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

  • 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.

1 of 9

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.

Youtube Tutorials
  • Paint Pens

    How to repair small chips and fine scratches – up to the size of a pencil eraser

    Read Directions 
  • Paint Bottles

    Instructions to repair slightly larger chips, edges, and multiple narrow areas

    Read Directions 
  • Spray Cans

    How to complete larger repairs, blend panels, and fix more visible areas

    Read Directions 
  • Pro Sizes

    How to use spray equipment to repaint large sections and full panels

    Read Directions 

Ready to find your perfect match?

We'll help you find the right color – or mix up something completely unique!

Search for my color