How to Use a Paint Sprayer on Furniture

Spraying paint with a paint sprayer is an art. But mostly it’s just fun! Before you dive into your next project, learn about these best tips for how to use a paint sprayer on furniture.

This step-by-step tutorial uses the Wagner Double Duty Paint Sprayer.

Learn how to use a Wagner Double Duty Paint Sprayer here!

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We’ve received so many questions about our Wagner Paint Sprayer that we decided we needed to dedicate a series of posts on how to use a paint sprayer to refinish furniture.

I could never go back to brushing our paint on all of the pieces we refinish. Not only does it make painting easier and faster, but spraying also creates that smooth even finish you see in stores.

How to Use a Paint Sprayer on Furniture

Each sprayer is different in its controls and features, so we’re just going over the basics of what we look for when spraying.

Spraying furniture is an art, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. 😉

It can be a little nerve-wracking to start spraying for the first time.

Like this time when I convinced my husband to do his very first makeover using a paint sprayer!

There are so many things to keep your eyes on as you spray to make sure you get the best results.

Test Before Painting the Furniture

Before we start spraying, we always spray a little bit on some cardboard or plastic; basically, anything that we don’t mind getting some paint on.

We look to see how much is coming out as well as what pattern the paint is coming out in.

Some days I like spraying in an up and down pattern, while other days I choose to spray side to side.

It also depends on the piece and what part of the piece I am spraying.

Adjust the Amount of Spray

First I make sure the paint flow is coming out at the right speed. I don’t want too much or too little coming out.

On this paint sprayer, there is a little knob by the trigger that adjusts the amount that will spray out.

If too much paint comes out at once you’ll end up with drips, if too little comes out, you will be wasting precious time and end up frustrated.

Adjust the Pattern of the Spray

Next, I check to see the pattern of the stream. On this sprayer, there are 3 options.

Vertical, horizontal, or round spray.

Depending on the area I’m spraying, I choose either vertical or horizontal.

If I want to spray side to side I put it on vertical, and if I am spraying up and down I put it on horizontal.

You can also leave it on the round spray, but I find that the round spray doesn’t cover as much area as I like it to.

Spraying Furniture with a Paint Sprayer

Once the controls are adjusted to your preference, it’s time to start spraying.

When spraying start off the edge, pull the trigger, and go completely across the piece to the other side.

Make sure you’re past the edge before turning around and going back across.  

If you’re still spraying the piece of furniture when you make a u-turn with your gun, you double spray that exact area, which leads to too much paint and potential drips in that area.

While spraying across the piece, it is best to overlap each pass a bit.

Otherwise the finish tends to be uneven, with some places painted completely while others just get a mist of the spray.

From the Wagner Owner’s Manual

I hold the paint sprayer about 5-6″ away from the piece and hold the sprayer straight while I move across the piece.

Bending the wrist ends up with heavier paint in some spots, and lighter paint in others.

Once my thin base coat is dry, I work on getting into all of the details on the piece. This usually means I’m bending my wrist more and holding the gun at an angle.

I like to spray the furniture from every direction (the spray gun pointing straight, up, down, to the left and to the right).

That way I make sure to get into every detail on the piece.

How to Prevent and Fix Drips

It’s always best to spray less paint to prevent puddles and drips, especially until you get used to painting with a spray gun.

If you do happen to get drips and puddles, quickly and lightly brush that area before any paint drys.

It’s better to have a small brush mark than to have a large drip running down a piece of furniture.

And usually, the brush marks get covered by the next coat of paint.

If the piece has drawers, I usually start with the drawers all closed. After the whole piece has full coverage, I open the drawers to touch up the places that didn’t get paint.

See how I tape off my drawers to allow me to leave the drawers in.

The first few times using a paint sprayer can be intimidating and even difficult. But after a little bit of time spent getting to know the paint sprayer and how to thin paint you’ll be an old pro!

If you wonder what paint sprayer we use and why we LOVE it check out our honest review of the Wagner Double Duty Paint Sprayer.

More Resources:

• How to Paint with a Paint Sprayer
• How to Clean a Wagner Paint Sprayer
• Spraying Poly with a Paint Sprayer
• What Paint to Use on Furniture
• The Best Spray Paint for Wood Furniture