10 Easy Spray Paint Projects for Beginners

Spray painting isn't just for graffiti artists or automotive enthusiasts anymore. It's a versatile and accessible medium that can be used to transform everyday objects into works of art, whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete beginner. 

If you're looking to dip your toes into the world of spray painting, you're in luck! In this beginner-friendly guide, we'll explore some easy and fun spray paint projects that anyone can tackle.

Each project comes with a quick tutorial, recommendations for the type of spray paint to use, estimated cost, average time to complete, and level of difficulty. So grab your cans of spray paint and let's get creative!

1. Upcycled Thrift Store Finds:

Visit your local thrift store and pick up a few inexpensive items like picture frames, vases, or small furniture pieces. Clean them thoroughly, then spray paint them in your favorite colors to give them a fresh new look.

  • Spray Paint: Use a multi-surface spray paint designed for use on wood, metal, plastic, and more. My favorite is Krylon Fusion All-In-One spray paint.

  • Cost: $5-20 depending on the number and size of items you choose.

  • Time: 1-2 hours including drying time.

  • Difficulty: Easy.

2. Decorative Planter Pots:

Start with plain terra cotta or plastic plant pots. Apply a base coat of spray paint in your desired color, then use stencils or painter's tape to create patterns or designs. Finish with a coat of clear sealant to protect against moisture.

  • Spray Paint: Use a spray paint specifically formulated for outdoor use and suitable for use on porous surfaces like terra cotta. Krylon Fusion All-In-One spray paint can be used on terra cotta, plastic, metal, and more.

  • Cost: $5-15 depending on the number and size of pots.

  • Time: 1-2 hours including drying time.

  • Difficulty: Easy.

3. Patio Furniture:

Revitalize worn or weathered patio furniture with a fresh coat of spray paint. Clean the furniture thoroughly, then spray paint it in bright, cheerful colors to add a pop of personality to your outdoor space.

  • Spray Paint: Use a spray paint specifically formulated for outdoor use and suitable for use on metal or plastic. My go-to is Krylon Fusion All-In-One spray paint.

  • Cost: $20-50 depending on the size and condition of the furniture.

  • Time: 2-4 hours including drying time.

  • Difficulty: Moderate.

4. Stenciled Welcome Mat:

Start with a plain welcome mat. Use stencils or painter's tape to create a design or message, then spray paint over the stencil with your chosen colors. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the stencil.

  • Spray Paint: Use a multi-surface spray paint suitable for use on outdoor surfaces like coir. My favorite is Krylon Fusion All-In-One spray paint or

  • Cost: $10-20 depending on the cost of the mat and number of colors used.

  • Time: 1-2 hours including drying time.

  • Difficulty: Easy.

5. Grill Refresh:

Give new life to an old, rusty grill with a couple coats of spray paint. You’ll want to sand off any loose rust, tape off knobs or areas that shouldn’t be painted and avoid getting any paint on the inside of the grill or anywhere that food will touch.

  • Spray Paint: Use a heat-resistant spray paint specifically designed to be used on grills and firepits. I like using Krylon High Heat spray paint.

  • Cost: $10-20 depending on the size of the wall and number of colors used.

  • Time: 2-4 hours including drying time.

  • Difficulty: Moderate.

6. Bird House & Bee Hives

Create a whimsical bird house or beed hive to go in your backyard or garden. You can buy a basic one or build your own and then transform it with different colors. Use painter's tape and cardboard to mask off any areas you want to keep unpainted, then spray paint the house with fun colors.

  • Spray Paint: Use a multi-surface spray paint designed for use on wood, metal, plastic, and more. My favorite is Krylon Fusion All-In-One spray paint.

  • Cost: $10 - 60 depending on materials used.

  • Time: 2-4 hours including drying time.

  • Difficulty: Moderate.


7. Revamped Light Fixtures:

Update outdated or plain light fixtures with a fresh coat of spray paint. Remove the fixtures from the wall or ceiling and clean them thoroughly. Use painter's tape to mask off any areas you want to keep unpainted, then spray paint the fixtures in your desired colors. Allow the paint to dry completely before reinstalling the fixtures.

  • Spray Paint: Use a spray paint specifically formulated for use on metal surfaces. Krylon Metallic spray paint or Krylon Fusion in a metallic finish are a great choice.

  • Cost: $10-30 depending on the number and size of fixtures.

  • Time: 1-2 hours including drying time.

  • Difficulty: Easy.

8. Bold Door Hardware:

Add a pop of color to your doors with bold spray-painted door hardware. Remove the hardware from the door and clean it thoroughly. Use painter's tape to mask off any areas you want to keep unpainted, then spray paint the hardware in vibrant colors. Allow the paint to dry completely before reinstalling the hardware.

  • Spray Paint: Use a spray paint specifically formulated for use on metal surfaces. I’d recommend using Krylon Metallic spray paint or Krylon Fusion in a metallic finish.

  • Cost: $5-20 depending on the number and size of hardware pieces.

  • Time: 1-2 hours including drying time.

  • Difficulty: Easy.

9. Updated Cabinet Knobs:

Give your cabinets a quick and budget-friendly makeover with spray-painted cabinet knobs. Remove the knobs from the cabinets and clean them thoroughly. Use painter's tape to mask off any areas you want to keep unpainted, then spray paint the knobs in your desired colors. Allow the paint to dry completely before reinstalling the knobs.

  • Spray Paint: Use a spray paint specifically formulated for use on metal surfaces. My favorite is Krylon Fusion All-In-One spray paint.

  • Cost: $5-15 depending on the number and size of knobs.

  • Time: 1-2 hours including drying time.

  • Difficulty: Easy.

10. Colorful Wall Art:

Create unique wall art with colorful spray-paint and figurines. Cut pieces of wood into squares and pick out some fun figurines like plastic dinosaurs or kid’s toys. Spray paint the wood pieces with bright colors and spray paint the figurines in a contrasting metallic.

Allow the paint to dry completely and then attach the figurines to the wood pieces using hot glue. Attach sawtooth hooks on the back of the wood for easy wall hanging.

  • Spray Paint: Use a spray paint specifically formulated for use on both wood and plastic surfaces. I recommend Krylon Fusion All-In-One spray paint.

  • Cost: $10-20 depending on the number and size of curtain rods.

  • Time: 1-2 hours including drying time.

  • Difficulty: Easy.

These spray paint projects offer even more opportunities to personalize and update your home decor with minimal time, effort, and expense.

Whether you're adding a pop of color to light fixtures, door hardware, cabinet knobs, or curtain rods, spray painting allows you to express your style and creativity in every room of your home.

So don't be afraid to think outside the box and experiment with different colors and finishes to create custom accents that reflect your personality and enhance your living space.

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