How to Use Spray Paint

I have some breaking news on the home front: Spray paint isn’t just for graffiti artists anymore!

The cans of paint that were traditionally wielded by street artists and gangstas are now a favorite of stay at home moms and . Why are these mild mannered ladies taking to the spray? Because one can of this magic paint can completely transform furniture and other home décor from drab to fab in less than an hour. Plus, with a little practice, it’s totally easy to use.

If you’ve never used spray paint before, don’t be intimidated. With these 3 tips, you’ll be painting like a pro in no time. So get your cans, put on your painting jeans, and let’s get started!

Step #1: Prep for Painting

Let’s be honest, using spray paint can be messy. Even the most experienced spray painter will have overspray and occasional drips from the can. So before you begin your project, make sure you have a clear, open space. All spray painting should be done outdoors, in an area that is shielded from the wind. This way you can ensure that the paint goes where you are pointing, and not being blown all over your backyard. When you find your space, make sure to protect it with a drop cloth, fabric sheet, or giant piece of cardboard. Whatever you use doesn’t need to be very thick as the overspray paint won’t likely soak through, but it does need to be big enough to cover a decent amount of floor space. The last thing you want when you finish spray painting a bunch of picture frames pink, is to find that your patio floor now has a perfect pink outline of a corner. Also keep a couple of rags on hand to quickly wipe up any spots, and make sure you are wearing your painting clothes. You will likely get a little messy, so the better prepared you are, the less damage you will do.

Now that the area is protected from the overspray, it’s time to prep the item you are going to spray. Spray paint will seal in anything that is on the surface of the item, so take a few minutes to wash and sand the item. A simple soap and water mixture and rag will remove any dust or dirt that could create a rough texture from a seemingly smooth plastic or ceramic piece. A little sand paper will remove any nasty little splinters that are hiding on wood items.

If you are spray painting something made of metal, you may want to use a metal-etching primer to help create a rougher surface for the paint stick to. If you forget to pick up the primer, make sure to clean the metal with dish soap and water to remove any oily residue before you paint, and then test a few quick sprays of paint to see if it will stick. If not, you will need to trek back to the store for the primer.

Step #2: Spraying Technique

If you have never used spray paint before, you are going to want to try out your technique on a large piece of cardboard before you attempt to apply paint to your project. Hold the paint can about 10-12 inches away from the cardboard and start spraying while moving the can back and forth in quick movements. Once you feel comfortable applying quick, thin layers of paint, you can start with your project piece.

When you move to your project, make sure you don’t start the spray directly on the item. Start just off to the side, and move across the item. Continue to apply quick, light stripes to the item until you have a complete layer. Allow the layer to dry, and then repeat until the item is completely covered with a solid color.

Don’t try and outsmart the paint. When I used spray paint for the first time, I thought it would be much more efficient to apply more paint per pass. Big mistake! The longer you spray a single spot, the more likely you are to have a big glob or drip appear. If this happens, take one of your rags and wipe it off immediately. You may need to wait for it to dry completely and then sand it before going back with the paint again. If this sounds like a pain—it is. But it’s preventable by just using quick, light sprays over and over again. Taking frequent breaks to shake the can and wipe the nozzle of any built-up paint will help with this too.

If you are painting something that needs color on all sides, put the item on the ground and paint all the sides except the one that is on the ground. Allow it to dry for about 10-15 minutes (until it’s not tacky anymore), then tip it onto another side and apply the paint to the bottom. Whether it’s a basket, or a dresser, it doesn’t pay to keep flipping the piece, so do everything you can and move it once.

Step #3: Finish it Off

You’re done as soon as the paint dries. But what if you want to give your project a special finish? Let’s say you want a wooden piece to look old and weathered. To do that, simply use a fine sandpaper to lightly rub it until a little of the paint is worn off. Do this lightly until you have your desired result. If you want the opposite effect of a bright, shiny, new-looking product, grab a can of spray enamel and apply a final coat. Either way you choose to finish your product, you will have amazing results. And if you mess up? No problem, just apply another thin coat of paint and try again.

Fair warning, once you get the hang of spray painting, it can become slightly addictive. Everything you see will start to have new meaning, and you will never again be able to go to a rummage sale and not see potential everywhere. You may even decide to completely your home!  And if you do, let me know how it turns out. Post your successes (and failures) on the wall or feed.

Until next time, I’m the Domestic CEO, helping you love your home.

Woman Spray Painting and Paint Cans courtesy of Shutterstock