Painting - Additives For Oil-based Paint

I have a quick question. I am trying to enhance the staining power/durability of my oil-based paint. I have read that Penetrol is a good product for this exact purpose. How well does it work for those who have used it? Also, does it work as a thinner as well? or if I desire a thinner consistency do I have to thin the paint first and then add it?

If any one knows of any other products that work well, please recommend!

Thank you.

Welcome to the forums!

I'm not sure I understand what you are asking:o
Penatrol added to oil base paint will make it brush easier and cause it to sink into the wood a little better. it slows the drying time down some. Penatrol basically thins the paint without making it thinner. Generally it's best not to add paint thinner to the paint unless necessary. The thicker the coating film, the more protection it gives the substrate.

What are you painting?

Thank you very much.

I am painting a metal surface outdoors, but also concrete. I have noticed that after drying, sometimes the paint won't last through weather or abrasion, so I am trying to find additives that can make it stronger--whether that be through better staining power/adhesion or anything else.

Pentrol is more for helping the oil base paint/primer to suck into the wood and to make it easier to apply. It is a good substitute for paint thinner. paint thinner added to paint makes the paint thinner = thinner coating on the substrate. Since pentrol doesn't thin the paint [makes it 'slide' easier] you don't wind up with a thinner coat of paint.

I don't think penatrol will hurt the paint but it won't make it last longer. What brand/line of paint are you using? There might be better coatings that will last longer.

Rustoleum has a number of paints for metal, and I would recommend an epoxy for your concrete. Both have recommended thinning and brushing agents. As I heard once said by a paint rep "we pay engineers hundreds of thousands to formulate our paint, we don't need customers monkeying with it." A couple ounces of penetrol and/or thinner to a gallon will aid in application and leveling, a little Willbond will help add a little "stickability."