5 Steps to Becoming a Spray Painting Pro
5 Steps to Becoming a Spray Painting Pro
Spray paint is becoming an increasingly more popular medium for DIY in recent years, a quick search for ‘spray paint DIYs’ and you’re inundated with a myriad of inspiring projects right at your fingertips. There has never been a better time to pick up a spray can than now, you can transform anything in your home with a lick of paint, and armed with a spray can it is easier than ever. Even though spray painting is easy and all you have to do is point and spray everyone could always use some tips.
Spray paint is becoming an increasingly more popular medium for DIY in recent years, a quick search for ‘spray paint DIYs’ and you’re inundated with a myriad of inspiring projects right at your fingertips. There has never been a better time to pick up a spray can than now, you can transform anything in your home with a lick of paint, and armed with a spray can it is easier than ever. Even though spray painting is easy and all you have to do is point and spray everyone could always use some tips.
Safety First
The most important tip of all, you may just want to dive straight into your project but spray painting should only ever be done in a space that is well ventilated and while you wear a protective respirator mask.
Test to Be Sure
There is nothing worse than spray your freshly sanded chest of drawers with your bright yellow spray paint and it comes out an odd colour or it doesn't spray properly. Always test your spray paint first on something like a scrap piece of cardboard to make sure the nozzle isn't blocked and the paint is mixed well so you don’t have any mishaps.
Check the Label
When you’re buying spray paint and you have a specific project in mind and you have everything planned out make sure you buy the right paint for whatever you’re spray painting, you don’t want to pick up a spray paint that is best suited to wood if you plan or spray your bike which is metal. You should always read the label to see what instructions they give you on how to use it because not every spray paint is the same, each manufacturer has a different formula and they've worked out how their paint is used best.
Handle Attachment
You’ll be thankful for an inexpensive handle attachment for your spray can, it will prevent you from getting cramp in your hand. Not only will you save yourself from the pain of cramp but you’ll also save yourself from the inevitable stains on your hands that you would have to spend days scrubbing if you didn't use a handle.
Sweeping Motions
If you want the best result and finish on your project possible you need to hold the spray can around 8 to 10 inches away from the surface that you are spraying. Keeping your hand moving in a sweeping motion will also make sure you get a smooth finish, if you just hold the can and spray you run the risk of letting the paint build up too much in one place and it will start to run.