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 degrees F. Do not spray above 80 degrees 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.

Troubleshooting questions

How long should I wait between coats?

Apply light coats and let each coat dry before the next one. Follow the product directions for exact timing because temperature, humidity, and coat thickness affect dry time.

What order should primer, basecoat, and clearcoat go in?

Primer goes on exposed metal, plastic, or filler first. Basecoat color goes next, and clearcoat goes over basecoat when gloss and protection are needed.

Why did the repair dry dull?

Dullness can happen when clearcoat is missing, the coat is too dry, or the repair needs curing and polishing. Check the directions before adding more material.

Can I fix raised blobs or runs?

Let the paint dry first. Then follow the directions for carefully leveling and polishing instead of wiping wet paint across the repair.

Can I paint in cold or humid weather?

Avoid cold, damp, or very humid conditions. Paint flows, dries, and cures best in a clean, dry, moderate-temperature area.

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.

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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 degrees 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 

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