Paint Thinner Alternatives - What Can I Use To Thin Paints?

Are you stuck in the midst of a painting project, running dry on paint thinner to get through it? No need to put your creative flow on hold or leave an unfinished masterpiece!
Here are some everyday household solutions that can provide just enough thinning magic for your endeavor.
With easy substitutions available-none too complicated or scary-you'll be able to finish off even the most challenging house paint projects without delays.
1- Water! 0:37
Though we will be focussing on oil-based paints in the further section of the video, if you plan to work with water-based paints like latex and acrylics, water should do the job.
Add room-temperature bottled water to the bucket of paint for thinner acrylic or latex paint. Pour in half a cup and stir it slowly into the mixture - if you don’t have bottled water, tap is fine too! Test your progress as you go along by continually stirring in more - up until one full cup per gallon for an even consistency that lets you start painting straight away.
2- Acetone 1:10
To safely use acetone, adequately ventilate the area and protect yourself with safety gloves, goggles, and a face mask if no ventilator is available. Mix one part of this hazardous liquid with three parts of oil paint - around 1½ cups - in a bucket. Give it five minutes of thorough stirring after adding each half portion; then let stand for another 5 mins prior to painting!
3- Vinegar 1:36
Not many DIYers know this, but you can step up your oil painting game with vinegar! Measure about ¾ cup of straight vinegar for every gallon of paint, pour half into the bucket and stir. Let it sit to let it do its magic before adding the remaining portion in five minutes. Check consistency, then add more if needed - remember ⅓ cups at a time- finalizing this bath by letting it rest one last time - five more minutes again until you’re ready to start creating masterpieces worthy of any gallery wall.
4- Linseed Oil & Lemon 2:06
Gather your ingredients: a ¼ cup of lemon juice and 1 cup of linseed oil for each gallon of paint. Mix the two in the small bowl, then add half to your large bucket with one gallon's worth of paint while stirring slowly. After ten minutes have passed, repeat this step until all is added - allow it another 10-minute rest before painting! If you need more thinning out, stir some extra mixture into it gradually.
5- Mineral Spirits or Turpentine 2:35
Again before you get started with thinning oil paints or enamels, protect yourself and your environment before launching into the project by ventilating, donning protective eyewear, and putting on gloves. Then grab a bucket to mix paint in - one cup of mineral spirits or turpentine per gallon will do. Gradually add half the thinner while stirring thoroughly; test out how it looks, then continue adding more until you reach desired consistency for painting right away.
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6- Baby Oil or Vegetable Oil 3:06
If you're looking to thin out enamel without solvents like turpentine, baby oil is also a great option. Just keep in mind that adding extra could boost the sheen level and extend the drying time of your masterpiece! When blending the two together, make sure both are at room temperature and begin by mixing ¼ cup baby oil into each gallon of paint for five to seven minutes. If you need more, though experts don't recommend it - no more than ½ cup should do as long as you wait 10 minutes after stirring before using.
Besides baby oil, you can thin oil paint with sunflower or vegetable oil. Just be sure not to use more than ½ cup of oil per gallon, and mix well before painting.
And that's all about the most popular paint thinner alternatives. Thank you for watching. Do not forget to like, share and subscribe to my channel.
For more helpful tips and ideas on paint solvents and cleaning agents, please visit my site at repaintnow.com.
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Would a flower based body oil work as well?

[@repaintnow]

I think yes, but only for a small project you can try and see the results. If it's an important project like painting an entire wall or a room I would not recommend it. Some body oils may contain ingredients like shea butter or cocoa butter to provide additional moisturizing and emollient properties and this can affect the finish and durability of your project.