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Used some Floetrol over the weekend and this stuff if funky by any description. What the hell is in the mix that makes it work? Does anyone really know? I’m not trying to concoct my own- the stuff is cheap enough that I wouldn’t waste my time at chemistry 101- but it’s a mystery I’m curious about. Nothing on the bottle indicates it’s composition (for obvious reasons).
Sam
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Never used it, but I think it is a detergent; works by lowering the surface tension (surfactant).
(probably wrong...oooh, gonna get slammed).
*Adrian, If you've never used it, it's worth a try. I could hardly believe my eyes, after few minutes, the brush marks just disappeared and it made brushing that draggy latex a dream (okay, it made it less painful). Definitely covered better too. Sam
*Sam,What brand paint were you putting it in?Rich Beckman
*Rich, The stuff I used it in was Behr. I'm no paint expert (come to think of it, I'm no expert on anything) so maybe it's the paint itself that was giving me the trouble- maybe I shouldn't need the Floetrol at all? Sam
*The stuff is great. I got started using the oil based cousin (penetrol) about 15 years ago after bitching to a friend who was a painter about how bad the newer oil-based painst were. What a difference. I have used them both in just about any paint that is good enough to use with good results.
*Floetrol is great stuff. Works wonders on BM exterior latex, which otherwise has a habit of leaving more brush marks than it should, IMO. Ditto on Penetrol. Floetrol is a bit like 'Penetrol for latex.'Jeff
*Floetrol has the same base components as latex/acrylic paints. It has special additives that actually slow the chemical curing of the paint. This will keep the wet edge of the paint wet and smooth, and helps the paint settle and level much better and much easier.This product is wonderful if you live in a hot region where surface temps of products you are trying to paint make applying paint difficult. This product is not worth a fig for thinning latex/acrylic paints for spraying in HVLP sprayers though. Because it has the same base as latex/acrylic paints, it will dry and clog the tips pretty quick. Water for thinning these paints is still the best bet.Penetrol works the same way, except it is for oil based paints. Works wonders in primers too.Just a little fyi...James DuHamel
*How about this Floetrol in acrylic primer? I've been using some Benjamin Moore 100% acrylic primer because the homeowner, (my wife) brought it home. It doesn't go on smooth enough to suit me, but I keep using it cause I can top coat the same day.
*James,Couple of questions: does this stuff decrease the longevity of the paint? Do you dare return any unused paint that has been "treated" to the original can? (yes all you purists, I'm a cheap sob and tend to return unused paint to the original can)Sam
*lonecat - Have you tried Muralo's acrylic primer? I believe in alkyd myself but the trend toward taking the solvents out is blowing it as a product for the long run.Jeff
*The "paint guy" at our local store told me that it's basically the same stuff as the wetting solution they use for washing photo negatives (which is also used in dish-washers to stop spotting). If he's right, then you get two points Adrian.