Floral Spray Paint: How Florists Tint Flowers, Foliage and Containers
Floral spray paint lets you match a flower or container to a theme without waiting on a special order. A can of gold turns pine cones and branches into holiday accents. A soft blue tints white flowers for a baby shower. A navy coat refreshes a plain container for a corporate event.
This guide covers how florists use floral spray paint, step by step, plus color ideas for events and holidays.
What floral spray paint is used for
- Fresh flowers. Tinting white or pale flowers to match a color that is hard to find, like blue roses or a client's brand color.
- Dried and preserved materials. Branches, pods, grasses, pine cones and dried flowers.
- Containers and props. Refreshing baskets, ceramic pots, cement planters and props for events.
- Accents. Gold and silver highlights on holiday arrangements, wreaths and centerpieces.
What we carry
Our floral spray colors come in 400 ml cans, 12 per case, in 25 shades:
| Color family | Shades |
|---|---|
| Metallics | 002 Brite Gold, 003 Brite Silver |
| Blues | 005 Larkspur Blue, 006 Soft Blue, 014 Aqua, 050 Navy Blue |
| Purples and pinks | 008 Pale Orchid, 015 Lavender, 019 Rose, 026 Regal Purple, 029 Azalea Pink |
| Reds and oranges | 024 Tangerine, 034 Floral Orange, 036 Holiday Red, 049 Sunrise Red, 051 Burgundy Red |
| Greens | 011 Green Olive, 028 Signal Green, 042 Holiday Green |
| Neutrals | 020 Soft White, 021 Soft Black |
| Yellows | 080 Chrome Yellow |
| Fluorescents | 126 Fluo Yellow, 399 Fluo Pink, 699 Fluo Green |
We also carry gold and silver glitter spray in 300 ml cans, Leafshine spray in 600 ml cans for green foliage, and a flower shop fragrance spray. See all of them in Floral Sprays & Paint.
How to tint fresh flowers
- Start with pale flowers. White and cream flowers take color best. Roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, hydrangea and baby's breath are common choices.
- Make sure the flowers are dry. Spray on dry petals so the color sits evenly.
- Work in a well ventilated area. Follow the directions and warnings on the can label.
- Hold the can at a distance. Keep the can about 12 inches or more from the flower, or as the label directs, so the spray lands as a light mist instead of a wet spot.
- Spray light coats. Turn the flower as you spray. Two or three light coats look more natural than one heavy coat.
- Let it dry before arranging. Set the stems in a bucket or rack so painted petals do not touch.
- Test first. Try one stem before doing a full order so you can check the shade under your shop lights.
How to paint dried stems and containers
- Dried materials: Remove dust, then spray light coats from several angles. Metallics like Brite Gold and Brite Silver are popular for holiday branches and pods.
- Containers: Clean and dry the surface first. Spray in light, even passes and let each coat dry. This works for refreshing baskets, planters and props for a one-time event.
Need containers to paint? Look at Baskets and Cement Planters.
Color ideas by event and season
| Occasion | Shades to try |
|---|---|
| Baby showers | 006 Soft Blue, 029 Azalea Pink, 015 Lavender |
| Weddings | 002 Brite Gold, 003 Brite Silver, 020 Soft White, 008 Pale Orchid |
| Corporate events | 050 Navy Blue, 021 Soft Black, brand colors from the full range |
| Graduation | School colors such as 050 Navy Blue, 036 Holiday Red, 080 Chrome Yellow |
| Halloween | 034 Floral Orange, 021 Soft Black, 026 Regal Purple |
| Christmas and holidays | 036 Holiday Red, 042 Holiday Green, 002 Brite Gold, glitter sprays |
| Proms and parties | 126 Fluo Yellow, 399 Fluo Pink, 699 Fluo Green |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Spraying too close. Holding the can too close leaves wet, blotchy spots and can weigh petals down. Step back and build color in light coats.
- One heavy coat. A single thick coat looks painted. Several light coats look natural.
- Spraying damp flowers. Water on petals causes streaks. Let flowers dry after processing.
- Skipping the test stem. Shades can look different on different flowers and under different lights. Always test one stem first.
- Arranging too soon. Painted petals that touch while wet can stick or smudge. Give them time to dry.
Tips from the workroom
- Keep a color card. Spray a sample on white card stock and label it with the shade number. It makes client approvals faster.
- Order by shade number. Shade numbers make reordering simple, and they help staff grab the right can.
- Store cans upright in a cool, dry place.
- Use Leafshine for foliage. It adds shine to green leaves for displays and plant orders.
How ordering works
Sprays are sold by the case, 12 cans per case. Mix shades and other products to reach our $1,000 order minimum. We ship by freight nationwide, or you can pick up in Vernon, CA by appointment. Read how to order wholesale, or apply for a wholesale account to start buying.
Frequently asked questions
Can you spray paint fresh flowers?
Yes. Floral spray colors are made for fresh and dried flowers. Use light coats on dry, pale petals and let them dry before arranging.
What flowers take floral spray paint best?
White and cream flowers such as roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, hydrangea and baby's breath take color well.
How many cans come in a case?
Our 400 ml floral spray colors come 12 cans per case. Glitter sprays and Leafshine are also 12 per case.
Can I mix spray colors in one order?
Yes. Each shade is its own case, and you can mix shades and any other products to reach the $1,000 minimum.
Can floral spray paint be used on containers?
Yes. Many florists use it to refresh baskets, pots and props. Clean the surface first and spray in light coats.
