Musings on Spray Paint...

As many of my projects lately have involved using spray paint, I feel compelled to issue a word of warning: using spray paint can really hurt!

When I select my paint, I always do it based on how I plan to use the finished piece, what material it's made of, and what I want it to look like. I never give much thought to the spray mechanism. But even among Rust-oleum spray paints, there's a wide variety of spray nozzles:

See that one on the left? That's the top of the lacquer spray paint that I used to paint the bathroom vanity. And it has the absolute WORST kind of button! Days later, my index finger is still a little bit numb, and my wrist hurts (carpal tunnel?). Using that kind of spray can for any sort of prolonged period is nothing short of torture. It really, really hurts!

Fortunately, there ARE other types of spray mechanisms that are much more comfortable to use-- both of the other ones shown above, for example. I especially like the one with the pull trigger. SO MUCH NICER to use!

However, sometimes the product you need only comes with that awful old button. I did some research, and there are a few options to avoid the numb finger I am currently experiencing! First I found this-- The Can-Gun. Looks pretty cool, right??

Rust-oleum also apparently sells a similar product for under $7. Huh... who knew? You'd think I would have seen that, with all the time I've spent on the spray paint aisle!

Anyway, take it from me: if you plan to do any amount of spray painting, get something like this! It will save your finger and your wrist! I am going to pick one up the next time I go out...