Can you use rubbing alcohol to thin acrylic paint? (2023)

Will rubbing alcohol damage acrylic paint?

Especially refrain from using alcohol such as methyl, ethyl, isopropanol, or acetone. Cleaning acrylic in this manner will lead to microfractures and cloudiness, compromising surface integrity.

There are two choices for thinning acrylic paint: water or acrylic medium. Water breaks down the binder in acrylic, thinning the paint so that it looks like watercolor and allows it to sink into the surface, resulting in a matte finish.

Rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol) is a drying agent that has no color or odor and is odorless. It can be used to thin paint, but it dries quickly and thickens the paint mixture. If more rubbing alcohol is added, the mixture may be thin; however, if the rubbing alcohol is not added, the drying time will increase.

In general, our go-to 50% isopropyl alcohol mixture, also known as lens clean, is the Zeiss brand. Here in our showroom, we use this brand to clean all of our acrylic pieces. Zeiss Isopropyl Alcohol is an established and trusted brand.

Common examples of paint thinners include turpentine, acetone, naphtha, toluene, and xylene. These powerful solvents break down oil-based paints, primers, and stains, making it easier to strip paint off of a surface or clean painting tools.

Windex or windshield wiper fluid, either one will work well.

For acrylic the solvent is water. Acrylic without water (just pigment and polymer binder only) will produce a paint film layer that looks juicy, glossy and substantial when applied over any surface. The surface could be absorbent or non-absorbent, colored or white.

Using a ratio of 10%-15% rubbing alcohol to 85%-90% water mixture will not damage car paint, and is highly effective in removing grease, oil, and other stubborn stains from your car's exterior paint coat.

Rubbing alcohol is another acrylic liquid substitute that can be used in place of monomer. It is a clear, colorless solution that evaporates quickly, making it ideal for those who want to achieve a quick and easy manicure.

Water as an Acrylic Paint Thinner

This is the most popular, easiest, and cheapest way to thin acrylic paint. Nonetheless, you have to control the amount of water you use, too much or too little may cause undesirable problems. The most common ratio to use is 50% water to your paint, but some say 30% is sufficient.

How do you thin dried acrylic paint?

Add water.

Dip your paintbrush in a cup of clean water and then gently tap the water from your brush onto the paint. Carefully work the water into the paint using your brush, adding more water if necessary, until the paint becomes more liquid. Add a product like Flow-Aid Fluid Additive or Acrylic Flow Improver.

You can thin water-based acrylic paint with isopropyl (rubbing alcohol). The recommended amount of alcohol you can use to dilute paint is up to 20%. The use of alcohol will accelerate drying and can result in uneven application.

To thin and mix paint for acrylic pouring you will use two main ingredients: acrylic paint and pouring medium. You mix the paint with the medium until your final mix runs like warm honey, motor oil, or chocolate syrup. If necessary add some water to thin further.

Rubbing alcohol is a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. Sometimes, it contains additional ingredients. By contrast, isopropyl alcohol is pure alcohol with no other ingredients. Because rubbing alcohol contains isopropyl alcohol, the two liquids have similar properties, but they are not the same.

For those on a tight budget or wanting something subtle in its paint thinning, you can't go wrong with the tried and tested hydrogen peroxide. Just about every bottle is the same. Just be sure to dilute it down to 75% or less before applying to your paper.

Natural Thinners

For oil paints, avoid the non-drying oils -- olive oil or vegetable oils -- because your painting will never dry. Drying oils consist of natural plant-based oils such as linseed oil from flax plants, safflower or walnut oils.

Acetone has been used to thin and remove paint for many years, which is paint thinner's primary purpose.

Even if you have OLD latex paint on a window or mirror, if you wet the paint with some rubbing alcohol and rub, the paint wipes off quickly. You can also use rubbing alcohol to remove latex paint from your clothes.

Rubbing Alcohol On Car Paint: The Breaking Down

In detail, the rubbing alcohol will not damage the paint layers as long as you dilute it properly between 10% and 15%. This means that using a ratio of 10%-15% rubbing alcohol to 85%-90% water mixture will not damage your car paint.