Types and uses of aerosol paint: scope of application and rules of coating

What is the advantage of this paint?

It is ideal for small and hard-to-reach details; it can be used to create a smooth gradient, that is, a transition between two or more colors. It does not fade under ultraviolet rays over time and does not wear off.

It is easily transported even when opened, and does not dry out; you do not need brushes or rollers to apply it, but most importantly, it is ready for use; to start painting with aerosol paint, you just need to shake the can.

Material consumption per 1 square meter

Spray consumption is about 200-300 milliliters per 1 square meter. But this parameter is influenced by many factors. These include the following:

Quality of material. The composition of the paint affects the quality of application. Therefore, it is important to buy sprays from trusted manufacturers.
Paint color. The lighter the aerosol, the higher its consumption. To obtain a uniform shade, you will have to apply many layers.
Surface shade. The darker the plastic, the more layers of paint you need to apply to change the shade. This is especially true when repainting dark surfaces into light ones.
Absorbent characteristics of the material. The consumption of the substance is directly affected by the structure of the plastic. Surfaces that have a high absorption capacity absorb aerosol quite strongly. Therefore, for a high-quality coating, more paint will be required.

How to choose spray paint?

The choice of cans these days is quite large, and in order to make the right choice, you need to understand the classification. Aerosol paints differ in composition and purpose for different surfaces:

Acrylic is the most widely used variety, suitable for almost any surface: wood, ceramics, glass, plastic and metal. It is made on a water basis with the addition of pigment. Thanks to such a simple composition, mixing is possible to achieve the desired color.
Nitrocellulose is the second type of aerosol paint that adapts to most materials: plastic, metal, wood and glass.
Alkyd - used for painting stone and wood.
Epoxy paints are most suitable for repair and restoration work.

The most popular is acrylic spray paint, as it is adapted for almost any surface.

When choosing, it is also important to take into account the paint consumption for 2-3 layers; the consumption rate is always written on the can.

To select colors, we recommend using specialized catalogs, such as NCS and RAL; do not use photos of aerosol paints for this; monitors cannot always accurately convey the color.

Useful tips

To remove traces of corrosion from metal, it is recommended to use household chemicals or baking soda. Substances are applied to the surface using a brush. After 40-45 minutes, the material is cleaned with warm water.
A smooth texture can be turned into a rough texture by using sandpaper. Thanks to the roughness, adhesion is significantly improved.
It is recommended to sand polished wood before applying paint.
After applying the paint, the product should be left in a non-residential area to allow all odors to dissipate.

Due to their practicality, relative ease of use and affordable prices, paint and varnish compositions in aerosol cans have become very popular among home craftsmen. Such paints are indispensable when performing minor repair and decoration work.

Safety precautions when working with aerosol paint

Spray painting is a process that can be harmful to your health, so do not neglect safety precautions.

First of all, be sure to protect the respiratory system and mucous membranes; wear a special mask or mouth guard and goggles. It is advisable not to leave exposed areas of the skin; you need to wear gloves when painting.

It is strictly forbidden to use spray paint near an open flame and remember to remove the paint from direct sunlight when finished.

Do not try to open the can, especially at home! Don't try to burn or puncture it! Aerosol paint cans are under pressure.

Aerosols for metal

The composition of such paints includes: butane, propane, pigments, methyl acetate, alkyd resins, xylene.

Today there are several types of such aerosols:

Mixtures with increased heat resistance. They are used for ovens, motorcycle mufflers, etc. Where exposure to extremely high temperatures from 300 to 750 degrees is possible.
Universal. They are used everywhere. When painting a car, refrigerator, fence.
Paints are resistant to ultraviolet radiation.

They also differ in their composition:

Two-component. These are aerosol acrylic paints.
Alkyd enamels.
Nitro paints.
Temporary. From the name it becomes clear that they are used for decoration with a short service life.
Powder.

Surface preparation

To prepare a metal surface, be sure to remove old paint by sanding and then using a solvent.

Solvents cannot be used for plastic surfaces, so we proceed straight to grinding. If necessary, putty the surface and only then begin applying primer.

For other surfaces there are no special conditions; a standard three-stage preparation system is applicable: cleaning from dust and dirt, degreasing, applying primer.

Heat Resistant Aerosol

It contains flint, oxygen, pigments, fillers and other additives. These dyes protect the painted product from the harmful effects of weather. They are resistant to different temperature conditions and are durable.

Basically, they are used to protect most materials (metal, wood, concrete, brick, etc.). These paints are also used when it is necessary to decorate elements that are constantly exposed to heat, such as fireplaces or car engines.

Enamel is perfect for marking roads and signs, metal structures, and fire-fighting elements.

When working with this type of paint, you must observe the temperature regime (from -15 to +40 degrees) and air humidity level.

Dyeing process

Before using the paint, shake the can and test paint on another surface.

It is advisable that the surface to be painted is in a horizontal position; if you are painting a wall, you should paint from bottom to top to avoid spreading.

For even application of aerosol paint, the can should be kept at a distance of 25-30 cm from the surface to be painted.

Apply layers thinly, it is better to apply more, but thinner. After applying each new layer, you need to wait for it to dry, on average it takes an hour, with some paints it’s longer, but this is always written on the packaging. Complete drying of all layers varies from several hours to a day, but the average drying time is 5-6 hours.

Finally, you can seal the paint with varnish.

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Criterias of choice

Today, supermarkets and markets sell a variety of goods of varying prices and quality. What to choose and what to be guided by? The main selection criteria are:

manufacturer - it is better to purchase goods from well-known brands that guarantee quality and have earned national recognition. These companies are Motip, KUDO, Molotow, MTN and Trane.
volume - you need to know the approximate consumption of material, and take it with a small margin, preferably in a large container, it will be a little cheaper.
the presence of an instruction manual and complete set so that there is no need to purchase any accessories separately.

It also makes sense to familiarize yourself with the prices - the difference in cost in different supermarkets for the same product can reach up to 30-40%.

Photos of types of aerosol paint

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