5 Ways to Paint with Spray Paint

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Spray paint is a fun and easy way to paint anything. Spray painting can be used on many surfaces to give a fresh new look, and requires little technical knowledge.

Steps

Method 1 of 5: Preparations for Spray Paint

Step 1. Get the material

Spray paint comes in dozens of brands and hundreds of colors, so check out which ones are in your area and which ones will suit your project's needs. Few other accessories are needed to do professional spray paint work.

• The more expensive spray paints you find at art stores can be a good investment if you're short on time, as they generally require fewer layers of application than the cheaper ones you find at hardware stores.

  

• Keep in mind that light colors especially need multiple coats, so you may need to purchase several cans of spray paint of the same color.

  

• If you can, use a primer first before applying the color spray paint. This allows the color to adhere better to the surface, make it smooth and improve its color.

  

• Get some newspaper or a plastic sheet to ground before painting, so you'll avoid getting the spray paint on the area.

  

• Have old rags ready during the paint job to remove any accidental splashes of paint or fix any messes.

  

• If you prefer, you can use paper tape to mark out areas of the surface you are drawing or to make a straight edge in your project.

  

• Since spray paint is toxic, it's always a good idea to use disposable gloves and a mask when painting.

  

Step 2. Clean the surface of your project

Paint has a hard time sticking to dusty, greasy or otherwise dirty surfaces. It only takes a few minutes to remove any residue that may be sticking to the surface.

• You can use a damp rag or cleaner to clean the base you want to paint.

  

• If there is any sticky residue on the surface, such as the remains of an adhesive label, be sure to scratch it and remove it completely while cleaning.

  

• For surfaces coated with a glossy wax or painted product, use sandpaper to make it rougher. This will help the paint adhere better.

  

Step 3. Prepare the work area

When painting with the spray, you should work outdoors in a well-ventilated area. The spray paint does not adhere well if it is too cold or wet, so wait for a climate with a humidity of less than 65% and that there is at least a little sun to warm.

• Place the newspaper or cloth on the ground with weights (such as stones) to prevent the wind from moving it. Make sure you place it far enough away, otherwise your garden or street may end up with some colorful reflections.

  

• Put masking tape on the parts of your object that you don't want to color. Make sure the edges are sealed well to the surface to prevent the color from leaking out.

  

• Take the disposable mask and gloves. These are important for protecting the lungs during the painting process.

  

Method 2 of 5: Spray Paint Your Project

Step 1. Apply the base coat

Shake the can well before spraying and then add an even coat of primer over the entire object. One coat is enough, but if you want to apply two, that's fine. It is best to wait for it to dry before adding the spray paint.

Step 2. Apply the spray paint

As with the base, shake well before using it. Slowly spray an even layer over the entire object. It will likely be patchy and the original color will show through the paint, but this problem will be eliminated by applying a second coat.

• Test spray paint on an old plank or piece of newspaper to make sure there is no blockage in the spout that might prevent an even coat.

  

• Hold the can of paint about 8 centimeters away from the object, and move it back and forth slowly, at a speed of about 30 cm per second.

  

• Do not apply a thick layer, as it may drip, making the surface viscous and stained. Instead, apply multiple thin coats of paint.

  

Step 3. Wait

Most spray paints require a minimum of 24 hours to dry before a second coat can be applied. Don't be in a hurry during this step, patience will allow the paint to adhere better and last longer over time.

Step 4. Apply a second coat

While not always necessary, it is a safe method to apply a second coat to get a good result. You will thus be able to guarantee total coverage of the project and the color will be brighter.

Step 5. Finish your item

Wait long enough for it to dry completely after the second coat, and remove the tape you used. Are you done! Clean the cloth or newspaper and put the remaining paint in a clean, dry place.

Method 3 of 5: Painting Glass and Ceramics

Step 1. Smooth the surface

Since glass, ceramic and porcelain all have an incredibly smooth surface, they are too slippery for paint to adhere well. Use sandpaper to make the surface a little rough.

Step 2. Remove any dust or debris

Make sure there is no sanding residue left on the glass, as it will make it difficult for the paint to adhere. Use a damp cloth or a cleaner if you prefer.

Step 3. Add a base coat

Glass especially needs a bottom base because it expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations, and cracks or creases may otherwise form during work. Add at least one base coat before painting.

• Paint the glass. Use the same techniques as the base paint, as described above, apply an even coat of paint to the glass or ceramic. Allow time to dry.

  

• Add a second coat of paint if needed. If you think your project is completed with just one coat of paint, you can skip this step.

  

Method 4 of 5: Paint the Metal

Step 1. Remove the rust

Not only does rust make the surface of the object rough, but it causes the paint to chip over time. Use ingredients from your kitchen such as vinegar and baking soda or purchase a rust remover at a hardware store for this task.

• Apply the vinegar or make a mixture of baking soda and water on the metal, leaving it to act for several hours to dissolve the rust.
• Use anything from steel wool to a toothbrush to scrape off residual rust after soaking.

Step 2. Roughen the surface

Use sandpaper to remove the shine of the metal and facilitate the application of the paint. The metal should lose its brilliance and you should feel the surface a little rough to the touch.

Step 3. Clean the metal

After removing the rust and smoothing the surface, be sure to thoroughly clean the metal with a damp cloth.

Step 4. Apply the primer to the metal

Add a base coat over the entire surface.

Step 5. Paint the surface

Follow the same steps outlined above and create an even layer of paint on the metal. Add more coats if you wish.

Method 5 of 5: Paint the Wood

Step 1. Remove any accessories

You can paint the wood, but you must remove any unnecessary elements from the object to evenly coat the surface.

Step 2. Remove any paint or polish

With an electric sander or sandpaper, scrub as much of the wood's shiny exterior as possible.

Step 3. Brush the sawdust with a dry cloth

Avoid using a damp cloth so you don't have to wait for the wood to dry before painting.

Step 4. Apply a coat of primer

There are special impregnating agents for wood on the market, but a simple basic spray paint is more than enough.

Step 5. Paint the wood

Use the spray paint to give an even layer, spraying from at least 8 centimeters from the surface. Apply several coats, if you want, leaving enough time to dry between one and the other.

Advice

• Wear old clothes that you don't really care about, especially if you've never spray painted before.
• If you want to add some decorations, just make a stencil. Use a stiff postcard, cut out the design you want to paint, being especially careful to make well-defined lines. Then place the postcard on the area you want to paint and spray the paint through the holes while holding the card with your other hand. Make sure the postcard is pressed firmly against the object and does not move, otherwise the design will not come out well.
• Keep pets away from the work area as paint fumes are particularly harmful to them.
• If you intend to paint the object with two colors, first spray the entire object with the first color, wait for it to completely dry (24 hours or more). Then use normal transparent adhesive tape very similar to the one used to wrap gifts, cover the object with a newspaper, leaving only the area you want to paint exposed. Paint the area and wait 30 minutes before removing the newspaper and tape. The clear tape should hold the newspaper in place, but it shouldn't strip off the original paint.
• The smell of the spray paint will remain strong on the painted object for 2-3 days, so it is best to keep it outdoors or in the garage until the smell is completely gone.