Spray Painting Techniques

For most projects that need a spray primer, this is what I use.  Note the little bit of paper towel under the rim of the can.

I use it to wipe off the spray nozzle after every few sprays.  Keeps it clear and open.  Note also the black circle around the edge of the can.  It's marked that way to indicate the can has been used, that it is open.  My spray cans are stored upright in a box and I view them mostly from the top, so this is helpful so I don't open a second or third can!

Here is the result of cleaning the tip as I spray paint.

The clean tip.  I don't use a solvent, just wipe it after a few passes when the paint is still wet.

When I get packages in the mail they often get cut up to be used for hobby purposes.  Here are two that are being used to carry items that are being spray painted.

This bit of cardboard is elevated off the table so it is easier to paint the edge of the bottle cap.

Sometimes the boards can be used to tilt the subject of the paint, as in this case.  It helps paint inside the cap.

A better view showing how the inside in more visible and easier to paint that if the bottle cap were just sitting flat.

Two small bamboo skewers to hold the cap off the surface.  This prevents possibly still wet primer from adhering to the cardboard.

Clean clay is also useful for holding items in good positions for painting.  This red clay has been used a few times.  Just ball it up and mix it a bit and use it over and over.

Like this speckled example.

Note the skewer is stuck into the cardboard which is laying like a bridge over two pieces of wood.  It allows me to make a fence that can prevent small items from being blown away as I paint them.

Clay can also be made into a little wall to hold items in place or sometimes I stick the item being painted into the clay and paint each half at a time.