Spray paint in the color(s) of your choice Primer Newspaper, drop cloth, or a plastic tarp to protect the ground and other items around the item you are painting. Painter’s tape Disposable gloves, safety glasses, and a ventilator mask
Place your newspaper, drop cloth, or tarp down. If you are working outside, you can use weights (like rocks) to keep your protective materials from blowing around in the wind. Be sure to spread your protective materials far enough out, otherwise your yard or driveway may have end up with a light misting of color from the paint. Tape off any areas you don’t want to paint. Be sure the edges are sealed well to the surface to prevent paint from leaking underneath.
You can use a damp rag only or use a household cleaner to clean your surface if it is extra dirty. Just make sure to dry the surface completely before you paint it. If there is any sticky residue on the surface of your item, such as the remnants of a price tag sticker, scrape off the residue and then use a household cleaner to remove the rest.
Respirators cost around $20 to $30, but this is much cheaper than a visit to the doctor for respiratory problems. [5] X Research source Take a break if you feel even the slightest bit dizzy, queasy, or have difficulty breathing. Remember, your health and safety is always more important than your project.
You only need to apply one coat of primer before spray painting an item. Applying primer before spray painting helps to ensure that your spray paint will have an even finish. Otherwise, you may need several coats of spray paint to get even coverage.
Remember that you cannot shake the can too much, but you can shake it too little.
Hold the can of paint about 8 inches (20. 3 cm) away from your object, and move the can back and forth slowly at a rate of about one foot per second. Don’t apply a heavy coat because the paint may drip and be tacky longer. This will make it more likely that your paint will get smudged. Instead, apply multiple thin coats of paint to your project and let each coat dry completely before applying a new one. [12] X Research source Keep in mind that the first coat will likely be splotchy and show the original color through the paint, but you will cover up any splotchy areas with the second coat of paint.
Wait for the last topcoat to dry completely before touching or moving the item. Keep in mind that applying a topcoat is optional. If you are happy with the finish on your item after applying the spray paint, then don’t worry about applying a topcoat.
