How to Spray Paint

Spray paint is a versatile paint that can be used on a variety of materials. It comes in a rainbow of colors as well as many finishes. This lets you give a metal, mirror, glitter, matte or gloss finish to almost anything. Add a new color, a decorative flourish or a protective coating to these surfaces:

• Plastic
• Metal
• Ceramic
• Wood
• Wicker
• Fabric
• Rubber
• Glass

Spray painting requires attention to safety. Some paint can be irritating to skin if contact is prolonged. Most spray paint contains VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that release into the air. There can be short-term side effects from exposure to these compounds, including:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Soft tissue irritation (eye, nose, throat)
• Breathing issues

Whether using spray paint cans or a paint sprayer, always wear protective gear and take precautions.

• Never spray paint in an enclosed area. Work outdoors or in a room with plenty of cross ventilation.
• Be sure doors and windows remain open when painting indoors. Use fans on low speed to help with air flow if needed.
• Always read warning labels on spray paint cans.
• Avoid getting paint on your skin. Wash it off immediately if you do.

Here’s the safety gear you’ll need for spray painting:

• Respirator mask: Choose one with a carbon filter.
• Rubber gloves: Protect your hands from paint stains.
• Safety glasses: Keep your eyes safe from paint spatters or dust that gets blown by the aerosol.
• Coveralls: If you’re not wearing work clothes, cover up with painter's coveralls.
• Shoe covers: Paint spray will often settle toward the ground. Cover your shoes to keep them free of paint.
• Hair covering: Tie back your hair and wear a scarf or a hat to keep paint from getting into your hair.

Weather, wind and temperature considerations:

• Humid weather is bad for painting. Humidity slows down the paint drying time. When lower temperatures are combined with humidity, this can create condensation on painted surfaces. This can cause the paint to lift or peel. Avoid painting when humidity is 70 percent or greater.
• Avoid windy days for spray painting. A strong breeze will make it difficult to control the spray direction and will interfere with paint coverage. Be sure to set up your project with the wind blowing away from both you and the project piece.
• Temperature is also a consideration. Oil-based paints are best used at temperatures of 45 degrees and above. Latex and acrylic, which are most spray paints, should be used at temperatures of 50 degrees and above. Curing times are also slower in cooler temperatures. However, one should also avoid painting in direct sunlight, if possible. This can cause the paint to set too quickly. The best temperature for spray paint use is between 45 and 80 degrees. Aim for the middle of that range.
• Ideally, you should look for a span of two to three days of good weather conditions to complete a spray paint project. A cloudy day with dry weather, low wind and low humidity will ensure the atmosphere supports the best results for your project.

Protect the area where you paint:

• Cover the Area: Cover the floor or ground with a drop cloth, tarp or newsprint. Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to hang behind the area where you intend to spray paint. Cover nearby fixtures or objects with drop cloth or plastic.
• Use Painting Props: If you are spray painting a large item, consider using a pair of sawhorses to hold it up off the ground. Reaching all sides of the object will be much easier. It will also put less strain on your body, since you will not have to bend as far to reach the work area. If your item is small to medium, consider creating a paint box. Open one side of a cardboard box larger than the object you’ll paint. Place this on top of a tarp or drop cloth. Then, set the object inside the box. This will keep the spray paint more contained and prevent over spray. If you intend to do a lot of painting, you can add a turntable to the paint box. This allows you to spin the object and can help the paint apply more evenly.

Always read and follow the directions on the spray paint can. Not every spray paint has the same application instructions. Dry time varies from one type of paint to the next. Seeing what works for the specific paint you’re using is the way to go.

These are the basics of how to spray paint:

• Spray primer and let it dry completely.
• Shake the can of spray paint.
• Apply a tack coat, a very light mist of your chosen paint color that helps the rest adhere.
• Apply several light coats of paint, letting each dry as directed.
• Finish with sealer.

A can of spray paint has a metal ball in it to mix the paint. When you hear the ball rattle, shake hard for 60 seconds. You want the paint fully mixed.

Once your paint is mixed, start to spray paint:

• Hold the can a few inches to the side of the item.
• Press the nozzle so the paint comes out.
• Sweep your paint gently and steadily across the item. Then sweep back the way you came.
• Overlap the strokes slightly. Always let the paint flow before it hits your object.
• Stop and give the can a shake every few passes. It keeps the nozzle clear.
• Once you’ve finished the first coat, let it dry. The instructions on the can should tell you about how long this should take.
• Do as many light coats as it takes for full coverage.
• When you’re done, let the spray paint dry completely. Wait at least a day before using the item.
• Apply a spray sealer to protect the painted surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results. A sealer will make your paint job last longer.

