Why does your spray paint splatter?

Answer 1

There are two common causes that result in "splatter" when spraying paint. One is that the paint was not filtered (strained) when it was put into the pot. Those in a hurry pour in the paint, slap the gun on the pot, connect an air hose, and start shooting. Unfiltered paint can have things in that cause "blobs" or "splattering" to occur. This leads us to cause number two. Paint that builds up on the nozzle of a spray rig can cause the paint to come out in something other than a mist. Unstrained paint can easily leave "blobs" of paint in the nozzle, and then you have to stop and clean your rig. Paint in spray cans is strained before it's put in, but the user is still obligated to keep the nozzle clear of paint build up, and to keep that nozzle clean. Nozzles always get a bit of paint build up. It is unavoidable. Anything other than strained paint in a paint gun is an invitation to sloppy work. Work in a clean place, and strain your paint into the pot or reservoir. Keep the nozzle of your gun or spray can clean, too. Insure your paint is properly mixed and thinned when mixing your own finish. Spray cans are "ready to go" but users often do not agitate the cans sufficiently. Shake the darn can, clean the nozzle, and let your skill in preparing the surface and applying the finish determine the quality of the job. You have control over much of the process. Do not sidestep anything that the "best" painters would do, and you work will reflect your best efforts.

Answer 2

Anytime you shoot paint at a wall, some of it is going to bounce off. It is measured by the transfer efficiency. And the most efficient way I know to spray is using a High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) Sprayer.

Answer 3

Depends on your medium and what you want your outcome to be. Acrylic, watercolor, and oil paints can all be splattered once you get your paint to the proper consistency (think pancake mix). I've had the best results using acrylic paints and then thinning the pigment using a matte/gloss medium and a touch of water, depending on the effect I'm trying to achieve (The more water/medium you use the more opaque your paint will become). If you want a watercolor like bleeding out effect use more water. If you want Jackson Pollock drips use more matte medium. For oil painting use turpentine to thin the paint or linseed oil. The problem with splatter painting with oils: 1) they are very toxic and splatter painting is messy. 2) they take FOREVER to dry, and splatter painting is about layering to create dynamism and space, so you never want to work wet onto wet.

A good brush should not "want" to drip because its job is to hold on to as much paint as it can so you have to whip it and slap it around...brushes will give you flings. A stick or the back of a brush will give you the most control over drips. Toothbrushes and short bristle paint brushes will give you a misty splatter.

MOST IMPORTANTLY....paint on the ground. Lay your canvas or paper or whatever on the ground and make it rain. to get puddles to drip, just tilt the canvas or use a drinking straw and blow on it to give it some more drama. NEVER paint wet on to wet cause your splatters and drips will turn to mud. "Splatter" painters like Pollock (abstract expressionist) painted BIG, so the bigger you go the better results you'll get. Illustrators splatter paint thoughtfully and take their time.

Hope this helps.