The Best Spray Paint in 2022 | Bestcovery Review(s)

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Best Spray Paint For Easy Painting

  1. Rust-Oleum 245197 Universal Enamel Spray Paint
  2. Rust-Oleum Spray Paint
  3. Valspar Touch Spray Paint
  4. Krylon K01303007 Acrylic Spray Paint
  5. Krylon Premium Metallic Spray Paint
  6. Rust-Oleum Automotive High Heat Spray
  7. VHT SP102 FlameProof Coating
  8. Dupli-Color Engine Paint
  9. Krylon, Black I00807 Chalkboard Aerosol Spray Paint
  10. Valspar 21944 Gloss Hunter Green Enamel Spray Paint
  11. PlastiKote Chassis & Grille Guard Paint
  12. Z-Line High Solids Enamels
  13. Krylon Rust Protector Multicolor Textured Finish
  14. Rust-Oleum V2100 System Enamel Spray Paint
  15. Seymour Stainless Steel Rust Protective Spray Paint
  16. Buyer's Guide

When small or intricate objects need to be painted, there’s nothing that works better than a can of spray paint. Spray allows you to apply an even coat of paint to an object, without leaving tell-tale brush strokes. Available in a wide range of colors, spray paints make it easy to match decorative items to home decor, repair scratches and nicks in car finishes and provide quick and easy protection from the weather for items intended to be left outdoors.

With spray paint, cleanup is minimal. There are no brushes or rollers to clean and no spray gun to take apart. The only actual cleaning needed is to turn the can upside-down for a moment and spray, allowing the propellant to clear out the nozzle, so that it doesn't clog. If that little step is forgotten, the can may not work the next time.

One does need to watch out for overspray when using spray paint, just as they would with a large spray gun. The process of atomizing the paint tends to cause droplets to float around in the air, landing in places you may not want. For that reason, one needs to be careful about where they are spray painting, selecting a location where the overspray can’t damage anything. For small objects, a makeshift “spray booth” can be made out of a cardboard box.

Due to the small nozzle size, spray paint is thinned considerably, making each coat extremely thin. If a thicker finish is needed, it is recommended to apply several coats. Most spray paints can be recoated within 30 minutes, making it easy to apply several coats. There are also a few high solids spray paints on the market, which build a thicker film per coat.

For the best possible finish, spray in a back and forth pattern which starts and ends past the ends of the object. This will help prevent runs caused by excessive paint buildup at the ends of the object. You should also try and always keep the surface “wetted” so that the new paint is being laid down overlapping existing wet paint. This will help to eliminate the striped effect that is typical of poorly applied spray paint.

Spray paint can also be buffed once dry, to help eliminate any sheen striping. Only buff it if several coats of paint have been applied, as buffing does remove some paint from the surface. Hand buffing is better, as you are less likely to buff though the paint film.

One nice thing that is being done with some of the newer spray paints is multi-colored and textured paints. Both Krylon and Rust-Oleum, the two largest producers of spray paints, offer several different types of multi-colored and textured spray paints. These are excellent for use on surfaces that are not perfectly smooth or that have imperfections, as they hide those imperfections quite well. Paints of this type are not high gloss, which also helps to hide imperfections.

When selecting spray paints, look at the price. Low cost spray paints are just that; low cost. They typically have lower solids, so will provide less coverage. This can be dealt with by applying more coats. A higher cost spray paint will generally be higher solids, providing a thicker film and better coverage. A few spray paints will actually cover in one coat. Check out our top picks for best spray paints in 2022.

Best Spray Paint of 2022 Reviewed in Detail

Rust-Oleum 245197 Universal Enamel Spray Paint - Best Spray Paint Overall

Rust-Oleum probably makes more different types of spray paint than anyone else in the market. This is their specialty, as well as oil-based enamel paints for metals. While it is hard to say which of their spray paints are the best, I’m picking a simple gloss enamel for its universal application. If you could only have one spray paint, I think this would be the best to have. This paint is universal in that it can be used with pretty much all substrates, having excellent adhesion on all of them. It is an indoor/outdoor paint as well. The dried finish is flexible, so that it doesn’t chip and peel. Available in several colors, Rust-Oleum packages it with their patented trigger, which is much more comfortable to work with than a standard spray button.

