Painting with spray paint may seem easier than using a brush and liquid paint, but the correct procedure still requires some knowledge. It's important to have the right materials and tools to protect surfaces and your health. You will also need to know how to prepare the item for painting and how to use the proper technique to paint it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Introduction
Step 1. Gather the materials
Spray paint is available in dozens of brands and hundreds of colors, so take a look at your options to see what will meet your project's needs. You'll also need some other supplies to do a professional paint job. Before starting, you will need:
- Spray paint in the color of your choice;
- Primer;
- Newspaper, an old cloth or plastic tarp to protect the floor and other items around the one you are going to paint;
- Painting tape;
- Disposable gloves, safety glasses and a respirator.
Step 2. Prepare the workplace
Whenever spray painting, work outdoors in a well-ventilated area. The gases released by the paint can harm the respiratory system. Know that paint won't adhere well if it's too cold or too wet outside, so wait for a moment when the air humidity is below 65% and the weather is sunny and warm.
- Place the newspaper, cloth or tarpaulin on the floor. If you are working outdoors, use weights such as rocks to keep the protective materials from flying off in the wind. Spread the roofing over a good area, or your yard and garage could end up with a light coat of paint color.
- Apply tape to areas you don't want to paint. Make sure the edges are well glued to the surface, preventing paint from leaking under them.
Step 3. Use trestles to lift the item
If painting an object that can be lifted by easels, use them to suspend the item in the air. This will make spray paint application easier so you don't have to bend down too far. Placing the object on the easels will also make it easier to reach areas that would be difficult to reach with it on the ground.
Step 4. For small objects, assemble a paint box
If you're painting a small item, you can put it inside a box on its side. Then apply paint to the box to paint the object, decreasing the chances that the paint will hit other nearby surfaces. You can also place the items on a small piece of cardboard or on a turntable inside the box for easy spinning and painting.
Step 5. Clean the surface of the object
Ink will not adhere to dusty, greasy or dirty surfaces. Take a few minutes to clean any dirt that has stuck to the surface of the material you plan to paint.
- You can only use a damp cloth or apply an all-purpose cloth if the surface is heavily soiled. Just be sure to dry it completely before applying the paint.
- If there is any sticky residue on the surface of the object, such as the remnants of a price tag, scrape that residue off and use an all-in-one to remove the rest.
- You can also use a sandpaper sheet to smooth out the roughest surfaces. This will help give a smooth finish to the painted surface.
Part 2 of 3: Taking care of safety and using the right technique
Step 1. Put on protective gear
Before starting to paint, put on your respirator, safety glasses and disposable gloves. The goggles will help protect you if the ink is blown in your face, and since it's toxic, disposable gloves and a respirator are needed. Put everything in before you start painting.
- Respirators can be expensive, but any amount is much cheaper than seeing your doctor for respiratory problems later on.
- If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have difficulty breathing, even a little, stop and rest. Remember, your health and safety are always more important than the project.
Step 2. Apply primer first
Shake the primer can for about three or four minutes before using it. Then start passing the product along the object you want to paint. Apply an even coat of primer to the entire object and allow the product to dry completely. Read the primer can to see how long drying will take.
- You only need to apply a coat of primer before painting the object.
- Applying this product before painting helps ensure the paint has a uniform finish. Otherwise, you may need several coats of spray paint to achieve the same effect.
Step 3. Shake the can well
Shake the paint can for about three to four minutes before starting. This helps ensure the paint is well mixed, which is essential for the color to be consistent when painting the object.
Prefer to sin through excess rather than lack. Nothing will go wrong if you shake the can too much, but shake it too little
Step 4. Take a test
Start by applying the paint to a more hidden area of the object or to a piece of wood or cardboard. This way, you will have an idea of how the paint will look when you paint the item. It will also be possible to test which distance generates the desired painting effect.
Part 3 of 3: Painting the object
Step 1. Apply one coat to the entire project
Slowly run the paint across the surface of the item to get even coverage. Do not aim the beak at just one point. Also, slightly overlap each of the applications so as not to leave gaps between the painted areas.
- Hold the paint can about 8 inches from the object and move it slowly from side to side, about 12 inches a second.
- Do not apply a thick layer, as the paint may run and stay sticky longer. This also increases the chance of the paint being smudged. Instead, apply several light coats of paint to the object and let each one dry well before applying another.
- Keep in mind that the first coat will likely smudge and let the original color show through, but you will cover the stained parts with the second coat of paint.
Step 2. Allow the first coat to dry completely
Most spray paints require a minimum of 24 hours of drying before applying the second coat. Don't speed up the process. It's best to be patient and let the paint dry well before applying more.
Step 3. Apply a second coat
While this is not always necessary, applying a second coat will likely make the result more even. This will help ensure full coverage of the subject and make the color as vibrant as possible.
Step 4. Allow the second coat to dry
Allow 24 hours for the second coat of paint to dry. Then remove the tape you used to protect some parts of the object. Discard or store tarpaulins and newspapers and store the rest of the ink in a dry, clean place.
Step 5. Apply a finishing coat if desired
Most spray-painted items do not need finishing unless they are used frequently. But you can apply a coat of finish to any item you spray paint. Purchase a clear spray finish and apply a light coat over the painted item after it dries completely. Then let it dry for at least 24 hours and apply another coat if you like.
- Wait for the last coat of finish to dry completely before touching the object or moving it around.
- Keep in mind that applying finish is optional. If you're happy with how your object looks after you've applied the paint, don't worry about applying a finish.