MIXING AND THINNING:
Mixing should not draw air into the paint, which will cause foam and could result in film defects such as pinholes and craters.
Waterborne paints are designed to be applied at the supplied viscosity, and thinning should not be necessary. If thinning is required, use only clean water and use it sparingly. Excessive thinning will result in sagging, reduced film build, and possibly performance problems. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

WET EDGE:
Remember that partially dry latex paint is actually a partially coalesced film. Cutting back into a dried area can cause appearance problems because the fresh paint will not meld into the dry paint. Solventborne paints are more forgiving because the solvent of the fresh paint layer redissolves the partially dried paint. A painter experienced with waterborne latex coatings will pay attention to wet edge as they work. Techniques such as feathering edges of painted areas will help in minimizing any appearance issues.

SPRAY APPLICATION:
Waterborne acrylic coating can be applied by a variety of spray equipment. Click here for a pdf containing a brief description of some common types of spray application methods.

When spraying waterborne coating, the applicator must keep in mind the wet edge of the coating. Waterborne coatings that are partially dried will not meld completely with a freshly applied layer of paint. Using techniques such as feathering the edges of large areas will maximize the appearance of the coating.

DON’T LET PAINT DRY ON YOUR TOOLS:
When taking a break from painting, prevent paint from drying on the spray gun tip, brushes or roller covers. Brushes and rollers can be wrapped in aluminum foil. For rollers, this will prevent paint from drying out on the roller nap, which could then leave dried particles in the paint film. Spray gun tips can be soaked in clean water, but be sure not to immerse too deeply so that the packing and trigger get wet.

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