When planning to spray paint a car, one of the first questions is: how many cans of spray paint will I need? The answer depends on several factors such as the size of the vehicle, the type of paint, and how many coats you plan to apply. Understanding these variables helps you buy the right amount of paint to ensure a smooth, even finish without running short or wasting materials. In this guide, we’ll break down how to estimate the number of spray paint cans required for different types of cars and painting projects.
The number of spray paint cans needed to paint a car depends on several factors like the size of the car, the type of paint, the number of coats, and the coverage per can. Here’s a rough guide:
Typical Spray Paint Can Usage for a Car:
- Small cars (compact sedans, hatchbacks): About 6 to 8 cans
- Medium-sized cars (sedans, SUVs): About 8 to 10 cans
- Large cars (trucks, large SUVs): 10+ cans
Factors to Consider:
- Coverage per can: Usually around 10-12 square feet per can, but check the label.
- Number of coats: You usually need 2-3 coats for even coverage.
- Primer and clear coat: If you’re priming and sealing, you’ll need additional cans for those.
Example:
For a typical sedan, you might need:
- 2 cans of primer
- 6-8 cans of color paint
- 2-3 cans of clear coat
Do spray paint cans explode?
Yes, spray paint cans can explode, but only under certain conditions. They’re pressurized containers, so if they’re handled improperly, they can be dangerous. Here’s when that might happen:
When Spray Paint Cans Can Explode:
- High Heat or Fire
- Leaving a can in direct sunlight, near a heat source, or in a hot car can cause pressure to build up.
- Temperatures above 120°F (49°C) can make them explode.
- NEVER throw a spray can into a fire or incinerator—it can violently explode.
- Puncturing or Crushing
- Trying to pierce, crush, or tamper with a can—even when it’s empty—can cause it to explode or release contents forcefully.
- Shaking a Damaged or Leaking Can
- If the nozzle is damaged or the can is already leaking, shaking it can cause unpredictable spray bursts or rupture.
Safety Tips:
- Store spray paint in a cool, dry place.
- Never expose it to open flames or high heat.
- Dispose of cans according to local hazardous waste guidelines.
- Wear safety gear when using it (gloves, mask, goggles in enclosed areas).
In short: Yes, they can explode—but with proper handling and storage, they’re generally safe to use.
What kind of spray paint to use on cars?
When spray painting a car, it’s important to use the right type of spray paint that’s made for automotive use to ensure durability, a smooth finish, and proper adhesion. Here’s what to look for:
✅ Best Types of Spray Paint for Cars:
1. Automotive Acrylic Enamel Spray Paint
- Best for: DIY car painting, full resprays, or touch-ups.
- Pros: Durable, glossy finish, easier to apply than some other types.
- Needs: Usually requires a clear coat for protection and shine.
2. Automotive Acrylic Lacquer Spray Paint
- Best for: Classic cars and quick-drying projects.
- Pros: Dries fast, easy to polish, smooth finish.
- Cons: Less durable than enamel; may require more maintenance.
3. Urethane Spray Paint (2K Paint)
- Best for: Professional-level durability and a factory-like finish.
- Pros: Extremely tough, chemical-resistant, long-lasting.
- Cons: More expensive and contains toxic fumes—requires proper safety gear and ventilation.
🔧 Other Essentials You’ll Need:
- Primer: For proper adhesion and a smooth base.
- Clear Coat: To protect the paint and add gloss.
- Sandpaper: For prepping the surface.
- Masking Tape/Plastic: To protect parts of the car you don’t want to paint.
⚠️ Avoid Using:
- Regular household spray paint (like Rust-Oleum or Krylon general-purpose cans) unless it’s specifically labeled for automotive use—it won’t bond well or last long on a car’s surface.
Where can I buy spray paint for my car?
You can buy automotive spray paint from a variety of places, both online and in physical stores. Here’s a breakdown of your best options:
🏬 In-Store Options:
- Auto Parts Stores
- AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts
- Offer color-matched automotive spray paints, primers, and clear coats.
- Hardware Stores
- Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware
- Some carry automotive paint (usually Rust-Oleum or Dupli-Color lines), but selection may be limited.
