Applying and thinning paint

Painting techniques

Avoid applying too much wet film thickness causing through-drying problems and wrinkling (“allogator skin”). Especially on horizontal surfaces it is easy to apply too much wet film thickness that may result to insufficient through drying. Overthinning on vertical surfaces may lead to unwanted formation of curtains and paint drips. Overall advice: It is better to apply two thin coats than one thick coat.

Apply paint diagonally and divide evenly over the surface. Finish by vertically tipping off. Divide larger surfaces in various smaller sections and minimize making corrections. Avoid overbrushing / rolling. Epifanes topcoats are renowned for their excellent flow. The paint will flow to a smooth surface.

Thinning paint

Paint and varnish is thinned to allow deeper penetration into the surface and to enhance the flowing ability under difficult working conditions.  Do not thin more than necessary. Adding just a few percent thinner will have a great impact on the paint/varnish. Adding too much thinner will not give a better flow, but may cause curtains and insufficient dry filmthickness. A thin coat provides only limited protection which can lead to a rapid loss of gloss. The thinning ratios mentioned are guidelines and depend on the temperature of the paint and working area.

Only use the recommended Epifanes thinners as mentioned on the can. The indicated thinning ratios are general guidelines.

Additives

For use of Epifanes Easy-Flow, refer to page 47. Avoid the use of other additives as these may disturb the balance between flow, (through-)drying, hardness, colour vastness and gloss (retention) of the product.

Batch numbers

In order to avoid possible color differences on the same surface, always use topcoats with an identical batch number. The batch number can be found on the bottom of each can. Different batch numbers of the same product can be mixed together to obtain an even color.

Stirring and mixing

Before painting, ensure that the paint is mixed well to a smooth paint substance. Ensure that all deposits and/or pigments lying beneath the lip or on the sides and bottom of the container are mixed in. Avoid the intake of air into the paint by stirring too aggressively.

In case of two-component products, first mix both components separately before mixing them together. Obey the initial reaction time of the mixed product before thinning or applying the paint.