How to Use a Spray Can
Step-by-step instructions for repairing larger areas, panels, and surface damage using automotive spray paint.
Using a spray can may feel intimidating at first, but with proper preparation you can achieve an excellent touch-up. If you take your time, you can restore larger damaged areas with professional-level results.
Getting ready
- Ideal temperature is around 70°F. Do not spray above 80°F.
- Humidity must be below 50 percent. High humidity can cause clearcoat haze.
- Do not spray in direct sunlight or onto a hot surface.
- Work in a clean, dust-free, well-ventilated area.
- Always practice off the vehicle before beginning your repair. Practice spraying technique, distance, and drying times before applying paint to your vehicle.
- Mask surrounding areas carefully using automotive masking materials.
Tutorial: How To Use a Spray Can
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
1. Check for Color Match
Shake the basecoat paint (and midcoat if applicable) thoroughly before use. Do NOT shake the clearcoat pen.
Test the paint flow before starting: Never depress the pen on your vehicle, but rather test the tip on a hard surface to start paint flow. Do not press and hold the nib down — this will cause paint to flood out. Wipe excess paint from the tip before applying. Allow to dry and check for color accuracy before starting on your vehicle.
-
2a. Clean & Prep
Wash with soap and water, let dry completely. Wipe with wax and grease remover for best adhesion. Optional: Mask surrounding area with automotive masking tape.
If rust is present:- Remove surface rust using 220 grit sandpaper or a wire brush.
- Remove all dust before proceeding.
- Do not attempt to repair bubbling or advanced rust with a paint pen.
-
2b. Mask off Area
Before sanding or spraying, carefully mask off all surrounding areas you do not want painted.
- Use automotive masking tape and masking paper or plastic sheeting. Do not use household tape, as it can leave residue or lift existing paint.
- Mask to natural panel edges whenever possible. If you plan to blend the repair to a panel line, extend masking accordingly.
- Proper masking protects trim, glass, adjacent panels, and prevents overspray from settling on unintended surfaces. Take your time during this step — clean edges produce cleaner results.
-
3. Prime the Surface
Apply primer to all unpainted surfaces. Use even, light coats. Allow primer to dry according to product instructions, often overnight for best results.
If needed:
- Lightly wet sand primer with 600 to 1000 grit sandpaper to smooth imperfections.
- Sand carefully to avoid dulling surrounding paint.
- Do not use enamel primer.
-
4a. Spray Basecoat Paint
The basecoat is the color-matched paint. In cooler temperatures, drying may require overnight time.
- Shake the can thoroughly before spraying.
- Hold the can at a consistent distance from the surface. Apply even, wet coats using overlapping passes. Move smoothly across the panel and release the trigger at the end of each pass.
- Apply two wet coats, allowing approximately 20 minutes between coats. Some colors may require additional coats for full coverage.
- The basecoat must be dry to the touch before applying clearcoat.
- For metallic paints, apply the final coat slightly farther away to help the metallic flake lay evenly.
- If a run occurs, allow it to dry completely, wet sand it smooth, and reapply color. Do not wipe wet paint.
-
4b. Add Depth with Midcoat
If you have a tricoat color, you'll need to add a thin layer of Midcoat, which will add depth and dimension. Apply in the same manner as the basecoat – in thin layers – until the repair blends into the surrounding paint. Allow paint to dry between layers.
-
5. Protect & Shine with Clearcoat
Clearcoat protects and seals the repair.
- Shake the clearcoat for two full minutes before spraying.
- Apply clearcoat beyond the basecoat area, extending to a natural panel edge whenever possible. This produces a more seamless repair.
- Apply two wet coats, allowing proper drying time between coats.
- Do not spray clearcoat in direct sunlight or on a hot surface.
- Allow clearcoat to dry thoroughly, preferably overnight or longer in cooler temperatures.
Allow clearcoat to dry thoroughly. Overnight drying is recommended when possible.
Note: The repair area may appear darker after clearcoat is applied. This is normal.
-
6. Polish and Shine
Let the clearcoat dry for at least three days before polishing.
- Use a medium-duty automotive rubbing compound to bring out gloss.
- Apply using a clean, soft cotton cloth and use even circular motions.
- Polishing is required for proper shine unless using a catalyzed clearcoat designed to dry glossy without compounding.
- Wait 30 days before waxing.
-
7. Hooray! You're done!
Wipe clean and enjoy your new repair! Allow the repair 3 days to fully set before applying any wax or polish.
Helpful Reminders
Aftercare & Final Notes
- Always test the color match on an inconspicuous area before full application. Clearcoat will not correct a color mismatch.
- Do not swap spray nozzles from other cans. Use only the nozzle provided.
- Do not spray over enamel paint or enamel primer.
- If the clearcoat develops a whitish haze, humidity is too high. Allow conditions to improve, scuff lightly, and reapply.
- Spider webbing or rough texture is caused by spraying too far away or in excessive heat. Adjust spray distance and avoid temperatures above 80°F.
- Blending into adjacent panels produces the most professional results, especially with metallic colors.
- Use an approved automotive respirator, gloves, and eye protection. Work in a properly ventilated area. Automotive paint products are hazardous and must be handled carefully.
When a Spray Can Is Not the Right Tool:
- Small damage areas or tight timelines
- Bubbling or advanced rust
- If you need to do a whole repaint - it's better to get a PRO size paint to ensure consistency.
First-Time Tip
If you are new to paint repair, practice starting the paint flow and applying thin coats on a smooth surface before working on your vehicle. This helps you understand drying time and paint control.
Watch More Tutorial Videos
Visit our YouTube channel for short, easy-to-follow videos that show how to find your paint color code, apply touch-up paint, use paint pens, and repair chips and scratches correctly. Opens in a new tab.
Directions for other proucts
-
Paint Pens
Read DirectionsHow to repair small chips and fine scratches – up to the size of a pencil eraser
-
Paint Bottles
Read DirectionsInstructions to repair slightly larger chips, edges, and multiple narrow areas
Ready to find your perfect match?
We'll help you find the right color – or mix up something completely unique!