14 Spray Painting Tips

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[@Martin-yl5zb]

I saved a lazy susan from the trash and use it for spinning the small items I’m painting. It’s an easy way to reach all the sides.

[@jkmurphy3]

If the suns not out, soak the paint can in warm water to warm up the paint can. Also, spray through a toilet paper tube to contain overspray or if you in a tight spot.

[@cheeseisgreat24]

One of those pistol grip handles you can put on on cans of spray paint is a life saver. I bought mine on a whim when they were on a feature by the displays and even though they seemed like a gimmick at the time, boy have they made it so much easier. I also made a device to shake the cans using a jigsaw or a sawzall and that is an arm saver, you can make one using some metal hose clamps on plywood with an old saw blade bolted to it. Only takes 10-15 seconds and it's perfectly shaken.

[@raymitchell9736]

Great Tips April! And #15, another simple but obvious spray paint tip, Make sure the nozzle is pointing *towards* your workpiece and *NOT* in the opposite direction. This avoids that common "spray paint selfie" issue... LOL -- that's never happened to me 😜 this tip is for the newbies that might make that mistake. BONUS Tip #16: I prefer to use one of those grip handles that go over the can and gives you an easy trigger, for better control and no paint on your finger and it also eliminates "spay pain selfies" if you have it pointed the wrong direction, which as I said, doesn't happen to me.

[@blahblah6767]

Always store the cans upside down and it will save you 15 minutes of "shaking" the can. Leave it upside down until a few minutes before ready to use, then lightly shake it and you are good to go. Spray first coat light enough so that it dries within a few minutes. This will give you better adhesion and if there are any defects you can spot repair them quickly and move on. Scuff between coats and tack rag before applying remaining coats. Perfecto!

[@saheedatkehinde341]

❤

[@optimusprimmv1]

Instead of leaving the can out in the sun to warm, you can just ran cans under warm running water for 30-60 seconds to bring them up to temperature. The metal can will absorb heat very fast from the water, so you don't need long. Alternatively, if you're using a bunch of cans and switching between them on a project, I like to fill a shop sink or tub with warm water and set all of the cans in, with some bricks or other heavy things to hold them down. Then they can all stay comfy and warm while you work.

[@johnblystone8781]

I finally bought a detachable handle and was surprised at how much easier it made the process.

[@WreckDiver99]

...and cleaner. $3 ones work, but after breaking 2, I spent the "big bucks" (ooooo...$9) and haven't been sorry. So much nicer. :)

[@tonyaddy7825]

buy more then one handle ...someday I will find them keep them with the spray can storage...

[@Phillyprnc]

Got painter`s finger(it's a thing apparently) once cause I didn`t use a handle... took days to get the feeling back in my pointer finger. Never again. That handle is a life saver!

[@MrGaryGG48]

Thanks April, for the ideas. I've been painting for a long time (we don't bother mentioning how "well" the painting has gone.) but it's mostly been rattle cans and such. There's always room for a brighter idea!

[@VolpeInCalze]

A good tip that I use when using the same color can, one after another, is to reuse the same cap. If you got a good cap, reuse it and save the new one in a bag. So when you come across a clogged cap, swap it out from a new one in your stash.

[@MONumentalPRoduction]

Are you talking about the actual cap of the bottle or the nozzle the paint comes out of? A newbie needs clarification. 😀😬😅😉🙃

[@Dosbomber]

3:38 I've done this with two different colors (yellow and red) to get a very passable orange when I didn't have orange on hand. I was surprised at how well this worked. The target object was the body of a model rocket, and I swept the combined paint spray vertically along the body. I was somewhere around 13 at the time.. lol.

[@JohanPryra]

Thanx for the awesome tips it helps. Its not a spray paint tip as such, but I always cut the empty can open there is actually pretty marbles on the inside. I like to collect them.

[@truckshackley373]

Great tips! One I would add is to get yourself one of the pistol grips that attach to the top of the can. They are not very expensive and make using a rattle can so much more like a paint spray gun.

[@modelmanjohn]

I recommend one of those cheap trigger things to save finger fatigue and spray on your finger.

