Floetrol is a "secret weapon" for many artists and professional painters.
Before we start, we need to understand what Floetrol is and where it is used.
Floetrol is a latex paint additive that is used as a conditioner to help reduce brush buildup, eliminate brush marks, and extend drying time. Floetrol gives latex paint the same flow and leveling as oil-based paints. Floetrol should never be used as paint thinner. Floetrol is composed of water and a binder (Polymer emulsion).
Floetrol was not designed specifically for acrylic bloom pouring, but its properties made it a very affordable and effective bloom pouring medium: floetrol improves paint flow and adhesion, generates larger cells without compromising paint quality, and never cracks.
For beginners learning pouring techniques, Floetrol for bloom pouring is the best option. It’s also a fantastic ingredient for all your experiments!
Floetrol is used for both interior and exterior works, spraying, and, more recently, acrylic pouring. It is now a popular medium because it allows painting to dry more slowly, allowing you to enjoy the process and create a true masterpiece.
Flat, eggshell, or semi-gloss sheens are ideal. When used with high-gloss sheen, Floetrol can reduce shine. While it has a milky appearance, it will not alter the colour of your paint because it dries clear.
Floetrol can irritate the skin and eyes. Wear gloves and avoid touching your face while mixing and pouring floetrol.
Floetrol uses –
Floetrol is most used for painting trim, cabinets, doors, or fine furniture, and it can be applied indoors or outdoors using a variety of methods. If you find it difficult to roll or brush the paint, such as if it drags or sets too quickly, use Floetrol. It is also critical to use a high-quality brush.
When applying paint with a spray applicator, Floetrol will keep the tip from clogging and the piston from freezing up when using a cup gun sprayer, extending the sprayer’s life. It will also result in a more consistent spray pattern.
If you’re new to using Floetrol, play around with different amounts to see how it affects the paint. Sometimes a small amount is required, and other times a large amount is required. Begin with adding about 10% – 15% of Floetrol. More Floetrol can be added if the paint is still dragging or setting too quickly, but no more than 20%. You will lose hiding power if you use too much Floetrol.
Difference between Australian Floetrol and US Floetrol –
Australian Floetrol has different ingredients than American Floetrol and it is very easy to differentiate them:
Australian floetrol has a red and white label, while US floetrol has an orange and white label.
Australian Floetrol is a thinner, acrylic-based medium with a stain conditioner and a milky white texture designed for acrylic paints and stains. American Floetrol is more tightly woven and has a lighter beige tint and is made of latex paint. It is also known that Australian floetrol produces far more cells on its own than the US option (US floetrol almost created no cells without silicone additives).
Basically, the Australian Floetrol, which was originally developed for acrylic paint, is also latex-ready, whereas the American Floetrol works with all types of paint. Australian floetrol is easier to mix, due to being a bit thinner and creates a tighter lacing effect because of the thinner consistency.
Where to buy floetrol –
Floetrol is available in quantities of 500 ml, 1 Litre, and 4 Litres and can be easily purchased from DIY Evolution