How To Spray Paint

If you find painting laborious but you want to do the work yourself, you don’t have many choices. However, there are some paints which can be applied quickly, and spray paint is one of the most effective.

There is a wide range of colours available, and as spray paint can be applied in numerous coats, it is possible to create any image or depth of colour you like. If you are keen to learn more about spray painting, including how to achieve the best results, we can help. No matter the surface, if you want to learn how to spray paint with confidence, this guide is for you.

What Materials Do You Need When Spray Painting?

A step by step guide is always helpful when trying something new, and this includes the materials you need. While it is possible to pick up a spray can and start painting, you can enhance the quality of work, and protect yourself, by having a range of equipment at your disposal. Consider buying and using:

Spray paint in the colour of your choice
Protective materials such as a drop cloth, tarp or newspapers to cover the ground
Tape to cover up areas
Safety equipment such as gloves, safety glasses and a ventilator mask

Preparing and primer products are also available, but they are optional.

Preparing The Area To Paint

Ideally, you should paint in a well ventilated area, and if you are indoors, try to open windows. At first, it is best to check the quality and colour of paint on a scrap piece of material (if you are spray painting a car), a test patch or an inconspicuous area of a wall, where it doesn’t matter if the paint isn’t 100% right.

As with any paint job, it is vital to clean the area you wish to paint, removing dust and dirt from the surface. Often, warm, soapy water and a cloth or sponge is enough, but if there is a lot of debris to remove, consider commercial cleaning products and equipment.

You can prepare the surface by preparing it for the paint, and if you lightly sand the surface, the sanding makes it more receptive for paint.

You can use a primer when spraying

If you intend to use a primer, this is the time to do so. While using a primer coat is optional, it helps to develop a smooth finish, and it allows you to use fewer coats of the actual paint. Shake the can well, and this can take a few minutes. An important tip is you can never shake a can too much, but you can shake a spray paint can too little.

Once the can is ready, start spraying paint back and forth across the area you wish to cover. Allow the primer to dry completely before starting to apply the actual project.

Always start with one thin coat

You should then apply one coat of the paint, and allow it to dry completely. In some cases, it can take up to 24 hours for the spray paint to dry. If you only cover a small area, drying time will be less, but if you are undertaking a large project, don’t be surprised if there is a lot of waiting involved with the process. Try to be patient, as allowing the paint to dry completely helps you achieve a better overall finish.

The second spraying helps you achieve even coverage and a flawless finish

Don’t be too concerned if the initial coat isn’t even. You want to apply a thin coat that allows you to see how it looks, and you can smooth out the surface with additional layers. You don’t want to apply a heavy coat at first, and you can work on achieving a smooth finish later.

If you are happy with how it looks, you can add a second coat and go from there. The same process of painting and allowing it to dry is essential in achieving the best results.

You can add details and texture with careful painting, and the use of tape to allow you to apply paint to one spot.

Adding a topcoat is optional, but a good idea at times

If you are happy with how the spray paint looks, there isn’t a great deal more to do. However, you should consider adding a topcoat to the work. This will protect your work and help the colours stand out more.

Is there a preferred spraying technique?

Each spray paint can should have instructions on them, and most direct users to shake the can well, and to hold the spray paint can a set distance from the wall. Please follow the instructions stated, because each manufacturer is different, and their product might work best when used in certain ways.

Aside from this, the best way to spray paint is to find what is comfortable and convenient for you. Some people find shaking and holding the can for some time is sore on their arm, so take the time to find a way of painting that feels right for you.

What Items Can Be Spray Painted?

When you think of spray painting, you might immediately think of cars, or it could be that walls and graffiti come to mind. These are common surfaces associated with spray painting, but your options are virtually limitless. Many household objects such as lamps, desks, kitchen cabinets and more can be spray painted. Businesses can also benefit from sprayed sign work and painted designs.

Spray painting is an affordable and exciting opportunity which allows you to transform items in, around and outside of the home. Many people are offering spray painting courses recently as the trend growth for this kind of thing is limited by the tradesmen that can do it to a good standard.