Auto body specialists apply paint-reducer mixtures via high-volume, low-pressure spray guns.
Reducer is another term for the solvents or thinners used in the automotive painting process. Alongside auto paint materials such as primer, surfacer and sealer, reducer serves as an essential component of proper painting. Reducers help automotive paint achieve proper consistency, leading to a smooth, even and fast-drying application.
Basics
Aptly-named reducers reduce the viscosity, or thickness, of automotive painting products. This solvent can be added to paint, etch primer, primer or clear coat, if the latter is being applied. Reducers help evaporate paint, leading to quicker drying when used with urethane paints, natural-based alkyd paints and plastic-based acrylic paints. Typically, reducer is added to base paint product before hardener.
Types
Numerous manufacturers offer dozens of labels of reducer, which comes in many forms. Types of reducer include acetone reducer, acrylic reducer, basecoat reducer or lacquer thinner. In some cases, alcohol or even water may serve as paint reducer. The most common type of modern automotive paint reducer, however, is urethane reducer.
Mixing the Reducer Into the Paint
Each automotive paint reducer has its own mixing ratio, which indicates how much reducer to use with other products. For instance, reducer with a ratio of 2:1 means that 1 ounce of reducer should be added to every 2 ounces of paint, etch primer, primer or clear coat. A ratio of 2:1:1 indicates the addition of one part paint hardener. In some cases, manufacturers give mixing ratios as percentages. For example, 25 percent indicates a 1:4 ratio, 33 percent equals 1:3, and 100 percent indicates a 1:1 ratio. Reducer must be thoroughly mixed with other products via stirring before use.
Considerations
Different types of automotive paint reducers are not always interchangeable. Paints must be paired with the reducer recommended by the manufacturer. In general, using primer, paint, reducer and clear coat form the same manufacturer results in a better paint job. Technical data sheets for paint, available from automotive paint suppliers, contain detailed information on the use of these materials. Gloves, eye protection and respiratory protection should be worn at all times when working with reducers, preparing a vehicle for paint, mixing paint or painting a vehicle.
