How to Successfully Spray Paint

Best Practices for a Successful Spray Paint Project

Spray paint offers you an excellent way to restore outdoor furniture or, give an upcycled object new life. Knowing how to spray paint and following these tips and tricks will help to make your project a success.

Glidden Max-Flex spray paint products

1. Choose the Correct Spray Paint

The first step is choosing the right spray paint for the surface. You can find special spray paint for metal or plastic, outdoor spray paint, and exterior fabric spray paint. An all-surface spray paint like Glidden Max-Flex makes selecting the right paint easy.

Spray painting planter pot

2. Prepare the Area

Next, cover the floor and work area with drop cloths to protect it from overspray. Can you spray paint inside? The answer is yes, but only if you have proper ventilation, such as in an open garage. You should never paint in a closed room. You can paint in a garage or shed with the door open, or in an outdoor area.

Sanding chair for spray paint application

3. Prepare the Surface for Spray Paint

Preparing the surface you will paint is the most important step. If the surface is metal, remove any rust or loose metal. Glossy surfaces, including furniture or walls painted previously with gloss paint, should be lightly sanded* to provide enough roughness for the paint to grab. You should remove any loose paint. For any surface, make sure there is no oil, grease, dirt, or dust, and make sure it is completely dry before you begin.

Glidden Max-Flex spray paint can

Spray paint being applied

4. Apply the Spray Paint Evenly

Before you begin, shake the can for one to two minutes, and continue to shake it frequently as you apply the paint. Hold the can 6 to 10 inches from the surface. Move the paint can steadily in a straight line, and keep it moving. Overlap the paint for an even coating. It is always better to apply several thin coats than one thick one.

Second coat of spray paint being applied

5. Apply Additional Spray Paint Coats

When the first coat is dry to the touch, you can apply a second coat using the same method. Factors like temperature and humidity affect how long it takes paint to dry, but in most cases, you should be able to recoat in as few as 10 minutes. After applying the last coat, allow the paint to harden for 24 to 48 hours before using the object.

Spray painted mirror

6. Use an All-Surface Clear Topcoat

A topcoat helps protect your paint and makes it last longer. A no-drip spray paint topcoat like Glidden Max-Flex Clear Topcoat evens out the surface and gives it a smooth, professional look. It is available in matte and semi-gloss.

If you follow these steps, you have the greatest chance of satisfaction with the final project. One of the best things you can do is choose a high-quality product known to last a long time. Glidden Max-Flex is an excellent choice, so pick up some for your next DIY project.

Always use spray paint in a well-ventilated area.
*WARNING! If you scrape, sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop. Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on to www.epa.gov/lead.