25 Spray Painting Tips
I wrote this post some time ago, it was included with my Best Gold Spray Paint.
Ive decided to move it into its own post. That post is a beast and needs its own spot! ha ha. I had no idea when posting that it would be my most popular post! LOL. I guess gold is all the rage, eh?
Anyways…
Want to know how to spray paint and be a spray painting boss? I know you do!
Learn from my mistakes and experience with certain paints. Ive literally used 500+ cans of spray paint over the years.
This post contains affiliate links for Amazon and I make commission if you buy through my links in the next 24 hours. See how I roll.
Spray Painting Tips
- You should wear a mask and eye protection. Spray in a well ventilated areas.
- Always make sure what ever you paint is clean and dry. Specially free from oils.
- Any surface that is painted can chip & scratch, just the way it is.
- Dirt, oil, hair, and water are not your friend! Make sure the area you use is free from dust and water. The spray can blow stuff around.
- Most brands carry paint and primer in one now so no priming. Using a primer is going to depend on your surface, a little extra wont hurt a ‘beat up’ surface…
- Using a cardboard box makes a great paint booth.
- Use tacks under some items like frames to get all areas and let dry. Anything to prop your item up. Painting a mason jar or a small vase or the like. Cut a paper towel/toilet paper roll and use it as a spray stand.
- Humidity and temperatures can make drying times take longer.
- Don’t forget over spray from the breeze outside, painting in the garage, etc. You don’t want paint all over your stuff… Spray paint will ‘dust’ over everything.
- Light coats 10-12 inches distance is best. Doing lighter coats prevents any dripping. Up and down sweeps or side to side. Usually two- three coats of paint works if you use the better paints. Also surface depending, something ‘old and cruddy’ make take five coats.
Related: Rose Gold Spray Paint Colors
- Shake your can well specially after the can has been sitting. If you don’t, it can have chunky or uneven paint spraying out. Always do a shake again between coats and long spraying time too.
- Krylons colors Really shake, I have the most issues with chunks using their colors,(the Color Masters in particular) even with shaking till my arms are tired! LOL. The metallic are good though.
- Krylon has some good colors but, its hit or miss, you’ll go through more paint for some colors. It can be a bit runny and chunky.
The Color Master line is the weakest. I swear Ive needed 5-10 coats to get coverage with some Color Master formulas!
The Dual formula is pretty good and I do like the metallic and Looking Glass.
Related: Krylons Chalk Finish Paint
- Mattes and lighter colors seem to need a third or fourth coat no matter what the brand. Some items you paint will just need a few coats or more, partly depends on the surface.
- Gloss colors tend to take longer to dry over matte and satin finishes. Enamel gloss finishes take much longer to dry but offer a more ‘hard’ super high gloss finish.
Rust-Oleum has some good colors and formulas for durable high gloss in the white cans & metallic finishes.
Metallic
- When you clear coat the shiny metal metallic finishes it dulls the finish, even with a high gloss top coat. With silver it totally ruins the finish, turns it into a gray muddy looking mess.
Silver seems to take longer to dry too.
- Golds, silver, and copper can tarnish just like jewelry. The metal like finishes. Oils from your hand will leave fingerprints and water can leave spots. Dry quickly if you wash them.
Copper and the gold spot more easily over silver.
Related: Rust-oleum Metallic Spray Paints
I recommend Rust-Oleum metallic in this style can pictured below for painting things like door knobs and handles. Things used daily or in the kitchen & bathroom where there is moisture.
Mercury-Mirror Finish Looking Glass Paint
- Looking Glass paint is a mirror like finish. Mercury glass look. Rust-Oleum also offers a mirror finish. It can be sprayed on the outside and inside of glass. Shake the can, shake till you cant shake no more! This paint needs constant shaking.
Ive read tutorials on Looking Glass, my methods… Ive used plain ole water or Windex to get the aged look. Worked just fine for me. This paint is ‘toxic’ and must be sprayed in a well ventilated area. Its much stronger than traditional spray paint, IT Stinks! LOL.
