Best Paint Thinner to Allow Paint to Flow Better/Eliminate Brush Strokes

[Plymouth Sailor]

I posted previously about thinning Rustoleum oil/alkyd paint. I'm experimenting on my transom first before I paint my whole boat and used gasoline successfully however I'm still interested in other options. Interested in anyone's experience with paint thinners and those you believe are the best product. Any recommendations appreciated.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Why not spray it?
I tried recently to thin paint on a home project. I tried Floetrol and paint thinner. I just got finer brush strokes. It could just be the alkyd paint I used this time.

 

[gkmoore]

I have used Xylene to thin Brightsides with good results.

 

[MikeHoncho]

Use the manufacture's recommended solvent and a quality badger brush to tip.

 

[Plymouth Sailor]

Spraying too messy. Many pros with new boats simply brush it on.

 

[sailnoproblem]

That is the way to go.

 

[sailnoproblem]

Forgot to include it,s all in the proper brush as MikeHoncho posted.

 

[kampuniform]

No need to thin at all, and the type of brush used is irrelevant.

Once the paint has fully cured, all marks are removed with wet/dry sanding, finishing with polishing compounds.

This will leave you with a perfectly flat surface.

Typically, you’d spray, and then apply the techniques I’ve listed.

Much faster that way.

 

[Plymouth Sailor]

Appreciate the info but marine paints in general w/o additives dry way too fast to wipe them out (go over again to ensure not runs and even application), like one can with a latex in a home, I also used polishes and waxes on a painted hull and they tend to dull the paint over the season taking away the shine.

 

[kampuniform]

Yes, that’s normally what you encounter in most finishing applications and a fast cure is your friend (lowers the risk of debris settling on the finish).

Gelcoat is kicking when it’s still in the spray gun reservoir.

It doesn’t matter what it looks like going on, as any defects/blemishes/brush marks can be sanded out with 600-800-1000-2000 wet/dry.

You can’t stop a finish from oxidizing, and waxing doesn’t impart anything but temporary shine.

Brushed gelcoat will have greater durability and longevity.

Just a thought.