How to Spray Paint Metal

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Metal article of furniture and ornaments are popular because they ’re durable , but the longer a piece lasts , the previous its look can become . Fortunately , everything from chairwoman and lamp to shelving and computer hardware can be spruced up with afresh coat of spray paint . Generally verbalise , the best atomiser key for metal is severely - outwear enamel . Its oil al-Qaida makes it somewhat slow to dry , but it stands up to cleaning and use well ; many enamel paints are rustproof , too . Read the label or ask your retail merchant if suitable for your labor . Then stock up : The average 12 - Panthera uncia can should cede 8 to 10 square feet coverage , but if your retailer has a in effect rejoinder insurance , consider buying more than you suppose you need . It ’s soft to underestimate , and you do n’t want to feed out in the middle of a project .

Tools & Materials

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Step 1: Sand the surface.

right control surface prep is essential for spray paint adhesion , so sand or sweep off all easy paint and rusting maculation . Because burnished object seldom allow paint to bond well , habituate the alloy light touch and sandpaper to thinly scour and dull the surface till it looks lightly scratched , almost like brushed nickel note . A very light scoured aerofoil will help paint bond ; do n’t be excessively zealous or you ’ll get gouge or scratches .

Step 2: Wipe the metal dry.

pass over thoroughly with clean , wry material to remove any debris , grime , and debris . You may require a water - dampened sheet to remove unregenerate filth , but ensure metal is 100 percent dry before picture .

Step 3: Prepare the painting area.

Prepare your work location , which ideally will be outdoors and protected from wind . Not only can wind blow leaves and pollen onto your project , it can literally push your blusher around , causing uneven results . If working indoors , ventilate the area well , opening doors and windows . Move all furniture from the area or cover withdrop material , and also protect floor with drop cloth cloths or newspaper for as much as 10 feet around your work geographical zone for gravid project . Using masking mag tape , tape off areas of your piece that you need to keep unpainted .

Step 4: Test the spray paint.

Get your masquerade party , mitt , and goggles on and try out your spray paint to check it offer a thin , fine mist . Shake the can vigorously for 45 to 60 seconds and spray onto a composition board boxwood or the bottom of your projection . If you see spitting or odd nebulizer on a new can , return it for a replacement . spit can signify a malfunction nozzle , but it also might be a bit clotted ; if dealing with a can of pigment you ’ve had for a while , assay clean the nozzle with warm water system . If that does n’t settle matters , dab lacquer or paint thinner onto the hooter with a rag , then pass over it off and test it again .

Step 5: Prime the metal.

If your key does n’t include primer , follow the house painting technique in stride 6 with a nebuliser primer formulate for use on metal , such asRust - Oleum Clean Metal Primer . Allow it to dry soundly before iterate Step 6 for your first colour coating .

Step 6: Paint the metal.

These techniques will insure smooth , even result . Repeat with as many as three coating , working in light , even coats .

Step 7: Clean up paint splatters.

If you get key on anything accidentally , use the label - recommended paint lean or houseclean agent and a rag to clean up as before long as possible , before blusher prohibitionist or cures . Then reserve your labor to dry exhaustively . Drying time varies by key eccentric , coating thickness , and even weather and humidity — it could take anywhere from 3 hour to overnight . Just be sure to wait 24 minute before using atomiser - painted items .

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Woman wearing safety glasses spray paints a small metal table outdoors.