How to paint with Water-Based spray paint, A Step-by-step guide

Water-based spray paint is an easy-to-use choice for a wide range of painting projects. It is particularly well suited for items with lots of small details and hard-to-reach areas, such as the cot featured in this guide.

Maston Water-Based-series spray paints offer excellent coverage, a mild odour and fast drying times. The high-quality nozzle ensures smooth, even and controlled application.

Follow our step-by-step guide to give old furniture and other suitable items a fresh new look with spray paint!

Tools and products you will need

• Degreaser: Maston Degreaser (400006)
• Primer: Maston Water-Based Primer White, 350 ml (1360521)
• Topcoat: Maston Water-Based Oat RAL 1015, 350 ml (1361015)
• Clear coat: Maston Water-Based clear coat – choose your preferred gloss level
• Spray handle: 702011
• Sandpaper, 180 grit
• Masking tape
• Protective paper or plastic sheeting
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a suitable mask, gloves and safety goggles, as specified on the product label

Step-by-step Instructions

Painting with water-based paint follows the same traditions as any other painting project. First, do thorough prep work, followed by a primer, then the actual painting, and finally, varnishing if necessary. To achieve the best results, we always recommend using the same type of paint from base to top coat.

1. Preparation

• Choose a suitable, well-ventilated area for painting.
• Carefully cover and protect all surrounding surfaces and objects from overspray.
• Ensure the painting area is well-ventilated.

2. Remove or protect parts you don’t want to paint

• Use a screwdriver or another suitable tool to remove any parts that should not be painted.
• If parts cannot be removed, carefully protect them with masking tape and plastic sheeting.
• Label any removed parts to make reassembly easier.

For a refreshed, coordinated look, you can also paint all suitable parts in the same colour.

3. Clean and sand the surface

• Thoroughly clean the surfaces to remove grease, dirt and dust.
• Lightly sand the surface using 180-grit sandpaper to improve paint adhesion.
• Carefully remove all sanding dust. If needed, use Maston Degreaser (400006) according to the product instructions and allow the surface to dry completely before painting.

4. Apply the primer

• Test the products on a small, inconspicuous area first.
• Apply Maston Water-Based Primer White in thin, even coats.
• The primer helps create a more uniform surface and improves adhesion of the topcoat.
• A white primer is a good choice when using light or bright topcoat colours.

Allow approximately 10 minutes between coats before applying the next layer.

5. Apply the topcoat

• Choose your preferred colour from the Maston Water-Based range. In this guide, we use Oat RAL 1015.
• Shake the spray can thoroughly, following the instructions on the label.
• Apply the paint in smooth, even movements using thin coats. Apply 1-3 coats as needed to achieve the desired finish.
• Allow each coat to dry for approximately 10 minutes before applying the next one, following the product instructions. Two or three thin coats will generally provide good coverage.
• For larger surfaces, use a spray handle to make application easier and reduce finger fatigue.

Tip: Several thin coats usually provide a smoother, more even finish than one thick coat.

6. Finish with a Clear Coat (Optional)

If the painted surface will be subject to wear and tear, you can protect it with a Maston Water-Based clear coat.

• Apply the clear coat according to the product instructions.
• Apply 1-2 coats, allowing approximately 10 minutes between coats, in accordance with the product instructions.

A clear coat is optional, but it can help improve surface durability when used on suitable surfaces.

7. Allow the paint to cure before use

Although the surface is touch-dry in approximately 20 minutes, the paint takes longer to reach its full hardness.

• Follow the drying and curing times specified on the product label.
• Allow the surface to cure sufficiently before using the item or reattaching any removed parts.
• Remove the protective coverings and clean up your workspace when it is safe to do so.

The paint reaches its full hardness in approximately 7 days.

Tips for the best results

• Ensure good ventilation. Always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling spray mist and vapours, even though the Maston Water-Based range has a mild odour.
• Test before painting. Try the paint on a small, inconspicuous area to check the colour, adhesion and final appearance.
• Take your time. Allow each coat to dry properly to achieve the best possible finish.
• Use a spray handle. It makes painting larger surfaces easier and helps reduce finger fatigue.

With the Maston Water-Based range, you can easily refresh the look of old furniture and other suitable items. Careful preparation, the right tools and proper application will help you achieve a smooth, attractive and durable finish.

Maston products outside of Finland: please check your local retailers. Retailers are found all around Europe!