Is Spray Paint Waterproof? Your Complete Guide

Spray paint is a widely utilized type of paint. It’s easy to use and gives a smooth finish. Teens use it for street art, while DIY geeks use it for their home projects. Spray paints have extensive usage. 

You can use them on furniture, garden objects, pots, and almost anything else you can imagine. They’re an easy solution to all your painting problems. 

However, there are several questions about using this type of paint. Is spray paint waterproof? Can you use it for outdoor projects? If waterproof, how long does it last? Which materials does it work best on? 

We’ll dive into the answers to these questions and more in this article. 

Is Spray Paint Waterproof?

A large number of new spray paint options are continually being introduced to the market. From colors to materials, you can get every type. Spray paints are generally water-resistant. 

Outdoor spray paints, on the other hand, are completely waterproof because they are made to withstand changes in weather, no matter which brand you choose. The quality might be different, but they serve the same purpose. Even the local stores have waterproof spray paints; if not, you can easily source them from an online store. 

However, before you begin choosing colors for your spray paints, you need to know a couple of things.

Change That Makes a Spray Paint Waterproof

Manufacturers make spray paint from chemicals, which make it waterproof. What are these chemicals?

Every spray paint has some water-repelling components mixed into its formula. The ingredients used in each spray paint determine its level of water resistance.

The paint industry uses two main chemicals: latex and, at times, ceramic materials to make the spray paint waterproof. 

Because silicone is less expensive than ceramic, it is widely used in spray paints.

However, if you ask performance-wise, ceramic materials are much better and longer-lasting than silicone. As complex as the composition of ceramic looks, it protects your paint from the water just as strongly.

How Do You Check If a Spray Paint is Waterproof? 

So we know what makes a spray paint waterproof, but how do you check if the one you have is waterproof? 

The solution is simple. See the information on the label of each spray paint bottle. You will see the paint mentioned on the label if it is waterproof. 

A common problem here is that people mistake water-resistant spray paints for waterproof ones. Both use the same concepts from afar, but their work is different. 

Water-resistant spray paint can only be immersed in water for a limited time. A waterproof spray paint means that it will not be affected by water, no matter how long it is exposed to it. 

Each can of spray paint has a label that says either “waterproof” or “water-resistant” to show how it handles water.

Also, it’s important to remember that water-resistant sprays might work well for indoor projects that don’t get a lot of water, but they might not hold up well outdoors.

For example, water-resistant spray paint on an outdoor wall in your backyard probably won’t last long because it is more exposed to water and other weather elements. For a long-lasting result, it’s important to choose a spray paint that is made for outdoor use and can withstand the weather.

How to Make Waterproof Spray Paints Last Long?

Before exploring how to extend the life of waterproof spray paints, let’s discuss their natural life span.

Generally, most waterproof spray paints can last for a year or two. The choice also depends on the local weather conditions. The spray paint might not work for more than six months if you face heavy rainfall throughout the year. 

Similarly, it will not work for long if you do not apply the paint correctly. You will begin seeing cracks, and there is a high chance that your paint will look like it was applied a century ago. 

With good weather conditions and correct application, your paint can last almost two years. That’s enough time to recover the $20 you invested in the spray paints. 

Tips for Long-Lasting Waterproof Spray Paint

• Make sure the surface is smooth and has no space left for water to penetrate. This factor is more critical when it comes to wooden surfaces. They’re prone to moisture and can cause significant damage to the waterproofing quality of your spray paint.
• During the application process, make sure to coat the surface evenly.
• Do more than three coats, as a single coat is not strong enough to provide the desired protection. 
• Give your paint time to dry before you move on to the next coat. If your paint isn’t dry and you apply the next coat, you are opening the door to everything that can go wrong with the paint. At the very least, wait an hour between each coat, even though spray paint dries faster.
• You can use an additional sealing material, such as a primer, to give your paint a long life and smooth finish. 

Are Waterproof Spray Paints Easy to Remove?

You’ve applied the spray paint perfectly, but what if you need to change or remove it? 

You can remove it, but removing waterproof spray paint is slightly tricky. Since you can’t use water on them, chemicals are your only option. But what chemicals help remove waterproof spray paints? 

There are numerous options, but only a few are feasible and risk-free. 

Since most spray paints are oil-based, rubbing alcohol isn’t practical. The main component of rubbing alcohol is isopropyl. Oil-based paints use ingredients that are resistant to the main component of rubbing alcohol, i.e., isopropyl. 

Contrary to that, denatured alcohol is effective in removing waterproof spray paints. Turpentine is another solid solution for removing oil-based waterproof spray paints. However, do not overuse this product, as it can cause excessive irritation and itching in the throat and nose. 

The Truth About Acrylic Spray Paints

Frequently, people assume that acrylic spray paints are waterproof. This is an entirely wrong statement; it’s a myth that has existed for many years. If you do a little research, you’ll know that acrylics are water-based and, therefore, not waterproof.

However, you can turn the tables by using a primer or sealer. A sealer makes the surface waterproof, so there’s nothing to worry about if you have acrylic spray paint. 

Final Verdict

Let’s put all the details in a box. 

Not all spray paints are waterproof, but a sealer will work for you. You can also get exterior spray paint that is designed to be waterproof. 

There are numerous waterproof paints available on the market. The ones with good quality are slightly more expensive than the ones with subpar quality. 

However, if you are working with a limited budget and opt for a more economical water spray paint, it is recommended to add an additional primer coating before applying the paint. This can help improve the overall appearance of the paint by giving it a more vibrant and glossy finish.