Water-Based Spray Paint: A Guide for Indoor and Canvas Work
Water-based spray paint is what we recommend when someone wants to paint indoors, work on canvas, or run a session with a group that can't be around the smell of standard graffiti paint. It's also what we use when we run workshops indoors. It isn't a replacement for standard graffiti paint on a big outdoor wall, but for the right job it's the better choice.
The short answer: choose water-based spray paint for indoor projects, canvas and fine art, polystyrene and props, and workshops with young people. Choose a standard graffiti paint like Loop or MTN 94 for outdoor walls, shutters and anything that needs maximum coverage and durability.
MTN Water Based 400ml
MTN Water Based 300mlWhat is water-based spray paint?
Most graffiti paint carries its pigment in solvents, which is where the strong smell comes from. Water-based spray paint uses water as the main carrier instead, with an acrylic binder. The result is a low-odour paint that dries to a matt finish, cleans up with water while it's wet, and is water-resistant once it's dry.
The range we stock is MTN Water Based from Montana Colors in Barcelona. It's a low-pressure can, so it's easy to control for detail work, and we carry it in 400ml and 300ml cans.
Water-based vs standard graffiti paint
| Water-based (MTN Water Based) | Standard graffiti paint (Loop, MTN 94) | |
|---|---|---|
| Smell | Low odour | Strong solvent smell |
| Indoors | Yes, with good ventilation | Outdoors or very well-ventilated spaces only |
| Finish | Matt | Matt (MTN 94) or satin (Loop) |
| Wet clean-up | Soap and water | Needs a solvent cleaner |
| Polystyrene | Safe to use | Solvents can melt it |
| Pressure | Low | Low (MTN 94) to medium (Loop) |
| Outdoors | Water-resistant once dry; varnish it for long-term outdoor work | Made for outdoor walls |
| Price at Paintbox | £8 a can | £4.75 (Loop) or £5.50 (MTN 94) |
Where water-based spray paint works best
Indoor projects
Studios, classrooms, offices and event spaces. You still need ventilation (see below), but you won't fill the building with solvent fumes.
Canvas and fine art
Water-based paint works well on canvas, paper, wood and board. The matt finish photographs well, you can work into wet paint with a brush for texture, and once it's dry you can add detail on top with paint markers like Posca.
Polystyrene, props and set builds
The solvents in standard spray paint can eat into polystyrene foam. Water-based paint doesn't, which makes it the one to use for props, models, signage and set pieces.
Workshops, schools and youth groups
When we run graffiti sessions indoors, we use low-odour water-based spray paint. If you're planning one, see our workshops for schools and youth groups or our team building sessions.
When standard graffiti paint is the better choice
For big outdoor walls, shop shutters and anything that has to stand up to years of weather, use a standard graffiti paint. It covers faster, costs less per can and is built for outdoor use. Loop is our best-value all-rounder; our Loop vs MTN 94 comparison will help you choose.
How to use water-based spray paint indoors
- Ventilate. Low odour doesn't mean no fumes. Open windows and doors and use a fan to push air outside. The safety label still says to use it in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear a mask and gloves. You still don't want to breathe in spray mist. A respirator with A2P2 filters and nitrile gloves are the standard kit.
- Protect the room. Overspray travels further than you'd think. Cover floors and furniture with dust sheets, and use a large cardboard box as a simple spray booth for small objects.
- Keep it away from heat and flames. The paint is water-based, but the propellant in any aerosol is flammable.
- Shake well. Shake for about a minute after you hear the ball rattle, and keep shaking as you go.
- Spray thin coats. Several light passes look better and dry faster than one heavy coat, which is more likely to run.
- Clear the valve. When you've finished, turn the can upside down and spray for a couple of seconds until only gas comes out. That stops the cap from blocking.
Tips for painting on canvas
- Use a primed canvas. Most shop-bought canvases come already primed with gesso.
- Thin coats matter even more when the canvas is upright, because heavy paint runs.
- Build colour up in layers, letting each one dry to the touch before the next.
- Fix mistakes quickly. Wet paint wipes off with a damp cloth.
- Leave the finished piece a full day to dry before you varnish or frame it.
Shop water-based spray paintShop Loop spray paint
Order online for UK delivery, or choose free click and collect from our shop at 389 New Cross Road, London SE14 6LA, usually ready within 24 hours.
Water-based spray paint FAQs
Is water-based spray paint waterproof?
It's water-resistant once it's fully dry. While it's wet, it cleans up with soap and water. For work that has to last outdoors, finish it with a clear varnish.
Can you use water-based spray paint indoors?
Yes, as long as the space is well ventilated. Open windows, use a fan to move air outside, and wear a mask and gloves.
Does water-based spray paint smell?
Much less than standard graffiti paint, but it isn't completely odour-free, and you're still creating a fine mist of paint. Ventilation and a mask still matter.
Can you use water-based spray paint on canvas?
Yes. It works well on primed canvas, paper, wood and board, and you can add detail on top with paint markers once it's dry.
Is water-based spray paint safe on polystyrene?
Yes. Unlike solvent-based spray paint, it won't melt or eat into polystyrene foam, which is why it's popular for props and set builds.
Can under-16s buy water-based spray paint?
No. In the UK it's illegal to sell any spray paint to anyone under 16, and that includes water-based paint. Young people can still paint with it at one of our supervised workshops.