Help & Guides

Preparation & Spraying Guides

Achieving a smooth, durable finish starts long before the final coat is applied. Explore our practical guides covering safe working, surface preparation, sanding, degreasing, primer application, aerosol spraying and drying times.

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Start with the right process

A complete route from safe setup to full cure

Each guide focuses on one important stage, but the strongest results come from treating them as one connected process. Begin with safety, prepare the surface carefully, apply the correct primer, use controlled spraying technique and allow every coat to dry and cure properly.

  1. Plan safelyUnderstand the product, hazards, work area and protection before beginning.
  2. Prepare and primeClean, key and prime the substrate so the colour has a sound foundation.
  3. Spray and allow to cureUse controlled passes and respect flash-off, recoat and full-cure times.

Practical step-by-step help

Choose the guide you need

Read the guides in order for a complete preparation and application process, or open the individual subject that answers your immediate question.

Aerosol spray painting safety equipment including respiratory protection gloves and eye protection Start here
Read first Safety & PPE

Safety & PPE

Understand aerosol hazards, ventilation, ignition risks and the PPE and RPE required before beginning your project.

Safety essentials Read Guide
A surface being inspected cleaned and prepared before aerosol painting
Step 1 Preparation

Preparing a Surface

Learn how to inspect, repair, clean, mask and prepare different substrates before applying primer or paint.

Surface preparation Read Guide
A surface being sanded and degreased before primer and paint
Step 2 Preparation

Sanding and Degreasing

Choose the correct abrasive, create a suitable key and remove grease, dust, wax and silicone contamination.

Sanding & cleaning Read Guide
Aerosol primer being applied to a correctly prepared surface
Step 3 Primer

Applying Primer

Learn how to select and apply the correct primer for metal, aluminium, plastic, uPVC, wood and repaired surfaces.

Primer application Read Guide
A person applying aerosol spray paint using controlled overlapping passes
Step 4 Application

How to Spray an Aerosol

Master aerosol spray distance, angle, overlapping passes, coat control and nozzle care for a smoother finish.

Spraying technique Read Guide
Painted panels drying beside a timer and temperature monitor
Step 5 Drying & Curing

Drying and Recoat Times

Understand flash-off, minimum recoat times, maximum recoat windows, touch dry, handling and full cure.

Drying & curing Read Guide

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Still need help?

Tell us the substrate, the condition of the existing finish and the result you want to achieve. Our team will help you choose the correct products and preparation route.

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