Definitely keep 12-15 inches away with light sweeping strokes in light coats, build this paint, its VERY thin runny paint and will drip super fast! It dries almost instantly.
It will be more mirror like spraying on a super smooth surface like glass. It works best on glass, its really what its meant for.
- Don’t want a gloss but, its the perfect color? Use a matte or satin finish clear coat. Do it the other way around if you want a gloss finish on a matte paint. I like Valspar clear coats the best. (Update 2018, Valpasr now discontinued in most areas)
- I have found I can spray paint when its 35 degrees out with no issues as long as its not a windy. Ha ha. Ive pumped out 100’s of jars in 35 degree weather, I live in NY! LOL.
I spray outside on something portable so I can bring them inside to cure where its warmer. Ive even let them sit outside in the cold to dry with no issues either.
B U R R R R R R
Just don’t let the paint can get too cold, take breaks.
Some colors are a funky when its cold… as well… they say you shouldn’t when its that cold.. (below 50) but, Ive pushed the limits. LOL. I wouldn’t paint a dresser but small items yes.
Most are Krylon because the colors are more runny so they are very weird in the cold.
- Baking in the oven at 150-200 degrees for about 30 minutes really smooths the paint finish. Gives it a better curing too. Paint takes at least two months to really cure. The longer the better.
If you oven cure you should put them in the oven while the paint is wet. I only do this for some high gloss finishes SOMEtimes… Its not needed at all though.
- If you painted a coat or two then let it sit for hours, a day or a week and need another coat or its time for top coat… Particularly with Krylon and Rust-Oleum, use light coat/s to finish the job.
If you coat heavier and its too ‘wet’ it can cause the paint you already applied to wrinkle and bubble. Acrylics and latex paint will do the same thing.
As seen in the picture above… a jar to add to the casualty pile! ha ha. I actually covered it in glitter to hide it!
- Cheap paint is just that, Cheap. You get what you pay for, you’ll have to do quadruple the coats to get any coverage. Spend the money on the better paint, its a night and day difference! Work smarter not harder! 😉
- I top coat Everything even when the paint says you don’t have too, I find you Do have to! LOL. With the exceptions to, high gloss enamels like Rust-Oleum offers, it already has a great hard smooth finish, other glosses, and metallic colors. General colors I always top coat.
- Certain surfaces may need prep work or be more porous sucking up the paint so you need more coats. When Ive painted wood furniture Ive had to do some light sanding between coats like you do with stain and use 3-5 coats.
- You can paint just about anything on the planet with spray paint! lol You can paint glass of course. Any painted glass is best used as decor pieces, things not used regularly. It can chip and scratch more easily over most spray painted surfaces.
- You can do a light hand washing’s with spray painted glass/goods or a wipe down with a damp cloth, just no soaking and scrubbing. Ive washed many spray painted surfaces and plenty of jars over the years with no issues.
- Reality of painted surfaces… sometimes its going to need a touch up. Depends on the area, what its used for, etc.
- Another reality, painted surface can chip and scratch. There is no such thing as chip/scratch proof. You can only minimize it with a good prepped surface and top coats and using with care.
Spray Paint Extras
Update 6/2018: Lowes now carries Krylon. Im so bummed no more Valspar…
In my area Lowes carries the Valspar brand Krylon and Rust-Oleum but, the Rust-Oleum selection is lacking there for color, mostly neutral and primary. I found Home Depot has Lots of Rust-Oleum colors.
Buying at the craft stores is almost double the price over the hardware store for the same exact can of paint! Use a coupon! LOL
Update 8/2023: Home Depot now has Behr spray paint, its become my new favorite and similar to my once loved Valspar.
Don’t forget auto stores, they carry spray paints. More durable for bike parts and such. Also high heat paints and some cool colors you don’t find with traditional spray paints.
