Making Your Home
Beautiful, Inside & Out

Using a paint sprayer isn’t hard once you get the hang of it. You’ll want to prepare by cleaning surfaces and thinning paint properly. With some practice spraying on scrap material and adjusting your technique, you’ll find it easy to control. Holding the sprayer correctly and applying thin, overlapping coats helps prevent drips and overspray. If you keep going, you’ll discover simple tips to...

To spray paint aluminum, start by thoroughly cleaning the surface with warm, soapy water to remove dirt and grease. Once dry, sand it with 320-grit sandpaper, then apply a chemical etch or phosphoric acid to promote paint adhesion. Next, spray on 2-3 thin coats of self-etching primer, allowing it to dry between coats. Finish with several light, even coats of paint for a smooth, durable...

To thin exterior paint for your sprayer, start by selecting paint and primer suited for spraying and prepare your workspace. Open the cans carefully and pour paint into a clean container. Stir it thoroughly to mix evenly. Gradually add small amounts of water while stirring, testing the consistency often with a stir stick. Filter the paint to avoid clogs before loading your sprayer. Follow...

To spray paint over acrylic, first make sure your surface is completely dry. Then, lightly sand it with fine-grit paper to help the paint stick better. Next, clean off any dust or oils with a damp cloth or some alcohol. After that, apply an acrylic-compatible primer and let it dry fully. Hold the spray can about 6-12 inches away from the surface. Spray thin, even coats, and be sure to let...

To spray paint a tub, start by removing all caulk and fixtures. Then, give the surface a thorough cleaning with a bleach solution to get rid of grime and mildew. Next, fill any cracks or chips with epoxy putty. After that, sand the entire tub using 400-600 grit sandpaper to create a rough surface that helps the paint stick better. Make sure to wipe away all the dust completely. Now, shake...

To use your Graco paint sprayer in seven easy steps, start by following safety precautions and preparing your workspace. Set up and connect the sprayer parts securely, then prime the system for smooth paint flow. Adjust the pressure and pick the right spray tip for your project. Use steady, even strokes when spraying, and clean the equipment thoroughly afterward. Finally, explore accessories...

Start by cleaning your terracotta pot and sanding it lightly for a smooth surface. Seal the inside with a water-based sealant to protect it. Spray two light coats of primer on the exterior, letting each dry fully. Then, shake your spray paint well and apply several thin, even coats using sweeping motions. Make sure to allow time to dry between each coat. Finish by sealing the paint for...

To spray paint a shirt, start by washing and drying it without fabric softener. Insert freezer paper or a shirt form inside to prevent bleed-through. Secure your stencil with painter’s tape over the shirt and cover your workspace. Hold the spray can 6-8 inches away, applying light, even coats. Let paint dry fully before peeling off stencils carefully. Allow the shirt to cure several hours...

Your paint sprayer splatters because clogged tips, worn parts, or loose fittings disrupt smooth paint flow. Leftover paint, debris, or damaged seals can cause uneven atomization and splatter. To fix it, clean or replace clogged tips, inspect seals and springs, and make certain all components are correctly assembled and tightened. Using the right tip size and pressure also helps. If you want...