You can mix acrylic paint with latex paint as both are water-based and are compatible with each other.
To mix acrylic with latex paint, squeeze the acrylic paint into a container, thin acrylic paint, mix and stir the mixture for 10 minutes, and test the mixture.
Acrylic paint has more pigments on its formula and will give the mixture a brighter color, while latex paint is thinner and will produce a thinner mixture.
What Happens If You Mix Acrylic Paint with Latex Paint?
If you mix acrylic paint with latex paint you get a more colorful paint. Acrylic paint will add more pigments (color) to the mixture, while latex paint will add more solvent (water) and make the mixture thinner.
Acrylic paint and latex paint are compatible as both use water as their solvent and have similar qualities.
Latex paint has a lighter flow (and higher solvent rate) as it’s made to paint furniture and wood, while acrylic has a thicker flow and more pigments as it’s used for arts and crafts.
Acrylic paint is formulated with additives to make its finish more elastic, too.
How to Mix Acrylic Paint With Latex Paint?
To mix acrylic paint with latex paint, do the following.
- Squeeze Acrylic Paint into a Container.
- Thin Acrylic Paint.
- Mix and Stir for 10 Minutes.
- Test The Mixture.
The tools you need for this project are listed below.
- A Paint Bucket
- A Can of Latex Paint
- Tube(s) of Acrylic Paint
- Paint Mixer
- Measuring Cup
- A Bottle of Water
1. Squeeze Acrylic Paint into a Container
Squeeze the required amount of acrylic paint into a measuring cup and then into a clean container.
Use the measuring cup to know how much acrylic paint you used so you know the ratio to mix it.
Note: The paint must be in good condition and not expired.
2. Thin Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint has a thick flow and will make the mixture thicker if you don’t mix it.
To thin acrylic paint, use water in a ratio of 1:3 (1 part paint thinner or water to 3 parts of paint). Simply mix the acrylic paint with water for a few minutes using a turning stick or paint mixer.
Don’t use too much water while thinning the paint as it will lose its bonding qualities and won’t stick.
Note: If you want a thicker paint coating, you don’t need to thin acrylic paint.
3. Mix and Stir for 10 Minutes
Pour latex paint (in a ratio of 1:1) over the thinned acrylic (in the clean bucket) and mix them for 10 minutes using a turning stick or paint mixer.
Ensure to stir the bottom of the container so all the paint will mix.
4. Test The Mixture
Test the mixture of paint by applying it to a cardboard or dispensable material. Stir again for 10 minutes if the mixture is too thick or hard to apply. You can use the mixture if it has a consistent color, is easy to apply, and isn’t too thick.
Add more latex paint if the mixture is too thick and you want thinner paint, or add more acrylic paint if the mixture is too thin and you want thicker paint.
Can You Apply Acrylic Paint over Latex Paint?
You can apply acrylic paint over latex paint as both paints are water-based and latex paint doesn’t have a glossy finish that repels additional coatings.
Latex paint when dry has a textured finish that allows additional coatings (or paints) to stick over it with ease. Acrylic paint has impressive bonding qualities as it’s formulated with extra additives since is designed to be used for arts and crafts.
You can apply acrylic paint after you apply latex paint on furniture to add more color to the finish.
Can You Apply Latex Paint Over Acrylic Paint?
You can apply latex paint over acrylic paint as both paints are water-based and compatible with each other.
Acrylic paint doesn’t have a glossy finish that repels penetration of additional coatings, instead, it has a textured finish that allows other paints to stick over it.
Latex paint has impressive bonding qualities and will stick over all water-based paints, including acrylic.
You can use acrylic paint as a base coat (or primer) for latex paint when painting over highly porous surfaces to prevent over-absorption. Since acrylic paint is thicker it will fill the pores in the surface and prevent paint wastage.
Acrylic vs. Latex Paint
Acrylic paint is thicker, has more paint pigments (colors), and has additional additives that make its coating more elastic and easier to expand and contract compared to latex paint.
Since acrylic paint is thicker it will cover more surfaces with less amount, it produces a brighter (or colorful) finish because of the high amount of paint pigments, and the paint is more durable as it expands and contracts more easily.
Latex paint is thinner, dries faster, is easier to use, and is better for painting furniture compared to acrylic paint.
