Choosing Spray Paint: Low Pressure vs High Pressure

The world of spray paint has grown from primarily being used for murals and street art to all kinds of art applications. Spray paints are now made in a range of formulas and pressures for different jobs. At Cowan's we carry Molotow spray paints in two main styles: low-pressure cans for control and detail, and high-pressure cans for speed and coverage. This guide explains the difference so you can pick the right can for your project.

Low-Pressure Spray Paint

What it is

Low-pressure cans release less paint at a time, which gives you more control over your line. You can take your time while you work, and because less paint comes out at once, it's less likely to run and drip. That makes low pressure the best choice for detail work, outlines, stencils, fine art and mixed media projects.

What we carry

• Molotow FLAME BLUE: an acrylic-based, low-pressure paint with a matte finish, in a wide range of colours including neon and transparent shades. It works on almost any surface, including wood, stone, concrete, metal, fabric and paper.
• DANG Prime: a low-pressure, matte paint with a soft valve for smooth control. It's weather resistant, so it's a good pick for murals and outdoor projects.

Pro tips

Acrylic spray paint dries very fast. If you spray from too far away, or work somewhere very hot, the paint can dry in mid-air and land as a dry powder that scrapes right off. Keep the can closer to the surface and work in moderate temperatures.

The surface a matte acrylic spray leaves is toothy and semi-absorbent, so it accepts other media well. You can paint over it with acrylic, oil or watercolour, or draw on it with coloured pencil or pastel. Spray paint on its own isn't very durable, so for finished pieces, protect it with a spray varnish or fixative such as Krylon UV-Resistant Acrylic or Krylon Matte Finish.

High-Pressure Spray Paint

What it is

High-pressure cans put out more paint, faster. That makes them very effective at covering large areas such as backgrounds, fills and big murals.

What we carry

• Molotow FLAME ORANGE: an acrylic-based, high-pressure paint with a matte finish.
• DANG High-Pressure Gloss: the same quality paint as DANG Prime, with higher output and a gloss finish for large-scale work.

Pro tips

Because high-pressure paint comes out fast, it's more likely to run and drip. Work quickly and avoid holding the spray on one spot. If you want to lower the pressure, hold the can upside down and press the nozzle: it releases pressure without spraying paint. This is also a good way to clear the nozzle and keep it from clogging.

General Tips for Spray Paint

Before you start with a new can:

• Shake the can vigorously for at least two minutes to mix the paint properly. You should hear the mixing ball moving freely.
• Do a test spray on a piece of cardboard before you start on your project.
• When you're done, turn the can upside down and spray briefly to clear the nozzle so it doesn't clog.

You can change the nozzle (cap) on a can to change the line it makes. Different caps change the size and shape of the opening, so you can go from thin, crisp lines to wide, soft fills.

Always spray in a well-ventilated area, ideally outdoors, and protect the surfaces around your work.

Thanks for reading! We hope this helps you pick the right can of spray paint for your next creative project.