Rust-Oleum Spray Paint - Runner Up

It’s rare that I give two spots on a list to the same manufacturer, but in this case, I think it’s justified. This “hammered” finish spray paint is truly amazing. As far as technical specifications, it’s essentially the same as the Universal Gloss, with the same adhesion and flexibility, with the ability of being used on all substrates. The great thing about this paint though is the finish that it provides. It looks like hammered metal, with the edges of the ping marks being darker than the cup of the ding. So, you’re actually getting a two tone finish out of one can. I don’t know how they do that, but it makes for a really great looking finish, which is great for hiding any imperfections in the substrate.

best Valspar Touch Spray Paint

Valspar Touch Spray Paint - Honorable Mention

Valspar makes a variety of spray paints, although they aren’t as common in the stores as either Rust-Oleum or Krylon. However, they are excellent paints. This particular paint provides a textured finish, designed to look like terracotta, which is ceramic. The finish is perfect for imperfect substrates, where you don’t want the gloss of the paint to show off the imperfections. It adheres equally well to metal, wood, glass, stone, ceramic and plastic. Valspar also offers spray paint in gloss, semi-gloss and flat finishes.

Krylon K01303007 Acrylic Spray Paint - Consider

Krylon is the other big manufacturer of spray paint on the market. This Enamel paint is fast drying, making it possible to touch the surface in as little as ten minutes. Like Rust-Oleum’s products, this paint will work on pretty much all substrates, including ceramic, plaster, metal, wood and fabric. Krylon’s paint comes in more colors than anyone else’s, making it extremely convenient for home d?cor and crafts projects. This is also an indoor/outdoor paint, so you don’t need to worry about that. The paint comes with an EZ Touch 360 degree Dial spray tip, which provides for precise application and less overspray.

Krylon Premium Metallic Spray Paint - Best General Purpose Spray Paint

Sherwin-Williams enamel spray paint is only available through their stores. This is a good, general-purpose enamel paint, for use on all substrates. It works for both interior and exterior applications, without the problems of fading. This is not a fast drying paint like the Krylon product, but requires 30 minutes to dry to the touch. It is available in the most commonly used colors.

Rust-Oleum Automotive High Heat Spray - Best High Temperature Spray Paint

Rust-Oleum produces more than one high heat paint, among which this one is their best. This enamel paint is designed to resist heat up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it will bond to bare metal, they recommend using their high heat primer spray with it for best results. The finished paint is gas and oil resistant. It is also a rust resistant formulation, designed to stop rust from spreading. The can comes with an any-angle comfort spray tip, which allows you to paint underneath manifolds without removing them.

VHT SP102 FlameProof Coating - Best High Temperature Spray Paint

This high temperature paint is designed to handle 2000 degrees Fahrenheit without problems. It is a ceramic and silicone base, making it extremely durable, even in those high temperature applications. They recommend using a high temperature primer and clear coat with the paint as well. There is a specific curing process which needs to be followed exactly, in order for the paint to be able to survive temperatures as high as 2000 degrees. This involves heating the paint and allowing it to cool, while it is drying. That can be done either on the vehicle or off, although it is easier to do so on the vehicle. It is available in several colors.

Dupli-Color Engine Paint - Best High Temperature Spray Paint

Dupli-Color specializes in providing automotive paints to exactly match the manufacturer’s original color. This engine enamel contains ceramic resins for maximum heat dissipation and gloss retention. It has excellent resistance to oil and other automotive fluids. It is designed to resist temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so it will not work well for exhaust manifolds. However, it will work fine for all other engine parts. IT is recommended to use a primer under the paint for maximum life. Comes in a wide variety of colors to match your car’s original engine color.

