Many different objects can be transformed into objects that have a specific purpose through the use of spray paint. The finish that is chosen for a project does more than just add color to an object. The chosen finish will change the way that the light interacts with the object, the way that the object feels when touched, and the lifespan of the project.
While many spray paint cans contain the same appearance of paint, the results of each spray paint are different from one another. By understanding the different types of spray paint finishes, an individual can begin to develop a strategy for selecting the best spray paint finish for their next project. The difference between projects that have a specific look and those that are disappointing is typicaly due to the choice of finish for the project.
For instance, applying a glossy finish to a workbench will cause all of the fingerprints that are left behind to be visible on that workbench, but applying a matte black finish to the same workbench will hide any wear on the workbench and allow that workbench to maintain its sleek appearance for many year. Each of these choices are not coincidental, but are indicative of the differences in the chemical composition of each of these finishes. When an individual understands the capabilities of each spray paint finish, they will stop fighting with the spray paint and will begin to work with it to achieve there desired look.
Common Types Of Spray Paint Finishes
1. Matte Finishes
Matte finishes work by absorbing the light that reflects off of the object, giving it a soft and velvety appearance. Close examination of the object can reveal that the surface of a matte finish appears chalky, but viewed from a distance, the object will appear to have a smooth surface. This type of finish is often used on projects such as walls, photography backdrops, or any object that is to be feature in the background of a project.
Additionally, the matte finish is well suited for projects that have minor imperfection on the object surface due to the way in which the finish hides those flaws. As a result of these benefits, many of the same projects that utilize matte finishes include those performed by street artists and prop makers who wish to begin their projects with a matte finish. The absorbing qualities of matte finishes come with a downside, however.
Because matte finishes tend to attract more dust than other finishes, they are more difficult to clean with a damp cloth without leaving a sheen on the object. This sheen can contrast against the matte appearance of the rest of the object, drawing the attention of the observer. However, for projects that are to remain within an indoor space and that individuals are not to often handle, matte finishes offer a level of sophistication that glossy finishes cannot achieve.
The matte finish makes an object feel as if it was specifically designed for its function.
2. Satin Finishes
Satin finishes lie in the middle of the spectrum in comparison to other types of finishes. Satin finishes reflect enough of the light that reflects off of the object to provide some depth to the object, but do not reflect enough to provide the same level of depth as an object with a higher gloss.
The name satin refers to the type of fabric that is produced with the same reflectivity as these types of spray paints. Satin spray paint finishes are often used for kitchen cabinets, metal patio furniture, and car interiors. Satin finishes are more resistant to fingerprints than matte finishes, but do still exhibit the same type of small scratch on the surface of the object as the more reflective finishes.
Satin spray paint typically contains the same ingredients in its formulation as the other types of spray paints, but with a higher proportion of resins and flattening agent. These ingredients enable the finish to level out even when sprayed, but not contain an “orange peel” texture that is sometimes created with other finishes. Additionally, the texture of the finish when touched feels silky against the skin.
Satin finishes are more forgiving of errors during the spraying process than other finishes, so they are the best beginning spray paint finish for individuals who is just beginning to learn how to use spray paint effectively.
3. Gloss Finishes
Gloss finishes reflect the light that lands on the object back at the observer. The high shine that is created with gloss finishes makes the painted object appear as if it has been dipped in liquid glass.
Car enthusiasts use gloss finishes to allow their painted objects to have a wet appearance. Model makers often use gloss finishes to allow their projects to appear as if they are made of polished metal or glossy plastic. Additionally, furniture makers may use gloss finishes to allow their object to appear both more expensive and protected from damage.
In order to use a gloss finish on an object, the individual will need to prepare the objects surface. Because gloss finishes will reveal any flaw in the surface’s preparation, it is essential that the individual sand the object for many hours before only a few minutes of spraying are required to apply the gloss finish to the object. While the gloss finish will reveal any specks of dust on the objects surface, they can also be sanded into the object prior to application.
Additionally, the gloss finish will reveal any ridges created during the spraying process. However, once the gloss finish is complete, it will have the same effect on the object surface of any other gloss finish in the market. Additionally, gloss finishes allow for the colors on an object to appear more saturated with less light reflected back at the observer.