[@doubledarefan]

The Pewpew Attachment! I have one.

[@Dosbomber]

@@doubledarefan Funny you call it a "pew pew" attachment.. I use mine at the pistol range to recoat steel targets with cheap paint. So double the "pew pew" relevance.

[@11jdstein]

I used to use pizza box spacers as a paint / finish stand

[@williamchildress5869]

Thanks for your awesome enthusiasm and a go get it attitude. Your folks did a great job and appear to be down to earth, hardworking folks. Keep up the awe inspiring work. I hope I might to get to say hello in Atlanta some day when all this weirdness settles down. You make it feel like family. Don't change that. I wish all of you and yours well.

[@jimathey6153]

OLD LEATHER SMITH here, Nice Job, I use EVERY Thing you showed in my shop the only difference is I only have oil dye & stain, PLEASE HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR, GOD'S BLESSINGS ✝️⚾🙃

[@endall39]

Good vid. I’ve had good luck using auto body filllers, like glazing putty for small imperfections

[@alcj2799]

For the runs on the paint you can use masking tape by tearing off 8-10 inches and make a circle so that the sticky part is facing out and tap on the paint that has a run and will make a cleaner and smoother surface as well.

[@dwainkitchel1316]

yes or better yet blue painters tape, just let it touch the run and presto it's gone. had to check to make sure no one else had beat me to it :)

[@MarkEichin]

Love the little improvised stands. Also pleased by your sponsor - I installed a set of those same wall mount shelves about a month ago, surprisingly easy to do without help, made a decent "my first lumber rack" for a tiny workshop...

[@KM-rh4zl]

Speaking as a graffiti artist, you’re missing two very important tips: 1) if you don’t want runs in your paint, only get about 70% coverage on your first pass, then 100% coverage on your second pass. And always let the previous coat fully dry before your next coat!!! 2) don’t look at the nozzle of the can, look at where the paint is hitting the wall.

[@censusgary]

The most important thing to know about spray painting: Several very light coats give much, much better results than one or two heavy coats.

[@pteddie6965]

Thanks for the spray painting tips. You are correct. It's always good to be reminded of proper techniques. I have installed the overhead racks in my daughter's garage. They are super sturdy and easy to install. She loves them. Stay safe.

[@SeanBlader]

Go with the Adam Savage impatience method, keep a hair dryer around so you don't have to wait between coats.

[@donaldjclaxton]

Very helpful. I've been considering taking two of the slatted end pieces of an old baby crib and laying them horizontal, covered with a layer of window screen so that runoff can drop to a piece of cardboard below. Having a huge issue painting some 3/4" thick "peeps" with yellow and the paint not applying evenly on the sides. Going to definitely grab a foam brush to do some "dabbing," and forgo the crib contraption for the moment. This is a very helpful video and thank you.

[@malcolmmarks7374]

Main tip from me April is to spray in the direction of view. For example, As a car sprayer of Rolls Royce, Bentleys and other prestige vehicles we spray doors, wings with them in an upright position as that is how you view it in real life. We spray bonnets, boots, roofs etc in the horizontal position as that is how you view them in real life. Spray a door that is laying on a bench in a horizontal position will look a slightly different colour when refitted. Recap. Spray each item with that item in its orientation of fitting and results will be better.

[@youtukang]

☺

[@bruce-le-smith]

thanks!

[@youtukang]

@@bruce-le-smith thnks too 👍👍🤝

[@passivesolarhousingcoop1903]

Awesome tips. Tried my first spray job then chickened out and pulled out the brush. Will give it another shot.

[@coreyg7255]

Store the cans upside down for long term needs. That way the pigment isn't all stuck to the bottom, and the shaker ball makes even quicker work of it all. Make standoffs from a scrap block and a drywall screw. Your way is a bit more dangerous. Some newer cans do not need to be turned upside down to clear the nozzle after spraying. It seems that most of those also have a completely different, more comfortable, and not compatible with spray handles, tip. Curing the paint quickly with a heat gun or propane torch works well, just be careful not to overheat. That will ruin the nice job you just did. Keep empties around for target practice with the pellet rifle in the back yard. Sometimes they pop with much fanfare and color. Then you can salvage the steelie or marble inside for wrist rocket ammo! Always fun to see if you can shoot the little plastic spray tip from 20 yards, too.