- Walmart
- Carries basic automotive spray paint brands like Dupli-Color and Rust-Oleum in the automotive section.
- Automotive Paint Supply Shops
- Local auto body paint suppliers can custom mix spray paint to match your exact factory color (often sold in aerosol cans on request).
💻 Online Options:
- Amazon
- Huge selection of brands like Dupli-Color, Rust-Oleum Automotive, SEM, and more.
- Easy to filter by color, brand, or paint type.
- Automotive Paint Websites
- PaintScratch.com, AutomotiveTouchup.com, or ColorRite.com
- These sites let you enter your car’s make, model, and color code to get an exact match in spray can form.
- eBay
- Good for finding discontinued or rare factory color codes.
🔍 Tips:
- Know your car’s color code (usually found on a sticker in the door jamb, under the hood, or in the trunk).
- Make sure to buy primer and clear coat if you’re doing a full job.
Who can put paint in a spray can?
If you need custom automotive paint put into a spray can (aerosol can), there are several places and services that can do this for you:
🏪 Places That Can Put Paint in a Spray Can:
1. Automotive Paint Supply Shops (Local)
- These are specialty stores that supply paint to body shops.
- They can custom mix your car’s exact color and put it into an aerosol can.
- Just bring your vehicle’s color code or VIN.
- Examples: Local PPG, Sherwin-Williams Automotive, or BASF distributors.
2. Auto Body Supply Stores
- Look for local or regional body shop supply stores.
- They often offer paint filling services and advice on primers/clear coats.
💻 Online Services That Offer This:
1. PaintScratch.com
- You enter your car’s make, model, and color code.
- They mix OEM-matched paint and fill aerosol spray cans.
- Ships to your door.
2. AutomotiveTouchup.com
- Offers custom-mixed paint in aerosol cans.
- Also sells primer, clear coat, and sanding kits.
3. ColorRite.com
- Specializes in factory-matched paint for cars, motorcycles, and powersports vehicles.
- Offers both aerosol cans and touch-up bottles.
🛠️ What You Need to Provide:
- Your car’s paint code (found on a sticker inside the driver’s door, trunk, or under the hood).
- Some services can match by VIN number, but paint code is more direct.
Why do spray paint cans stop working?
Spray paint cans can stop working for several reasons—some are fixable, while others mean the can is done. Here’s a breakdown:
🛑 Common Reasons Spray Paint Cans Stop Working:
1. Clogged Nozzle (Most Common)
- Dried paint blocks the nozzle opening.
- You’ll hear pressure but nothing comes out—or the spray is uneven.
- Fix: Remove the nozzle and soak it in mineral spirits, acetone, or even warm soapy water (if it’s water-based paint). You can also try a spare nozzle from another can.
2. Clogged Internal Tube
- If you sprayed the can upside down or sideways, paint may clog the pickup tube inside.
- Fix: Sometimes shaking the can hard and turning it upright can clear it, but internal clogs can be tough to fix.
3. Not Shaken Well Enough
- Spray paint contains both pigment and propellant. If not properly mixed, you might get only air or clear solvent.
- Fix: Shake the can vigorously for 1–2 minutes, then spray.
4. Empty Can
- Obvious, but sometimes you think it’s clogged, and it’s just out of paint.
- Check: Weigh the can or shake it—if it feels light or silent, it’s likely empty.
5. Low Pressure
- The propellant has leaked out (especially if the can sat unused for a long time or wasn’t sealed tightly).
- Fix: Unfortunately, this usually can’t be fixed. The can is no longer usable.
6. Cold Temperatures
- Cold can slow down the pressure inside the can.
- Fix: Warm the can slightly (NOT with open flame—just room temperature or lukewarm water for a few minutes).
✅ Prevent It From Happening Again:
- After each use, turn the can upside down and spray until only clear gas comes out. This clears the nozzle.
- Store cans upright in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
The number of spray paint cans needed to paint a car depends on the vehicle’s size, the type of paint, and how many coats you plan to apply. On average, you can expect to use 6 to 10 cans for a full repaint of a small to mid-sized car, along with additional cans for primer and clear coat. Proper surface preparation, even layering, and using the right products will help you achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish. Planning ahead and estimating correctly ensures you won’t run out of paint midway through the job.