Spray paint

Spray painting is a painting technique where a device sprays a coating (oil based, water based, paint, ink, varnish etc.) through the air onto a surface. It can be applied directly from a can or with an air gun. The most common types employ compressed gas (usually air) to atomize and direct the paint particles. The air spray type (spray paint from can belongs to this type) has lower pressure, generates more atomization of paint in the room and requires better safety equipment. The airless type has higher pressure and it generates less atomization being more safe for the person who applies it.

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The life cycle	Pro	Con
			Tips The energy and footprint of the raw material for spray paint depends on the type. Spray paints are available as water based paints (such as acrylics) but also as oil based paints. A water based spray paint has always a better environmental profile.

	Easy reuse Spray paint cans have a long shelf life.	High energy Spray painting with an air gun is amongst the most energy consuming processes in woodworking (1). Toxicity Many standard professional-grade spray paints contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Common VOCs found in most spray paints include: Acetone, Xylene and Toluene. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Non toxic Acrylic paint Beeswax Chalk paint Clay and loam paint Flour paint Lime paint Linseed oil (boiled) Milk paint (casein) Shellac Tung oil Veneer (wood) Water based paint Wood filler (putty) Costly Proper equipments to avoid dust inhalation, contact to eyes and skin must be used. They are costly. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Low cost Flour paint Lime paint Milk paint (casein)	Tips Water based spray paints need 2 or 3 layers to become fully opaque. Therefore you might need more cans than when you would use an oil based spray paint. It is questionable what is better: more cans, or more VOCs?

		Toxicity Depending on which paint is sprayed, some toxic compounds and VOCs can offgas or be released from the cured paint. Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Non toxic 2 parts PU lacquer Acrylic paint Beeswax Chalk paint Clay and loam paint CNC engraving Edge band plastic Edge band wood Epoxy filler Flour paint Furniture wax Laser engraving Lime paint Linseed oil (boiled) Milk paint (casein) Polyester filler Polyurethane varnish Shellac Tung oil Water based laquer

		Difficult recycling Spray paint cans are hazardous waste (1). Show Alternatives » Alternatives finishing Easy recycling Milk paint (casein) Wood filler (putty)