How To Use Spray Paint With a Brush? [Quick & Easy 5-Step Method]

Spray painting is awesome because it is a quick and easy way to paint something, but it does have limitations. You might even wonder if you can use spray paint with a brush to get a different texture or look on the finished product.

Yes, you can use spray paint with a brush by carefully spraying the paint into a container, dipping the brush into the paint, and then painting as normal. You can also spray paint whatever object you are painting and then use a brush to create texture in the paint’s surface, changing the look.

Read on to learn a little more about how to use spray paint with a brush and the fastest method to get started!

Why would you want to use a brush for your spray paint?

Can I use a brush to paint with spray paint?

Using a brush with spray paint seems like a silly idea, but there are a few practical reasons why you might want to consider it:

• You need a little bit of paint to touch up or finish a project
• You want to get a textured look that spray paint can’t provide
• You need a brush for small, detailed painting that spray paint can’t provide

Still, spray paints are meant to be sprayed, so there are challenges to overcome if you want to use them with a brush.

Let’s check out the process.

How to use spray paint with a brush

To use the spray paint with a brush first, you have to remove the spray paint from the can, a process called decanting.

So, how to extract paint from a spray can?

When decanting spray paint for brushing, you can use the cap of the can and spray as much paint as you need for the project inside the cap or another container big enough for the brush you want to use.

However, if your project is big enough and you need much more spray paint to decant, then follow the methods mentioned below.

How to decant spray paint – materials needed:

• A can of spray paint
• A plastic drinking straw
• Scissors
• Tape
• Latex gloves
• Rubber band
• Any container with a small opening on the top

Basically, we’re going to attach the straw to the spray paint can, wrap the opening of the container with a piece of a rubber glove, and then spray the paint into the container through a small hole cut into the rubber glove.

This way you have a place to empty the spray paint without making a mess.

Here are the steps:

1. Cut a notch into the straw

Go ahead and cut a small notch into your straw so that it will fit more easily over the spray paint nozzle.

2. Tape the straw to the spray paint can

Next, tape your straw to the spray paint can nozzle so that it stays in place

3. Cover your container with a latex glove

Next, use your scissors to cut a piece of one of your latex gloves big enough to cover the opening of your container.

Using a rubber band, fasten the latex over the opening so that it won’t move. With your scissors, poke a small hole in the latex big enough to let the straw through.

4. Decant the spray paint into your container

Now that your container is prepared, it’s time to decant your spray paint.

Warning: Be sure that you are decanting your spray paint in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside. Since you’ll be spraying most or all of the paint out, you’ll also release a ton of paint fumes into the area. By taking the can outside, you’ll be able to decant the spray paint more safely and then move back inside to complete your project.

Carefully poke the straw through the latex hole so it is pointing into the container. Then, just spray the paint until the can is empty.

You’ll notice that the paint will remain a bit ‘bubbly’ for a bit while the propellants and other gases escape the paint. Wait for the paint to calm down and off gas before you start painting with the brush.

Credit for all of the photos above goes to the YouTube channel FineScale Modeler which has an excellent video describing the process. Here is the full video below:

5. Use the paint for your project

Now that you have the paint decanted, you’re ready to use it for your project!

You’ll notice that the decanted spray paint might be a bit thinner than you are used to, so you’ll need to pay special attention while using the paint with a brush.

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