Penetrol smooths out oil-based paint
You brush on oil-based paint and the brush marks stay there as it dries. People reach for mineral spirits to fix it, but thinning doesn’t slow the dry, so the marks set in anyway. Penetrol works differently.
It’s a low-odor additive you mix into the paint. It improves penetration, adhesion, and flow, and it gives you more open and working time. So the paint has a chance to level out before it sets, and the brush marks flow away. It also inhibits rust on metal surfaces and brings the luster back to faded, weathered fiberglass.
Where it works
- Oil-based paints, stains, varnishes, and primers
- Indoor or outdoor use
Frequently asked questions
What is Penetrol used for?
Penetrol is a low-odor additive you mix into oil-based paint to make brush marks disappear. It improves penetration, adhesion, and flow and gives you more open and working time, so the paint levels out before it sets. It works in oil-based paints, stains, varnishes, and primers.
How does Penetrol work to get rid of brush marks?
It improves flow and extends open and working time, so the paint has a chance to level out before it sets and the brush marks flow away. That is different from thinning with mineral spirits, which does not slow the dry, so those marks set in anyway.
What does Penetrol do to rust?
Penetrol inhibits rust on metal surfaces. It also brings the luster back to faded, weathered fiberglass, and it works for indoor or outdoor projects.
Who makes Penetrol and what can it be used on?
Penetrol is for oil-based paints, stains, varnishes, and primers, indoors or out. It improves penetration, adhesion, and flow while staying low odor, so you get professional results without the brush marks that thinning leaves behind.
Want to get it right? These hands-on guides from The Craftsman Blog show you how.
Related tutorials
From The Craftsman Blog
How To: Prevent Brush Marks
You can get a sprayed-on look with a plain brush if you know the tricks — six of them, in this post. A flow additive is one of Scott's secrets for leveling out brush marks. Exactly where Penetrol earns its place.