I painted something with spray paint a while back and while I liked the paint at the time, I think it's too dark in the space now that I've done some more work. Overall, I like the color. I was thinking of top coating it anyway, but never got around to it originally. Is there anything that might lighten the color? It's a kind of large piece so I don't want to go through a ton of new cans of spray paint when one or two cans of topcoat might work.
Edit: I would be fine with a paint on product too. I could even DIY a tinted topcoat if I can somehow mix some paint into polycrylic, which I have leftover from another project, so would be a nice cheap option.
You could try a white or pearl tinted clear coat, they make those for automotive applications. Might give it a slightly washed look though depending on how much lighter you're going for.
Thanks. I don't want to go a ton lighter, just a little bit.
Aside from maybe a white glaze coat, which might give an effect of it being lighter... not really. You can't subtract color by adding more on top of it.
The only thing I know of that will lighten the color is repainting with lighter colored paint.
I assume you’re imagining something that will kind of give a white-ish cloudiness over top to lighten the shade? Don’t know if anything like that. I think the best you’ll do is be able to change the sheen. Having worked with finishing products for a while, I think your best bet is to just repaint. Anything that has the potential to do what you’re asking will probably require a thicker coat than plain old paint.
You don’t necessarily need to buy cans though. Look into HVLP sprayers that connect I an air compressor. There are some cheaper options out there, and if you already have the compressor, your repaint will be easier and cheaper than using cans. Plus, you’ll be set up for future paint projects. There are probably cheap used air compressors for sale on Craigslist/FB marketplace/etc. if you need one.
Out of curiosity, what's your favorite paint to shoot for small household projects where you might otherwise use an aerosol can? I have an HVLP touchup gun and actually just sprayed a project with Ben Moore Super Spec, but my local paint store said it's discontinued and they are just selling remaining stock. Automotive paint is so expensive, Rustoleum in quarts/pints is not tintable, a lot of the modern waterborne paints seem too thick and supposedly can't be thinned, and while I've had success with artist acrylics for very small projects I don't necessarily trust them for durability in places that are going to see wear and tear... looking for new options to try.
I like to shoot Benjamin Moore too. I usually go Scuff X for woodwork. Advance is nice too, but the recoat and cure times are insane. I almost never have time for that, but the finish is admittedly very nice. I tend use auto paint for metal, but sometimes get lazy and go rattle can if it’s a small job.
I mean, that's way more money than buying a can or two. I'm basically done with my painting projects. I have one small thing besides this project and I'm trying to use up what I have.
Oh ok, well you said “large project” and a “ton of cans”, so I thought it might be like 10 or 20. Sure, if it’s just a couple of cans, find a color you like and do that.
Even if you could find a suitable "color-lightening tinted clear coat" it seems to me that you'd need just as much of that as you would of paint in your preferred new color?
Could add a little bit of white acrylic or water-based paint to polyurethane sealer. I'd mix a little and make a test patch on an out-of-the-way bit of the painted thing to see if you like it.
uh, A tinted clear coat could be perfect then! Just test it on a small area first to see how it turns out.
Use a black mat to frame it so that it looks lighter by comparison.
There is a product called Killz that puts a barrier down so the undercoat doesn't bleed through, great for covering reds and blacks.