Tip: Always let your paint dry thoroughly between coats. Rushing and layering heavy coats of paint isn’t ideal. It may leave your finished product permanently tacky instead of dry to the touch.

A primer is a special prep paint that goes on before your chosen paint.

A tack coat is a light mist of your spray paint that’s applied before your first coat.

Primer should be fully dry before painting. A tack coat should be slightly sticky, or tacky, to the touch.

• Use a primer first for best results. If you’re going from a dark color to a light color, don’t skip this step. It’ll affect the paint color and coverage on your final product.
• If you’re painting wood, sand with fine-grit sandpaper after priming. Sandable primers that are made for wood will give you the smoothest results.
• Choose your primer according to what type of spray paint you’re using.
• A tack coat helps give the spray paint something to cling to. This helps prevent runs.
• Lightly mist your paint over the surface. Let it dry until tacky. It’ll usually take about 5 minutes, but it may take longer if it’s humid outside. Then spray your paint.

Tip: If you’re doing automotive spray painting, the tack coat tends to be applied medium-wet, not a light mist. Read the instructions on the can thoroughly.

• Press the nozzle so the paint comes out before you sweep it across your item. This prevents unsightly blobs of paint along the edges of your project.
• Spray your paint about a foot from the surface. Too close will cause runs and drips. Too far and you’ll get little coverage.
• As you sweep the paint across, always go past your item’s edge. Do this in any direction you paint. The tarp or cardboard is there to catch the overlapping paint.
• Alternate the direction of each coat for full coverage. For example, if you sprayed horizontally for your first coat, do a vertical coat next.
• Light coats are key for a smooth and professional finish. As with other types of paint, heavy coats of paint are prone to runs, smears and uneven drying.
• Take your time and be patient. You’ll likely need several coats of spray paint. Wipe up any drips or runs immediately.
• If you do end up with runs or uneven spray paint, sand it smooth when it’s dry. Then, clean the dust off and give it another light coat of paint.

Spray painting wood is a very common project type. Many materials inside and outside of the home can benefit from a coat of paint, and spray paint is an easy way to apply it.

• If the wood is previously painted, remove the old paint.
• Start by sanding wood lightly. Use a medium to fine grain sandpaper. Smooth the surface as much as possible, but try to not remove too much wood in detail areas.
• Use a tack cloth to wipe the wood clean after sanding. Remove all the dust possible.
• Spray the wood piece with a primer coat to help the paint adhere. For exterior projects, be sure the primer is outdoor-rated.
• Apply spray paint in several thin coats.
• After the paint has cured, be sure to seal with a clear coat.

Tip: If you have used a high-gloss paint formula, you may not need to seal. Be sure to consult the can for the manufacturer’s recommendations on post paint sealers.

Though spray painting metal requires slightly more prep work, the huge upgrade that a paint project can provide is more than worth the effort. From giving your mailbox a unique look to refurbishing a bicycle, spray paint for metal can breathe new life into your metal pieces and save money on replacements.

• Clean the metal surface thoroughly with a damp cloth. Go over the entire surface and lift as much grime as possible. Be sure to dry the surface well.
• Remove any rust spots from the surface. In cases of heavy rust, you may have to use a chemical rust remover. However, in most cases, fine sandpaper or possibly a fine grade of steel wool should be sufficient. To save yourself work, you can use a power sander or grinder. Just be sure to use a fine grain pad and press lightly.
• Scrape off any loose paint that wasn't removed along with the rust.
• Clean the surface with a cloth, then sand the bare metal. Start with 120-grit sandpaper to remove surface imperfections, then move to 200-grit sandpaper to get the surface perfectly smooth.
• Prime the metal surface with two even coats of a spray primer formulated for metal.
• Once the primer is dry, spray paint with two coats of spray paint formulated for metal. Let the paint dry completely between coats.
• Apply sealer as directed, if the metal piece is intended for outdoor use.

Though many plastic items come in a wide variety of colors, spray painting plastic is a great way to customize an inexpensive piece. Work carefully and be patient when using spray paint on plastic surfaces. Unlike wood or cardboard, plastic is nonporous and does not absorb paint. This changes the expected way you work with the paint.