[@stevehennessy3588]

You posted this only after I had finished painting a train track table for my grandsons - good thing I didn't make to many mistakes. Great tips - thanks and Merry Christmas!

[@patriciamay638]

Thanks April. I have just started using spray paint with small pieces and turnings. The tips will help a lot.

[@markkoons7488]

Besides John Blystone's recommended handle, wash out a little jar like for horseradish and store still-working tips from empty cans in mineral spirits so you'll be able to find a correct replacement should one plug up in the future..

[@heatherwoodard6092]

@markkoons7488 can you store plastic spray paint tips in mineral spirits for a long time? Will it eat through the plastic tips over time? I love this idea!

[@em21701]

Instead of making all sorts of random stand-offs I bought a bunch of plate joiners. These are the spike strips used to join boards on commercially made trusses and rafters. They're cheap, reusable and come in many sizes.

[@Smurphenstein]

I have one of those plastic grape packing baskets. If I can't hang an item I put it on the mesh of the upturned crate. It stops dust being blown onto the item and the items don't stick.

[@timinwsac]

Save the spray can caps they make good stand offs.

[@j10001]

Brilliant!

[@livintheislandlife7561]

what are stand offs?

[@timinwsac]

@@livintheislandlife7561 Stand off are used to raise whatever you want to spray paint off the table allowing you to paint the edges. This will keep the part from sticking to the table after the paint has dried. I find spray can caps work good for this.

[@oscargoldman85]

What has always helped me, boil a jug with water and empty it into a small bucket, then drop the spray can in and leave it for 5 minutes. Hopefully the temp of the can will get up 60 or 70 degrees. The paint will come out warm and fluffy, will adhere brilliantly, dry evenly and quickly, it’s the best spray can paint tip ever.

[@mentalneil]

Purchase one of the trigger attachments, I find them a must for even pressure

[@ragmanintx]

What Neil said

[@gtjman1]

Came to say this! They are only a couple bucks and is sooo much better for comfy painting

[@shirleymorrow7674]

Oh absolutely. Much easier on the finger.

[@josephdecesaro1528]

Every time I come across a spray paint tips video I expect to see this but never do. I also watch people paint whole chassis they have made only using their finger and think OUCH! my finger would die.

[@ronalddean4834]

Hi April thanks for all the tips you share with us. They're so simple but so useful.

[@SketchyAJT]

Thanks for the tip on those Fleximount units! Definitely going to be buying one for my garage! Hello 4x8 ceiling mount!!

[@ginogretry5160]

Merci beaucoup April ! Your tips will certainly help the poor builder that I am. Thanks also for all your videos 🙏

[@petercoosen7713]

The dabbing off runs is a new one for me, thanks April !!!

[@jeffwithhart]

Thats some fancy copper bailing wire you got there

[@grosbeakmc]

Great tips! Regarding tip #10 I'll add that some products are designed to spray from any angle including upside down... for those, just make sure to wipe all of the wet paint off the nozzle.

[@ewdtrey]

Agreed. You can't spray clear the tip.

[@jaayjones5937]

Love your videos, must add as a farmer, that wasn't baling wire. You'd be hard pressed to find baling wire in 2020. Second the cap on spray cans usually have an inner cap that can be filled with lacquer thinner, then drop the plugged spray nozzle in that and let it set, remove, blow out with air and it's like new. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@Pete..]

Harbor Freight has different kinds of bailing wire and other products that would probably put you into shock apparently lol

[@dddube12]

Good tips all!!! Merry Christmas!!!

[@nailbndr9869]

Rust-Oleum makes a turbo spray can now, it's awesome for coverage

[@80cardcolumn]

After a spray can is empty, I clean the tips in solvent and store them in an Altoids tin for reuse.

[@bobthomas4514]

That's a grand idea, Thanks

[@woodlandburl6648]

Nice reminder. Thanks.

