How To Spray Paint

It is quite fascinating to see how paints can change the look of a wall in just a matter of minutes. There are several methods of painting used to decorate different surfaces with multiple colors to add meaning to an otherwise plain looking surface. One of the popular and easy methods of painting is ‘spray painting'. Spray painting as a method of painting was invented in 1892 by Francis Davis Millet. Spray painting is a painting technique in which a device is used to spray a coat of paint, ink or varnish through air on a particular surface. This invention of Francis Davis Millet brought about a significant advancement in the painting sector, which now became simpler, quicker and more efficient. There are many spray painting techniques you can make use of once you know the basics of how to spray paint. The below mentioned tips on how to spray paint will teach you the basics of spray painting. Read on to learn more.

Spray Painting Tips

• Medium cut polish
• Primer
• Spray paint
• 300 grit sandpaper
• Rubbing compound
• Microfiber towel
• Wax

Instructions 

Choose The Paint
First and foremost check the surface you will be painting on, as you will have to choose the type of paint to be used. There are usually two types of paints, the ‘latex’ and ‘oil-based paint’.

Prepare The Surface
Once you have decided on the type of paint to be used, prepare the surface for painting. Make sure that your surface is clean, dry, sanded and primed before you start to spray paint. The surface will decide whether or not sanding or priming is required. You will have to sand the surface to allow the primer to bond well with the surface. Wipe down the surface with a microfiber cloth after sanding the surface to prepare it for primer.

Cover Your Surroundings
Cover all the surrounding surface and items before you start to spray paint the surface. You can mask the surrounding area using layers of newspapers and masking tape. Tape the newspapers properly in order to avoid paint from even accidently falling on pieces of furniture, etc.

Use Primer
A few light coats of primer on the surface are advisable rather than applying one heavy coat of primer. Provide adequate drying time to each coat of primer in order to get the desired effect. Once you have applied a few light coats of primer, gently brush the surface over with 800 grit sandpaper. Once the wet sanding is over, wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth.

Follow The Instructions
Read and follow the instructions printed on the paint can. Make sure to go through the instructions properly and to follow each and every detail to a T in order to avoid any accidents or uneven and untidy work.

Protect Yourself
Paints can be injurious to your health and your skin; therefore, it is advisable to be fully protected before you start on the job. Make sure that the area you are working in is well ventilated. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fumes, put on your goggles and head mask in order to protect your eyes and hair from possible damage. 

Shake The Can
Make sure you shake the can well before using the paint. Shaking the can will help mix the pigment inside the can well. You might hear a rattling sound while shaking the can. This is because of the mixing ball inside the can. It is also advisable to shake the can a little more than what is mentioned in the instructions.

Test On A Sheet Of Newspaper
It is better to test your spray paint on a sheet of paper before you start spray painting the wall or the surface chosen. Practicing on a sheet of paper will help you judge the effectiveness of the nozzle spray mechanism. You will see a fine mist when you start spraying on the sheet of paper.

Test Spray The Surface
Testing the spray paint on the newspaper does not give you the green signal to start painting the surface you have chosen. You will first have to try out the paint on one corner of the surface that is to be painted. Locate an isolated corner on the surface and test your paint there. There are some surfaces that may not react too well to the paint, hence it is better to test the paint on the surface and find out whether or not the paint will work on the surface properly.

Spray
Once you are done with the testing, check the distance that you ought to maintain, as mentioned in the instructions. Keep the spraying machine at the distance and spray evenly moving the can in all directions. It is advisable to go an inch over the edges and to spray several thin coats rather than one heavy coat.

Touch Up
Once you are done with the painting, leave the surface to dry for the duration stipulated in the instructions. Check the surface for any touch up requirements or need of sand-finish, after the paint dries completely.