How to Apply Holographic Paint (Spray Gun & Spray Can) – Quick Guide

Holographic paint creates a rainbow effect that changes with the light and viewing angle. Before painting, follow our surface preparation guide: How to prepare the surface before painting. The recommended base colour is black, as shown in our product photos, but other colours can also be used. The base colour remains visible and the holographic paint adds a sparkling rainbow effect. Over a black base, the overall appearance becomes greyish; over other colours, the change in the base shade is usually minimal. Always carry out a test spray first.

Quick guide:
  • Temperature: 18–25 °C · Working area: well ventilated and free from draughts
  • Spray gun: HVLP/RP with a 1.3–1.4 mm nozzle · Mixing ratio: 1:1
  • Spraying distance: approximately 20–30 cm · Overlap: approximately 70%
  • Base colour: black recommended, evenly matte and without sand-throughs; other colours may also be used

1) Basecoat

  • Lightly abrade the surface using a Scotch-Brite pad, degrease it with a silicone remover and wipe it with an antistatic tack cloth.
  • Apply black 1K basecoat in 2–3 thin coats. The finish must be evenly matte, without glossy areas. Allow approximately 5–10 minutes between coats.
  • After the final coat, allow the basecoat to flash off for approximately 20 minutes. It should appear matte and should no longer feel tacky.

2) Holographic paint – spray gun

  • Mix the paint with thinner at a ratio of 1:1 using an HVLP/RP spray gun with a 1.3–1.4 mm nozzle.
  • Apply 2–3 very thin coats, allowing approximately 10 minutes between coats. Use smooth, consistent passes with an even spraying distance and overlap.
  • After the final coat, allow approximately 40 minutes for the surface to flash off. It must be dry enough to wipe gently with an antistatic tack cloth.
  • The effect is transparent and changes with the light and viewing angle. In direct sunlight, it creates a dynamic moving rainbow arc.

3) Clear coat

  • Choose a gloss, satin or matte clear coat according to the desired finish. Apply it according to the manufacturer’s technical data sheet. We recommend a 2K clear coat for improved durability and UV protection.
  • When using a 2K aerosol clear coat, observe its specified pot life after activation.
Tips:
  • Always carry out a test spray on a sample panel to check the base colour, application technique and final finish.
  • Keep both the paint and the part at room temperature.
  • When painting several adjoining parts, spray all visible surfaces together in the same position so that the holographic effect flows evenly from one part to the next.

Holographic paint – spray can application guide (400 ml)

Holographic paint creates a colour-changing rainbow effect. For the correct result, apply it over an evenly matte basecoat without sand-throughs. A black base is recommended. The effect must then be protected with a clear coat, ideally a 2K clear coat. Holographic paint is available both in spray cans and for spray-gun application.

Quick guide – spray can:
  • Temperature: 18–25 °C · Working area: well ventilated and free from draughts
  • Shake: for at least 2 minutes before application and regularly during use
  • Spraying distance: 20–30 cm · Overlap: approximately 70% · Movement: smooth and continuous
  • Number of coats: basecoat 2–3 · holographic paint 2–3 very thin coats · clear coat 2, or optionally 3 thinner coats
  • Coverage: approximately 1.0 m² with 2–3 thin coats, depending on the application technique

1) Basecoat

  • Lightly abrade the surface using a Scotch-Brite pad, degrease it with a silicone remover and wipe it with an antistatic tack cloth.
  • Apply black 1K basecoat in 2–3 thin coats, allowing approximately 5–10 minutes between coats. The goal is an even matte finish without glossy areas.
  • After the final coat, allow approximately 20 minutes for the basecoat to flash off. It should no longer feel tacky.

2) Holographic paint – spray can

  • Shake the spray can thoroughly for at least 2 minutes and carry out a test spray on a sample panel.
  • Apply 2–3 very thin mist coats, allowing approximately 10 minutes between coats. Maintain a spraying distance of 20–30 cm and an even overlap of approximately 70%.
  • Move the spray can smoothly and continuously. Do not begin or end a pass in the middle of the part, as this may create visible stripes. Check the effect regularly under different lighting conditions.
  • After the final coat, allow approximately 30–40 minutes for the surface to flash off. It must be dry enough to wipe gently with an antistatic tack cloth.

3) Clear coat – 2K recommended

  • Choose a gloss, satin or matte clear coat. Apply 2 medium coats or, where appropriate, 3 thinner coats according to the manufacturer’s technical data sheet.
  • When using a 2K aerosol clear coat, observe its specified pot life after activation.
Tips for a better result:
  • Temperature: keep both the spray can and the part at room temperature. In cold conditions, the can may be warmed briefly in lukewarm water at approximately 30–35 °C.
  • Spray-can position: keep the can vertical at all times, with the valve and nozzle facing upwards. This helps prevent spitting and loss of pressure.
  • Starting and stopping: begin spraying before reaching the edge of the part and release the nozzle only after passing beyond the opposite edge.
  • Nozzle: clean it regularly during application to prevent dried paint and droplets from forming.
  • Several adjoining parts: spray all visible surfaces together in the same position so that the shade and holographic effect flow evenly from one part to the next.

Safety

Work in a well-ventilated area and wear suitable protective gloves, safety glasses and a respirator fitted with filters for organic vapours. Always follow the safety data sheets (SDS) for the products used.

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