Krylon, Black I00807 Chalkboard Aerosol Spray Paint - Best High Temperature Spray Paint

This paint from Krylon is actually designed for use on grilles and fire pits, rather than for automotive applications. As such, it isn’t formulated for 2000 degrees, but 1200 degrees Fahrenheit maximum temperature on an intermittent basis. It can withstand up to 600 degrees continually, which is sufficient for its intended purpose, although not sufficient for vehicle exhaust systems. This paint should not be used for kitchen stoves or for any application where it will be exposed directly to flames. The paint’s quick dry formulation dries to the touch in only ten minutes.

Valspar 21944 Gloss Hunter Green Enamel Spray Paint - Best High Temperature Spray Paint

Like the Krylon product, this paint is also designed for use on barbecue grilles, wood burning stoves and fire pits. It can withstand temperatures up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. This product can be used both indoors and outdoors, helping to resist rust on these surfaces. It provides a durable, abrasion resistant finish, which will last. Like all these paints, it is necessary to follow the correct curing process for this paint, or it will not last.

PlastiKote Chassis & Grille Guard Paint - Best Rust Prevention Spray Paint

PlastiKote makes an actual epoxy spray paint for vehicles; specifically designed for use on chassis parts and grilles. As epoxies are the most durable paints available, this paint will outlast and outperform anything else on the market. Unfortunately, the color selection is limited, but you can’t beat this paint for the quality. It is impervious to all sorts of ordinary stains and moisture, making it an excellent rust preventative. It resists cracking, chipping and peeling, providing a long-lasting finish for whatever it is used on.

Z-Line High Solids Enamels - Best Rust Prevention Spray Paint

One of the biggest problems with spray paints is that they typically are low-solids paints. That means that they provide a very thin film when applied and may have spots where the paint doesn’t fully cover the substrate. Z-Line has solved this problem, by making a high solids enamel paint. While not created only as a rust preventative paint, it works excellently in that application, due to the more durable paint film that it creates. It can be applied directly to the metal, without the use of a primer; although the metal needs to be clean and oil-free before applying. It will dry to the touch within 10 minutes and can be handled in 30.

Krylon Rust Protector Multicolor Textured Finish - Best Rust Prevention Spray Paint

Krylon produces the nicest looking rust preventative paint on the market, with their Rust Protector line. These paints are actually multi-colored, with three different colors in each spray application. It provides a thick, textured film, which is durable and protects from rust. Although a rust preventative paint, it can be used with other substrates as well. The paint dries to the touch in a fast eight minutes, and can be handled in 30 minutes.

Rust-Oleum V2100 System Enamel Spray Paint - Best Rust Prevention Spray Paint

Rust-Oleum probably produces more lines and varieties of spray paints than anyone. They specialize in rust prevention. Even so, this is a specialty paint, designed just for use in rust prevention. The advanced formula provides the best possible corrosion protection, with one-coat coverage (something that is very rare in spray paint). The high output tip puts on a heavier coat than you can with most spray paints, building film thickness 50 percent faster than normal. Of all the rust preventative paints I’ve seen, this one is available in more colors than any other line.

Seymour Stainless Steel Rust Protective Spray Paint - Best Rust Prevention Spray Paint

Okay, this paint really isn’t stainless steel in a can, it’s just stainless steel tinted. Nevertheless, in calling it that, Seymour has invoked the greatest name in rust prevention, stainless steel. The paint lives up to the name, providing superior protection against moisture, along with heat resistance up to 250 degrees. Apparently, the 316L stainless steel pigment is an excellent rust inhibitor. This paint uses a high-solids resin, making it a VOC compliant paint product.

Buyer's Guide

Why Should You Use Spray Paints?

Spray paints are highly versatile and they can be used for a wide range of painting purposes. They give surfaces a smooth and refined texture, and it is much easier to apply them as compared to other types of paint. Not to mention, you can get done with a spray paint job much faster than you would with a paint bucket and a brush.