[@fitztastico]

As an alternate way to hear up the can, I use my electric kettle to hear water up to 160/170 degrees and then slowly pour into a water pitcher with the can inside (and weighted down so it doesn't float). Wait a few minutes, then shake the can for a few while you reheat the water for another round

[@SALESPRODUCTIONS]

My "tip" over the years is to PRIME everything I paint. It makes adhesion incredibly easy and the number of coats required go WAY down. AND I don't have to go with several thin coats and be frustrated by waiting etc . . Just ONE coat is usually all that is needed on a PRIMED surface - and no runs either.

[@AedanBlackheart]

Just use a spray paint that's both, a lot of them are nowadays

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great tips, thanks for sharing with us April. Merry Christmas to you and your families, have a blessed and safe Holiday Season.👍👍👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@bobd5119]

After clearing the nozzle by spraying upsidedown, I remove the nozzle and put it in a glass jar with some paint thinner. When I need a nozzle, I fish one out.

[@faithsspanish593]

Great video april👍👍👍👍😀 Tip 11 was my favorite i never knew that and was soo cool thanks again 😀

[@johne9341]

Great tips! I'm so glad you're not in Oregon or I would be "dropping by" with questions on a daily basis.

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

All excellent tips, plus use a detachable spray handle. They work great! Thanks and Merry Christmas 🎄!

[@BramWalraet]

Good tips! You need more care on the actual spraying. Start and stop spraying next to your item, not on it. Overlap your spray lines. Turn the can upside down to clean the nozzle. Heat the can in warm water. Multiple light layers. Brad Angove & ChrisFix both have a good video on this.

[@xINVISIGOTHx]

Yeah I came here to see expert SPRAY PAINTING tips, but its just a bunch of prep tips and then her spraying like a 5 year old

[@Jones572]

Always a pleasure to see you April ❤️. Great tips💯🤙🏾

[@deboz8793]

Tip 16 - wear disposable gloves. No matter how hard I try, some paint always gets on my hands.

[@gulzeb]

Getting skin oils on a piece after wiping down with solvent partially defeats the cleaning too

[@VovaEntertainment]

Beautiful. Good job my friend

[@fredbrooks1386]

April, Love your DIYs. Did you ever see the rattle can shakers? There are diy shakers and commercial units available on line. I use a diy with a 3”PCV pipe 11”to 12” long and a 3” plumbers pressure plug . There are a lot of videos on line. My diy works great!

[@rafatrill]

I honestly didn't know the tips are interchangeable. I put cans in warm water sometimes I even use a torch at the bottom because this pressure the can so all the paint comes out smoother like when the can was full or a air pressure gun

[@HektorBandimar]

This is a very useful video tutorial, well done, thank you from the U.K.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@maintenancebynathan2150]

WOW thanks. Dang another great tip list! Hey! Merry Christmas.

[@clarkkent4991]

To reduce finger fatigue when spraying I use a snap on spray can trigger. Get a good quality one that clamps around the neck of the can. A cheap one will allow the can to fall into your work. Thanks

[@wolfman75]

Great Info!!! Thank You Miss!!! I always flustered when they don't work right. 🌹👍😎

[@bruce-le-smith]

great video April, thank you

[@thebusybrownangel5829]

Great tips! I spray paint often and didn’t think about a few of these. Thanks! Great video! 💚

[@shirleymorrow7674]

April, I am a spray painter when refurbishing drum shells; I’m also an up and coming drummer. I would love to know if you have ever spray painted with the over spray design? My brain has a difficult time getting this technique down no matter how many videos I’ve checked out. You are awesome.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Thanks for the tips April! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Duct tape or hose clamp the spray can to a worn out sawzall blade and give it a couple of seconds ride and the paint will be well shaken.

[@raygonzales443]

Hey April, great tips on spray painting. thanks

[@paulhoneyman6923]

Merry Christmas to you and the family. God bless

[@johnepperson8867]

Great tips, thank you April !

[@T_157-40]

Great tips and amazing you know all these little things that will make a difference.