Spray paint is spray paint more or less if you know what I mean… You find a cool color at the auto store to paint your lamp, do it!
Ive spray painted anything and everything over the past 25 years! Dang, I be gettin’ old! Ha ha. Spray paint has some a long way specially with color choices and paint+primer in one.
Heck, paint in general has come a long way!
Ive had many questions on where to get some of the colors like the US. UK- B&Q carries the Valspar UK brand. Rust-Oleum UK.
Don’t hesitate to post and ask other questions. I keep revising this post to keep it full of good tips. 🙂 There is some Q&A in the comments when these tips were in the gold post if you want to check them out.
What paints have you tried and your favorite? I know there are other brands floating around.
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What is a primer you would use? I have some pumpkins I tried to paint and it just dropped and I thought maybe I needed a primer.
I dont use a primer most of the time as many spray paints dont need them. A more beat up surface it can help or say a bright red, a quick primer can help cover and need less coats.
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Thank you for your tips they were exactly what I was looking for . I have Rust-Oleum paint but I’m painting an old metal milk can so , which would be best to use matte or gloss ? Or does it even matter ?
Thank you , Rita
I think the gloss would work better.
You’re spot on with your painting tips! I’m sixty-five and a firm believer that anything can be any color you want it to! I’ve probably spray painted things you wouldn’t believe! Wanted to ask is you’ve ever had trouble with the Rustoleum Metallics can stopping up? Don’t get me wrong they’re my favorite especially Hammered Copper. But I don’t know how many practically full cans I’ve had to throw away???
Once in a while its clogged. I just return the cans for an exchange if its almost full.
Ive spray painted the most random things too! LOL
Ive had more issue with those cans dripping from the nozzle over clogging. The glitter sprays tend to clog…
Hi!
I should have read the section about gloss dulling metallic paints. It totally dulled the Krylon White Copper paint I used over a wood frame 🙁
What should I have done? Not glossed it??
Should I put the krylon clear glaze to sealed my acrylic glass before or after put in the oven to cured the paint?
Thank you
You dont have to do either to cure it, and oven will just cure it faster.
Are there light paints no so heavy,that you will be able to see through the glass?
This post is right on time. I have been spray painting some fireplace matchboxes for my Etsy shop and very much underestimated the finesse required to coat everything evenly *and* protect my clothes, hands, and face. Gonna start wearing a face mask now, after blowing black dust out of my nose -yuck.
Yes, its takes some time to get into a good painting groove. I airbrush now and it had a learning curve too! haha.
I love your post..confess it’s a little hard to understand since English is my second language. Im going to paint 8 mason jars for centerpieces. I love the rose gold/ gold shiny finish. To make sure I understood right, which brand should I buy at home depot?
You can check out my rose gold spray paint post. 🙂 I hope this helps. http://kastyles.co/rose-gold-spray-paint/
I have ALMOST the perfect color spray paint for s project. I just want it one shade lighter. If I paint the metal surface white FIRST will that help lighter the overall effect? Or???
It can, depending on the paint. I find it works more with some of the sheer like metallics. Solid colors not so much. What color are you doing?
I love reading all your painting tips❤️ The jars you use for the succulent and herbs what size is that an where did you get them searched everywhere an can’t find them if you can tell me size I can order them on amozon hopefully!!
Thank you
Debra
Thank you. 🙂
I used the Elite pints, they come in a 4 pack.
Walmart usually carries them if you have one so does Target. I find mine at the grocery store.
Hey Kelly, how would I go about doing the ombré pattern on mason jars?
Thanks
Im working on a how to post for that, I just need some better weather! haha
Hello!
I was wondering about painting a stove so it looks like copper. Any ideas?
You’d have to use a high heat paint. They make grill/stove paint and you could probably use car caliper paints too, they are for high heat as well.
Hi
I did a metal table with gold spray paint. And I noticed the paint is coming off.what is the cause for this.
