Though designed for quickness and ease of application, painting with spray paint cans can still present some challenges. To ensure the greatest success with this medium, whether it's for artistic or home decor purposes, it's important to know the proper way to take care of can materials, the best times to use spray paint and good application technique.
When to Use Spray Paint
For the best results, use spray paint for the right project. The best use of spray paint is for objects that would otherwise be difficult to paint using a paint brush. This includes objects with a complex shape, hidden twists, crevices and dimensions, such as lattice, wicker or a fence.
In general, avoid painting large, flat surfaces with spray paint. Though it's possible to be successful doing this, it's easy to paint at an inconsistent strength, causing the resulting paint job to have differences in darkness and texture, which are more apparent on broad, even surfaces.
Proper Use
To ensure the best use of your can of spray paint, take care to preserve its mechanical inner workings. This means shaking the can well before use (allowing the beads within the can to mix the paint properly), as well as cleaning the can's nozzle after use to prevent clogging. This is done by holding the can upside down and spraying until the spray is clear and without color.
Prepare Surfaces
While you should always take care to clean any item's surface before any type of paint job, it is especially important to do so when applying spray paint. Since spray paint rests on the surface in delicate layers, this tends to make the tiniest specks of dust and dirt a great deal more visible than they would be under a layer of thick, brush-applied paint.
Applying Color
Spray paint is easy to apply but can require some practice to get just right. It can be a challenge to apply a stream of paint that will result in a layer that appears consistent. The trick to this lies in holding your can at a consistent distance from the object being painted. Also, avoid holding the can too close: keep it about 6 to 12 inches away from the object, or else your paint will be applied in uneven, dark splotches. Spraying from this comfortable distance will also give you a greater ability to correct any mistakes with a second coat.
Always work in a well-ventilated area, but do not work too close to high-pressure fans or outdoors if there is a high wind. Too much fast-moving air can interfere with both the paint as it sprays and the drying paint on the item you've just sprayed.
