How to Spray Paint

!±8± How to Spray Paint

In this article we will be covering all the basics of using a spray paint can. As with most things in life, the more experience you have spray painting, the faster and easier it will become.

First things first you need to properly prepare the surface you will be painting. Ideally the surface should be clean and free of any dust, dirt or grit. Also ensure it is dry because the paint can react strangely with water and leave the finish looking washed out.

Once clean and dry the next step is to apply an undercoat or primer. If you are painting a wall your best bet is to use emulsion. This can be bought in a variety of colours from any DIY store. For the vast majority of other surfaces (wood, plastic, metal etc) it is advisable to use a primer.

To achieve the best results it's always best to sand down the surface with a very fine piece of sand paper. This makes the surface slightly rough and ensures the primer will take to the surface properly. Once sanded down make sure you wipe off any dust with a fine cloth.

When applying the primer it is nearly always best to apply 2 to 3 light coats, rather than one thick one. This ensures you have nice even coverage and is less likely to cause drips. Once the light coats of primer have been applied, rub down with some coarser sandpaper and again get rid of the unwanted dust with a fine cloth.

You are now ready to apply the colour.

Just like the primer it is always best to apply a few thin coats and build it up to ensure an even finish. It may take as many as five passes, but the finish will be 100 times nicer than if you try to cover it with one thick coat.

Hold the can upright and use a left to right, right to left sweeping motion - pressing down on the cap on the left and releasing on the right then pressing down on the right and releasing on the left. Also ensure you leave adequate time for the paint to dry between coats.

Choosing the right type of spray paint is also important. The stuff you find in DIY and Hobby shops is very often poor quality. You are best off using some of the brands that have developed their paint for artists such as Belton Molotow and MTN 94. They boast a fantastic colour range and are acrylic based, all use rich pigments and are very reasonably priced in comparison.

The final optional step is a clear coat varnish. This will protect the paint from chips and minor wear and tear. Again the artist brands carry their own versions which are of a superior quality to those you will find at DIY stores.