Hi Kelly…
My boyfriend has some old rusted metal beach decor…a large seahorse which I’ve sanded and painted Rustoleum Pounded Pewter. The other thing I want to paint is a fish planter. The fish head and tail are not a problem to spray paint, but the fish ‘body’ contains a wire mesh, with a glass interior container that is shaped to the wire mesh so it cannot be removed without breaking it. How would you paint the wire mesh only without getting it on to the glass? I was thinking of spraying onto a paper plate, then using a brush to dab onto the wire???? (I want to fill the planter with beautiful rocks and put an air plant in it, so I want to be able to see thru the glass. )
If you want to hand paint the mesh Id get model car paint. An enamel, its more durable. Spray paint can work to paint but you have to work quickly and there is waste. If any gets on the glass Goof Off works great and removing paint, sticky stuff, etc. Cotton balls and Q Tips work best IMO when removing. Hope this helps! 🙂
Surprising to find someone who uses spray paints as much as I do, especially a woman!! Good info by the way. I was only going to suggest another good source of spray paints being Ace Hardware stores. They carry quite a variety of brands and colors and are a national chain. Price is a little more than Home Depot or Lowe’s but still reasonable.
Haha! Thank you for posting about Ace, good info for my readers. 🙂
Hi Kelly! I have just purchased a vintage 50’s typewriter in a pearly cream colour with maroon keys, paint is a bit tired and scruffy so I was thinking about spraying it. The body is made of metal and the paint looks like a glossy enamel. Would you sand/prime before spraying? I fancied a copper colour but if it can’t be protected without looking dull perhaps it’s not the best idea. What type of spray would you use? Thanks!
You can try the Krylon Super Maxx formula, its a durable copper. https://kastyles.co/copper-spray-paint-colors/
If they are rough looking use a finer sand paper to smooth out. You probably wont need a primer.
[…] want to make your own cow jars I have my glitter and spray paint tips posts you can check […]
Thank you so much for the information on this website! I am painting a painted chandelier. It was painted an ugly brown. I intend to use a coat or two of primer, then the Rustoleum Universal Metallic champagne pink pearl. However, I have read so many horror stories about the nozzle on this new type of can. Did you have a problem with it?
Only once in a while I have a can that drips a bit. I have the worst time with some of Krylons! LOL If the can drips, clogs, etc, just take it back. It happens sometimes with any brand of spray paint.
[…] you new to spray painting? I have some tips for you in my spray painting tips post. Paint like a boss! […]
Hey Kelly. I am considering spray painting lanterns gold. Would they still be safe to be used with a small candle?
Thanks so much!
Julie
They should be ok, Ive never painted lanterns but have other things and they were fine burning candles.
Hi Kelly,
i have found this post super helpful thank you.
I am about to start spray painting mason jars for my wedding and i was wondering how many cans of rust oleum champagne mist would i need to spray paint 24 wide mouth quart mason jars?
If you want a more solid coverage Id buy at least 6-7 cans. The paint is more sheer/see through. This may help too. 🙂 http://kastyles.co/how-many-cans-of-spray-paint-do-i-need-to-paint-mason-jars-pints-quarts/
[…] Spray Paint Tips […]
[…] Spray Paint Tips […]
Thanks for all the tips! I just started spray painting amd my first mason jar bubbled in a few areas. I read ehat you said so now I know what to watch for. However, I ended up distressing those areas and it worked perfectly so it wasn’t a loss! Again, thanks for the tips!
Youre welcome! I still do it sometimes even though I know better! Haha. I fix it with covering in glitter!
I never knew that humidity and temperatures can make drying times take longer for spray paint. I was considering hiring a commercial paint sprayer to paint my new business’ mural. Thank you for the tips on how to spray paint. http://seook.com/
Hi,
I am painting mason jars with Krylon Metallic gold. I have taped the jars to make stripes. Will the tape come off clean or will I get chips and peeling? Do I need a top coat to prevent that? Should I wait until the paint is completely dry to peel the tape?
