In this article, I will talk about the best spray paint for cardboard boxes. Spray paints are one of my favorite things because they’re so colorful and easy to use, but there are many different types of spray paints that can be used on various materials like wood, plastic, or metal.
The best spray paint for cardboard is one that includes a primer, a matte finish, and doesn’t seep into the cardboard material easily. Spray painted labeled as ‘max coverage,’ ‘ultra coverage,’ or ‘all-in-one’ should offer good coverage on cardboard without making a mess or requiring multiple coats of spray paint.
Read on to learn more about spray painting cardboard boxes for any craft projects that you want to get into!
Top 3 Best Spray Paint for Cardboard boxes
We picked these three best spray paint for cardboard boxes after researching and reviewing as many Spray paints as possible to find the right option for the job.
1. Rust-Oleum 249127 Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover
Do you need a primer and paint for your cardboard box?
Rust-Oleum’s Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover is an affordable and accessible solution for you. This product can be used as a primer and paint that will save you time and still look great for years to come with the extra protection!
Pros
- It can be applied on any surface
- It has a comfort spray tip
- It hides imperfections well
- It dries fast
Cons
- Its nozzle has a clogging issue
This is the perfect product for you if you’re looking for something that will save time, money, and energy.
It also comes with two separate nozzles for both the primer and topcoat which is a pretty handy feature! This extra nozzle means that you’ll have less cleaning up to do afterward. You can use this best spray paint for cardboard boxes at the home, office, or even school projects without worrying about expenses!
The best part about this spray paint is that it dries quickly and provides fantastic coverage.
You can get this spray paint at your local hardware stores, such as Lowes or Home Depot, or purchase it online.
2. Rust-Oleum 245196 Universal All Surface Spray Paint
Rust-Oleum 245196 Universal All Surface Spray Paint is a top-of-the-line spray paint that covers all surfaces, and you can use it for painting your cardboard box or other cardboard surfaces too.
Pros
- It gives a glossy finish
- It dries fast
- It is suitable for any surface
- It also prevents rust
Cons
- It has some nozzle issues
It has an easy-to-use, open-and-close nozzle for precise spraying. This product also dries quickly, so it’s perfect for quick DIY projects where you need them finished fast!
Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Spray Paint is best used with stencils and meshes, covering surfaces around your house such as painted brick, metal, wood, cardboard, and other porous materials.
It comes in various colors, including earth tones, brighter colors, and metallic.
Rust-Oleum Universal Spray Paint is best used indoors but can also work outdoors.
This Spray Paint comes with an attached spray nozzle for quick paint application.
This best airbrush paint color suits arts and crafts, where you need the best design finishes!
3. Krylon K02732007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint
I’m going to be honest. I was a little skeptical about this paint.
I’ve been painting for years and have tried many different types of paint, but I wanted to try something new.
Pros
- It has an easy spray tip
- It is suitable for cardboard
- It has strong adhesion
- It dries fast
Cons
- It might need more than one application
The idea of having one can that could do everything seemed so convenient! So I bought it and gave it a chance.
It turned out great! The Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint is so easy to use and dries fast enough that you don’t have to worry about smudging your work or messing up the lines while you’re making them.
You spray away and then let the paint dry before you touch anything again! This saves a lot of time because now we don’t need three cans of spray paint, each with a different color.
I’ve seen this paint used on many different surfaces, but I decided to try it out on a cardboard box about the same size as mine.
First, I spray painted all over the box with primer because I wanted it to look shiny and smooth for my first layer of paint.
I only needed one coat of paint! It was so quick and easy that it looked like a professional did it.
It didn’t fade or smudge when I finished my project, and I’m excited to keep painting my new box.
So if your work needs a little extra shine, then you should try the best spray paint for cardboard – Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint.
It will save you time and dry faster than anything else on the market!
How to use spray paint on a cardboard box?
Spray painting a cardboard box is a great way to create new and exciting craft projects.
But, we don’t want to damage the surface of the cardboard or make a mess in our craft area.
Here are the best steps for spray painting on a cardboard box:
Clean
The first step is to use a damp cloth to wipe off the cardboard box, ensuring that there is no dirt or dust on the surface which will interfere with the paint process.
Bits of dirt and dust will also cause issues with the finish because you’ll see raises spots all over the surface which are impossible to get rid of later.
Dry
After you’ve wiped the cardboard down, allow it to dry completely before moving on to the painting process.
Paint
After cleaning, you are ready to start with the painting process. Be sure that you’ve prepared your work area to avoid any issues with overspray from the paint. Ideally, you should always use spray paint outdoors.
After shaking your spray paint can for a minute, start spraying the cardboard using smooth, even motions. Keep the spray paint can about 12 inches from the surface of the cardboard.
If necessary, apply a second coat. Cardboard can soak up quite a bit of paint, especially if you aren’t using a product with a built in primer.
Finish
Depending on the project, you might want to apply a lacquer-based sealant or clearcoat to the cardboard to help provide some protection and longevity.
If you choose to add this, just be sure that the paint has completely dried and that you are satisfied with the coverage and finish because you won’t be able to fix it after applying a top coat!
Enjoy!
Once your cardboard is painted, it is time to enjoy your project!
FAQs
Can you use spray paint on cardboard?
Yes, you can use spray paint on cardboard. The best way to do it is first to cover the cardboard with white primer. Let that dry for about 15 minutes, then apply 2 or 3 coats of your favorite color. You will need to wait 30 minutes between each coat. Let this dry overnight before handling the cardboard.
Does spray paint waterproof cardboard?
No, People may think that adding spray paint to cardboard will make it waterproof. However, this is not true because cardboard typically contains some amount of moisture.
Is there a way to waterproof cardboard?
The answer is yes. There are some steps that you can take to do it. First, there are sprays available for waterproofing cardboard. You can find them at most hardware or home improvement stores. They come in spray cans and work like paint, so you just need to ensure the cardboard is clean before coating it with the spray.
