How Do I Thin Liquid Electrical Tape?

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Things You'll Need

  • Thinner or solvent

  • Artist paintbrush

Liquid electrical tape does the same thing as regular tape but eliminates air bubbles.

Liquid electrical tape is a substance that can be applied to electrical connections to insulate them. It dries onto the wiring and serves the same sealing purpose as regular electrical tape. It is air and waterproof and has many applications. In addition to electrical wiring insulation, it can be used for rustproofing and many other duties. Liquid electrical tape tends to dry out quickly when it is stored because its components evaporate quickly. Unlike paint, however, it can be thinned back into usable form.

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Step 1

Purchase a thinner recommended by the manufacturer of the brand of liquid electrical tape you have. Never use a thinner not listed by the manufacturer. Some manufacturers market their own thinner. Others may recommend naptha or toluene.

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Step 2

Spread a thick layer of newspapers on your workbench or other stable surface. Open the container of liquid electrical tape and place it on the stable surface.

Step 3

Read the label directions on the container of thinner carefully. Follow the specific directions for the brand you have purchased. Generally, you will pour a small amount of the thinner into the liquid electrical tape container. Do not spill it; thinners are very harmful to the environment.

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Step 4

Insert the wooden handle of an artist paintbrush into the container and gently stir the thinner into the liquid tape until it is evenly mixed. Do not use plastic to stir the thinner. The solvents in the thinner can dissolve plastic.

Step 5

Repeat Steps 3 and 4 with small amounts of thinner until the liquid electrical tape is the consistency you want. Do not add large amounts of thinner at once. Stir in small amounts each time. If you do add too much thinner, wait a little while. Stir the liquid electrical tape every few minutes. It dries out quickly. Use it when it gets to the consistency you want.

Tip

Store thinner and liquid electrical tape tightly sealed in a cool place.

Warning

Both the liquid electrical tape and the solvents used to thin it contain highly volatile and highly flammable, harmful chemicals. Do not use near open flames or any type of heat source. Do not try to dry it with a heat gun or hair dryer. Use only in a well ventilated area. Avoid smoking and generating static electricity.

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