How do you spray paint a rainbow?

To spray paint a rainbow, begin by creating arcs of color and build up the effect by layering.

Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving a layered spray painted rainbow effect:

Step-by-Step Rainbow Spray Painting

1. Prepare your Canvas: Ensure you have a clean and dry surface suitable for spray painting. This could be a canvas, a piece of wood, or even a wall.
2. First Layer of Colors: Begin spraying your rainbow colors in arcs across your canvas. Start at the base and work your way upwards.
   • Use light, even strokes to prevent drips.
   • Overlap the colors slightly to create a seamless blend.
3. Blackout Layer: After you've added your rainbow colors, apply a light layer of black spray paint (Blackout) over the entire canvas.
   • This black layer will help add depth and dimension to your rainbow when you apply another layer of color.
4. Second Layer of Colors: Repeat the color spraying process, applying the rainbow arcs over the black layer. The second layer of colors will pop against the black background.
5. Another Blackout Layer: Apply a final light layer of black spray paint (Blackout) over the colors to set the layers.

Tips for Success

• Use Quality Paints: Opt for spray paints that have good color pigmentation and coverage.
• Proper Ventilation: Always work in a well-ventilated area when using spray paints.
• Multiple Light Layers: It is better to apply multiple light coats than one heavy coat to avoid runs and drips.
• Distance: Maintain an appropriate distance between the nozzle of the spray can and the canvas, typically about 6-10 inches, to ensure even coverage.

Layering Technique Example

This technique of spraying a layer of color, adding a Blackout layer, and then repeating with color again can create a more vibrant and dimensional effect. This process ensures the colors will not fade into each other and can look sharp.

Layer	Technique	Outcome
1	Color Arcs	Initial rainbow colors applied.
2	Blackout	Black spray paint over all colors.
3	Repeat Color Arcs	Second layer of rainbow, more vibrant
4	Final Blackout	Sets the layers

By following this layered technique, you'll achieve a visually stunning rainbow effect using spray paint.