One of the best things about spray painting is how little equipment you need to do a good job.
Experts say you’ll need three different layers: spray primerspray paint in your chosen color and finish, and spray sealant. You will also need sanding blocks, sanding sheetsor one wire brush depending on the material you are spray painting, and sticky fabric.
When it comes to choose a painting, the finishing options can seem overwhelming. But there are some general guidelines to help you make a decision. “High-gloss spray paints provide a smooth surface that wipes clean easily and provide the best color protection, especially when the painted item is left outdoors,” says Dennis Fiorilli, director of product excellence at Sherwin Williams. The downside: Very shiny or metallic materials will show imperfections more easily. In contrast, a matte or textured finish will camouflage flaws, but is not as easy to clean or as resistant to stains and sun damage.
In many cases, a satin finish — which falls between matte and gloss — is a safe bet, says MinChan Koo, associate brand manager for spray paint company Krylon.
Spray painting outdoors or in a garage with the doors open is ideal. If that’s not possible, there are ways to make an interior space work.
“The most important thing is to create a well-ventilated space,” says Amanda Conley, the blogger behind Determined DIY. “The air circulation facilitates the drying time and thus avoids inhaling (vapors).” Before you do anything else, open windows and doors and turn on a fan. And as Fiorilli points out, spray paint is flammable, so now is not the time to light a cigarette or a candle.
Whether outdoors or indoors, you will want to protect the surface under your project. Gena Jaffe, a popular handyman on Instagram, saves flattened delivery boxes for reuse as flooring, although a regular drop cloth would also work. If you spray inside, Shereen Farooq, the handywoman behind the Instagram account @pretty.and.functionalsuggest investing in a spray tent — a foldable and lightweight structure that will protect your walls and furniture.
Just like your floors, you need to protect yourself. Bob Glass, Tradesman and Home Depot Paint Specialist, recommends “using latex gloves, eye protection, protective clothing, and face protection such as a disposable respirator when spray painting.”
Heavy-duty respirator masks are a good reusable option if you’re planning multiple projects, but Jaffe says heavy-duty disposable masks, such as N95s, can also work. She recommends wearing clear goggles to protect the eyes, especially when sanding.
The paint adheres best to surfaces that Fiorilli describes as “clean, dull and dry”. Whether you’re painting a plastic planter, a metal picture frame, or a wooden piece of furniture, you need to scrub it thoroughly first. Says Glass: “Remove any dirt, grease, oil, salt or chemical contaminants by washing the surface with commercial detergent” or another suitable cleaner like good old dish soap. Then rinse thoroughly with water and allow the piece to dry completely.
Next, grab your sanding tools. Whether it’s spray painting something wood, metal or plastic, if you don’t sand first, experts say you risk your new paint color chipping quickly.
On wooden furniture, any old lacquer, stain or paint should come off. For this kind of heavy-duty sanding and stripping, Glass explains, “you need a coarse sandpaper that measures 40 to 60 grit.” Farooq says sanding blocks are easier to use for a project that requires thorough sanding or for getting into smaller spaces (like between the gaps in a ladder-back chair).
For sanding metal objects, Conley recommends using a wire brush. She takes one to her outdoor fireplace every year, scraping off old flakes of paint and rust before applying her annual coat of new paint. She advises getting rid of as much of the rust as possible, otherwise it could show through. A good primer application will also help prevent this, notes Conley.
Sanding is also important when painting plastic or glass, but for a different reason. Instead of sanding to create a smooth surface, you’ll want to sand to scratch these objects so the paint has something to grab onto. “Start with 120 grit for light removal and finish with 220 grit for extra softness,” Koo explains.
Finally, examine your part, no matter what it is made of, with a sticky fabrica special type of cloth treated with a tacky material (hence the name) that will help remove any leftover particles from sanding.
Primer is non-negotiable, especially if your sanding job has been dull, to ensure the longevity of the paint. For rusty metal objects, Conley and Glass both advise priming with Rust Oleum branded primer so old rust won’t show through. Stain-blocking primers, like this one made by Zinssersays Fiorilli, are great for concealing other imperfections, such as dark knots on a wooden surface.
You’ll want to apply a thin, even coat. Glass suggests starting by shaking the can of primer vigorously for “one minute after the mixing ball begins to shake.” Next, “Hold the can upright 10 to 16 inches from the surface and spray in a steady back and forth motion, slightly overlapping each pass.”
Primer must be completely dry before painting. “The primer will look like it’s dried right away, but give it an hour,” says Farooq.
Once you are sure it is dry, lightly sand the primed surface. Glass recommends using “super fine sandpaper with 360-600 grit.” In a pinch, Farooq says you can also sand gently with a brown paper bag.
Before spray painting your piece, Fiorilli suggests “spray on a piece of cardboard or paper to get a feel for how the spray is sprayed.” Once you get the hang of it, apply a thin, even coat of your paint, using the same back and forth motion you used with the primer. Koo reiterates that “thin layers” are key.
A final tip from Glass: “Keep the pot the same distance from the surface throughout the paint application. (Applying too much paint in one spot can cause it to build up and chip easier later.)
You will probably need at least two coats of spray paint for an even finish. Remember to let each coat dry completely before applying the next.
Seal with a clear spray coat such as Clear Krylon acrylic finish Or Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover Spray Paint is especially important for protecting glass and metal parts, or anything that is going to be handled a lot.
Simply apply your sealer using the same technique you used for your primer and paint. Sealing, Koo notes, can also be a solution to paint choice remorse: “If you don’t like the gloss you selected at first, you can always consider applying another clear coat with the gloss. wish.” Satin to matte in a flash.
Hannah Holland is a Brooklyn-based freelance news producer and writer.