[@shadowandbosco]

very handy tips - thanks for sharing

[@2H80vids]

Tips are only "obvious" April, if you have 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡 of them and 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 them at the exact time you need them. I usually find that the most obvious ones are the real genius ones, so keep 'em coming.👍😁

[@RiverPlaid]

Thanks for this information April.🌸

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Super helpful, thanks!!

[@ajhieb]

That's some mighty fancy bailin' wire you're using. :D

[@MCsCreations]

Really fantastic tips, April! Thanks a lot! 😃 I'm going to make some blocks with nails for sure! 😂 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@martyclack8782]

Good tips alot of people don't know April 😀

[@MegaMuhammadsaleem]

You are so nice and brave lady, have many ideas I say you ought to make vedio for bamboo art

[@joshuapound89]

What sandable primer would you recommend using for mdf? Thank you for the wonderful video. It is exciting to follow your new shop journey.

[@MrFcpsitsgepgepgep]

Rustoleum Filler primer is bomb

[@ethanheyne]

Swap the spray nozzle? I've been frustrated by misbehaving nozzles several times, but now I have something to try if (when) it happens again. Thanks!

[@JadetheGoober]

Making a stand is such an obvious yet over the head idea. Why hadn’t i thought of that yet 🤦🏽‍♀️😂 thank you so much, sis ❤️

[@AL_Lopez_101]

Love your suggestions, thank you!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you like them!

[@emrecim2023]

Hello April, instead of short strokes, if you paint with long stores you will get a better finish. Thanks for all videos you share.

[@egolayer13]

Spray painting kids furniture today. Thanks for the tips!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@Gitarzan66]

As a painter I went to osha seminars. Far and away spray paint was the most toxic thing I used in 30 years as a painter. Always wear a paint respirator, not a dust mask. Also the plastic spray handle attachment is well worth the money.

[@gdonham1203]

I use rattle cans a lot. One thing that I find works well is one of those handles that goes over the nozzle. It keeps my finger from getting so tired of holding down the little nozzle. I get better results holding the can with the handle and have less fatigue.

[@squarelevelplumb]

Tip 1a....Line up the spray head hole with the dot on the edge of the can. Tip 16. Use those white plastic inserts in your pizza box for holding materials. Turn them upside down. I was not compensated for these tips.

[@kt4nl]

If paint will not cover well. Spray with white paint to make a good base coat then the color of the finished product

[@herbsu4330]

I like those clip on triggers and I use even a crappy dust mask as well as throw away gloves.

[@peterbathum2775]

Maybe you've already considered this but wearing a vapor mask for this type of paint, for me, is a must. I did theater stage production work for a long time. In my early years, at some of the places I worked, spray painting was done where ever there was space outdoors or out of the way inside, only ever trying to minimize odors without much awareness of the danger.; because of this I am very sensitive to any petroleum based paint product, it makes me dizzy quickly , so I stick to latex products as much as possible.. I'm working out of my own little shop now and I can't recommend highly enough that you use a good vapor mask or use this paint outdoors, I do both when its not 27f here, like it is now.. Many of these petro chemicals have a lifetime maximum that you can absorb before severe toxicity. ... Thank you for all your videos. Your productivity and comfortable competence are amazing. Keep up the good works.

[@Deltabravo604]

One thing I think you should consider is wearing a mask. I have been spraying painting and airbrushing for years, you would be shocked at the amount of paint on your mask, even when painting outside, when you finish..

[@dennisschickling5759]

Nice Tips. Thanks. #STAYSAFE

[@fishdog61]

Thanks April. 👍

[@franl5585]

I like to do any spray painting outdoors. Those fumes can't be good to inhale. Good tips.

[@cemx86]

My $0.02 - at 2:50 April correctly says to clear the nozzle after painting by turning the can upside down and giving a spray until only air comes out. But she demos this on the type of newer nozzle type that DOESN'T need to be cleared (but should be wiped). Read the back of the can.

[@thesplinteredfinger]

April, how about a can holder to keep the paint off of your fingertips

[@waynerountree9284]

Great content thanks for sharing

[@berniem5763]

April got a heavy hand there on the paint. One coat in two seconds and it seems you’re done! Lol