Bright Orange-Tan Ceiling and Fan

Glidden Max-Flex Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Glidden® Max-Flex Spray Paint

Bright Orange-Tan Ceiling and Fan

Frequently Asked Questions About Glidden Max-Flex Spray Paint

Our Max-Flex All Surface, Max-Flex All Surface Clear Topcoat, and Max-Flex Exterior Fabric paint provide excellent results when used as directed. However, we understand that DIYers often have a lot of questions about spray painting. These FAQs provide answers to some of your most asked questions.
 
Glidden Max-Flex Questions
High levels of moisture in the air cause this effect known as "blushing." That is why low humidity days are better for spray paint projects than humid ones. If you do experience blushing, you can dry the surface with a handheld blow dryer or heat gun. Blow hot air across the surface to cause the moisture to evaporate. Be careful to use a low enough setting so as not to disturb the surface of the paint as it dries.

See do's and don'ts for spray paint
 
Refinishing wicker chair with grey spray paint

Spray paint application to chair

Why does the spray paint turn chalky or hazy after application?

High levels of moisture in the air cause this effect known as "blushing." That is why low humidity days are better for spray paint projects than humid ones. If you do experience blushing, you can dry the surface with a handheld blow dryer or heat gun. Blow hot air across the surface to cause the moisture to evaporate. Be careful to use a low enough setting so as not to disturb the surface of the paint as it dries.

See do's and don'ts for spray paint
 
Prepping your project is the most important step in the outcome. You should remove any rust or rough areas from the surface to be painted. A scuff pad should be used on all surfaces to help the paint adhere to the surface.

See More Spray Paint Prep Tips
 
Prepping wicker chair before painting

Cleaning chair with scuff pad for spray paint prep

How should you prep your project for the best results?

Prepping your project is the most important step in the outcome. You should remove any rust or rough areas from the surface to be painted. A scuff pad should be used on all surfaces to help the paint adhere to the surface.

See More Spray Paint Prep Tips
 
Holding the can properly is the best way to assure an even coating and avoid drips. It is always better to start too far away than too close. You can always move closer, but beginning too close can cause drips. You should start about 10 inches from the surface to be painted. Move in a slow, steady sweeping motion, and keep the can moving. Before you begin spraying your project, you can test on an old piece of cardboard to see how quickly the paint flows out.

Learn more spray paint application tips
Sanding chair with scuff pad

Glidden Max-Flex spray paint application

How do you hold the can properly, and why is this important?

Holding the can properly is the best way to assure an even coating and avoid drips. It is always better to start too far away than too close. You can always move closer, but beginning too close can cause drips. You should start about 10 inches from the surface to be painted. Move in a slow, steady sweeping motion, and keep the can moving. Before you begin spraying your project, you can test on an old piece of cardboard to see how quickly the paint flows out.

Learn more spray paint application tips
Glidden Max-Flex Exterior Fabric paint can be used to paint fabric and rugs, but first, you need to make sure there are no coatings that could keep the spray paint from adhering to the surface. You can test this by dripping a small amount of water on the carpet or fabric. If it forms beads, then there is probably a stain-resistant coating. If the water soaks in quickly, then you will probably be able to paint the surface with no issues.

Buy Max-Flex Exterior Fabric Spray Paint
 

Can you apply spray paint to interior and exterior fabric or rugs?

Glidden Max-Flex Exterior Fabric paint can be used to paint fabric and rugs, but first, you need to make sure there are no coatings that could keep the spray paint from adhering to the surface. You can test this by dripping a small amount of water on the carpet or fabric. If it forms beads, then there is probably a stain-resistant coating. If the water soaks in quickly, then you will probably be able to paint the surface with no issues.

Buy Max-Flex Exterior Fabric Spray Paint
 
If the surface has a wrinkled look after it dries, then it means there was a coating underneath that would not allow the new paint to adhere properly. To correct this, you can lightly sand* the surface to remove the wrinkles. Apply a light coating over the area using quick bursts. Allow it to dry completely. Do not saturate the surface or apply the spray paint too thickly, or it could wrinkle again.

Learn more spray paint application tips
 
Always use spray paint in a well-ventilated area.
*WARNING! If you scrape, sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop. Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on to www.epa.gov/lead.
 
Newly painted welcome mat

Spray paint being applied to chair

What causes the paint to “wrinkle” after spraying?

If the surface has a wrinkled look after it dries, then it means there was a coating underneath that would not allow the new paint to adhere properly. To correct this, you can lightly sand* the surface to remove the wrinkles. Apply a light coating over the area using quick bursts. Allow it to dry completely. Do not saturate the surface or apply the spray paint too thickly, or it could wrinkle again.

Learn more spray paint application tips
 
Always use spray paint in a well-ventilated area.
*WARNING! If you scrape, sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop. Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on to www.epa.gov/lead.