General Spray Paint Tips
Using spray paint requires different techniques than standard wall paint. But you also get the bonus of a smoother finish and quicker application with less cleanup. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind before you start spraying:
- Start by familiarizing yourself with the directions on the spray paint can for proper application.
- Properly cover any surface you don’t want to get paint on. Spray paint has staying power and tends to travel further than you’d think.
- Always spray paint in a well-ventilated area wearing a respirator and safety goggles.
- Use even, steady strokes applying the paint lightly across the surface.
- Don’t get too close to what you’re painting, it can cause the paint to pool and drip.
- Let the paint dry completely between coats.
- Depending on the surface you’re painting, a spray primer is nonnegotiable. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
5 Creative Ways to Use Spray Paint
Don’t see an item you want to spray paint on this list? Pay attention to the material it’s made of and apply the same technique to other items you have around the house.
Old Wood Frames
Change the look of scuffed or outdated wood picture frames quickly with a coat of spray paint. Picture frames cost a few dollars secondhand so you can save money while getting a one-of-a-kind look. Find frames that feel sturdy and well-built. Also look for character, different textures and carvings make the frame look more interesting when they’re painted.
From there, it’s easiest to remove the glass instead of covering it. Prep the frames by cleaning them thoroughly and lightly sanding with a fine grit sandpaper to create a better surface for paint to adhere to. Don’t be afraid to go with unexpected colors to add life to a gallery wall, pull an accent color that appears in the artwork to help unify the look.
An Outdated Glass Lamp
Sometimes finding just the right lamp for a space feels impossible. Get a custom look without spending a fortune by focusing on finding the right lamp shape instead. Cover the hardware thoroughly with painter’s tape then clean and dry the lamp using soap and water. Wipe down the glass with isopropyl rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely.
Spray the glass base in light coats with a spray primer that’s formulated for use on glass. Once the primer has dried completely, then add the colored spray paint. Again, use light coats. If you want to up the glossiness, consider using a clear gloss coat over the colored spray paint.
A Plain Rug
Bet you didn’t realize that you can spray paint a rug. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make this project more successful. Choose a plain rug with a low pile. Keeping the pile low allows the color of the painted surface to remain consistent. You also want the base color of the rug to be lighter to better show the accent paint color(s).
One of the keys to success in painting a rug is to create a pattern that you love. Prepping a pattern is the part of the project that takes the most time. Use painter’s tape to make shapes, stripes or try stencils for a more intricate pattern.
A Coffee Table
It might not seem like a big deal, but changing the color of your coffee table adds a major focal point to the room. The combination of mixed materials can prove a slight challenge, but thankfully most spray paint formulas work for wood and metal. Prep the different surfaces appropriately. If you’re painting wood, solid wood lends itself to refinishing best since you can sand it down. Particle board pieces covered in a laminate surface are hard to repaint. Since this is a surface that needs to hold up to lots of wear, make sure you choose a protective paint finish.
A Mirror
Repainting the frame of a mirror gives it a whole new look and feel. Take the time to protect the glass properly with painter’s tape around the edges and craft or newspaper to cover the bulk of the glass. For a more modern feel, a solid color paint in white or black highlights the shape of the mirror in your space. If you’re looking for a subtle more vintage style, explore the range of metallic paint options available. The color options go way beyond silver — ranging from vintage golds to rose gold.