Paint Runs: Hairspray

What You'll Need

What You'll Need

• Aqua Net Hair Spray ($3)
• Acrylic Craft Paint ($2)
• Cheap Paint Brush ($4/Package)
• Canvas/Board

Things to Consider

If you're using a surface made of paper or coated in paper, the porous materials will absorb most of the paint and hairspray. It will not have the same lengthy paint runs. For best results, use on blank or painted canvas, on top of glossy magazine clippings, or pre-treat the paper surface with a sealer or Mod Podge.

Step 1:

Dip the paintbrush in the paint. Then, dab the paint brush on the surface where you would like the drip to begin.

Apply paint to the surface with a paintbrush.

Step 2:

While the paint is still wet, spray the dabbed paint generously with hairspray until the hairspray creates a small pool on the surface.

Spray the paint with hairspray.

Step 3:

Tilt the surface forward so that the board is vertical. The paint and hairspray will begin to drip downward. If the effect is not dripping as much as desired, spray more hairspray on the area while it is still vertical.

Let the paint and hairspray run down the vertical surface.

Step 4:

Prop the board against a wall to let the drips continue to run until they dry. At this point, you can continue to repeat the technique on other areas of the board while it is still vertical. Vary the paint colors to create more interest, if desired.

Completed work with various paint runs.

Variations

A few variations of this technique exist. One way is to spray water onto the area as opposed to hairspray. Hairspray, however, dries faster and will drip as much. 

Another alternative is using ink. Ink, in comparison is more expensive and applied with an eyedropper. It also keeps a consistent color and opacity as it spreads. Ink will drip better on porous surfaces as opposed to the hairspray and paint technique.