Badr Spray Paint, 400 ml, Assorted Colours

Aerosol spray paint lays an even film with no brush marks, which is why it is the finish for anything with an awkward shape — a frame, a lamp, a model, a chair, a set of letters. The trade-off is that everything within a metre or two of the work gets painted as well, so preparation matters far more than technique does.

Mask and cover generously, work outdoors or with real extraction and a mask rather than just an open window, and shake the can for a full minute before you start. Build the colour in several light passes from about 25 to 30 cm out rather than one wet coat: a heavy pass runs, and a run cannot be brushed out afterwards. Keep the can moving past the edges of the work instead of starting and stopping on it. When you finish, invert the can and spray for a second to clear the nozzle, or it will be blocked solid next time you reach for it.

Supplied in assorted colours, so confirm the shade you want when you order. A 400 ml can covers a surprising amount of ground in light passes — usually enough for a chair or a set of small frames — and running out halfway is worse than buying one too many, because a second can from a different batch can differ slightly in tone.

• 400 ml aerosol
• Even film with no brush marks, on awkward shapes
• Several light passes from 25-30 cm, never one wet coat
• Ventilate properly and wear a mask
• Invert and clear the nozzle after use