Frequently Asked Questions

Primers prepare bare metal, wood, canvas and other materials by sealing the surface before applying spray paint. Priming also helps maximize the amount of coverage you get from a can of Krylon^® spray paint. Applying a primer:

• Smooths out uneven surface and blemishes
• Increases spray paint adhesion
• Ensures the true color of the painted project
• Improves corrosion resistance on bare metal
• Allows for even penetration on bare wood

To cut down on project time, prime and paint in one simple step with Krylon^® Fusion All-In-One^®.

Yes, you can spray aluminum projects with Krylon^® spray paint even when the original paint and primer have chipped or oxidized. We suggest Krylon Fusion All-In-One^®, a durable paint-and-primer in one that protects against rust, UV fading and weather damage.

Yes, you can spray glass projects with Krylon^® spray paint. Though most Krylon spray paints adhere to glass, we suggest using our specially formulated products to transform clear glass into beautiful frosted or mirrored surfaces:

• Krylon Frosted Glass Finish
• Krylon Looking Glass^® Paint
• Krylon Sea Glass Finish
• Krylon Stained Glass Finish

Prepare glass before spray painting.

• Lightly sand with fine-grain sandpaper to improve adhesion.
• Wipe clean with a tack cloth.
• Apply primer (glass will become opaque).

Yes, you can. Krylon^® Fusion All-In-One^® with 5X Stronger Adhesion* is a no-prep, one-step, super-bonding paint with a long-lasting finish. It’s available in more than 35 colors.

Use it on:

• Ceramic
• Glass
• Hard vinyl
• Metal
• Paper
• Plaster
• PVC
• Resin
• Wicker
• Wrought iron

*Compared to Krylon General Purpose paints.

Yes, you can spray paint wood with Krylon^® products. In fact, multiple Krylon spray paints are available to help you update wood surfaces. Choose the Krylon product that’s right for your project based on wood finish, use and location.

Krylon Exterior Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is the first exterior wood staining protection available in a spray can. It offers UV fade protection and water repellence and is dry to the touch in 15 minutes. If you want to color the wood, use Krylon ColorMaster^® Paint + Primer, available in a wide range of colors.

Yes, you can use Krylon^® products on metal surfaces that have already been painted. Here’s how to prepare:

• Remove loose rust and blemishes with a wire brush, sandpaper or chemical rust remover.
• Lightly sand the metal surface.
• Remove dust with a tack cloth to ensure a smooth finish.
• Prime the surface. 

To prevent rust and corrosion, apply Krylon^® Rust Tough^® before spray painting. Or, to save time without sacrificing a quality job, use Krylon Fusion All-In-One^®. It combines the durability of a primer with a professional finish, all in one can. Both products are available in a range of colors and finishes.

Yes, you can easily repair scratches and chips on metal appliances with Krylon^® Appliance Touch-Up Tubes.

• Quick, one-step application repairs scratches or chips.
• The finished application is compatible with most household cleaners.
• Touch-up areas are dry to the touch in 15 to 30 minutes.

Yes, Krylon^® makes it easy to mark landscaping areas, volleyball courts and soccer fields with paint. Krylon Line-Up^® and Krylon Mark-It^™ Water-Based Marking Paint and Chalk are temporary, fast-drying, water-based spray paint formulas that make it simple to safely mark grassy areas.

Yes, you can paint metal and plastic outdoor furniture using Krylon^® spray paint products. We suggest Fusion All-In-One^®, COLORmaxx^™ and Rust Tough^® with Anti-Rust Technology^™.

For a durable finish on wooden outdoor furniture, use Krylon^® Fusion All-In-One Clear. It goes on smooth, provides UV fade protection and holds up to the toughest conditions.

Yes, you can spray paint over rust. Before painting, take the time to properly prepare the surface to ensure that your new paint finish will last.

Clean the surface.
Dirt, oil and grease can affect the way paint adheres to the surface. You can remove most surface grime with ordinary soap and water or household cleaner.

• Remove grease or oil with a regionally compliant cleaner.
• Rinse and let dry completely.
• The surface should be clean, dull and dry.

Avoid using strong solvents on previously painted surfaces. Solvents may soften old paint, causing the new paint to wrinkle or pull away from the surface.

Remove loose rust and paint.
If the surface is rusted or has peeling paint, remove with a wire brush, sandpaper or chemical rust remover. Making sure the surface is as smooth as possible will help the new paint finish adhere properly. Lightly sand any glossy areas to dull the finish.

Do not sand old paint that may contain lead.
For more information, contact the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD.

When a metal surface has minimal rust
Spray with Krylon^® Rust Tough^® Primer with Anti-Rust Technology^™ to eliminate rust and prime the surface. Apply multiple thin coats. Rust Tough primer dries to the touch in 20 minutes and is tack-free in 15 minutes. After drying, add a color topcoat.

When a metal surface has extensive rust
Start with Krylon^® Rust Tough^® Rust Converter, a primer that changes rust to a paintable surface in one easy step. Spray directly over rust to protect against further corrosion. Apply multiple thin coats to prevent runs and drips. Rust Tough sprays on clear and dries to a black primer finish. After 24 hours, lightly sand the surface before applying a color topcoat.

Priming and painting after rust has been removed
Priming is an important step that helps create a smooth, consistent surface, increase paint adhesion and decrease the likelihood of color change. When all traces of rust are removed, prime the surface with Krylon^® Rust Tough^® with Anti-Rust Technology^™. Apply multiple thin coats to prevent runs and drips. Krylon Rust Tough dries to the touch in 20 minutes and can be finished with a topcoat after 30 minutes.

Yes. Krylon^® cans and plastic caps are designed to be recyclable where recycling facilities for these materials exist; check to see if your community offers aerosol can recycling. Recycling empty Krylon spray paint cans helps reduce landfill waste.

To recycle steel aerosol cans:

• Use your Krylon^® product until the container is completely empty.
• Remove the plastic spray cap to recycle separately.
• Recycle the can according to your community guidelines.

Yes. If your freshly painted surface has minimal amounts of dirt, sand or other particles:

• Recoat the affected area with spray paint while still wet.
• Let the project dry completely.
• Recoat a second time.

If the surface is heavily coated with dirt or grass:

• Wait until the spray paint has dried completely.
• Sand lightly or use paint thinner to remove paint from the soiled area.
• Reapply spray paint.

Before starting your next indoor project, please read our spray paint safety tips. 

Absolutely. In fact, applying Krylon^® spray paint outdoors is our recommended method because it ensures you of a well-ventilated work area.

While we suggest spray painting outdoors whenever possible, you can use Krylon^® paint indoors. Follow our safety tips for proper ventilation:

• Open all windows and doors to ensure fresh air during spraying and drying.
• Use a fan to circulate emissions toward open windows and doors.
• Wear a painting mask for respiratory protection.