Thus, companies that manufacture and create toys often use gloss finishes so that their products will stand out against others on the shelf.
4. Metallic Finishes
Metallic spray paints contain tiny flakes of aluminum or mica within the paint. These flakes will catch the light in the same way that a mirror does, providing the painted object with an effect that is impossible to achieve using solid colors alone.
Spray paints that contain these metallic flakes include metallic, chrome, and pearlescent spray paints. Those that are metallic and chrome contain the same chemical component, but the chrome finish has a reflectivity that is similar to a mirror’s reflectivity. Pearlescent finishes exhibit softer color changes with the changing angle of the observer’s view of the painted object.
Spray paint that contains metallic flakes require more skill and knowledge of spraying distances from the painted object. If the paint is too close to the object, the flakes will clump together instead of lying flat against the surface of the object. If the spray paint is too distant from the object, the flakes will stand on their edge instead of lying flat against the surface of the object.
However, if the individual knows how to properly prepare the object and how to spray the paint with the proper distance, the result will be an eye-catching painted sculpture of any type of object, from motorcycle parts to guitar bodies. Additionally, metallic spray paint is also very durable once allowed to dry and cure on the object. Another type of spray paint includes textured finishes.
5. Textured Finishes
Textured spray paints may contain sand or rubber particles that create a “pebbled” look to an object, but also can include any type of texture that mimics hammered metal or stone. These finishes are not only decorative, but also an indication of the purpose of textured spray paint. Textured spray paint is often used on objects whose surfaces have defect.
For instance, sand or rubber textured paint hides defects on objects like cast iron or plastic. Additionally, textured paint increases the grip of tools made with textured spray paint, allowing for the owner to have a better grasp of their implement, and avoiding any accidents caused by slipping tools. Spray paints with textured finishes contain particles within the paint that alter the spraying method necessary to achieve the texture.
In order to achieve a textured finish, the individual must apply multiple coat of spray paint from different angles to the object so that the paint does not create “globs” of paint on the object. The benefit of textured finishes is that the treated object will have a tough surface that can stand up to bumps and scrapes to the object. Textured spray paint is often used on garden tools, cases for metal equipment, and workshop fixtures.
However, because the texture of the object makes it more difficult to clean the object thoroughly, individuals must consider the type of environment in which the item will be used. Fluorescent and glow-in-the-dark spray paints work in a similar way to each other, but in slightly different manners.
6. Fluorescent and Glow in the Dark Finishes
Fluorescent spray paint contains dyes that allow it to absorb the ultraviolet light and emit that light as visible color.
Glow-in-the-dark spray paint contains chemicals that enable it to absorb the light from any light source in the area. After darkness sets in after the lights in an area are turned off, the paint will continue to emit the light that it stored from the visible light. Both types of spray paint are used to create projects that are meant to be easily seen, such as bike frames, safety markings, and costume props.
The fluorescent and glow-in-the-dark spray paints are not as effective as standard spray paint if applied to an object without first applying a coat of white spray paint. Additionally, due to the chemistry of the paint, both fluorescent and glow-in-the-dark spray paint will fade with constant exposure to sunlight. The shorter life of these spray paints is the price that an individual must pay for the unique look that they provide.
However, for projects such as parties, the sets for the theater, or emergency equipment, the benefits of glow-in-the-dark spray paint may be worth the extra care that the paint requires to reach its full potential. For instance, placing a fluorescent stripe on a helmet for a party or adding a glow in the dark constellation to the ceiling in a childs bedroom will make memories of those entertaining parties. Each type of spray paint finish was created due to a need for a surface that would behave in a specific way to those of specific conditions.
Over time, various companies have perfected the chemistry behind each type of spray paint and sprayed it onto a variety of objects over many decades. As a result, each can of spray paint that is purchased today will perform in the same manner as long as the individual follows the instructions on the can. By taking a few minutes to consider the different types of spray paint finishes, an individual can transform a bare object into a valuable work of art for any individual or business.
The next time an individual is faced with an object that requires spray paint, they should take a moment to consider the type of finish that they would like to use on that object. An individual should consider the type of light that will hit the object, how the object will be touched, and where the object will be used. With these considerations in mind, the individual can confidently purchase spray paint and spray the object with the finish that would best suit the object in its new function.
