Tips for Spray Painting

There are just a few tricks to learning how to spray paint an object. Once you know how, there’s no end to what you can update. Get tips for spray painting in this video by Ace hardware:

There is a huge variety of paints for plastic, exterior use, or that hold up to high heat or provide rust protection are great for touch-ups and maintenance.

Start with a clean dry surface. Spray on a primer coat if -the product isn’t a paint-and-primer-in-one.

Shake the can really well as sometimes the spray can sputter a bit. You don’t want to point the can straight at the item and start as you’ll end up with drips. Start spraying off the object. Spray across it and don’t let go of the button until you’re off the item again. You want to hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the object; this will vary according to the product you’re using. Turn or move around the object so you’re spraying head on. This helps get even coverage into all the nooks and crannies. Overlap your spray pattern with each pass and coat the entire project versus working in stages. Let it dry in between coats – usually for about one hour, but you should also check the instructions on the can.

Clear the nozzle tip after each use. Hold the can upside down and spray until only a clear gas comes out. If the spray tip clogs, wipe it off with warm water or lacquer thinner depending on what the paint is made of. Don’t try to clear it with a pin or a wire.

Here are several more tips:

• Work in an area with good ventilation and away from sparks or flames as the vapors can ignite.
• Keep the can away from heat, which can cause the can to burst.
• Always wear gloves and eye protection along with a mask to avoid breathing in the vapors.
• Look to control the over-spray which could drift onto anything nearby.
• A spray gun trigger helps to cut down on hand fatigue.