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Five Must Read Tips For Spray Paint

8.12.15

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Spray is by far one of my favorite tools to use for just about everything! One of the best chemical inventions of all time! If you enjoy it too, don’t miss these must read tips for spray paint!

And as a chemist, I have researched many things about it including how it works. I was recently approached for an interview regarding scientific facts about spray paint, and it inspired me to do a post on the blog!

A school was putting together a presentation regarding the chemistry of everyday things. They wanted to feature things like DIY tools including spray paint. I thought this was such a great idea!

Here are my tricks and tips to get the most out of your spray paint can.

Five Must Read Tips For Spray Paint

Must Read Spray Paint Tips

 

Find my favorites in the photo above: Glitter | Clear Enamel | Multicolor Texture | Metallic |

Today is all about chemist tips on spray paint!

What exactly is spray paint?

First, what is spray paint? Spray paint is a combination of paint and gas propellant. The propellant used to be CFC (or Chlorofluorocarbons), but was banned due to the damaging effects on the environment. Now, most spray paints use hydroflourocarbons, made of hydrogen, flouride, and carbon. So, spray paint is no longer hazardous to the environment like it once was.

I don’t know about you, but I always like to get the most out of a can. Spray paint isn’t necessarily expensive, but it does add up! Here are my tips and tricks for spray paint:

1. Expensive spray paint doesn’t always matter!

I have used just about every brand of spray paint on the market. In short, expensive spray paints go much further because they are typically higher in paint concentrate. That doesn’t always matter though! If I am doing a project that requires very little spray paint, like a frame or a small box, I buy cheap! If I am doing an outdoor project or one that will require a large area to be covered, I will buy a better quality simply because it will last longer.

2. Always use short strokes!

Meaning, use short controlled sprays instead of just spraying down the entire time. Since spray paint is made with gas propellant, you will waste more paint by holding down the spray nozzle the entire time. It may go faster, but I would rather get the most out of a can. I always do short quick strokes. This also avoids dripping and concentrated areas of paint.

3. The best spray paint tool EVER!

This Standard Spray Grip tool is a MUST HAVE. It is so inexpensive, plus it will keep your hand clean and free from pain. As you know from my previous posts, I have RA which hinders my ability to grip well. This tool saves the day every time!

4. Mix colors!

I don’t always find the right shade I am looking for, so many times I will buy a good quality base shade and cover an item with that. Then, I will follow up with a cheap gold spray paint and lightly spray over that to create  a pretty two toned color. Most projects I get the most compliments on are ones I have mixed colors with.

My favorite mixes: Rust-Oleum Bright Gold with Rust-Oleum Kona Brown. These two together makes this beautiful, almost bronze color. Many of the colors in my home are a goldish bronze, but I could never find a color that matched it. This combination comes very close. To create this, I first color the item with brown. After it dries, I lightly spray the gold over it. It creates a color like the one shown below. The picture of the planter in the top photo is a mixture of pink and bronze!

Mixing spray paint to create other colors

5. Always use a top coat!

I used to never use a top coat, until I did some research years ago regarding paint preservation on certain surfaces. I realized that I needed to start using it!

To avoid paint rubbing off, or smelling like spray paint in your house, use a top coat of some kind. This keeps the paint protected and sealed. Especially if you are painting wood. Spray paint soaks into wood and rubs off more than other surfaces, so it can wear off quicker.

Make sure to visit my chemist solutions series for more chemist inspired ideas!

For some of my super quick, easy spray paint projects with items shown in the top photo: Paint Can turned Planter, Refurbished Vintage Lantern, Fairy Lantern, Stone Planter DIY.

Yesterday I shared with you how I remove labels from jars, and next I will show you the spray painting project I am doing with them using many of these tips!

Are you a spray painting fan?

 


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Alexis
Alexis
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Filed Under: Backyard Inspiration, DIY, Home/Office Tagged With: paint, Spray Paint

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Comments

  1. Laurie S says

    August 12, 2015 at 9:14 am

    Happy Wednesday Alexis! I cannot remember the last time I used spray paint. I bought some for the kitchen remodel but hubby applied it. I remember using spray adhesive while I was at the architecture office in the late 1980s. Can’t think of a future application but will keep your tips in mind. Have a great day! Mine will be busy but there’s a massage scheduled right after work. Ahhhhh….

