10 Types of Spray Paints: A Guide to Choosing Spray Paint

Spray paints are liquid paints that are contained in an aerosol can. A can of spray paint comes with a button on the top that dispenses paint when you press down on it. Using spray paint is an alternative painting method to traditional brushwork. It is available in many different textures and finishes from high-gloss, to matte, to high-heat paints for cooking appliances.

Using spray paint allows you to cover surfaces quickly and more evenly than traditional paint, and can be an effective way to touch up or apply a new coat of paint for many different kinds of DIY projects. Depending on the kind of spray paint you use, you may need to apply a primer to your surface before applying your spray paint.

Spray paint comes in a variety of different finishes that can help you achieve your desired look. Here are some of the most popular spray paint finishes.

1. 1. Flat: Flat spray paint appears completely matte on a surface with little to no gloss.
2. 2. Semi-gloss: Semi-gloss spray paint has a finish that is between matte and gloss paint. This gives your painting project a subtle shine that is not overly glossy.
   
3. 3. Gloss: Gloss spray paint has a moderately glossy finish.
4. 4. High-gloss: High-gloss spray paints offer the highest level of gloss. This produces the shiniest coating of all of the spray paint finishes.
5. 5. Satin: Satin spray paints—also known as eggshell paints—have a medium gloss and low-sheen finish.
6. 6. Metallic: Metallic spray paints make surfaces highly reflective, resembling a metallic finish.

Your choice of spray paint can greatly affect how your product looks, holds up, and functions. Here are a few different spray paint types you can use for a variety of home improvement or other DIY projects.

1. 1. General-purpose: A general-purpose spray paint can be used on most indoor and outdoor surfaces, as well as on a variety of materials such as stone, wicker, and wood.
2. 2. Lacquer: Lacquer spray paint gives surfaces a hard, durable finish. It requires multiple applications to show up, as well as sanding between each application, which is why it is no longer as popular as other types of spray paint.
3. 3. Epoxy: Epoxy spray paint is a heavy paint filled with adhesives and polymers. It is highly resistant to household stains, but it is also resistant to household cleaners which can make it difficult to clean.
4. 4. High-heat: High-heat spray paints can withstand temperatures of over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, making them ideal for appliances like ovens and stoves. High-heat spray paints should only be applied to the exterior of an item.
5. 5. Chalkboard: Chalkboard paint is a flat specialty paint that can transform any flat surface into a dry-erase board for people to write and draw on with chalk. It is a popular choice for children’s bedrooms.
6. 6. Frosted: Frosted spray paints can make transparent surfaces semi-transparent, like making frosted glass. It is often used to make surfaces more difficult to see through for privacy.
7. 7. Enamel: Versatile enamel paints are known for their high durability and fast drying times. They have a glossy finish and are often used to paint outdoor furniture because they hold up well against harsh weather.
8. 8. Acrylic: Acrylic spray paint is a water-resistant and flexible substance that provides a durable finish, and is often used in automotive paints.
9. 9. Oil-based: Oil-based spray paints don’t usually need a primer, and are highly resistant to chipping and corrosion.
10. 10. Rust-preventive: Rust-preventive spray paint comes in a number of different finishes. It is often used for outdoor furniture or other metal surfaces from rusting when they are exposed to the elements.

Before you use spray paint, you have to choose the right kind for your painting project.

1. 1. Consider your surface. Spray paint colors and textures can look different depending on the type of surface you’re painting. Some surfaces will require sanding or a spray primer in order to make the paint stick, while outdoor structures exposed to the hot sun should use a spray paint that is less prone to chipping.
2. 2. Pick a finish. A glossy touchup for your car will require a different paint than a matte coating for a chalkboard. If you know you want a flat finish, stick with a low-sheen or low-gloss paint. If you want something shiny, choose a reflective or high-gloss finish.
3. 3. Choose the paint color. Select a color of paint for your project. Get paint test strips and try out the paint in different types of light to see how it will look throughout the day.

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