Tips & Tricks Tuesday #1 - Hooray for Spray

Welcome to the very first Tips and Tricks Tuesday linkup party at the Brambleberry Cottage (BbC)!

Are you ready for some great tips and tricks to make your projects a breeze? Terrific! Then let's get started!

If you ask any decorator or DIY enthusiast what his or her favorite, least expensive transformation resource is, hands down the answer will be paint. And for the average small project, it will be spray paint.

We do-it-yourselfers are totally enamored with this tool. And for good reason. Paint covers a multitude of sins–literally! It costs little, but packs quite a punch. And…anyone can do it.

But there are a few tips and tricks that will ensure your end result is the best it can possibly be.

In the world of spray paint, there are several usage tips that are fairly consistent across-the-board–regardless of brand or type of spray paint used:

Safety first is rule one! Make sure you use your choice of paint in a well-ventilated area.

Wear a mask if you're sanding or scraping, and there is the possibility of lead-based paint.

Prepare the surface to be painted–making sure it is clean, dull (for best adhesion), and dry.

Air and surface temperatures should be between 50-90 degrees and below 85% humidity to ensure proper coverage and drying.

Cover the surrounding area to protect it from overspray.

Avoid spraying in windy or dusty conditions.

No doubt, you're familiar with those cardinal rules. But, are you aware that not all spray paints are created equal?

It's confession time! Do you read the entire label each and every time you use a different brand or type of paint? Well, you should.

Compare some of my favorites to understand why.  Note the manufacturer's specified distance between the can of paint and the surface being painted and the time suggested between recoats for each paint.

Hold 10"-16" from surface; apply second coat within one hour or after 48 hours.

6"-8" from surface; additional coats within one hour or after 24 hours

10"-12" from surface; recoat within one hour or after 24 hours

8"-10" from surface; recoat before 24 hours or after 7 days

10"-16" from surface; dries fully in 30 minutes and can be recoated anytime

same as one just above

As you can see, there is quite a bit of difference between differing brands and types of paint.

Applying multiple coats of paint, outside of the time frame and distance indicated on the can, may cause it to peel, crack, or develop an orange-peel texture.  And who wants that!

From now on, you're going to carefully read the directions for each paint you use, right?

Just nod your head "yes".

OK, I feel better!

Now, to wrap it up–or should I say spray it up–here are the final tips and tricks to make sure you get 'er done right:

Whether the surface to be painted is new–having never been painted–or was previously painted will determine the preparatory steps you need to take.

You may need to sand, scrape, or wire-brush to loosen or eliminate old paint– remember the safety step here.

In most cases, a simple soap-and-water cleanup will follow the step above; however, there are occasions when you will need to use an ammonia-based cleaner, or denatured alcohol or paint thinner to thoroughly clean your surface, prior to painting.

Priming the surface provides the best adhesion, but isn't always a necessity. 

Shake that paint can vigorously for one to two minutes after the mixing ball begins to rattle, and shake often during use. Think oil and vinegar. You want your dressing thoroughly mixed before you use it, and you want the paint pigment evenly distributed as well, right?

 Always begin spraying just to the side of the object to be painted and end just beyond–never directly overtop–to avoid splotches, runs or drips.

A few light passes–a minute or two apart–are better than a heavy one-coat application.

Keep your can at the same distance from the surface the entire time you're painting, and keep it moving while spraying in a gentle back-and-forth motion.

Start at the top of the object–spraying in horizontal sweeps–as you move downward and slightly overlap each stroke.

Finally, turn the can upside down–away from your paint project & yourself–and press the spray button for approximately five seconds to clear the valve of paint and to prevent clogging.

If you weren't a paint pro before, you're sure to become one by using these simple tips and tricks.

I can't wait to see all the wonderful things you have to share.  Just be sure to follow the simple rules of this party.

Be sure to linkup with the specific URL for your Tips and Tricks post, grab the event button at the top of this post and link back to the Brambleberry Cottage Tips and Tricks #1. 

Please leave a comment at the end of this post, and become my friend by following along–if you aren't already.

Happy Tips and Tricks Tuesday!

Sharing my paint mosaic at Mary's for Mosaic Monday.