How to Use Spray Chalk Paint
Spray chalk paint is one of the easiest and most user friendly options, especially if you’re a beginner. So, here’s everything you need to know about how to use spray chalk paint, including choosing the right brand and color and preparing your piece.
Plus, with these endless chalk paint furniture ideas, you’ll never run out of inspiration for your next project. Keep reading to learn more about this quick and easy way to transform your pieces!
Chalk paint is one of the types of paint for furniture that can be used on a variety of surfaces, such as wood, metal, glass, and more. And best of all, it’s very easy to use! Learn all about what is chalk paint? in this post.
The spray version is a more convenient option compared to traditional brush or roller application. It allows for a smoother, more even finish without the hassle of brush strokes or drips. And it’s a quicker process with it, too, making it perfect for those who want a fast and easy DIY project.
If you’re familiar with regular chalk paint… get ready because the spray can version is a little different. But it’s a good difference. It’s better! Read on to find out why.
Supplies Used for Spraying Chalk Paint
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- Krud Kutter and an Old Rag
- 220 Grit Sandpaper
- BIN Shellac Based Primer (if desired)
- Spray Paint of your choice
- Respirator
- Cardboard or Plastic to protect the ground
How to Use Chalk Spray Paint
Here’s everything you need to know. From choosing the right brand to getting the best results and what you can expect.
The Best Spray Chalk Paint
One of the first things you’ll need to do is to choose the right brand and color among the variety available. And while it’s tempting to just buy the cheapest option, it’s important to make sure you’re getting a product that’s going to work well for your project.
The most popular brands are Magnolia Home Spray Chalk Paint, Behr Spray Chalk Paint, Krylon Chalky Finish Spray Paint, and Rustoleum Chalked Spray Paint.
I’ll give a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each brand here, but I go into a lot more detail in my chalk spray paint review. You can also learn more about the Rustoleum Chalk Spray Paint here.
Convienence
When it comes to how easy these spray cans are to use, all four of these brands are pretty similar. They all come in easy to use aerosol cans with directions that are clear and easy to follow.
Coverage
In terms of application, we found that the Magnolia Home, Behr, and Krylon had the best coverage. They all dried to a smooth finish that you would expect with spray paint.
Drying Time and Finish
In terms of dry time, they all dried very similarly. As for the final feel, we found that Magnolia Home, Behr, and Rustoleum had the smoothest finish, and Krylon had more of a chalky finish.
Color Selection
All four offer a limited selection of colors. Rustoleum and Krylon have 12-14 color selections, while Behr and Magnolia only have 6 each. That’s a huge factor when choosing the brand you want to go with if you don’t want just black or white.
Preparing Furniture for Painting
Once you’ve chosen the right brand and color, the next step is to prepare your surface. This is important to make sure that your paint adheres properly and doesn’t chip or flake off later.
For best results, clean the piece with a degreasing cleaner, then scuff sand the surface with 220 grit sandpaper to help with adhesion. Check out how to clean furniture before painting to learn more about this step.
Sanding is also a great way to smooth out a rough surface. Learn the importance of sanding before painting furniture here and all about how to prepare furniture for painting here.
Priming Before Painting
Then, for best results, prime the surface with a bonding primer.
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Honestly, when I tested all of these brands, the results were great with and without priming. But if you want to be sure the new coating sticks really well, then I would recommend priming first. Check out the best primers for painting furniture in this post.
Spraying Chalk Paint
Now, it’s time for the fun part! It’s important to apply it in light, even coats until you get your desired coverage.
It’s better to apply multiple thin coats than one thick coat – otherwise, you risk drips and runs. You’ll also want to make sure that you recoat within 1 hour or after 24-48 hours (depending on the specific instructions of the brand.)
Once you’ve applied your final coat, let it dry completely (at least 48 hours) before using your finished surface. For more helpful tips, here’s our guide on how to spray paint wood. And if you’re wondering, can I spray paint IKEA furniture? – check out our post to get the answers!
