The other day on instagram I got a huge response after I shared my spray shelter and I realized, a lot of you lovely readers are spray painting just like me! Spray painting is literally my favorite craft activity because it’s so fast, and close to impossible to mess up.
My secret to perfect spray paint includes three things. The spray paint itself, the nozzle of the spray paint (or attachment if the nozzle isn’t ideal) and the surface I spray paint on.
I’m going to state a few obvious things, things you hear all the time and choose to ignore, and things you didn’t think existed but you need in your life.
My spray paint tips for no fail even coverage
Spray paint outside, not in your house or garage. Be in a well ventilated area. Just because you have an open floor plan doesn’t mean it’s well ventilated.
Spray at least 8 inches away from the surface. Sometimes people (my husband) feels like this is wasting spray paint because of the over spray. You can waste the overspray, or you can ruin what you’re spray painting. You decide!
If you’re spraying 8 inches away or more, even the slightest gust of wind makes it near impossible. That is why you need the spray shelter in your life. This thing changed my spray painting game. It is a surface to spray on, and of course a shelter from the elements. It also prevents your overspray from getting on the surrounding area. (That never happens right, Husband?)
Make sure you’re using quality spray paint. Sometimes it stinks to spend extra money on a can of spray paint when the same color comes in a different can for $3. Let me do some math for you. You can buy 3 cans of $3 spray paint for $9 and spend an extra 30 minutes of drying time doing multiple coats, or you can spend $5 on one can of quality spray paint, get it done quick, have a gorgeous finish, and it will take you less time. Worth it! This is my all time favorite spray paint. I will never buy anything else and if I did it’s because this wasn’t available at the time!
The nozzle on your spray paint is very important! This one took me time to figure out. Do you ever spray paint and it starts dripping as you’re spraying? It’s because there is buildup going on on the nozzle. To avoid this you can buy this attachment. Truthfully even on my favorite spray paint that has a good nozzle, I use this attachment because it’s easier to get your spray paint in hard to reach places.
Do two coats even if you feel like you have good coverage. I always spray paint things twice because I always, always, always miss a spot. What I like to do is spray it one direction, let it dry and flip it a different direction and spray it again. Homeright has a super cool turntable that I’m really hoping to get my hands on! I would still suggest flipping it on it’s side to do a second coat, though!
If you don’t have a spray shelter, I suggest using old card board boxes as a place to work. I use this all the time for my bigger projects. If you shop on Amazon like I do, it’s free! And they won’t blow around like a drop cloth. They are relatively flat and if wind blows? You don’t have to worry about it flapping in the wind and ruining your paint.
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Do you have any tips I didn’t mention? I am always looking to up my spray paint game and would love to hear!
These are great tips Anna!! That attachment is the best thing ever!
I can’t wait to try out the spray tent and the nozzle. Thank you!!