However, there are some paints that are designed to be used with a spray gun without thinning. This will ensure that it’s thin enough to spray, but thick enough to still provide good coverage. So how do you know how thick your paint should be? The general rule of thumb is to thin your paint until it’s the consistency of milk. If it’s too thin, the paint won’t adhere to the surface properly. If it’s too thick, it can cause your spray gun to clog. You don’t want your paint to be too thick or too thin. Paint thickness is always a tricky question when it comes to spraying.