• Introduction
• Spray-Painting Success

Spray-Painting Success

Spray painting is popular among crafters for many reasons. First, with just a few light coats of paint, you can cover a vast surface in relatively little time. Since spray painting requires a well-ventilated area, it's usually performed outside. The benefit of a gentle breeze makes drying time even speedier. Spray painting is also popular because it yields professional, seamless and smooth results. There are no worries about unsightly brushstrokes. Finally, spray paint is fairly economical. With a few cans of paint you are able to successfully cover a large surface.

Drips, cracked paint and uneven coverage are some of the more challenging aspects of spray painting. These common mistakes can be prevented if you follow these few simple tips.

Work in a Well-Ventilated Area

This is a must because of the toxicity of the fumes. Avoid days that are too windy. You don't want dirt and other types of debris blowing onto your project and sticking to the surface. If possible, try to avoid working in direct sunlight. Too much heat can lead to cracked paint. Follow the temperature and humidity levels recommended on the manufacturer's instructions printed directly on the can for best results. Use a large tarp to cover the ground and remove any nearby objects that you don't want to get spray paint on.

If you are unable to work outdoors, choose an area that is well-ventilated such as a climate-controlled room with a fan near an open window. Create a "spray booth" using a large, recycled cardboard box in which to paint small- or medium-size objects. Spraying directly into the box will prevent overspray which may land on objects you do not intend to paint.

Prepare the Surface Correctly

It is essential to prepare the surface correctly before spraying it. If needed, clean the surface to remove dirt and then sand it thoroughly. After sanding, wipe with a lint-free cloth such as a tack cloth. Imperfections such as paint drips from previous painting attempts can be sanded away to start with a clean, smooth surface.

Choose the Right Product

There is a vast array of spray-painting products on the market. Whether you are painting wood, glass, metal, plastic or another type of product, there is a probably a good selection available. Krylon's Fusion for Plastic is specially formulated to bond to plastic, but it can also be used for wood, metal, wicker and many other surfaces. If you are not sure which product to choose, it may be helpful to ask the sales representative in your local home-improvement store.

You will notice that brands come in a variety of finishes including flat and glossy paints. Choosing the finish is similar to choosing brush-on paint. Flat will not be as easy to wipe clean but will hide imperfections. Glossy paints have a bright and shiny surface but show imperfections more readily than flat paints. Some projects require the use of a primer in order for the paint to adhere to the surface. Primer allows the paint to adhere smoothly to the surface while preventing you from having to use too many coats of paint. Krylon recently introduced their Dual™ Paint + Primer which "provides the performance of a primer and the durable, smooth finish of paint in one easy step."

Take Your Time

When spraying, hold the can of paint away from the surface at the recommended distance as noted in the manufacturer's instructions (usually 6-8 inches from the surface). Shake the can thoroughly and test the nozzle on another surface before applying the paint on your object. Nozzles can sometimes sputter and cause large drips on the surface. Avoid spraying thick coats of paint, which can lead to unsightly drips. If the project requires more than one coat of paint, allow the first coat to dry thoroughly before adding additional coats. Now that you know the basics, check out the Nifty & Thrifty section for some cool ideas.