Thanks for your help.
Hey kelly,
I’m trying to create soap dispensers and you mention that the rustoleum metallic gold spray paint tarnishes – is there a way to prevent that? Also can you repaint an already spray painted mason jars? Lastly, is glass required to be primed?
Hey Kelly, great post. Which spray paint would you recommend for non-decor items, specifically soap dispensers. I’ve tried to spray paint the plastic and metallic plastic pumps with metallic gold spray paint but they’ve either tarnished or have water spots on them. Can you tell me what I’m doing wrong?
Hi Kelly,
I’m currently painting rose gold bottles for an event. I’ve painted three coats on each bottle with paint that has a sealer in it. I’m noticing the bottles are still easily scratching. Is there a top coat I should be putting on them or something I’m missing? I hate to do all this work and the bottles not last long. thank you
Hello, firstly this post and the one with your copper/rose gold paints are saving my life! Lol. I do have a couple questions as I’m fairly new to this. Which would you consider to be the prettiest copper color of all the spray paints you’ve worked with? Do you think that a good quality (Rust-Oleum, Valspar) paint would hold up on a simple ceiling fan? Thirdly, do you think a primer would be necessary? What color copper would closest match this one in the link? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B073WQL2H6/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1520705492&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=copper+ceiling+fan&dpPl=1&dpID=51tl2Df3SRL&ref=plSrch
And lastly, how long do you think it would take to dry (70°) if I applied around 2-4 coats of a metallic finish spray paint? All the paints I’ve ever done either had runs or never dried. I believe I was applying them too closely and to heavy. Sorry for so many questions! I’ve been dreaming of copper ceiling fans for my house since I have several fans, but hubby said $800+ Was too much to spend and I can’t blame him, lol! But Thank you so much! You’re amazing at what you do.
The color would really be up to you. Closest to the picture would be Rustoleums Copper(green on the can) of Krylons Rose Gold. You could do foiling as well. Also look into wrapping. People wrap whole cars, rims, etc. Comes in a shiny metal look and wont tarnish. the shiny metal look spray paint may look dull and tarnished over time, go for durable over shiny with the sprays.
Hi Toni, have you had success finding a matching color to this gorgeous fan? If yes, please share. I’m looking for this same exact color.
HELP! I’ve been searching for hours trying to find out what to put on the silver spray painted rain boots I made for my son’s astronaut outfit for school!
I spray painted them silver, but they smudge when anything touches them. What can I use to seal/protect them?
A top coat will ruin in. The silver spray paint is tricky and best used for decor pieces. Id try model paint or Valspar put out a silver paint now. I saw it at Lowes.
Hi, Kelly, nice site you have here.
I came looking for info @ using rustoleum’s gloss white acrylic enamel.
The color of the cap is disappointing before I even take it off, compared to their standard gloss protective enamel.
I’m trying to find out if I must use a clear coat?
From what I read here & in a few of your other informative posts, & maybe replies to some comments, clears have not left you too impressed.
As you may already know, I left a couple of suggestions in a comment @ your very well written big 3 comparison post.
I can’t believe you somehow made such a poet out of me!
&
You are not going to believe the super spraygirl my suggestions are going to make out of you!
I found a used can of
R.O. G.P.Enamel to be sure I named the product right where I refered to it above.
&
Guess what?
That’s right, the bottom’s bulged!
Oh how I wish I could attach a picture!
No offense to anyone was intended, only the best of all wishes.
That’s why I just invested an hour & a half that right now I can ill afford.
You are welcome to use my suggestions any way you want.
Edit if you must.
U can even take credit for them for all I care!
But please, don’t censor me.
Best to you & all…
-John
Good tips all, but I see nothing about warming the cans…
I tend to do larger projects, cars & boat parts & such, but for any project, especially when it’s cold, I can’t stress it enough…
WARM THE CANS!
Have a bucket of HOT water, it’ll get cold soon enough.
