Spray paint has long been associated with street and graffiti artists as a quick and easy-to-use medium, but it’s also an incredibly practical option for casual DIY-ers, furniture flippers and casual, canvas-loving painters. With its reputation for dispersing potentially toxic fumes, aerosol paint is often avoided out of fear and a lack of knowledge when it comes to using it safely. We’re here to dispel the myths surrounding spray paints and help you utilise the furniture-flipping essential like a professional.
The vast majority of commercially available spray paints are made up of acrylic paint which has been popped into a pressurised aerosol container. It’s dispersed using a valve which releases a mixture of paint and gas or compressed air (otherwise known as propellant) to create a fine mist. High-quality spray paints are capable of producing a high-opacity finish with the first coat. They should also produce a perfectly fine mist and adhere to surfaces without dripping.
While applying primer and a topcoat to seal in your work is essential, it’s important to choose premium quality paints which have a reputation for durability so that you don’t run the risk of having to strip and redo your project. Whether repainting furniture or creating art, the most important step for ensuring even and pigmented coverage is prepping the surface, ensuring it is perfectly clean and free from any dust or debris. If you’re painting furniture, you’ll likely have to sand down the surface to ensure that it’s smooth and ready for paint. Then, apply a high-quality primer to help spray paint properly adhere to the surface and appear as saturated as possible. Finally, make sure to have a sealant ready to help with an all-over beautifully smooth finish.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best spray paints on the market. Shop our picks below.