• Use a textured rag to clean plastic surfaces with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Pieces that are exceptionally dirty or mildewed may need extra scrubbing. Use a medium nylon brush.
• Lightly sand all surfaces with 180 to 220-grit sandpaper. Since plastic surfaces are typically soft, sanding by hand is recommended.
• After sanding, wipe the plastic surface down with isopropyl alcohol to remove the fine plastic dust.
• Lay the surface to be painted horizontally and as flat as possible.
• Spray the first coat of paint lightly over the surface. Hold the can at a 45-degree angle, about 8 to 12 inches away from the plastic. Move the can forward in one direction, rather than sweeping the can back and forth.
• Allow the first coat to dry for about 2 hours. Then apply the second coat, again spraying lightly and moving the can in one direction.
• Allow the second coat to dry for about 3 hours. Apply a third light coat in a similar manner.

Using spray paint on fabric is not only possible but it can be a very easy craft project. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations to make sure the paint you want to use works on your chosen fabric. Fabric with a tight weave works best for painting. Pure cotton is the best choice, along with canvas. Silk, linen and other natural fabrics are also excellent at taking paint, but can be more complicated to work with.

Painting fabric works best if the material is a lighter color than the paint that will be applied. Once you've learned how to spray paint fabric, you can upgrade your patio furniture with a new color or even create your own flags to fly in front of your home.

• Wash, dry and iron your fabric before you attempt to paint. Do not use any additives in the wash or drying cycles, such as fabric softener, dryer sheets or starch.
• Lay your fabric on a flat surface. Be sure to protect the surface and surrounding areas with drop cloths, and mask off with painter’s tape as needed.
• If the piece you are working on has more than one layer, place a piece of cardboard, plastic or other material between the layers to prevent color bleeding.
• Test the spray paint in a hidden area before spraying the fabric. Note any issue with how the fabric reacts to the paint formula.
• Spray the piece in a continuous stream to avoid streaks. If the paint spatters, you can simply rub the color into the fabric with a finger to allow the paint to absorb evenly.
• Wait at least 24 hours for the painted fabric to dry completely.
• Most fabric needs to be heat set after painting to allow the paint to fully cure and bond to the fabric. Cover the front of fabric with a pressing cloth and then iron the item from the back. A hairdryer can also be used if you would prefer.
• Allow the fabric to rest for three to four days after heat-setting before washing. Be sure to wash by hand or on a gentle cycle and use mild laundry soap.

Clay and other porous natural materials take paint very well. While glazed ceramics take a few extra steps, spray paint is an easy way to achieve new color in a even coat.

• Clean the surface of any clay piece well.
• If the piece is glazed clay or ceramic, use 100 grit sandpaper on the surface. Rub with light to medium pressure, just enough to remove some of the glossy finish. Clean the surface again with warm water. Use a few drops of dish detergent if the surface feels oily.
• Use painter’s tape to mark off any areas of the piece that you do not wish to paint.
• Don protective gear and shake the can well to mix the paint.
• Spray a light coat of primer paint about 8 inches away from the piece.
• Allow the first coat to set for 3 to 5 minutes, then add the first coat of color.
• Wait an additional 3 to 5 minutes, then spray a second light coat.
• If any additional coats are needed for full coverage, wait 48 hours after the initial painting to apply more. Spray paint applied to clay after the first hour of setting can warp and create a messy finish.
• Allow paint to dry completely, anywhere from 24 to 48 hours after the last coat before using the piece.

In between sweeps of paint, give the can a shake. This helps keep the nozzle clear of excess paint. When you’ve finished your painting project, clean the spray paint nozzle. This will make it easy to get started next time you use the paint.

• Turn the can of paint upside-down.
• With the spray side facing your spray box, press on the nozzle.
• Keep pressing until there’s no colored paint coming out.
• Wipe the nozzle with a rag.

Instead of pitching clogged spray paint nozzles, unclog them:

• Carefully pop off a clogged nozzle. Wear safety glasses in case of spatters.
• Soak it in mineral spirits, paint thinner or nail polish remover.
• Remove the nozzle using a tool, not your fingers.
• Clean off any loosened paint with a pipe cleaner or pin.
• To get it extra clean, pop it on the straw end of a spray lubricant. Get the lubricant to spray through the nozzle.