When you first start, shake a little, at least ’till the ball rattles, & drop your cans in.
UPSIDE DOWN!
Give them a minute or two, & then a bit more of a shake.
It’s no fun unless it’s warmed up right!
I usually run 2 cans at a time, one in each hand. But then again, I’m a man!
OMG where is this headed?
Well, I just spent hours reading posts & comments from very smart, well spoken women…
As you discharge the can, it’s gonna cool down.
It’s a physics thing, so we’re told.
As temps drop, so does pressure, & paint thickens.
Here come the clogs!
Thin spray is what you want, but it must be warm enough for the first of the solvents to flash right off, or…
Here come the runs!
(A piece of masking tape stuck to the run @ just the right time & then quickly removed – far better than any other remedy)
&
A warm part can go a LONG way too, but can invite other issues such as decreased flow.
Use partial cans for the first coats, & new, hot cans for the final TOP SHINE!
A hot can in each hand will give you control of the show like you never thought possible!
Of course it takes a bit of practice, & it helps to be ambidextrous!
If the the bottom starts to bulge & she can barely stand, you’ve probably warmed her up just about right!
That DOES NOT mean she’ll stay that way, you’ve got to watch & feel the response!
(That’s why a gentleman is always right there, paying close attention to his woman!)
OMG Kelly!
Look what you’ve done!
You made a poet out of this rugged working man!
I PROMISE, this technique will
BLOW YOUR MIND!
Especially where it’s cold, like in New York!
I have always used Rust-Oleum American Accents for spray painting projects but could not find the color I need so I am using Valspar Premium Finish. The items that I painted weeks ago still smell. Do you have any idea how long it takes for the odor to dissipate? This is for a wedding and I’m concerned the smell isn’t going away. Some of the items are cupcake tiers and will have food on them. They will be in papers but I’m still a little worried. Any input you have is greatly appreciated.
I am working on a Valentine’s Day Gift for a couple of teachers. The idea is putting plastic heart stickers on the jar and then spray painting the jar. When dried I will peal off the stickers to show little hearts all over the jar. I bought some pink and red gloss spray paint but when I started spraying the paint just started running right off the jar and left all these run marks. Any suggestions?
You mentioned a few times not to top coat metallics. How about something like modge podge? Trying to find something to help the metallic paint to not scratch so easy off of glass. Btw…love your stuff!
Im not sure, I have not tried it yet! They do mage a gloss style so it may work! And thank you. 🙂
Hi,
I am working on a craft project to make big, fake gum drops. I bought peat flower pots because I thought the texture would be good but I am having trouble painting them. Do you think I should prime or just try a bunch of really light coats?
Thanks! I am glad to have a spray paint/craft expert to go to!
Mary
It will work both ways but a primer will always be a plus! Good luck and thank you! 🙂
Have you any tips on using the sea glass paint? I’ve just learned about it! Looking at the cornflower color of Krylon.
I’d like to paint table numbers, using stencils, onto the glass sides of the lanterns that will be part of the centerpieces at my wedding, in rose gold/copper. 1) would you recommend spray paint for that? 2) is there a way to get the paint off after? My mom might like to keep the lanterns to line her walkway, but probably not if they’re numbered. Thank you!
The spray paint will work and you could either scrape the paint off the glass or use Goof Off, it will remove it. Hope that helps. 🙂
Can you tell me the colors of the eight (8) mason jars in the last photo of this post. It’s the photo with the “25+ spray painting tips” text. These are my wedding colors!
Check out my other post, its has all those colors. Hope this helps. 🙂 http://kastyles.co/rustoleum-metallic-spray-paints/
awesome tips thnks for sharng
Thank you and youre welcome. 🙂
[…] I talk about this in my Spray Paint Tips post. […]
Can’t believe I found someone just as obsessed with spray paint as me! Also, you just saved me a ton of money! While I already own a lot of Metallic spray paints I was literally going to go to Home Depot this weekend and buy every kind of Metallic gold to see which one would end up being my favorite. I can’t thank you enough for your posts on gold and rose gold spray paints! I have a few questions:
1. When you talk about curing the jars in the oven do I place the jars on a cookie sheet first or directly on the rack? And how long do I need to wait after spraying them before I put them in the oven?