Topcoating Spray Chalk Paint
You can topcoat with a clear coat if you want to protect the finish further or make it shinier. Learn more about the best topcoats for painting furniture here.
However, you don’t always need to do this as the chalk spray is quite durable on its own, and it’s not as chalky as the regular one.
(These are oil based instead of waterbased like regular chalk paint.)
Check the directions on your topcoat can for specific directions on how to topcoat.
Pros:
The biggest benefit of spray chalk is that it eliminates the need for a brush. This can give your project much smoother and more professional looking results.
It is more durable than the regular version, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for something that will withstand heavy use. Another advantage is that it’s easy to use – simply point and shoot!
Cons:
However, one downside is that it’s oil based, so it can be quite smelly to use. You’ll need to use it outdoors because of this.
Another potential drawback is that it can be messy if you don’t keep the overspray under control. Here’s our guide on how to prevent overspray when painting furniture. If it does happen, here’s how to get spray paint off wood to help you fix it.
And finally, it tends to be more expensive than the regular version, so it’s not the best choice for large projects. Read this post to learn more about the truth about using chalk paint for furniture.
Just remember to choose the right product, prep your surface properly, and apply thin coats until you get your desired coverage. And don’t forget to let your piece dry completely before using it again.
With just a little bit of effort, you’ll be able to transform any piece into something unique and beautiful! Check out these spray painted furniture ideas for your next project!
Can you use chalk paint in a sprayer?
It can be costly to use multiple cans for large DIY projects, so you might be wondering if you should invest in a sprayer and if it’s possible to use it for chalk paint. And yes, it is possible! But there are a few things you’ll have to do aside from the usual prep work.
First, you’ll need to thin out the coating. Its thick consistency can clog up the sprayer if not thinned properly. Some models come with a viscosity cup to help you get the right consistency, but generally, adding about 10% water and mixing well should do the trick. Learn more about how to thin paint for a sprayer here.
Next, filter the mixture as you pour it into the container to catch any lumps or debris that might clog up the nozzle and affect your finish. Then, do a test run on scrap wood or cardboard to get a feel for the sprayer and adjust its settings accordingly.
When you move to your actual piece, remember to keep a consistent distance and make steady back and forth movements. It’s also better to do two to three thin coats instead of one thick coat for an even coverage. Get more tips from our post on can you use chalk paint in a sprayer? and check out the best paint sprayer for chalk paint options here.
How to Use Spray Chalk Paint
Spray chalk paint is a great way to give furniture a new look without the hassle or expense of refinishing. Here's how to use spray chalk paint.
Materials
- Krud Kutter
- Old Rag
- 220 Grit Sandpaper
- BIN Shellac Based Primer (If desired)
- Spray Paint of your choice
- Cardboard or Plastic to protect the ground
Tools
Instructions
- Start by choosing a brand and color of spray chalk paint and make sure it's suitable for the material you want to paint.
- Clean the surface well with a degreasing cleaner to remove oils, grease and grime. Sand if you want to be sure the paint will stick the best it can, then clean off the dust.
- For best results, prime the surface with a bonding primer.
- Spray your chalk spray paint in light, even coats until you have achieved your desired coverage. Recoat within 1 hour or after 24-48 hours (check your paint for specifics.)
- Let paint dry completely before handling or using. Most brands of spray chalk paint will dry to the touch in 20 minutes, but you should wait at least an hour before handling.
- You can choose to topcoat your chalk spray paint with a clear coat if you want to protect the finish further or make the paint shinier. However, you don't always need to do this as the chalk spray paint is quite durable on its own.
- Enjoy your beautifully painted surface, and be sure to use it with care so that you can enjoy it for many years to come!
Recommended Products
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More Spray Paint Resources
- How to Spray Paint a Dresser with Chalk Paint
- The Best Spray Paint for Wood Furniture
- Spray Painting Furniture
- Krylon VS Rustoleum Spray Paint
- Best Spray Paint for Outdoor Metal Furniture
Follow us on YouTube to get more tips for painting furniture. Or share your project with us on our Facebook Group and be part of our community. See you there!