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      August 12, 2015 at 11:16 am

      Hi Laurie! I love spray painting for almost anything…if something is boring to me, I just spray paint it back to life 🙂 Ohhhh a massage sounds so great! I need to get one soon. Enjoy!!!

      Reply
  2. Sheryl says

    August 12, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    As much as I use spray paint, I’ve rarely used a top coat (sometimes I just get into too much of a hurry). I know it works! Love spray paint and what it can do!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      August 13, 2015 at 6:41 am

      I used to never use a top coat, but I started doing it the past few years and it has helped preserve my projects. I love spray paint too! It is so easy and fun to use 🙂

      Reply
  3. Anne says

    August 13, 2015 at 1:41 pm

    You and I both share a love of spray paint….It’s my go to decor changer. I don’t have that spray attachment and I definitely need it!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      August 13, 2015 at 6:29 pm

      You definitely need to get that handle…especially for long projects! It helps keep your hand from hurting 🙂

      Reply
  4. Pamela J Smith says

    August 14, 2015 at 12:32 am

    Love, love, love spray paint! I am going to have to look for the spray grip, but will look for it on my next trip out! Thanks for the great tips!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      August 14, 2015 at 6:40 am

      That grip is awesome! Thanks so much Pamela! Have a great day!

      Reply
  5. simple nature decor says

    August 16, 2015 at 6:06 pm

    I spray paint alot and these tips are great, thanks for sharing them At Dream create and inspire.
    Maria

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      August 17, 2015 at 7:14 am

      Thank you Maria! I love spray painting anything 🙂

      Reply
  6. Marjie@HomeAgainJiggetyjig.com/wp says

    August 17, 2015 at 4:19 pm

    What would you use for a top coat? Would it also be spray, or would it be something like fingernail polish. As you can see, this is new to me!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      August 18, 2015 at 7:30 am

      I like using clear spray paint top coats! Usually Rustoleum brand. They have clear coats that you can buy that don’t change the look of anything. I just buy the one that says top coat, and it works good! Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂

      Reply
  7. Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai says

    August 18, 2015 at 1:33 am

    These are great tips for using spray paint. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty – we hope to see you again next week. 🙂

    ~Lorelai
    Life With Lorelai

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      August 18, 2015 at 10:37 am

      Thank you Lorelai! I will definitely be back linking up to your fun party next week 🙂

      Reply
  8. Stephanie says

    August 18, 2015 at 11:39 am

    Fabulous tips, my dear! I don’t use spray paint often probably because I am intimidated by it {I know, silly}. Thanks for sharing with Roses of Inspiration. Now I was to spray paint something 🙂

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      August 18, 2015 at 5:34 pm

      Oddly enough, many people I know are intimidated! I am always helping my friends 🙂 It is so addicting though, I love it! I hope this inspires you to paint! Thanks so much Stephanie!

      Reply
  9. Ducks ' a Row says

    August 18, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    What a great post! This is advice that we all could use. I stumbled it and will be pinning as soon as I am at a computer that doesn’t think I’m my sister! LOL We swapped today 🙂

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      August 18, 2015 at 5:35 pm

      LOL thanks so much for your support! I appreciate it 🙂 Sometimes I forget I am on another persons computer, and pin something…usually my mom lol. Have a wonderful day!

      Reply
  10. Rebie says

    August 19, 2015 at 11:05 pm

    Hi Alexis,

    Thank you so much for the tips! I LOVE spray paint it and have painted just about every sort of material. I painted our roman shades once (didn’t go so well as you might imagine). Great tips! I’m gonna try mixing colors, I’ve never done that before and sounds helpful. I saw your post from the Thursday Weekend Retreat Link Party. Thanks again!

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      August 20, 2015 at 5:59 am

      Thank you Rebie! I appreciate that 🙂 I hope this can help and inspire you to find a new fun spray paint project!!

      Reply
  11. Margie Johnsrud says

    March 15, 2018 at 7:45 am

    How do I unplug a spray can nozzle?

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      March 16, 2018 at 7:48 am

      I typically clean with hot soapy water. You can also try rubbing alcohol and soap to dissolve it.

      Reply
  12. Mark Murphy says

    September 25, 2018 at 11:30 am

    I really appreciate your tip to use quick strokes when you are spray painting so you can maximize the pressure. My son told me that he wants to spray paint his car a new color, and he wants to be efficient with his paint. I will be sure to tell him to do quick strokes.

    Reply

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