Floetrol is a water-based paint conditioner that helps improve paint flow and workability of paint. Floetrol makes interior and exterior emulsion and acrylic paints (including coloured wood stains) work more like oil-based paints. Not only that but, it also allows paint to adjust to more difficult conditions such as hot, cold and windy environments.
Arguably the most important attribute of Floetrol, it helps to eliminate brush and roller marks. It does this by improving the flow of the paint enabling for a more professional finish. The improved paint flow also allows you to make progress quicker.
Unlike damaging paint thinners or water, Floetrol does all this without affecting the inherent qualities of the paint or colour. When used in a paint sprayer, Floetrol allows up to 20% reduction in pressure without affecting the spray pattern or performance and helps to prevent clogging and wear and tear on tips.
Floetrol can also be used as a medium for acrylic paint pouring art. Its composition helps to create the highly sought after strong, well-formed cells most artists are looking for without compromising the colour of the paint. We have a Q&A blog post about using Floetrol in your art work which can be found here.
Ideal Uses for Floetrol
- Exterior painting in hot, cold or windy weather
- Using a paint spray gun – Floetrol helps to extend it’s life by reducing wear and tear
- Helping paint to flow with no brush and roller marks
- Reducing roller pressure and preventing paint build up at the ends of the roller
- Providing a spray-like finish when rolling
Restrictions
Floetrol is milky white in colour and as such cannot be used in clear varnishes.
Do not add Floetrol to oil or alkyd based paints including glycerophtalic paint, for these paints use Owatrol Oil to achieve the same results.
Surface Preparation
Prepare surface as per instructions on your paint/finish can. As part of this please ensure that you have removed all loose and flaking material. You should also treat any organic growth (mould etc.) with a fungicidal solution or a mix of 1 part water to 1 part chlorine bleach (allow the bleach solution to sit for 15 minutes), rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.
Application
Stir your paint thoroughly and begin to apply in the normal manner. If paint the pulls, sets too fast, does not level or flow properly, add Floetrol until the paint spreads smoothly, easily and provides sufficient ‘wet-edge’. Allow the brush, roller or sprayer to be your guide.
To add Floetrol first shake the container well. Then add the Floetrol following the guidelines below and stir the mixture thoroughly. Now apply your paint and Floetrol mixture to your surface in the normal manner.
Using Floetrol with a Brush or Roller
Add approximately 7-10% per litre of paint. If the paint is thick, or in extreme temperatures, more Floetrol may gradually be added, up to 15% per litre.
Using Floetrol with an HVLP & Cup Gun sprayer
Add 5-10% per litre of paint. The amount depends on the consistency and flow properties of the paint. If the paint seems to thicken, add a tablespoon of water per litre of paint to thin it.
Using Floetrol with an Airless sprayer
Add up to 10% per litre of paint.
Using Floetrol for Faux finishing
Add 20-25% per litre of paint. Do not add too much conditioner for vertical surfaces as the technique may sag or vanish.
Clean Up
Clean all tools and equipment with soap and water.
Things to Remember
- Cover everything you do not wish to paint
- Always mix a small amount with Floetrol first to test compatibility
- the amount of Floetrol added will not change the colour of matt or semi-gloss emulsion or acrylic paints. Floetrol may reduce the sheen in gloss paints.
- Do not use in clear varnishes
- Do not use Floetrol in oil-based paints – instead use Owatrol Oil for the same effects
rob fuller –
I’d give 5 stars for the product as it does exactly what it is supposed to do but it loses 2 stars for the EXTORTIONATE cost of this product, for what it is.
This is available for $7 in the USA – $7!!!
Why pouring medium of any kind is so expensive over here in the UK is beyond me and it’s not like there are any better alternatives. Liquitex is just as bad!
Owatrol Team –
Verified Owner
Hi Rob,
Thank you for your review of Floetrol.
We were happy to read that you loved our product, despite feeling it was expensive.
Owatrol Easy Flow (which is the American name for Owatrol Floetrol) on the Owatrol USA website is sold for $15.70 per litre which is approximately £11.75 before shipping fees.
Owatrol USA couldn’t afford to sell Easy Flow / Floetrol for $7 per liter as they would be losing money on each sale.
In the USA there is another product with a similar name called Flood Floetrol which is cheaper than Owatrol Floetrol – perhaps this is where the confusion lies regarding the price.
Thankyou again for taking the time to highlight these queries and thank you for your honest review of Floetrol.
All the best,
The Owatrol Team