Alkyd paint and enamel are thinned with organic solvents: white spirit, solvent naphtha or a 1:1 mix of the two, by no more than 10% of the volume. That is what the data sheets for PF-115, PF-266 and DEKOLUX enamels and GF-021 primer say. For the ZAHYST 3 in 1 anti-corrosion primer-enamel the manufacturer names a dedicated thinner, ROZCHYNNYK 3 in 1 organic solvent.
What to thin with: table from the data sheets
Product | Thinner per data sheet | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
white spirit, solvent naphtha or 1:1 mix | 10% by volume | |
white spirit, solvent naphtha or 1:1 mix | 10% by volume | |
white spirit, solvent naphtha or 1:1 mix | 10% by volume | |
white spirit, solvent naphtha or 1:1 mix | 10% by volume | |
ROZCHYNNYK 3 in 1 or solvent naphtha | 10% by volume | |
ROZCHYNNYK 3 in 1, solvent naphtha or xylene | no percentage given; viscosity is already set for brush and roller | |
white spirit | no percentage given | |
solvent naphtha | top coats undiluted; 20% for the first priming coat |
If the data sheet gives no percentage, do not thin the product just in case. It is supplied ready to apply.
What ROZCHYNNYK 3 in 1 is and when you need it
It is a blend of aliphatic and aromatic solvents. Its main purpose per the data sheet is bringing ZAHYST 3 in 1, standard and hammer or pearl finish, to working viscosity. It also suits polyurethane, alkyd, alkyd-urethane, alkyd-styrene, polyacrylate and phenolic coatings, cleans tools and degreases surfaces. The manufacturer states it does not affect gloss or drying. Pack sizes are 0.4 L and 4 L.
For PF-115 and PF-266 enamels, the enamel data sheets themselves name white spirit and solvent naphtha. If you have both options, use the one listed for the enamel.
How to thin alkyd enamel
- Stir the enamel thoroughly in the tin. The hammer-finish ZAHYST 3 in 1 is stirred, not shaken.
- Pour into a separate container only what you will use in one go.
- Add the thinner in small portions, stirring hard.
- Stop at 10% by volume: no more than 100 ml of thinner per litre of enamel.
- Try it on a test patch before painting the whole surface.
Alkyd enamels and solvents are flammable. Work in a well-ventilated space away from open flames. The application range for the enamels is +5 to +30 °C, and +5 to +35 °C for working with ROZCHYNNYK 3 in 1.
What not to thin alkyd paint with
- Water. POLIFARB alkyd products are thinned only with the organic solvents in the table.
- Acetone, petrol or 646 thinner. The enamel data sheets do not mention them, so we do not recommend them.
- More than 10%. The limit is written into the data sheets and should not be exceeded, even for spraying.
Water-based paints work the other way round: they are thinned with water only. For example, RUBBER FARBA rubber paint can be thinned with clean water by up to 10% if needed, and PROFI GRUNT and GRUNT EKO primers are not thinned at all.
What to clean tools with after alkyd paint
- PF-115, PF-266, DEKOLUX, IZOMAL: white spirit.
- GF-021 and AKRYLBET: solvent naphtha.
- ZAHYST 3 in 1: ROZCHYNNYK 3 in 1 or solvent naphtha.
Brush and roller cleaning is covered step by step in how to clean brushes and rollers.
What to use
For PF-115, PF-266, GF-021 and DEKOLUX use white spirit or solvent naphtha; for ZAHYST 3 in 1 use ROZCHYNNYK 3 in 1. Choosing the enamel itself is covered in alkyd enamels for protection and decoration, and a worked example with ZAHYST 3 in 1 is in how to paint a metal door. Other PF-115 enamels are on the PF-115 enamel page.
FAQ
What do I thin PF-115 enamel with?
White spirit, solvent naphtha or a 1:1 mix, by no more than 10% of the volume.
Can alkyd paint be thinned with water?
No. Alkyd enamel data sheets list organic solvents only.
How much thinner can I add to alkyd enamel?
No more than 10% by volume, i.e. up to 100 ml per litre.
What do I thin ZAHYST 3 in 1 with?
ROZCHYNNYK 3 in 1 or solvent naphtha, up to 10% by volume. Xylene is also allowed for the hammer-finish version, with no percentage given in its data sheet.
