Spray paint is one of the easiest ways to bring in a twist to your paintings with a hint of colour. Spray paints are extremely easy to get hands on and can be found in about any local hardware store or online shopping sites. Spray paints are extremely easy to use, however, some understanding of the basics is necessary to get the desired results. This article briefly discusses few tips that you can easily understand and master to bring up to the calibre of a master spray painter.
Basic Techniques
The first step one should always do is to prepare the surface that is about to be painted. Any dust, grit, dust will be an obstacle to the fine coat and will create unevenness in the coating applied. In order to prepare the surface, it must be sanded first using a sand paper or a sanding block. The surface must be then wiped with a lint free cloth to remove any debris left by the sanding utility. Before starting to paint, ensure if the spray paint can is at the room temperature. To mix the paint and ensure a thorough coating, shake the can gently for a few times. Care must be taken not to shake the can too vigorously. It is also advised to shake the can once in a while, during painting, to keep the flow constant.
And once started, a stroke must be completed in a single go. The can must be pressed down, with a gracious distance of 10-12 inches away from the surface that is to be painted. The spraying must be started before reaching the surface and must not be released until after passing the other side. It is important to completely use the arm and not just the wrist.
When you’re working on a project that is usually a large surface and when multiple passes are required, it is better to apply a few lighter coats over the other. This is because several lighter coats look much better than a single heavy coat. A heavy coat also has the problem of paint dripping down the surface. It is also important to know that different paints have different drying times. Therefore, make sure to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer before using them.
When you’re done painting, turn the can upside-down and press the tip until the spray becomes clear. This will clear the tip and prevent paint from drying inside it.
Painting Small Objects
One can set up a mini paint station by using a few cardboard boxes to paint small objects and articles. A turntable can also be used in order to get angles at your convenience.
Using a Spray Gun
If the project you’re working on is large and if you have a compressor lying around, then it is advisable to use a spray gun instead of a spray can. Spray gun sucks the paint from the basin and sprays it in the set ratios.