2. Do you know how to do ombré Metallic mason jars? I’ve seen some on Pinterest but none come with instructions as detailed as yours. I’m just dying to do a two color ombré mason jar!
3. I’m looking for a light pink Metallic or light pink pearly finish spray paint. Ever come across one of those?
4. You know the more expensive spray paint brands such as Montana and Liquitex? Ever have experience using those and if so do you think they are worth the price?
5. My spray cans always get clogged. Some of my top coat sprays to the point I’ve thrown away only a ¼ empty can before because the nozzle gets clogged. Nothing I’ve done works. Any tips?
Sorry I had so many questions! I’ve just never run across someone that knew so much about spray paint and figured if anyone knew it would be you! Haha! Thanks so much for your awesome posts! They are just fabulous!!!!
1) I use an old beat cookie sheet. You should put them in the oven while still wet but its really not needed.
2) You may have come across my metallic ombre jars! haha. Here are some of my ombre jars. http://kastyles.co/ombre-painted-mason-jars/
3) Check this post for a pink pearl finish. 🙂 http://kastyles.co/rustoleum-metallic-spray-paints/
4) I have not tried those paints yet.
5) Try taking off the spray nozzle and clean it out. Many clogs happen in the nozzle. If its almost a full can and clogged beyond my fixing I take it back to the store and exchange it. Crap cans happen at times…
Thank you! And you’re are welcome, I hope it helped! Dont hesitate to ask any other questions! 🙂
I’ve looked high and low for gold metallic taper spiral candles like the ones I’ve always bought. I found the cranberry ones. So I want to spray paint them gold. After the paint is dry, I don’t think there would be an issue with flammability, do you? I tried painting them with acrylic paint-on paint but they look awful. What do you think? Thanks!
I would think it would be ok because its just the outside and the wax melts. But you may want to test it on some other candle first and see what happens! I think I’ll have to test the theory now too! ha ha.
[…] spray painting tips if you are a beginner and want to DIY your own pencil jar. […]
[…] There are other coppers out there I’ll try and update this post. If you are a beginner with spray paint you can check out my Spray Painting Tips post. […]
well BLESS YOU for this post! After seeing all of your beautiful ideas on painting, I thought, “well those are perfect, but mine will never look like that!” And then this handy little post showed up! I love the gold shimmer one with the glitter snowflakes…that might have to be the first one I try! THANK YOU!
You are welcome! You can become a spray paint pro! 🙂 Make sure you share some pictures! OT but some fun makeup I did from back in the day. haha.
[…] 25+ Spray Painting Tips […]
Hello!
I am living abroad with very limited resources for creating the perfect thanksgiving centerpiece. I found mason jars but only spray paints. Is it possible to create the distressed chalky look with a white matte spray? Or will I need to find acrylic paint and use a brush?
Hi! Yes you can distress spray paint just like any other paint. 🙂 And yes a matte finish spray paint will be more like the matte chalky finishes. I hope that helps, good luck! 🙂
Hello,
I have an old wooden vanity I was hoping to re-do. I have a small sander, I was going to sand it down, use a spray paint primer, then spray paint in a metallic silver, lightly spray over with krylon’s dimond blast glitter and then add a clear coat. You said in your post that clear coats muck up the silver color? What do you suggest I do? I’ve looked into chalk paint as well as regular silvers and modpodge and real glitter instead of spray paint glitter. I’m not sure which is the best direction to go. Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
If I were you Id just paint it a gray, glitter blast, then clear coat. 🙂 Dont bother with the silver metallic. I hope that helps. Edit to add: if you are looking for a more ‘glittery’ look use glue and loose glitter, works better than the spray for a glitter coat. I have this glitter post. 🙂 http://kastyles.co/spray-glitter-vs-loose-glitter/
Thank you that helps! Is there a difference between Valspar 2360N Spray Any Way Machinery Light Gray Enamel Spray Paint which says Enamel and regular spray paint? Glitter post is helpful too!
