5 Spray Can Tips for Perfect Spray Paint

Apply the Right Kinds of Coats

You can’t just crack open a spray can, start spray painting haphazardly and expect your paint job to turn out well. One of the most important parts of a good paint job is mastering the right technique.

Start With a Tack Coat

If you’re spraying a vertical surface, it’s always smart to apply a “tack” coat before applying the first full coat. A tack coat is a light mist that you allow to set for five minutes. The texture of the tack coat will help hold the paint in place and reduce runs.

Apply Coats in Different Directions

To achieve the most even coverage as you paint, it’s a good idea to put on subsequent coats in different directions. Changing directions will help you get into all those nooks and crannies and reduce the chance of zebra stripes.

Many Light Coats

It is common knowledge that you should apply several light coats rather than one or two heavy ones. But few have the discipline to follow this simple advice. When you’re spraying, resist the temptation to fill in thinner areas on one pass to completely cover the surface. Otherwise you’ll find yourself dealing with runs—yet again.

Always Clean Out the Nozzle

Even though nozzle-cleaning directions are on every single can of spray paint, it’s an easy step to skip. After use, hold the can upside down and press the nozzle until no more pigment shows in the spray, and then wipe the tip with a rag or paper towel. If you skip this step, you could end up with a nozzle completely clogged with dried paint or a partial clog that’ll affect the spray pattern next time.

Swap Plugged Nozzles

If you do end up with a plugged spray can nozzle, don’t panic. Most nozzles have a universal fit. If you end up with a plugged nozzle and have other cans of spray paint with good nozzles, just swap the bad one for the new one. They lift right off and push on. If you don’t have any good nozzles, remove the plugged one and soak it in nail polish remover, acetone or even mineral spirits.

Protect Your Project from Dust

For a flawless finish on small parts, paint them inside a cardboard box. If you have larger projects, create a poly booth. In basements, dust will shake down from the floor joists, especially if someone is stomping around upstairs, so staple painter’s plastic to the ceiling. Damp-mopping the floor with keep your feet from stirring up dust. Don’t use a fan to speed up drying time. Wear clean clothes and a hat to keep your hair out of the finish. An hour or so before you paint, shut off furnaces, the A/C and ceiling fans to let the dust settle.

Need a Custom-Color Spray Paint?

If you want to paint radiators, electrical cover plates, a shelf or anything else to match your wall or trim color, go online and search for “custom spray paint.” You’ll find many companies that can custom-mix just about any color you want, provided you know the paint manufacturer and color name. If you want a different shade of an existing color, choose one of the other shades from the paint swatch you got at the home center or paint store and have that color custom-mixed.

Hang ‘Em High

If the project parts are small enough, you can suspend them for painting. You’ll be able to paint all sides at the same time and have everything at eye level. Use coat hangers, wires, thumbtacks, screws—whatever you have on hand. Wear an activated carbon respirator when you spray-paint, especially if you’re painting indoors.

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