Shake Before Use

Flake or Die spray paint consists of a mixture of propellant gas, paint, and solid particles (such as pearl pigment or metal flakes). These components may separate over time, so be sure to shake the can vigorously and thoroughly to re-mix them for an even application.

Test Your Paint

Once the paint is well mixed, test the spray output before applying it to your surface. This helps clear any unmixed portions from the straw that feeds the nozzle and allows you to check if further shaking is needed. Improperly mixed paint can result in drips or runs on you painting surface.

Practice Spraying

The effect of your spray will depend on the speed of movement and the distance of the nozzle from the surface. Painting too closely or too slowly may cause drips or bubbles. Be sure to shake the can between bursts to keep the paint well mixed. (For practice, you might want to use a cheaper paint to learn the technique.)

Clear and Clean Your Nozzle

When you're done painting, invert the can and spray to clear the nozzle. This will expel only gas, helping to clear the straw and nozzle. For paint with heavy particles, you may also want to clean the nozzle manually with paint thinner after use. To keep the straw clear for your next use, store the spray can upside down.

TLDR

To prevent spray paint from clogging, shake the can vigorously before and during spraying to ensure the paint is well mixed, and clean the nozzle with a cloth or cotton swab dipped in paint thinner after each use to remove any dried paint buildup; when finished using, spray upside down for a few seconds to clear the nozzle line with the remaining solvent. Store cleared can upside down to help keep lines cleared for future use.