Q: What is Floetrol?
A: Floetrol is a conditioner for flat or semi-gloss latex paints and enamels. Adding Floetrol to latex paint improves the performance of the paint and keeps the projects flowing smoothly. Floetrol gives latex paint the flow and leveling of oil paint to enhance it performance in less-than-ideal circumstances. It minimizes brush and roller marks to make your paint job look better with less effort.
Q: What’s the difference of adding Floetrol or water to latex paint?
A: Floetrol is a conditioner not a thinner. Floetrol maintains and fortifies the qualities of latex paint, unlike water. Floetrol also improves the coverage of most paints, providing an exceptional value for the money. It extends the wet edge of the paint, which gives you the time to create the look you want or correct the mistakes you’ve made.
Q: Will Floetrol help paint adhere?
A: No. Floetrol conditions the paint so it's easier to apply but it does not affect adhesion.
Q: Will Floetrol help when applying a spray application of latex paint?
A: Yes, Floetrol reduces tip-clogging and piston freeze-up with cupgun spraying, produces a better spray pattern with less pressure - guns last longer.
Q: How much Floetrol should I use?
A: When you begin to paint, if the paint does not brush or roll easily; if it drags or sets too fast, add Floetrol directly to the paint until the paint works smoothly. Start with ½ pint Floetrol per gallon of flat or semi-gloss latex paint if the paint continues to pull, more Floetrol may be added, do not exceed 1 quart Floetrol per 1 gallon latex paint. Let the paint’s workability to be your guide as to how much Floetrol you need.
Q: What happens if I add too much Floetrol to the paint?
A: You may start to lose hiding power.
Q: Why do the directions for Floetrol only refer to using it with flat or semi-gloss latex paint or enamel? Can I use it with high-gloss?
A: We recommend Floetrol be used in flat or semi-gloss latex paint or enamel. If used in a high-gloss, it may affect the sheen.
Q: Will Floetrol change the color of the paint?
A: No. Even though the Floetrol looks white in the container, it dries clear and won't change color.
Q: What is a paint conditioner?
A: A paint conditioner is an ingredient added to paint when surface or weather conditions prevent the paint from performing as it was formulated. The conditioner helps the paint to overcome the negative situation. Often surface conditions such as excessive chalk and high porosity or weather conditions such as cold or hot temperatures, low humidity, etc. challenge the performance of a coating that was formulated to perform satisfactorily under average conditions. Thinner and water evaporate when containers are left open in hot, dry weather, causing the paint to drag. Cold weather turns paint sluggish, and again, it resists best efforts to apply a smooth coating. When the substrate is dry and porous it will suck the solvent from the paint and cause improper film formation. Most latex paints don't wet chalk or dust as well as oils do, and adhesion can be poor at best. The right paint conditioner can help overcome these problems and can also help you produce a more professional-looking job at the same time.
Floetrol Product Page