Paint Thinning Lessons

Lessons on Thinning Paint

The silver conductive paint from Less EMF: MG Chemicals 842-20G), is extremely viscous and expensive (about $30 for 0.7 oz or 20 g). Hence we decided to thin the paint by diluting it with acetone rather than purchasing a specialized paint thinner as recommended by many manufacturers.

We found that dilution with acetone was easy and cost effective, since every hardware store carries it in the paint removal aisle.

Chemicals in Conductive Paint Thinner

The choice of thinner depends on the medium, in which the conductive metal particles are suspended.

• Water - good for latex based paints and recommended for thinning SE Micro Silver Paint

• Alcohol - similar to water, but faster to dry. It's recommended for thinning SE Micro Silver Paint

• Acetone - cheap alternative to butyl acetate for our purposes in silk screening circuits. It's an ingredient in some commercial paint thinners.

• Butyl acetate - the recommended thinner of conductive paints according to Less EMF. It's also the common ingredient across several commercial paint thinners.

A Couple Conductive Paint Thinners

• SPI Thinner - Product #05004-AB; 05004-DA; 05004-RA Thinner Silver Paint

• • Acetone - More than 20%
  • N-butyl acetate - More than 15%
  • Ethyl acetate - More than 20%
  • Toluene - More than 20%

• Midas Silver Conductive Paint Thinner - Product #335073

• • Butyl acetate - unknown percentage