Painting with a brush can be time consuming, but you can accomplish tasks much quicker by taking advantage of spray paints. Spray paints are not what they use to be. Most manufacturers have developed high quality paint formulas that are easy to apply. The new spray paints are fast drying and have outstanding durability including rust prevention.

For a successful outcome you must choose the right paint for the job. Enamel spray paint is great for appliances as well as metal cabinets and outdoor tables if you want a hard finish.

High heat spray paint is best used on grills, stoves or radiators, but should not be applied to interior surfaces exposed to flames.

Chalkboard spray paints can be used to coat poster board, metal or wood and other types of surfaces for a clean-erase finish.

Frosted spray paint can create a look of etched glass on mirrors or doors, and can be matched with stencils for a customized decorative look.

For a finished coating, lacquer spray paint can be applied in multiple coats to produce a high luster finish to all types of items. Urethane coatings can be used over stains or as a protective finish and it is available in gloss, semi-gloss or satin.

Many spray paint brands have nozzles designed to maximize consistent output and minimize risk of dripping. For a few dollars, you can purchase a handle that will snap onto the can to ease hand strain and increase control. Best of all, many finishes do not require a primer coat and can be applied directly to a clean, dry surface. If you do need a primer coat you can find one-coat primers that aren’t gritty, allowing you to skip pre-sanding before top-coating.

When using spray paints proper safety measures should be taken. It is advisable to wear a mask or respirator and protective glasses. Spray painting should be done in well-ventilated areas and is best applied outdoors. For painting indoors, open windows and close doors to contain odor. Never spray paint around children, pets or in an enclosed poorly ventilated spaces.

Spray painting tips for the best results:

Prep well before painting. Clean the item to be painted. If the item is heavily rusted, lightly sand the majority of the rust off and prime the worst areas.
Spray paints are developed to be project-specific. Always choose the correct type for the project. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
If you must spray paint inside consider building a home-made spray booth to contain overspray. This can be as simple as building a cardboard box with a top, bottom and three sides, or build a small frame surrounded by plastic stapled in place.
Spray in short bursts to minimize overspray and drips and slightly overlap from side to side. It’s better to apply lighter coats than a single heavy coat. Let the spray paint dry well between coats.

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