Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Thicken latex wall paint
• Method 2 of 4: Make tempera paint thicker
• Tips
• Warnings

Paint is available in different viscosities, depending on the type of paint or the mixing technique used. Sometimes the paint has to be thicker than how it originally came out of the package. You may need thicker paint to cover a dark color on a wall or to turn school paint into finger paint. Thickeners can get the paint to the desired thickness and add texture to your artwork.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Thicken latex wall paint

1. Buy a thickener. You can buy a thickener for your paint at a local hardware store. Most latex paint thickeners are made with water-soluble hydroxyethyl cellulose that works well with the latex.
   • Make sure the thickener is suitable for latex paint.
2. Add the thickener to the paint. Read the directions on the thickener bottle to know how much to use. Usually you add it per 15 g, depending on how much paint you have.
   • For best results, add a smaller amount than required, then slowly add more until you get the consistency you need.
   • Adding more than the manufacturer's recommended amount can cause the paint to crack and peel when you paint it on the wall.
3. Stir the paint. Use a paint stir stick to slowly stir the thickener into the paint. The paint will thicken as you stir. Add more thickener in small amounts while stirring if the paint is not thick enough.
4. Try out the paint. Paint a small area of ​​the wall to test the thickness of the paint. Let this dry completely and then check the result. The paint should not crack or flake in any way. If the paint looks good and has a smooth color, you can paint the rest of the wall.

Method 2 of 4: Make tempera paint thicker

1. Get the necessary materials. You will need cornstarch, water, a pan, tempera paint, and a sealable container to thicken the paint. Have these materials on hand when you start this project.
2. Let the mixture cool. When the mixture is smooth and thick, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Stir the mixture after it has cooled completely.
3. Buy a paint medium. Visit an artist shop and go through the selection of oil painting mediums. There are many paint mediums that add texture or thickness to paints. Choose the medium based on how you want your painting to look; some mediums can change the gloss or color of the paint.
   • Mix the medium with the paint according to the package instructions.
   • Adjust the amount of medium you add to the paint until you reach the desired consistency.

Tips

• Add thickeners slowly and in small amounts until the desired consistency is reached. The paint should not be too thick to use it properly.
• Wear gloves when mixing thickeners in paint so that the paint doesn't get on your skin.
• Before you start, read the directions on the thickener. Make sure the thickener you choose is appropriate for the type of paint you have.
• Water-based paint can be left open to allow some water to evaporate for a thicker paint.
• A little texture paint will thicken the emulsion. Mix it with an old whisk and preferably do it outside. It does lighten the color of the paint.

Warnings

• Do not use cornstarch as a thickener for wall paint. This can cause mold to form in the paint over time.
• Try the paint on a small area of ​​the wall first before painting the entire wall.
• One or two drops of wintergreen oil would prevent mold on flour or cornstarch, but it is poisonous and should be handled with extreme care. Children are not allowed to deal with this at all. I have used it successfully in cooked paper pulp for modeling.
• Using a stove to heat the cornstarch and water should be done by a responsible adult.