How to Use Floetrol With Latex Paint?

The climate where I live is subject to high temperatures during the summer months.

This makes it difficult for me to paint outside.

In other words, I would find that the paint would not coat properly when applied.

The same was true during cold conditions with the humidity that was low.

The paint was difficult to apply smoothly, and the results were less than satisfactory.

I discovered that latex paints, in general, are not as good compared to oil-based paints in terms of chalking, dust, and adhering to the surface.

I found myself adding more coats and spending more money when I could have used a paint conditioner like Floetrol instead.

What is Floetrol?

Well, before I talk specifically about Floetrol, let’s understand what is a paint conditioner?

A paint conditioner is basically an ingredient that is added to paint for conditioning and performing better than it actually can.

You will generally need to use these paint conditioners when the surfaces (like chalky or highly porous) or the weather conditions (extremely cold or hot temperatures, low humidity, etc.) are not in favor and they prevent the paint from performing better.

In simple words, a paint that is formulated to perform well under certain conditions, when deny performing optimally, can improve its performance when mixed with a paint conditioner like Floetrol.

Floetrol is a kind of paint conditioner particularly designed for water-based flat and semi-gloss latex paints along with enamels, acrylic, or vinyl.

What are The Benefits of Using Floetrol?

Floetrol boosts the overall performance in climate conditions that are not conducive to even coats of latex paint.

In other words, Floetrol helps the latex paint act like oil-based paint under such conditions.

Not only does it help in improving the coverage of the paint but also enhances the look of the job done, thereby providing you great value for the money. 

This means that the paint can be applied quicker, smoother, and with more even results.

One great property that makes me a real fan of Floetrol is its help in extending the wet edge of the paint.

This will provide you more time to correct your mistakes while painting and to create a look you exactly desire for.

So, in short, some of the advantages of using this product are:

• Offers spray like finish even with a roller
• Reduces roller pressure and prevents roller marks
• Can be used with a paintbrush, roller, or an HVLP sprayer
• Can be used for exterior painting in hot, cold, and windy conditions

Are there any limitations?

Yes, but not too many.

The only drawback I found is its milky white color which is why you cannot use it for clear varnishes.

Also, you should avoid adding Floetrol to oil or alkyd-based paint products since it can reduce the sheen in these glossy paints.

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How to Use Floetrol Additive with Latex Paint?

Keep in mind that Floetrol is not a thinner designed for water-based paints.

This is rather a paint conditioner that is designed to make latex paints act like oil-based paints.

So, if you are using a spray gun designed for latex paints, then Floetrol may make it work more efficiently.

Firstly, since Floetrol helps in thinning the paint it avoids tip-clogging in the sprayer.

Secondly, it also helps in producing better spray patterns with less pressure which means your sprayer needs less maintenance and may last longer.

For spraying, one issue with latex paints is that they tend to dry too quickly inside the gun.

That means a considerable amount of cleaning will be needed and you will lose a lot of paint.

The good thing is by adding Floetrol, the paint will become thinner and less likely to dry inside the gun itself.

However, if you do not want to change the consistency of the paint like Floetrol will do, then it is recommended that you use water to dilute the latex paint instead.

Tips on Using Floetrol

When I used Floetrol, I found it to be quite beneficial when combined with latex paints.

However, there are a few things to know before you purchase Floetrol for your next painting effort.

• It takes longer to dry
• It does make paint runny, so be careful
• Always test the compatibility by mixing a small amount first
• It reduces the glossy appearance, so add a little water to keep the shine

Having said that, it did take me lesser time when I used a spray gun to cover the walls.

So, keep that in mind when considering adding Floetrol to latex paint.

Also, care that Floetrol is only meant for latex paints and you should not use it with oil-based paints.

Will Floetrol Help Adhere Paint Better?

No, Floetrol does not affect the adhesion properties of the paint.

It is typically designed for conditioning the paint so that it becomes easier to apply paint.

The Floetrol paint additive also does not change the color of the paint.

While it may look white when you just open the container, it is found to be clear when dried.

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How Much Floetrol Should You Use for Latex Paint?

There is no set amount, but generally speaking, adding about a half-pint of Floetrol to every gallon of flat or semi-gloss latex paint is a good place to start.

If you still feel the drag of the latex paint and it’s not rolling smoothly over surfaces, then you should gradually add more Floetrol until you get the desired results.

Adding more than a quart of Floetrol to every gallon of latex paint is too much.

It will start to thin out to the point where it is not looking good at all when applied to a surface.

Usage	Floetrol Quantity
With an Airless sprayer	10% per liter of paint
With HVLP & Cup Gun sprayer	5 – 10% per liter of paint
For Faux finishing	20 – 25% per liter of paint
With Brush or Roller	7 – 10% per liter of paint (not more than 15%)

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Can I Just Use Water Instead of Floetrol For Latex Paint?

Yes, you can use water as a Floetrol paint additive substitute, if the latter isn’t available for whatever reason.

But Floetrol provides some extra advantages over just water especially when you need to eliminate brush stroke marks.

While water can only thin the paint, Floetrol as a conditioner also enhances the basic qualities of water-based paints.

Unlike water, it makes the paint easier to apply and helps achieve better performance.

Plus, you will be getting a better-looking surface when painted with paint mixed with Floetrol. 

Aside from using plain water, you can use products such as XIM® or M-1 latex paint additive and extender and those will also work fine in my opinion – although I haven’t tried them before.

The bottom line

Overall, I was happy with the results I achieved by using Floetrol for latex paint.

Though it did take a little practice to get the right amount of Floetrol into the paint, some experimentation will be needed.

If you are struggling hard to get the most out of your expensive paint, you should definitely try the Floetrol latex paint conditioner.

The Flood Floetrol latex paint additive reviews, by consumers who have already used it, have been so far very good.

Based on how large your project is you can get the package you want to use. It’s available at paint stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and others like Amazon.

I am sure you will going to like the way it improves the performance of your paint.

*Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API