Spray Paint

[wrmnfzy]

My wife and I make small 2 dimensional craft items. I do woodworking and she paints. She is talking about spray painting instead of hand painting some of the initial colors. The craft items vary but are basically about 18" square made of sanded 1/2" plywood. Any suggestions on what to look into? Also I'd be spraying in my workshop, what kind on containment area might I considers?

[db5]

Since the size is small you might want to look into airbrushing. You can then buy some tubes of acrylic (that you mix with water). I have some that are 30 years old and still viable. You get better control, virtually no over-spray,or paint that goes bad. Look for a co2 bottle and regulator on eBay or Craigslist and also an airbrush. You can also use a compressor but she probably won't want the racket. Cost for refilling a 60lb bottle here is $10 and it will last for months/years.

[reible]

I think the air brush idea has merit. They do sell small compressors that are not too noisy so I'd look at them or if you already have air in the shop then you can get tanks to fill that are still portable to take to a work area.

I have a 12 gallon tank that I have used for such things in the past. One of my sons was in to art and we got him an air brush. The cans of air were expensive so we went to the storage tank. You also need a regulator, they have some that are pretty cheap and still work.

I got myself an air brush but I never seem to find the time to do much with it, wish I did.

Ed

[Steamdragon]

Depending on the color needed just a good old rattle can will suffice for initial coats. On my set pieces I use the cheapest flat black Lowes or the Depot have and it does a pretty good job of sealing and providing a good base for future coats.
I suggest some good fans to get the air flowing and perhaps a box (cardboard would work) to spray inside of.

[CWD]

I use spray paint every now and then. when I do I make sure I do all my painting outside, because of the over spray and the smell.
I will spray all of my projects with a coat of clear paint first as a primer, then I use the colored paint.
I have thought about using an air brush, maybe one of these days.
good luck.

[benush26]

For in the shop,
If you can get to an appliance store before they flatten the boxes, a refrigerator box or stacked washer and dryer box can be fashioned to make a good cheap spray booth, which encompass you 18" projects.
A turntable is a generally a big help.
HD, Lowe's, etc have the hardware to make a turntable for <$6. A couple scraps of OSB, MDF can be used to make the rest.
There are many suggestions for the medium. Without knowing the final project use (indoor, outdoor, kids usage, ....). which paint to use will b decided by that.
Sounds like you just want to use a base color with finer details painted in other colors by hand.
The form of it could also make a big factor. If it's large but mostly flat, a roller brush can cover large areas quickly. Lots of nooks and crannies pretty much demands spraying.
Will you make LOTS of them at once or just a few at a time? That can help determine how much base paint you buy, what kind (latex, enamel, acrylic) and how you plan to use it.
I've become a fan of Tolpin's 'Measure Twice Cut Once', which is more about planning than actually measuring.
Write out what you think you want to do, give the steps some thought, write it out again and I'll bet you will come up with your plan. The how's and such of painting will become much clearer.

OR

You could just wing it! That seems like it works for some people, too.

Be well,
Ben

[wrmnfzy]

If I use an air brush can you use normal craft paints and if so do you have to cut them?

[reible]

Yes regular acrylic paints need to be thinned.


If you have the time go to youtube and look at some of the things people do...... water, windex, floor care, water, kind of crazy but depending on what you want to end up with. I've never done any of the special stuff but I know that it is a wild wild world out there and lots of ideas.

Ed

[wrmnfzy]

Thanks guys, informative as usual. As soon as a couple medical issues clear up I'll let y'all know what I did and how it came out.

[ChrisNeilan]

I purchased my air brush kit from Harbor Freight. The compressor is small, really small, and very very quiet. I was very surprised at the quality. Very inexpensive as well. It has held up very well. The paints are thinned usually with water, and are almost odorless.