What’s even better is that there are no paint brush marks on your furniture or walls when you use spray paint. Once you have buffed off the existing paint with sandpaper, the paint actually sits well and leaves an even layer on the surface. Plus, you can use spray paints for designing wall art, graffiti, and also for painting in tight corners and spaces.

History of Spray Paints

Spray paints are loaded into aerosol spray cans, which makes it easier for you to apply the paint on any surface. Aerosol cans have been around since the 18th century, but 1949 was the first time when a man named Edward Seymour invented the first-ever spray paint can. It is said that he did this upon the suggestion of his wife, Bonnie, and the first spray paint can was used to dispense the color of aluminum.

Soon after this invention, Edward Seymour also founded Seymour of Sycamore, Inc. in Chicago, where he began to mass produce spray paints in different colors. Since then, numerous companies have started to produce spray paints in all sorts of shades and color combinations.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Spray Paint

Spray paints are highly useful products, whether you want to make graffiti on the subway walls or make wall art for your home. To help you choose the best spray paints, here are some factors that you should consider.

Surface

One important consideration for choosing the best spray paint is the surface on which you want to apply it. There are numerous products for spray paints that are advertised to be suitable for all types of surfaces, and they are a safe option, especially if you are new to spray paints. Plus, it will also allow you to work on different surfaces with the same spray paints.

However, if you want to achieve a better finish on any surface, it is always better to choose spray paints that are specially manufactured for certain surfaces. If you have to work on different surfaces in a single project, then you may need to buy more spray paints, but they will give you a better finish as compared to all-purpose spray paints.

Paint Durability

Paint durability refers to how long you can expect the paint to stay on the furniture or any other surface. Not all spray paints are created equal, which is why you will find them to have different levels of durability. If the existing paint of your furniture or other fixtures in the house is chipping off only a year or two after you spray painted them, you would naturally opt for a spray paint that has a durability of at least five or ten years, so that you don’t have to go through the ordeal of buying new spray paints and undergoing the painting process.

Finish

The type of finish provided by the spray paint you choose is a very important factor, and you need to take this into account when you are choosing between different options. You can choose between types of finish, such as glossy, matte, metallic, and many others. Glossy spray paints are generally loud and generate a lot of attention, whereas matte paints are more elegant and laid back.

You can choose between the types of finish depending on what you are painting, and where it will be displayed. For instance, if you are spray painting your front door, you wouldn’t want it to be too showy, and you may opt for a matte spray paint. On the other hand, if you are setting up a home theater in your basement, you can make do with metallic paints.

Base

The paint base is another key factor that you must consider while you are buying spray paints, and this particularly applies when you are working on surfaces that have some damage. You can opt for enamel spray paint, which provides protection and a smooth, hard finish to the surface you apply it on.

Moreover, you can also find oil-based spray paints, which are typically manufactured and used to hide signs of damage on surfaces. They don’t provide protection as well as enamel spray paints do.

Thickness

The thickness of the spray paints you choose are another factor that you need to keep in mind, and the thickness affects the amount of time and spraying it will take to completely cover and coat a surface. If you find a spray paint with a higher thickness, you might be able to finish up the paint job in two or three rounds.

Drying Time

Along with all the other important factors, you should also think about the amount of time it would take for the spray paint you buy to dry. This is an important factor for people who are always on the go and don’t have a lot of time to devote to spray painting. Usually, the best spray paints that you find will dry up within 30 minutes to an hour.

FAQs

How can I prevent air bubbles while spray painting?

The best way to prevent the formation of air bubbles during spray painting is to work in dry weather conditions, and also try to move the workpiece away from any type of moisture.

Can spray paint be applied on rusty surfaces?

You can use spray paint on surfaces that have rust on them, but it is better to run a wire brush or sandpaper on the surface to remove most of the rust before you apply the spray paint.

Do I need any precautions while spray painting?

Aerosol sprays can be harmful for your respiratory system, which is why it is best to wear a mask to cover your face while you are spray painting.

bestcovery team.jpg
Our research team searches out the best of everything so that you can confidently pick the perfect products and services for your needs.
Related Content
Go to top