Spray paint is like a magic wand in a can. All it takes is the press of the button to bring a wicker chair to life or transform an ordinary flower vase.
Aerosol enchantment comes in many forms.
“Faux finishes are still very popular,” says Sharon Rosenstein, manager of consumer marketing for Rust-Oleum. “The trend is toward texture in materials, such as velvet and chenille for clothes, and we are seeing textured wallpaper and sponging. So there are spray paints in stone and crackle finishes.”
These finishes can be used on small objects such as lamps or vases or on furniture to create a natural or antique look.
Kathy Rich, assistant product manager for Krylon, sees another area where aerosol paints are being introduced. She says there are a number of paints formulated for specific uses.
Paints designed to withstand high heat are now available for use on radiators, while others will cover up water stains and other discolorations, and another creates a rust-proof finish.
Color is also of the essence in new spray paints.
Whereas before aerosol paints came in basic colors for utilitarian needs, Rich says, “We are becoming more up-to-speed with home-decorating colors. We want to stay more on top of the color palette and match what’s going on in other housewares and decorating areas, but we’re not anywhere near the cutting edge because people mainly use aerosol paint to spruce up something they already have.”
Rosenstein says that the colors of spray paint now match the shades of those that can be painted on, so that, for example, someone can spray paint a wicker chair and easily get into its nooks and crannies and then use a brush to paint a table to match.
Choosing the right spray paint for the job is no longer a guessing game and no one needs to come into the store with a dictionary. Now it usually requires not much more than a quick look at the label rather than having to read lots of jargon.
Aerosol cans often display photographs illustrating the kinds of projects they can be used for.
“We’ve changed our labels a lot over the past year and a half because most people think in terms of the project they want to do and not in terms of the technology of the paint,” explains Rosenstein. “They don’t come in asking for an epoxy paint. They come in wanting to paint the cabinet in the bathroom, so we show pictures of what the paint can be used for and specifically state what it does, such as stopping rust on outdoor metal furniture and what materials it can be used on.
“People are looking for ways to make their lives easier, and spray paint is an easy and inexpensive way to change something or make it look like new.”
Several of these new spray paints are described below. The prices listed for products are suggested retail prices.
To prevent graffiti vandalism, the sale of spray paint is prohibited in Chicago, but you can contact the listed manufacturers for help in finding a retailer in or near your area that carries a specific item.
– Taking the heat. Rust-Oleum has a whole variety of aerosol paints. They include the practical High Heat Enamel, available in three new colors, white, almond and hunter green. It can be used on radiators, wood stoves and even barbecue grills.
The new Painter’s Touch Lacquer gives indoor and outdoor furniture a polished finish. Stop Rust Metallics comes in a variety of colors and produce a rust preventive surface. Hammered Metal Finish covers up rust, imperfections and flaws with a high-gloss finish.
The decorative American Accents series offers Stone Creations–in eight colors–to produce a natural, textured look; and Crackle Creations, a two-step process that creates an antique look.
Painter’s Touch is a line of multipurpose spray paints in 42 colors, ranging from neutral to pastels, primary colors and fluorescents. Many of the same colors come in quarts and half-pints that can be brushed on, thus eliminating the chore of matching hues. Prices: from $3.99 for Painter’s Touch to $11.99 for Crackle Creations. Rust-Oleum Corp., 11 Hawthorn Pkwy., Vernon Hills, Ill. 60061. Phone: 847-367-7700.
– Frosted look. Krylon has spray paints for many different uses. The company’s Fabulous Finishes include Make It Stone! and Make It Pearl!, both in a variety of colors, which can be used for decorative projects. Other sprays can be used for more practical purposes. The Rust Tough Hamm-R Spray prevents rust and produces a dimpled, metallic look. Glass Frosting can be sprayed on windows and glass shower doors to create a veil of privacy, while Stain Fix is formulated to block out water and smoke stains and other discolorations. Prices: from $5 for the Glass Frosting to $13 for Make It Crackle!. Krylon, Sherwin-Williams Diversified Brands, 31500 Solon Rd., Solon, Ohio 44139. Phone: 800-4-KRYLON.
– Appliances and more. Red Devil has a large number of aerosol paints ranging from metallic enamels to an appliance enamel that can be used on everything from refrigerators to file cabinets. Red Devil’s High Gloss Enamel is formulated for painting metal, wood and fiberglass. It can be used on indoor and outdoor furniture, to accent shutters or to spruce up equipment for the lawn and garden. It is available in a wide range of colors, from the traditional black or white to the popular hunter green and luscious shades such as orange creamsicle. Price: $2.29 for the High Gloss Enamel. Red Devil, Sherwin-Williams Diversified Brands, Inc., 31500 Solon Rd., Solon, Ohio 44139. Phone: 888-RED-3845.
– Heavy metal. Plasti-Kote has two new spray paints that create special effects. The Classic Metals produce a tinted metallic finish in 10 sheens, including Dawn Pink, Crystal Blue, Gold Mist and Iced Coffee. They can be used on many kinds of materials, such as wood, metal and plaster. The Classic Pearls spray paints create an iridescent shade. The two-step process begins with a base coat (sold separately), such as Silver Lining or Black Lining, which is then sprayed with one of any number of top coats ranging from Pink Champagne to Touch of Gold. Classic Pearls can be used on many materials including wood, metal, plaster and ceramic. Price: $3.99 each. Plasti-Kote, Customer Service, 1000 Lake Rd., Medina, Ohio 44258. Phone: 800-431-5928.
– A touch of genius. Homax has introduced several spray-on textures in its line of Easy Touch Aerosols. Easy Touch Spray Texture can be used to patch orange-peel texture on drywall. The product comes with three spray straws, which offer a choice between a fine, medium or heavy patterned texture. This spray texture is oil-based and dries within 30 minutes.
Easy Touch Knockdown Texture can produce a spray that is either a medium or heavy splatter texture and then a drywall knife can be used to make it match surrounding areas. It is water-based, so there is no unpleasant odor and clean-up is easy.
The Easy Touch Acoustic Ceiling Texture, for patching acoustic ceilings, comes in medium and coarse. Price: $8.95 for the 10-ounce Easy Touch Spray Texture and Easy Touch Knockdown Texture, $9.95 for the 16-ounce Easy Touch Acoustic Ceiling Texture. Homax Products Inc., P.O. Box 5643 Bellingham, Wash. 98227-5643. Phone: 800-729-9029.
