What Is Floetrol? The Reasons You Should Use It
Have you ever painted a room only to find that the paint doesn’t cover evenly or it dries with brush strokes? Floetrol is an additive that can be added to latex and acrylic paints, which makes them flow and level like oil-based paints.
It also compensates for the adverse effects of weathering on exterior surfaces. This means your paint will look great every time!
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You donāt have to worry about painting problems anymore when you use Floetrol. Just add it to any interior or exterior latex or acrylic paint before using it, and enjoy perfect results every time!
And because this product is so easy to use, anyone can do it ā even if theyāre not professional painters. Now you can get rid of all those messy brushes forever!
Let’s break down how it works so you can get started on your next project.
Flood Floetrol Paint Additive
Floetrol, a paint additive for latex and acrylic paints, has been designed to make these types of paint more like oil-based paint.
It helps eliminate brush marks, increases coverage, and reduces the need to thin the paint before using it. This product also lubricates the paint to reduce wear and tear on spray guns.
Why Use It?
Eliminate Brush Strokes
One of the main reasons to use Floetrol is to help eliminate brush marks. This is especially important for anyone who is finishing a project like painting the exterior of their home, where itās easy to see brush marks if they are present.
Floetrol also makes latex and acrylic paints act more like oil-based paint, which reduces the chance of brush strokes showing up on your surface.
Increase Coverage
Another reason to use Floetrol is to increase the coverage of your paint. This can be especially helpful if you are working on a larger project and need to make sure your paint will get the job done in one coat.
By using this additive, you can ensure that your paint ends up where itās needed with no brush marks or missed spots.
Lubricant
One more important reason to consider using Floetrol is the lubricant. Lubricating your paint reduces wear and tear on spray guns, which can save you money over time.
This additive also makes it easier to apply latex paints, since they will be more fluid once youāve added this product.
How To Use Floetrol
Floetrol is very easy to use. Simply add the recommended amount (found on the back of the bottle, usually one pint per gallon) to your paint according to package directions.
Any brand of interior or exterior latex or acrylic paint will work with Floetrol, so you can keep using your favorite paints and your tools should still be just as effective.
Note: Oil-based paints will not receive the same benefits from Floetrol, so donāt mix them together unless you want to create a paint that is not easy to work with. Instead, use Penetrol for oil-based paints.
- Shake Well: Make sure to shake the container well, you can add to paint and have the paint store shake it as well.
- Start Small To Test Compatibility: Start will a small amount of Floetrol to test compatibility first.
- Using Brush/Roller: Add 8oz. per gallon of paint
- Using Airless Paint Sprayer: Add up to 32oz per gallon
- Gun Cap Sprayer: Mix 4-8oz per quart of paint
- Stir: Make sure to stir the Floetrol paint mixture thoroughly
- Paint: Once mixed continue to paint as usual
Floetrol’s Benefits And Drawbacks
Using Floetrol will help you avoid the hassles of brushes and rollers, as well as cut down your finishing time. However, it does change the composition of your paint.
While this product is not bad for you or your walls, consider that changing the paint’s formula may cause problems with how it adheres to surfaces or with any warranties you may have. Another drawback is that it makes the paint slightly harder to clean up since the product has its own unique consistency.
If you are tackling a DIY Project like painting your kitchen cabinets, adding some Floetrol will help eliminate those dreaded brush strokes.
It can slow down your paint drying time, especially if you are using high concentrations or the product in humid temperatures. This can be a good thing if you want to slow down the paint drying time.
It’s not always easy to know if Floetrol will work with your chosen paint, so consider using a small amount before committing to this additive for your project. If you are working on an extra-large project, Floetrol can definitely make the task easier. However, if you are using a paint that is not meant to be watered down or an oil-based product, you will need to go back and start over with different paints.
Floetrol also inhibits rust on metal surfaces.
Who Should Not Use Floetrol?
Floetrol can be harmful to plants and aquatic life, so consider this before using it. It should also only be used with latex and acrylic paints that are water-based.
Oil-based paints will not benefit from Floetrol’s other properties, so do not use it in conjunction with these other formulas. If you have any doubts about whether Floetrol will work with your chosen paint, take a small amount to the store you are purchasing it from.
Store Floetrol
Store Floetrol at home in the garage or basement, in its original container between 40 and 100 degrees. Floetrol has a shelf life of six months to one year.
Will Floetrol Change The Color?
Although Floetrol will not change the color or sheen in most paints, it will reduce the sheen in gloss paints.
Drying Time
Floetrol can slow down your paint drying time, especially if you are using high concentrations or the product in humid temperatures. Count on 24 hours to dry.
Coverage
Floetrol will increase the paint’s coverage by 25 percent.
One quart of Floetrol will cover about 300 square feet, but the amount of coverage does depend on the use.
Floetrol Clean Up
Clean up any Floetrol with soap and warm water. It can also be cleaned off surfaces it spills onto with soap and water.
Where To Buy Floetrol
Floetrol can be purchased at most paint stores or hardware stores like Lowes, Home Depot, or Ace Hardware. If you prefer to shop online, you can find it here on Amazon. It is available in either a quart or gallon size.
It is also possible to make your own Floetrol solution by adding water to latex paint purchased from the store; however, you should note that this version of Floetrol will not last very long after it is made.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a way to help your paint flow more smoothly, eliminate brush or roller marks, and improve the coverage of your paint, you might want to give Floetrol a try. Just remember not to use it for oil-based paints and test compatibility with small amounts of your paint before committing.
Thanks for stopping by!
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FLOETROL FAQ’S
Yes, you can, but unlike water, Floetrol has the added benefit of making the paint easier to apply and conditions it as well.
Yes! Using Floetrol eliminates brush marks and leaves you with a clean smooth surface every time.
Be careful not to use too much Floetrol or it may cause the paint to sag or yes even varnish.
Yes, you can add Floetrol to chalk paints to help them flow and reduce brush strokes.
Although Flood Penetrol & Flood Floetrol serve the same purpose, Floetrol is used for latex paints whereas Penetrol is used for oil-based paints.
Floetrol is not a paint thinner. It is a latex paint additive that reduces brush strokes and helps make the paint flow smoother.
Yes, Floetrol can be used with water-based and latex paints. Do not use Floetrol with oil-based paints.
Yes, you can add Floetrol to the primer to help it flow more smoothly.