Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Note

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Do's and Don'ts of Using Spray Paint

Spray paint is a great way to transform old or damaged items. You can get it in almost any color and use it on all kinds of surfaces. Just make sure you're picking the right spray paint for your needs. Note that there's a difference between indoor and outdoor spray paint.

The key to spray painting is proper prep and technique. Here are some do's and don'ts for your next spray paint project.

DO the Proper Prep Work

Getting your prep work right is crucial to a successful project. Follow these tips for a perfect prep:

Make sure the surface of what you're painting is clean. Wash it with a mild detergent, rinse it with water, and let it fully dry before painting.
Fix or repair any holes or surface scratches.
High-gloss items will need light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper.
Always use primer on bare wood or metal.

DO Paint in a Well-Ventilated Area

Breathing spray paint fumes is dangerous, so you'll want to choose a safe location. If it's nice outside, set up in the yard or driveway. Be aware of the wind — a slight breeze can blow dirt or dust onto your project, which can ruin the finish. If you're painting inside, be sure to open the windows or doors for cross-ventilation or use a box fan.

DO Protect Yourself and Your Surroundings

Prepare the area by removing any valuables and items that you don’t want to get paint on and cover other surfaces in the area that won’t be painted. Set up drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect floors and other surrounding surfaces.
Use painters tape to create a protective barrier on edges, borders or areas you want to keep paint free. Make sure it firmly adheres so the paint won’t get through.
Wear safety gear like cleaning gloves and a respirator, and work in well-ventilated areas.
Protect your hair from overspray with a shower cap or head covering.
Wear plastic booties or check the bottom of your shoes before leaving the project area so you don't track paint through the house.

DO Pick the Right Spray Paint

There are as many types of spray paints to choose from as there are projects. Painting different surfaces may require a different type of spray paint. Check out our guide on How to Select the Best Spray Paint for Your Project to make sure you get the right paint for the job.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the spray paint before you begin painting.

DO Shake the Can

Shake the can until it rattles, for at least one minute. Test the nozzle to make sure it's clear. Continue to shake the can periodically between strokes.

DO Use an Even Sweeping Motion

For best results, hold the can 8 to 16 inches away from what you're painting. Use broad, even strokes, sweeping the spray from left to right, then back, overlapping on each pass.

DO Give the Paint Enough Time to Dry

How long does spray paint take to dry? Varying brands of spray paint may have slightly different instructions or drying times. Please read the instructions carefully on your can when doing a project. It may feel dry to the touch soon after painting, but you should wait at least 24 hours for it to completely cure. Moving it too soon runs the risk of marring the finish with a fingerprint or scratch.

DO Follow These Tips for Overspray

Water-based spray paint is typically easier to remove than oil-based and typically comes off using gentler methods, like soap and water, as opposed to harsher chemicals.
Fresh overspray will likely come off easier than paint that’s had time to dry and adhere or absorb into the surface.

DON'T Rush Things

For a great-looking finish, apply several thin coats of paint, rather than a few heavier coats. It's okay if you don't cover everything with the first or second pass. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how long to wait before applying the next coat.

DON'T Spend Too Much Time on One Area

Always keep the can moving. If you hesitate over one area, you'll end up with drips. If you notice a drip, wipe it off immediately with an absorbent cloth.

DON'T Spray in Random Patterns

Spraying in random patterns can lead to spotty, uneven results.

DON'T Spray Too Long

Use short bursts, rather than a long hold. You'll avoid globs and drip spots while conserving paint.

How to Spray Paint a Patio Set

If your metal bistro set appears old and weathered, it's easy to make it look good as new in no time with rust-preventative spray paint for furniture.

Prep the table and chairs before you get started to ensure the finish will be smooth and the paint job lasts longer. For metal, use a wire brush to scrape away any chipped paint or rust. Sand the areas with a 60-grit sanding sponge or sandpaper until the surface is smooth. Lightly sand the rest of the set with 120 grit. Wipe down everything with a cleaning degreaser. Rinse with a clean sponge and let it dry.

Spray painting is a job that’s best done outside. We suggest picking a day with little to no wind and a spot out of direct sunlight. Spread out the drop cloth to protect your surroundings. For this patio set, we used a rust-preventative spray paint for furniture to prevent future rust and color fade.

Shake the paint can until it rattles and continue to shake it for a full minute. Test the nozzle to ensure it’s clear. With the can held upright 10 to 16 inches away from the painting surface, make light, sweeping strokes that overlap.

It’s important to shake the can for a few seconds throughout the process to keep the nozzle clear so the paint will spray more evenly. You’ll get the best results with fewer runs and drips by applying multiple light coats. If you notice a run or a drip, wipe it off right away with an absorbent cloth.

How to Spray Paint Wood Furniture

Do you have old wood furniture that’s seen better days? A coat of wood spray paint can breathe new life into an old piece of furniture.

If the wood is bare or unfinished, it’ll require priming. For our project, we used a paint and primer in one, so we were able to skip a step. We chose wood spray paint with a matte finish, which is popular right now. To get the best coverage, take the drawers out of the dresser and spray them separately.

Hold the can about a foot away and use light, sweeping strokes that overlap. Wait 30 minutes between each coat of paint. The more coats that you apply, the deeper your finish will be. Let it dry completely before putting the drawers back in and moving it.

How to Paint Cabinet Hardware

So we’ve just transformed an old dresser with wood spray paint, but the dark and dingy hardware needs an update. Replacing all of the cabinet knobs and pulls can be expensive. By spray painting the ones you have, you’ll create a stylish look for less.

First, you’ll need a screwdriver to remove the hardware from the dresser. Put the screws for knobs or pulls in a plastic bag so you won’t lose them.

Mix degreaser with water in a container (follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proportions) and place your hardware in the solution. Soak for 15 minutes and then use an old toothbrush to scrub them. Rinse your hardware and set them aside to dry.

For our pulls, we wanted to change to a more modern brushed brass finish. Metallics in polished nickel, brass and rose gold are trending right now. We chose a satin bronze paint and primer in one.

Before painting, lightly sand your hardware with fine-grade sandpaper. Sand your pulls to help the paint adhere. Then use a clean cloth to remove the dust.

Place a piece of cardboard on top of your drop cloth. With the screws attached to your hardware, poke holes in the cardboard so that they’re standing up. This will ensure that you don’t miss any spots.

Shake the paint can until you hear it rattle and continue to shake it for a full minute. Test the nozzle to make sure it’s clear. Then hold the can about 8 to 12 inches away from the surface and spray in a back-and-forth motion.

Knobs and pulls are constantly being touched, so it's a good idea to finish them with polyurethane spray paint. This will add another layer of protection that'll prevent them from getting scratched and chipped.

Let your hardware dry for a full 24 hours before reattaching them to the dresser.

How to Spray Paint Flowerpots

Don’t throw away your old terracotta pots. Using painters tape, string and spray paint, you can transform your flowerpots to match your indoor or outdoor decor. This is also a fun project to do with kids. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions.

How to Apply Spray-On Frosted Glass Paint

Achieve the look of decorative etched glass without harsh chemicals. We'll show you how to apply it to a dining table or a door. When you're ready for a new look, the frosted finish scrapes off with ease. This is a project that beginners can complete in a few hours. Follow these step-by-step instructions.

How to Spray Paint Like a Pro