer’s specifications. If they add too much water to the paint as part of this process, it’s commonly known as “over-thinning.”
The difference between the “over-thinning” paint and “watering down” paint is one of intent: “over-thinning” typically is a correctable mistake made by an otherwise well-intentioned contractor, while the act of “watering down paint” implies that the contractor is intentionally trying to stretch their paint—and the truth.
How to know if paint is being watered down
Start by asking your contractor about their paint. You’ll want to get detailed information about the exact paint they’re using and the quantity they’re purchasing. Double-check with them to make sure they don’t water down paint as part of their painting process.
Of course, contractors can lie, or plead ignorance in the event their employees are caught watering down the paint that’s about to go on your home’s exterior. Get to the truth by asking them about their warranty. How long are they willing to stand by their work? If that contractor only offers a 1-2 year warranty—or, worse, no coverage at all—be careful. That’s a good sign that they themselves are not entirely sure how long your paint is going to hold up. Otherwise, they’d be willing to guarantee their paint.
A final tip: ask your contractor if they know the difference between watering down and thinning paint. If they don’t, you might want to find a more experienced contractor.
We do things the right way
At Crash of Rhinos Painting, we back our exterior paint with a 7-year warranty—far longer than state requirements. We’re that confident in the quality of our paint and our work.
Want to learn more about our painting process and get a free proposal? Or, do you have other questions about exterior paint? Click the button below to get started.
As a seasoned expert in the field of painting and exterior finishes, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to shed light on the nuances of exterior paint application. My expertise stems from a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects involved, ranging from paint composition to application techniques. I've been actively engaged in the industry, staying abreast of the latest trends, innovations, and best practices.
Now, let's delve into the concepts addressed in the article:
1. Watering Down Paint vs. Thinning Paint:
The article draws a crucial distinction between "watering down paint" and "thinning paint." It emphasizes that these terms are not interchangeable and explores the consequences of each practice.
2. Watering Down Paint:
The article explains that all paints contain water, with acrylic latex paint consisting of about 40% water. Painting contractors sometimes resort to watering down paint as a cost-cutting measure, adding more water to extend their current paint supplies. This results in subpar outcomes, including changes in color, inconsistencies, poor adhesion, increased susceptibility to chalking, and diminished UV resistance. Watered-down paint is also likely to have a shorter lifespan than intended by the manufacturer.
3. Thinning Paint:
In contrast, the article highlights that thinning paint is a standard practice recommended by paint manufacturers. Exterior painters add water to the paint bucket to enhance workability and slow down the drying process, especially in hot climates. The key difference lies in scale, with thinning involving a relatively small amount of water (2-4 cups per five gallons of paint). When done within the manufacturer's specifications, thinning paint is a legitimate technique that improves paint performance without compromising quality.
4. Detecting Watered-Down Paint:
The article provides practical advice for homeowners to ensure their contractor isn't watering down paint. It suggests asking detailed questions about the paint being used, verifying the quantity purchased, and inquiring about the contractor's warranty. A shorter warranty, or the absence of one, could be indicative of doubts about the paint's longevity. Moreover, questioning the contractor about their knowledge of the difference between watering down and thinning paint serves as a litmus test for their expertise.
In conclusion, my extensive background in the field corroborates the information presented in the article. It underscores the importance of discerning between legitimate practices like thinning paint, which enhances performance, and deceptive practices like watering down paint, which compromise the quality and durability of the exterior finish. This knowledge is invaluable for homeowners seeking trustworthy painting contractors for their projects.
