How Much Does a Can of Spray Paint Cost?

Spray paint in a can once called aerosol paint, is the most convenient form of paint. It comes in a sealed container so it is less messy than other paints. It has a handy applicator designed into the container. It is user-friendly and available at a lot of locations. 

We wondered how much a can of spray paint cost so we sent a team out to different paint stores, and paint supply locations to find out. We discovered the type of paint makes a huge difference in the price.

Other Pricing Factors of Spray Paint Are:

• Can size
• The area you live in (small towns often charge more for items because the stores have a lower number of possible sales.)
• The type of paint
• The manufacturer
• The type of store you buy the paint from. Paint supply stores are often higher than big building supply centers or discount stores.

Spray Paint by Types

All-Purpose or General-Purpose Spray Paint

This is the cheapest spray paint and it can be used on the majority of all surfaces. It does not have special rust-inhibiting qualities, and it does not last as long as some of the specialty paints can. It is used a lot in craft and hobby work and is normally safe for interior and exterior items.

Appliance Spray Paint

This paint is made to renovate the exteriors of appliances like refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, and more. It is usually a high-temp tolerant paint because appliances like stoves and grills are high-temp items. 

Appliance paint can be used on many surface materials and can be used on metal objects that remain outside because it normally has rust inhibitors designed into the formula.

You can even buy appliance paint that will make your old appliance appear to be a stainless-steel one.

If you want to know what spray paint to use for car bumper and cost breakdown check our cost to paint a bumper estimate posts.

Chalk Spray Paint

This decorative paint creates a unique appearance and texture to wood and other materials. It is primarily used by people who are making crafty chic items out of older items like end tables, dressers, and more. 

You can use this paint to create a beautiful antique or aged look on otherwise new surfaces.

Primer Spray Paint

There are multiple varieties of primer. It is the first substance you apply when you are painting anything. Primer is the substance that helps create a uniform color, it also helps protect the material, and it makes paint stick better.

Shop for the right primer according to the material you are applying it to. You also want to use a primer designated for either interior or exterior use.

Decorative Spray Paint

There are multiple different decorative spray paints. There is even a paint that will create a ripple effect on your surface when it dries. There is paint that will turn any surface area into a chalkboard or a whiteboard. Your imagination is the only thing limiting the possibilities that await you with the many decorative paints.

These paints are more expensive than most other spray paints. They usually also require special preparation before applying and often require clear coating and coating to protect the paint. Some decorative paints can be used on exterior surfaces but the majority of them are designed for interior use only.

High Temp Resistant Spray Paint

If you are painting a grill, or an engine block, your brake calipers, or rims then you are going to want a paint that can be around high temperatures without being damaged. You must use a high-temp paint if the item the paint is on is used to cook with or is exposed to high temperatures. When exposed to high temps most paints will bubble, buckle, crack or become old looking. High-temp paints retain their beauty and their protective abilities when exposed to high heat.

Rust Inhibiting Spray Paint

Use this paint to protect metal things from rust and corrosion. Paint is designed to make our things nicer to look at and make them last longer. Metal objects quickly succumb to the rust and corrosion that moisture encourages. Rust inhibiting paint not only covers the item it stops rust from being able to get started growing. You can increase the life expectancy of an item by twice as long if you use these paints.

Vinyl Spray Paint

This is 100% acrylic paint that has the ability to adhere to vinyl. It is a specialized paint that allows you to refurbish vinyl items and have confidence that the new paint will last for a long time. It is not recommended for any other surface material, and you should only apply it when the ambient temperature is about 75⁰.

Automotive Spray Paint

As the name implies this paint is designed for use on automobiles, heavy equipment, farm equipment, and implements that attach to lawn equipment or farm equipment. It sticks well to metal surfaces and normally it has a rust inhibitor designed into it. It is highly protective and eliminates as well as prevents rust and corrosion.

The colors of this paint often are determined by the manufacturer. Some manufacturers create specific paints to replicate the colors used by the big automotive and equipment manufacturers. If you want a specific color, like John Deere Green, you will need to look at the John Deere dealerships to find the perfect color match.

Read also – Average Cost of Having a Motorcycle Painted

Fence Marking Paint

This is a purple-colored spray paint designed to be sprayed on fence posts or on the perimeters around a posted piece of property. Whenever you see a fence post that has purple paint at the top you know that it signifies a boundary line and you are about to be trespassing on someone’s property if you pass the post.

Street Artist Paint

These are specialized craft paints made to be applied to concrete, masonry, and brick. Some of the paints will adhere to metal. They are highly decorative and generally come in bold colors so the street artist can create unique designs.

Average Spray Paint Can Cost Estimate

Spray Paint Sizes

Spray Paint Accessories

You may not realize that there are accessories you can purchase that make your spray painting a little easier to do. One of these accessories is the can/holder. The can holder allows you to hold the container of paint with a pistol grip instead of having to wrap your hand around the entire can. These devices make it easier and more comfortable to use the paint for long periods of time. You can find them for less than $5 each on some online websites.

FAQs

Can I Spray Paint Inside My Home? 

You can spray paint inside your home. You must be careful to ventilate the area you are painting in because the fumes from the paint can be dangerous. The ventilation also helps the paint to dry quicker.

Is There Much Preparation Work Involved with Spray Painting? 

The preparation involved with spray painting depends on the surface you are painting. You always want a clean surface and you want to sand the surfaces to either make them smooth or to rough up an existing gloss so the paint can stick better. Proper preparation is the key to a good finish.

Can I Spray Paint Myself?

You can only spray paint your body if you are using a paint designed for that purpose. The body spray paints are water-based and contain no harmful chemicals. They are also designed to be easily removed.

Are the Fumes from Spray Painting Harmful?

Some spray paint fumes can be lethal if you are not using them in a place that has adequate ventilation.

Final Thoughts

Spray paint is easy to use, it is readily available, and it can make a huge difference in how things look and how long they last. Spray paint is one of the fastest paint application methods because the paint goes on in thinner layers that dry quickly and leave a smooth finish. The drawback to spray paint is you will normally have to apply more than one coat before you obtain complete coverage.

Try different spray paints, and different application methods, like holding the paint can closer or farther from the project to piece to achieve interesting and unique effects.