Thanks!
Enamel paints are high gloss and have a ‘harder’ finish. Its just like any other spray paint, it will take much longer to dry over other sprays though. I would just use any gray you like for the base. 🙂 You have to share a picture when you are done! 🙂
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Hi, I have an outdoor table with a stainless steel look frame (glass top), the frame has quite a bit of surface rust on it. I plan to clean with a rust removing product and would like to spray paint it white. What would you recommend? I live in Australia and have easy access to the Rust-Oleum products but not the other brands. Thank you.
Perfect, just use the Rustoleum products for rust, etc. Id sand it a bit too. Id extra coat those rust spots, rust is rust, nothing is rust proof! haha. In NY, Id have to redo by the second season, dang rust… LOL. Good luck. 🙂
Hi Kelly,
I see you’ve mentioned quite a number of times about top coating your jars but no top coat for metallics. I am a lil confused the difference between clear coat and top coat. When do you use clear coat and top coat? Can you advise, please?
Your works are beautiful and inspiring. Thanks for sharing your tips! 🙂
Clear coat-Top coat are the same thing. 🙂 I use a top-clear coat on basic colors that are not a high gloss enamel like Rustoleum carries. Rust-Oleum 284678 Stops Rust Protective Enamel Spray Paint, Light Turquoise
” target=”_blank”>Like this kind. It doesnt need a top coat. Metallic the top coat ruins the finish.
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Wood Toy Chest: I made a chest & covered it with wainscoating that came pre-painted white. I read online that I should lightly sand the wainscoating before painting. I used wood trim on the box that I have sanded & but a base coat of paint.
QUESTION: For the final coat should we brush on with a fine brush a semi-gloss paint OR should we buy a spray paint? What paints would you recommend?
WOOD LETTERS: I bought wood letters & I have sanded and primed. I would like to paint them with a light pink or after reading your blog maybe use your technique of using Elmer’s glue and glitter. Any thoughts on this since the letters are going on a white semi-gloss wainscoting toy chest? My first thought is just to use a light semi-gloss pink but I thought about your glitter technique also. Thanks
Id do a light sanding, the paint will stick better.
Heck yeah do the glitter. 🙂 You can go both ways, paint pink first and apply glitter over the pink or just do it with the white. Both will work, its really a personal preference. A good glitter coat will cover it.
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Hello Kelly, I am spray painting multiple jars for flower and candle decor for my daughters 1st birthday, I am using Valspar rose gold and Rust-oleum rose gold & copper metallic – do you recommend a top coat?
No top coat for metallics. 🙂
I love to read about someone even more obsessed with spray paint than me! (I didn’t know that was possible…lol)
Can you please share the blue automotive brand and color you have in the picture with all the Rust-Oleum grays? I’ve been searching for a blue like that for months now. I love it!
Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing your tips and finds. I learn a lot from reading you!
Ha ha I am! 🙂
The brand is Dupli Color.
I love spray paint!! I do wish there were a wider range of colors. I’ve learned to do several very light coats to avoid drips.
Yes. Valspar just put out some new colors and so has Rustoleum.
Kelly, I love what you do! Your jars are beautiful. I am getting married in August and am spray pInting some ball jelly jars rose gold to tie in my rose gold theme. I see you have a link for that but the website isn’t working. Do you have some favorites for rose gold spray paint? The lowes does not carry the Valspar rose gold near me 🙁 bummer. Anyway, thanks a million for inspiring me!
Thank you. 🙂 Here is some rose gold-copper goods. http://kastyles.co/rose-gold-spray-paint/
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