WHAT KIND OF PAPER TO USE FOR SPRAY PAINT ART?

"Can I use a normal paper? What kind of paper spray paint artists use? Where to get it?"... These are the question people ask me very often. So can you use a normal paper?  No :). You will need a special paper called poster board. Why is it so important?

Because the normal paper absorbs the spray paint and you will not be able to create the texture. Other thing is that the colors will be faded and the painting will just not look good. I have demonstrated it in this short video.

I usually buy poster board sized 100 x 75 cm and cut it in half for one painting. That is the smallest size they offer in the stationary where I shop. They have it in all bigger paper stores. Ask the kind shop assistant for help if needed. 

How will you recognize it? 

Poster board is white and glossy on the one side. The second side is grey and matte (like toilet paper tube). You will always spray on the white glossy side.

How much does it cost?

I buy 100 x 75 cm for less than 1 USD

Can you use something else?

Yes. You can use also canvas or lacquered wood or anything else, what will not absorb the paint. I have made my first spray paint artworks on pieces of my old wardrobe (from white laminate). If you have some shelves you don't use, try it with them. You might also use a tile, but for me, poster board works as number one. 

If you want to try spray paint art now and don't have a poster board, you can also take a note book or magazine, and use the inner white glossy side of its cover. Or use the old poster from the bottom side (pages of wall calendar works the same). It is much better to spray on the white surface than on colorful one (like magazine). That is because when you create some texture, you will remove the paint and the original surface will appear as on the following pictures:

Correct: Making texture on the white side of calendar page

Look who's there! Making texture on the normal side of calendar page - original print is going through the layer of spray paint

Try the different surfaces to find out what is the best for your painting. Just remember to choose something glossy what will not absorb the paint (old laptop, fridge or car will work well😀). Good luck with your painting, make sure you wear the half mask respirator to protect yourself ;).