Spray Paint:
I love spray paint. Painting large projects with gallon or craft paint, more often than not, leave paintbrush streaks, and oh how I hate those streaks. Spray paint seems to look more store bought not hand made.
Spray paint adheres to most materials, but you must match paint to project. If you are painting plastic, for example, make sure you have paint made for plastic. Spray paint is also time saving. Instead of waiting hours for coats to dry, it take minutes.
Spray paint is more pricey though.The two brands I like the best are Krylon (has a great nozzle) and Rust-oleum Painter's Touch 2X Coverage. When spray painting make sure to always primer the project. It will save money in the long run and pave way for the best results. I like Rust-oleum primer but Kilz works well too. The sheen of the paint is up to you. I usually choose satin for it is easier to wipe down.
When painting use a back and forth motion. The paint should start off the side of the project and end up off the other side of it. If the project will be handled a lot, say like a table, I recommend sealing it with a polyurethane.
Gallon Paint:
First off don't buy cheap paint. Cheap paints have a higher percentage of solvents (up to 70%). Meaning cheap paint has tons of water in it. Which in return, evaporates and leaves little color behind. This is why you end up re-coating fourteen different times with the cheap stuff lol.
Latex paint- Most common, water based and environmentally safe. Clean up with just soap and water. Latex paint is almost odorless and dries fast. This paint can even prevent mildew and moisture. Exterior and interior of your home can all be painted with Latex paint. But be aware that allergies to latex include this type of paint!
Oil based paint- I don't use oil based paint or Alkyd paint much. Latex can handle almost any job oil based paint used to be known to only do. Oil based paint usually is used in wet areas like bathrooms. But they take forever to dry, smell awful, need paint thinner for clean up and release bad chemicals (volatile organic compounds) into the air. I did use it to paint the interior of my camper trailer though.
Crafting Paint
When it comes to crafting there is a paint for every project. Acrylic paint can be used for an array of projects. Just remember it dries very quickly. Mixing paint can sometimes be a problem for that reason. There is also specialty paint like magnetic and chalkboard paint. My favorite paint lately is Martha Stewart's new Acrylic paint . You can paint almost any surface; wood, fabric, glass, plastic, metal! And even better the paint it dishwasher and washing machine safe. Best paint ever, right? There is 160 gorgeous colors too.
Speaking of Chalkboard Paint here is how to make your own super easy!!
Start by picking ANY shade of flat-finish latex paint. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.
