How to Spray Paint Furniture

Using spray paint for furniture is a more budget friendly option compared to painting with tools such as brushes, rollers and paint sprayers. It is also a quicker and easier method, making it perfect for DIY projects. But to get the best results, you need to learn how to spray paint furniture right.

This guide will teach you the basics of using spray paint on your furniture, from how to prep the piece to how to apply it properly. Get ready to learn the ins and outs of spray painting furniture!

If you’ve never tried using spray paint before, you’re probably wondering what’s so great about it and how it works. Well, let me tell you, there are plenty of benefits to using spray paint on furniture! From efficiency to versatility, you won’t regret giving this method a try.

For one, it’s convenient – it requires less equipment compared to traditional painting techniques for furniture. You don’t need brushes, rollers or paint trays, just the spray can itself! This makes it perfect for those starting out or for those who prefer a simpler and quicker approach to DIY projects.

It comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes – you can choose from matte to glossy, and metallic to sparkly. It also works well on different surfaces such as wood and metal, so you really get a versatile solution for your furniture makeover needs.

Spray paints give you more control over the application, and this precision is especially useful for intricate designs or hard to reach areas on furniture. On top of that, it dries fast and smooth, so you can score a pro finish without waiting around forever.

Spray paint also tends to be cheaper than traditional paint, plus again, you don’t have to buy additional tools. This makes it a solid choice for anyone on a tight budget or dealing with big projects that need a lot of paint. It also means you won’t have to worry about cleaning and maintaining multiple tools!

How to Spray Paint

But before moving on to the actual spray painting process, it’s best to know the basics of how to use it! You don’t want to waste the paint by using it improperly, right? And you definitely don’t want to make a mess of your furniture!

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Preparing for Spray Painting

When getting ready to use spray paint, there are some key steps you’ll want to follow. Spray paint tends to give off some pretty strong fumes, so it’s important to have proper ventilation. Work outdoors if possible, or in a well ventilated area. And don’t forget to wear a respirator mask to protect yourself from those fumes! Here’s how to spray paint indoors if working outdoors is impossible.

There may be areas on your furniture that you don’t want to get paint on, such as the top of a table or the inside of a drawer. In order to avoid any accidental spraying, cover these areas with plastic or a dropcloth. You can also use painter’s tape to protect any edges or borders that you want to keep clean and paint free. Here’s how to prevent overspray when painting furniture for more tips to help you avoid overspray.

How to Use Spray Paint

Now that you’ve got yourself and your furniture ready to tackle spray paint, let’s talk about how to actually apply it! The first step is to shake the can of spray paint for about 2 minutes. This helps mix up the contents for a smoother application.

When you’re done shaking, hold the can about 5-10 inches away from the surface you want to paint, then spray it in quick sweeping motions. Start spraying off to the side and move your arm across the area you want to paint, then stop once you reach the other side. Repeat this process until you’ve covered the entire surface.

Apply thin coats of spray paint in order to avoid drips or clumps on your furniture. It’s a good idea to go for multiple thin layers instead of one thick one. This also helps the paint to dry evenly and quickly. After spraying each coat, give it less than an hour to dry before you apply the next one, or you may have to wait 72 hours to do so.

For a more detailed guide and helpful tips on using spray paint, here’s how to use spray paint and how to spray paint wood. If you have laminate furniture and don’t know if you can paint it with spray paint, check out our can you spray paint laminate furniture post to find out.

For dresser makeovers using spray paint, check out our list of spray paint dresser ideas!

How Long Does It Take for Spray Paint to Dry

When it comes to the drying time of spray paint, you can expect the surface to be dry to the touch within 30 minutes to an hour. However, this does not mean it is dry enough even for gentle use. Wait for about 48 hours for it to be completely dry, then you can use it.

However, you still need to be careful with the freshly spray painted piece for about a month. Give the paint some time to fully cure during this period. After this, you can use your furniture as normal without worrying about damaging the paint.

And remember, if you’re doing multiple coats of spray paint, spray the next coat within an hour or wait 72 hours. So it’s either you commit to finishing the project within the day or give it a few days in between coats. Either way works, just choose what’s more convenient for you!

How to Prevent Spots when Spray Painting?

One of the most common issues people encounter when spray painting is getting spots on their furniture. What do we mean by spots? They’re those annoying little areas you might have missed, didn’t give enough spray to, or just ended up with some blotches.

To prevent these spots, just be sure you’re spraying the right way. Like we said before, keep it consistent—stay about 5-10 inches from the surface and use quick sweeping moves when you spray. Don’t linger in one spot or move too slow, because that’s how you end up with uneven spots.

The paint may be dried or clogged up in the nozzle, so wipe it off before resuming your spray. You can use a paper towel for this. Keep the nozzle clean because it controls how much paint comes out. If there are any clogs, you’re not going to get an even coat of paint, and uneven coats mean spots! So, get into the habit of checking and wiping down the nozzle often as you spray. For a more detailed guide here’s how to prevent spots when spray painting?

How to Get Rid of Spray Paint Drips

Another common problem with spray painting is getting those pesky drips. They can ruin the look and smoothness of your furniture piece. But no stress, they’re totally fixable! Here’s how you can get rid of them.

First, wait for the paint to dry completely. If you try fixing it when the paint is still wet, it will only make the problem worse. Once it’s dry, take some sandpaper and gently sand down the drips until they’re smooth with the rest of the surface. Remove the dust from sanding after you’re done.

Finally, you can reapply another coat or two of spray paint to the area. Make sure to follow the same process of quick and consistent sprays with thin layers. This will help blend in the sanded area with the rest of the surface so it looks nice and seamless. Here’s how to fix spray paint drips for a step by step guide to fix spray paint drips.

But prevention is always better than a cure, right? So to avoid getting drips in the first place, be mindful of not spraying too close to the surface or letting the paint pool in one spot. Just keep it quick and steady for that smooth, drip free finish.

So we’ve covered everything from preparation and technique, to troubleshooting common issues. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to confidently tackle any spray painting project that comes your way.

More Spray Painting Furniture Tips

• Can I Spray Paint IKEA Furniture
• Best Spray Paint For Wood Furniture
• Best White Spray Paints for any project
• Best Spray Paint for Furniture
• Best Black Spray Paint for Furniture

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