A Quick Guide To Spray Painting Glass, Metal & Plastic Surfaces

Use this quick guide to help you correctly prepare your painting surfaces so that you have the best results!

GLASS
1. Roughen the surface with sandpaper (80 grit works well) or a chemical etching compound.

2. Clean the surface to remove dirt and dust and allow to dry. A simple household glass cleaner and paper towels will do the trick.

3. Apply primer to ensure a smooth finish. Skipping this step could lead to an uneven and even cracked finish. Allow primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions.

4. Paint your surface, following the manufacturer's directions on the paint can. Stay ten to twelve inches from the surface while painting and allow to dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat as needed. 

METAL
1. To prepare the surface, remove any rust with a wire brush or 120 grit sandpaper. You can also use a chemical rust remover if needed (be sure to allow the surface to dry completely.) Sand down any glossy areas and wipe away residue with a dry rag.

2. Apply primer. This will not only ensure a smooth, even finish, but it will also help the paint to adhere. Allow primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions.

3.  Paint your surface, following the manufacturer's directions on the paint can. Stay ten to twelve inches from the surface while painting and allow to dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat as needed.

PLASTIC
1. Clean the surface with either an ammonia based cleaner or paint thinner. The rule of thumb here depends on the age of the plastic: For older plastics, the ammonia based cleaner will usually work fine, but many newer plastics have a protective coating that needs to be worked over with paint thinner.

2.   Roughen the surface with fine grit sandpaper and wipe away residue with a dry cloth.

3. Apply primer to ensure a smooth finish. Allow primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions.

4. Paint your surface, following the manufacturer's directions on the paint can. Stay ten to twelve inches from the surface while painting and allow to dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat as needed.

CERAMIC & PORCELAIN
1. For surfaces that are glazed such as tiles and lamp bases, be sure to roughen up those slick surfaces with 80 grit sandpaper and wipe clean with a dry cloth. Unglazed surfaces (such as terracotta flower pots and brick) do not need to be sanded.

2. Apply primer to ensure a smooth finish. Allow primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions. For brick or concrete surfaces be sure to use a masonry primer.

3.  Paint your surface, following the manufacturer's directions on the paint can. Be sure to use paint formulated for enamel surfaces. Stay ten to twelve inches from the surface while painting and allow to dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat as needed.  

WOOD
1. Before preparing the surface, remove any hardware or cover with painter's tape.

2. Sand the finish with medium grain sandpaper or liquid sandpaper and allow to dry completely. Once dry, vacuum up all residue or wipe clean with a dry cloth.

3.  Apply primer to ensure a smooth finish. Allow primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions.

4.  Paint your surface, following the manufacturer's directions on the paint can. Stay ten to twelve inches from the surface while painting and allow to dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat as needed.  

Always wear safety glasses and protective clothing when painting!

Swanky Spray Paint Transformations

Ok, time for a cool post!
Spray paint transformations! 
Yes, that's fun things you can do with spray paint to transform an object and give it an entirely new look.
 Awesome? Of course it is! 

First off - are you the type of person who walks right past the old glassware and knickknack figurines at a flea market or at the thrift shop without giving them a second glance? Check out these photos below and I promise you won't ever look at those things the same way again...

This cute dish was made by Morena from plastic & glass dollar store finds and silver spray paint (above and below)

 Check out the DIY here

Wood plaques + dollar store figurines + glue + spray paint = awesome



The ever popular spray painted mason jars

Spray painted canning mason jars

...These shells, by Chic Done Cheap, are spray painted

Spray painted wooden bangle bracelets by Vozclothingandart via Etsy

This one is a GREAT craft for the kids - first, you spray paint a wreath entirely white, then once it is dry, give the kids some colorful kid-safe acrylic paints and brushes and let them go to town adding color as they please. This is a great way to encourage creativity and teach color coordination. Encourage them to experiment!





I've seen lots of these old chandeliers redone in many different colors, but I like this red one by justlaine



Before and after Birdbath by Mamaroots. I'd love one in purple or red!



The same goes with garden furniture. Again, love!

Awesome adjustable spray paint swivel lamp made by Weasel Works via Etsy

What color would YOU paint this?

How to do it? Click here for some quick tips on how to use spray paint


What do you think?
Have you ever done a spray paint transformation?

The Right Way To Use Spray Paint

Spray painting is a GREAT way to give new life and a new look to an old object, but before you get started with any project, it's important to be prepared and know the proper techniques so that you have the best results possible. Read on for some helpful tips and techniques to help you avoid things like runs, bubbling, and poor adhesion.

Before You Begin

Pick a good day to paint! Things such as extreme cold or heat and humidity can cause less than desirable results, so be sure to paint in good weather and out of direct hot sunlight and never when it's humid outside. Between 60 to 85 degrees is the perfect temperature to paint.

Safety First! Always paint in a well-ventilated area and be sure to wear protective gloves, a painting mask, and safety glasses. I prefer to paint outside because I can't stand paint fumes.

Prep & Prime Your Surface Clean all surfaces that you are going to paint. Make sure everything is thoroughly dry before painting. Using a primer such as Kilz sealer-primer before painting will give you better final results.

Invest in a spray paint hand gun. Available at most hardware stores, these handy tools are a worthwhile investment!

Follow the directions! Before you begin, be sure to thoroughly read through all manufacturer's directions and safety precautions. Use a good quality paint! Also, make sure you shake the can as directed on the label, usually for two minutes before you begin.

How To Apply Spray Paint

Distance yourself! Don't get too close or you will land up with drips or uneven coverage. Try to stay about 10 to 12 inches away from your project when spraying, and using a sweeping motion, spray in one direction only, not back and forth.

Easy Does It! Use several thin coats of paint. Never use one thick coat, or you will land up with drips and runs. The directions on the can should instruct you as to the amount of time you should wait before you apply an additional coat of paint. Once you are finished painting, invert the can and spray upside down for a few seconds to clear the nozzle. 

What do you think about spray painting?
Feel free to share any of your own tips or techniques for spray painting below!