Spray Paint

Painting with Aerosol spray paint is an easy and fun way to paint just about anything. Spray painting can be used on many surfaces to add a new and refreshing look, and takes little know-how.

Steps

Prepare for Spray Painting

  1. Assemble your materials. Spray paint is available in dozens of brands and hundreds of colors, so check out what types are offered in your area to see what will meet your project’s needs. A few other supplies are needed to do a professional spray paint job.
    • Pricier spray paint from art supply stores may be a good investment if you are short on time, as it typically requires less coats than cheaper varieties from hardware stores.
    • Keep in mind that light colors especially need multiple coats, so you may need to purchase multiple cans of spray paint in the same color.
    • Whenever possible, use a primer on your project before you spray paint. This will help the paint to adhere to the surface better, give a smoother surface, and enhance the color of the paint.
    • Gather newspaper or plastic tarp to lay on the ground before painting. This will help keep your work area clean of the paint mist.
    • Always keep old rags available during the painting process to clean up any accidental paint application or messes.
    • If desired, use painters tape to cordon off certain areas of the surface you are painting or to give a smooth edge to your project.
    • Because spray paint is toxic, it is always a good idea to use disposable gloves and a mask during the painting process.
  2. Clean the surface of your project. Paint has difficulty sticking to surfaces that are dusty, greasy, or otherwise unclean. Take a few minutes to wipe off any debris that might be clinging to the surface of the material you are working with.
    • You can use a damp rag only or use a household cleaner to aid in cleaning your project.
    • If there is any sticky residue on the surface of your item, such as the remnants of a price tag sticker, be sure to scrape it off and remove it completely during the cleaning process.
    • For surfaces that have a shiny wax coating or finishing product, use sandpaper to roughen it a bit. This will help the paint to stick better.
  3. Prep your work area. Whenever you spray paint, you should always work outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Spray paint won’t adhere well if it is too cold or wet outside, so wait for a time when humidity is below 65% and it is sunny and at least slightly warm.
    • Place your newspaper or tarp down with weights (like rocks) to keep it from blowing around in the wind. Be sure to spread it far enough out, otherwise your yard or driveway may have a light misting of color.
    • Tape off any areas you don’t want painted on your project. Be sure the edges are sealed well to the surface to prevent paint from leaking underneath.
    • Get your mask and disposable gloves on. These are important for keeping your lungs safe during the painting process.[1]

Spray Paint Your Project

  1. Apply the primer. Shake the can well before spraying, and then add an even coating of primer to the entire object. Only one coat is necessary, but if you would like to add two it is fine. Wait for the recommended drying time before adding spray paint.
  2. Apply the spray paint. As with the primer, shake well before using. Apply one slow, even coat over the entirety of your project. It will likely be splotchy and show the original color through the paint, but this problem will be rectified with a second coat of paint.
    • Test the spray paint on an old board or piece of newspaper to make sure there is no blockage in the nozzle that might prevent an even coating.
    • Hold the can of paint about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} away from your object, and move it back and forward slowly at a rate of about one foot per second.
    • Don’t apply a heavy coat, as this increases the likelihood for dripping and will be tacky longer which makes it more likely to get smudged. Instead, apply multiple thin coats of paint.[2]
  3. Wait. Most spray paints require a minimum of 24 hours drying time before applying a second coat. Don’t rush this process, as being patient will give the paint the best adherence and help it to stick longer over time.
  4. Apply a second coat. Although this might not always be necessary, applying a second coat for good measure is safe practice. It will guarantee total coverage of your project and the brightest color.
  5. Finish your product. Allow time for it to dry completely after the second coat, and remove any tape that you used. You’re finished! Clean up all tarp or newspaper and store extra paint in a clean dry area.

Paint Glass and Ceramics

  1. Smooth the surface. Because glass, ceramics, and porcelain all have an incredibly smooth surface, it will be too slippery for the paint to adhere well. Use sandpaper to roughen the surface a bit.
  2. Wipe off any dust or debris. Make sure that none of the shavings from sanding it down are stuck to the glass, as it will cause difficulty with the paint sticking. Use a damp rag or cleaner if desired.
  3. Add a coat of primer. Glass especially needs primer because it expands and contracts with fluctuations in temperature, making cracks and creases in your paint a big possibility. Add at least one coat prior to painting.
    • Paint your glass. Using the same basic painting techniques as described above, apply an even coating of paint over your glass or ceramics. Allow time to dry.
    • Add a second coat of paint if necessary. If you feel that your project is finished with a single coat of paint, then skip this step.

Paint Metal

  1. Remove any rust. Rust will not only give a rough surface texture, but it will cause the paint to chip off over time. Use ingredients from your kitchen like vinegar and baking soda or purchase rust remover from a hardware store to do this.
    • Allow the vinegar or a paste of baking soda and water to sit on the metal for several hours to dissolve away the rust.
    • Use anything from steel wool to a toothbrush to scrub off the rusty reside after soaking.
  2. Roughen the surface. Use sandpaper to remove the sheen from the metal and make it better for the paint to stick to. The metal should lose its gloss and feel a bit rough to the touch.
  3. Clean the metal. After removing the rust and sanding the surface, be sure to give a thorough wipe down to the metal with a damp cloth.
  4. Prime the metal. Add one even coating of primer to the entirety of the surface.
  5. Paint the surface. Follow the same painting tips as aforementioned and give an even coat of paint to the metal. Add multiple coats if desired.

Paint Wood

  1. Remove any hardware. You may want to paint this, but do after separating it from the wood so that everything gets a full coat of paint.
  2. Remove any varnish or polish. Use an electric sander or sandpaper and rub off as much of the shiny outer coating of the wood as possible.
  3. Dust off sawdust with a dry cloth. Avoid using a damp cloth so that you don’t have to wait for the wood to dry before painting.
  4. Apply a primer. Special wood primers are available, but a regular spray-on primer is all that is necessary.
  5. Paint the wood. Use your spray paint to form an even coat, spraying at at least {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} from the surface. Apply multiple coats if desired, allowing dry time in between.[3]



Tips

  • The odor of aerosol will be strong on the object painted for 2-3 days, so it may be preferred to keep the newly painted item outdoors on in the garage until the odor has dissipated some.
  • If you'd like to apply some decorative additions, simply make a stencil. Using a flash card, cut out the design you would like to paint, being especially careful to make good clean lines. Then you place the flash card over the area you would like to paint and spray the paint through the holes while holding the card with your other hand. Make sure that the card is pressed firmly against the object and is not allowed to move, otherwise the design will not look right.
  • If you intend to paint the item in two colors, first, cover the entire object with the first color, allow it to FULLY dry (24 hours or more). Then using ordinary clear tape much like what you would use to wrap gifts, cover the item with newspaper, leaving only the exposed area you wish to paint. Paint the area and allow 30 minutes to elapse before removing the newspaper and tape. The clear tape should hold the newspaper in place, but doesn't have the adhesion to remove the original paint.
  • Wear old clothing that you don't really care about, especially if you have never spray painted before.
  • Keep pets well away as the fumes from painting are especially dangerous to pets.

Things You'll Need

  • Spray Paint.
  • newspaper.
  • Scotch tape.
  • Old clothes.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.4men1lady.com/how-to-spray-paint-successfully/
  2. ↑ http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-spray-pa-141892
  3. ↑ http://www.homesessive.com/read/spray-paint-right-way
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