Spray paint is a fun and inexpensive way to makeover lots of household items like furniture, décor items, and even your appliances. Spray painting is pretty simple, but even a simple job can turn out mediocre without the proper techniques. Common problems with spray painted items include drips and uneven coverage. With that in mind, I have some tips to share to help you make your next spray paint project a rousing success!
First of all, choose the correct paint for your project. There are versatile spray paints that will bond well to a variety of surfaces, such as plastic, wicker and wood, and then there are specialty paints for specific projects. If you want to change the color of your oven, for example, be sure to buy a paint rated for high temperature use. There are also spray paints meant specifically for use on glass. I recently spray painted an oak end table using Rustoleum’s Painter’s Touch with great results!
Work in a well-ventilated area, and be careful about direct sunlight. You should also wait for a day that’s not too humid, and not too windy. Also, be mindful of overspray. One great tip for smaller items: place the item inside a cardboard box to protect surrounding areas.
For the best results, make sure you properly prep the surface you want to paint. Remove any dust and dirt before painting, and if there are areas that need smoothing out, give them a light sanding. Be sure to thoroughly clean after sanding!
Follow the directions on the can! If it says to shake the can for two minutes before spraying, then shake the can for two minutes before spraying. It is also important to keep shaking the can intermittently while spraying your project as well. Don’t go too fast, and use sweeping motions when spraying. Hovering for too long over one area will most certainly leave you with drips. Several thin coats is the best way to go, and will produce the best results. Finally, allow adequate drying time before handling your project. Now, give it a try and see how addicting spray painting can be!
