Have you ever wished you could have the convenience of spray paint with the precision of brush painting? Well, you‘re in luck – by decanting spray paint into a container, you can get the best of both worlds for your DIY projects. As a home improvement expert who loves injecting creativity into renovations and upgrades, I‘m excited to share this complete guide to decanting spray paint so you can take your projects to the next level.
Why Decant Spray Paint?
Decanting spray paint into another container before brushing it on gives you more control and versatility compared to spraying. Here are some of the key benefits:
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Precision – With a brush, you can paint sharp edges and corners that would be difficult to get perfect with a spray can.
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Less waste – Brushing from a decanted container lets you use just the amount of paint you need. Spraying often results in overspray and wasted paint.
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Custom colors – By decanting paints into one container, you can mix and match colors to get that perfect shade.
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Better for small projects – For something like painting a chair, decanting a small amount of spray paint is ideal vs buying several cans.
According to one survey, 73% of DIYers run into overspray issues when spray painting. Decanting gives you the color and durability of spray paint without the mess.
Step-By-Step Guide to Decanting Spray Paint
The process of decanting spray paint is simple when you follow these steps:
Supplies You‘ll Need
Before starting, gather these supplies:
- Spray paint in your desired color/finish
- Empty sealable container such as a glass jar or plastic tub
- High-quality natural bristle brush
- Paint thinner like mineral spirits (optional)
- Masking tape
- Drop cloth
- Gloves, respirator mask, goggles
Instructions
Here is the complete process for decanting spray paint:
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Cover your work surface with a drop cloth or newspaper. Spray paint overspray can be messy, so protect your floors and furniture.
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Put on protective gear like gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator mask. Always exercise caution when working with spray paint.
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Shake the spray paint vigorously for 60-90 seconds. This thoroughly mixes the pigments.
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Remove the lid from your empty container. Glass jars or plastic tubs work best.
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Hold the spray can 6-12 inches above the container at a slight angle. Slowly press the nozzle in short bursts, dispensing paint into the container. Go slowly to avoid bubbles.
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Stop filling when the container is 50-75% full. Leave ample room at the top so the paint has room to be mixed.
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Seal the container tightly with a lid. Use masking tape around the rim for an airtight seal and prevent leaks.
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Add a very small amount of paint thinner if needed to get the right consistency. Start with 1 teaspoon per 1 cup of paint.
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Stir thoroughly with a paint stick to evenly distribute the thinner.
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You‘re ready to start brushing on your creation!
Tips for Success
Follow these tips when decanting spray paint:
- Use a high-density natural bristle brush for the best finish
- Stir paint occasionally to maintain even consistency
- Thin carefully – too much thinner can ruin spray paint
- Clean brush with thinner after use if reusing paint
- Work in a well-ventilated area and take safety precautions
Now let‘s dive into the best techniques for brush painting with decanted spray paint.
Brushing On Decanted Spray Paint
Once your spray paint is decanted into a sealable container, you can start brushing it on for superior control and results. Here are my pro tips:
Prepare Your Surface
Proper surface preparation is key to help the decanted spray paint adhere well:
- Clean the surface of any dirt, grease, or old paint
- Lightly sand shiny or glossy surfaces to rough them up
- Use painter‘s tape to mask off edges and borders
Recommended Brushing Techniques
- Apply 2-3 thin, even coats for best coverage instead of 1 thick coat
- Use light brushing motions and avoid over-brushing any area
- Work in small sections since decanted spray paint dries fast
- Let paint fully dry between coats – usually 15-30 minutes
- Use small craft brushes for precision on edges, corners, and details
Tip: If paint starts drying on the brush, rinse it in thinner and wipe it on a rag before continuing.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and take breaks to get fresh air. Decanted spray paint still emits fumes.
Let Paint Fully Cure
It takes 1-2 weeks for decanted spray paint to fully cure and reach maximum durability. Avoid heavy use of the painted item during this time.
Add a Clear Coat (Optional)
For added protection on furniture or high-use pieces, apply 1-2 coats of clear sealer after the paint has cured.
Decanting Krylon Spray Paint
Now let‘s talk about my favorite brand of spray paint to decant – Krylon. Known for its stellar coverage, durability, and range of colors and finishes, Krylon spray paint performs fantastically when decanted for brush projects.
Here are some top Krylon products to try decanting:
Krylon Fusion All-In-One
Krylon Fusion bonds incredibly well to difficult surfaces like plastic, metal, wicker, and resin. It‘s one of my go-to choices for decanting and brushing.
Krylon Chalky Finish
This ultra-matte spray creates a vintage chalked look on furniture when decanted and brushed. The finish is super durable and scrubbable.
Krylon Metallics
For a show-stopping metallic shimmer, decant Krylon‘s Brilliant Metallic, Looking Glass, or Shimmering Metallic paints. They look stunning when brushed on.
Krylon Glitter Blast
Add some sparkle and shine to art projects by decanting Krylon‘s party-ready Glitter Blast spray. Choose from 18 glitter colors.
Tip: Use Krylon‘s Primer in the matching color first if spraying on plastics.
Safety First When Decanting Spray Paint
While incredibly useful, spray paint does contain toxic fumes and flammable ingredients. Follow these tips to stay safe:
- Always work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
- Wear an OSHA-approved respirator mask when decanting and brushing
- Use chemical-resistant gloves and eye goggles
- Avoid ignition sources as spray paint is flammable
- Dispose of empty spray cans properly according to local guidelines
- Keep spray paint cans away from children and pets
It‘s also crucial to let any painted item fully cure for at least 24 hours before normal use. This allows fumes to dissipate. Exercise common sense and caution when decanting and brush painting with spray paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about decanting spray paint:
How long does decanted spray paint last?
Properly stored in an airtight container, decanted spray paint lasts for up to 5 years. Add plastic wrap under the lid for maximum air tightness.
What‘s the ideal consistency for brushing?
Aim for the consistency of heavy cream. The paint should flow easily off the brush but not be watery. Add thinner sparingly if needed.
Can you decant an entire spray can at once?
It‘s best to only decant what you‘ll use in one project to maintain freshness. For full cans, decant in smaller batches.
What‘s the benefit of using a natural bristle brush?
Natural bristles like sable work best with heavier paint. They hold more paint and offer smooth, even coverage.
Should I prime the surface before decanting spray paint?
Most Krylon spray paints feature built-in primers, eliminating this step. But for plastics, priming ensures better adhesion.
Can I thin regular acrylic paint to mimic spray paint?
Yes, you can thin acrylic paint with just a touch of water. But decanted spray paint will be more durable and provide better coverage.
The World of DIY Opens Up!
As you can see, decanting spray paint is an easy technique that opens up a whole new world of DIY possibilities! You can now tackle detailed paint projects with better control, less waste, and custom color options thanks to decanted spray paint.
I hope this detailed guide gives you the confidence to start decanting Krylon and other spray paints for your home improvement projects. Remember to take proper safety precautions, prep surfaces properly, and use quality application techniques for a flawless brushed finish.
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out! I love helping fellow DIYers take their skills to the next level. Get ready to bring your ideas to life with the ease of spray paint and precision of brush painting. Let me know how your projects turn out!
