How to Use Spray Paint

Whether you’re a beginner looking to add some color to your furniture or an experienced painter looking for new techniques, spray paint is a versatile and easy-to-use medium for any project. In this post, we will talk about this type of paint for furniture and show you how to use spray paint effectively.

You might want to use this on your next DIY projects, so read on!

photo of spraying paint using a spray can with text overlay

One of the great things about spray paint is its convenience and efficiency in painting furniture. Unlike traditional brush and roller methods, spray paint offers a more even and smooth coverage with less effort. Plus, it dries much faster too!

Another benefit of using spray paint is the wide variety of colors and finishes available. You can find everything from metallics to matte and glossy finishes to suit your desired look and style.

This makes spray paint perfect for adding a pop of color or reviving old furniture pieces.

Moreover, spray paint is also cost-effective. You don’t need other tools like brushes or rollers, so you can save money on additional supplies.

Plus, you can easily find affordable spray paint options in most hardware or craft stores!

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Using Spray Paint on Furniture

Now that you know why spray paint is a great choice for your furniture projects, here are some tips and tricks you can follow to get the best results.

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Taping to Prevent Overspray

Spray paint can easily spread and create a mess if not used properly.

To prevent overspray, it’s important to tape off any areas or surfaces that you don’t want to get paint on. This can include adjacent walls, flooring, or other furniture pieces.

You can use pre taped plastic to easily cover large areas and protect them from any stray paint particles. With pre taped plastic, the tape is already stuck to the plastic, making it super convenient and efficient.

For smaller areas, you can use painter’s tape to carefully cover edges and corners.

photo of using pre taped plastic to protect large areas from overspray

Additionally, it’s a good idea to cover the floor with cardboard, a dropcloth, or plastic to avoid any accidental spills. This will also protect your floors from getting damaged by the paint.

Taking these precautionary measures can save you time and effort in cleaning up later on. Here’s more on how to prevent overspray when painting furniture to guide you.

photo of setting up spray booth to prevent overspray

Not only does taping prevent overspray, but it also allows for more precision in your painting.

By sectioning off areas, you can easily control where the paint goes and you can make sure to get a clean and professional finish.

Sanding and Priming Before Using Spray Paint

Before you go ahead and use spray paint, make sure to prime your surface with some actual real primer. And we don’t mean the paint and primer in one spray can – that’s not enough to make your paint stick.

For better results, use a separate primer before applying the actual spray paint. You can easily find spray can primers like BIN shellac primer or 123 primer in most hardware stores or online.

Here’s our list of the best spray primer for wood to learn more about the features and benefits of each spray primer!

If you want even better adhesion for your spray paint, lightly sand your surface with 220-grit sandpaper before priming.

This will help the paint stick better and prevent any chipping or scratching later on, especially if your project will get a lot of use or have kids around it.

After sanding, make sure to remove all the dust by vacuuming it off and wiping it with a tack cloth. This makes it clean and prepares furniture for painting.

Applying Spray Paint on Furniture

Spray paint can give a smooth and even coverage, but it’s important to follow the right techniques when applying it on furniture. But first, decide where you’ll be working on your project.

An outdoor space with good ventilation is ideal for using spray paint, as the fumes can be quite strong. If there are any other things in the area that you don’t want to get paint on, make sure to cover them.

photo of applying spray paint onto furniture

We also recommend that you wear a respirator to protect your lungs from harmful fumes. This is especially important if you’re using spray paint for an extended period of time.

It’s also a good idea to wear gloves and protective eyewear to avoid any skin irritation or eye damage.

Next, make sure to shake the spray can well before using it. This helps to properly mix the paint and guarantee a smooth application.

When spraying, keep the can 5-10 inches away from the surface and use quick, even motions.

Start at one side of the furniture piece and work your way down in a controlled manner. It’s better to do multiple thin coats rather than one heavy coat to avoid drips or runs in the paint.

For spray painting intervals, it’s important to read the instructions on the back of the can. The recommended time for applying additional coats may vary depending on the brand and type of spray paint you’re using.

The usual recommendation is to spray multiple thin coats within an hour of each other or wait 72 hours before applying the next coat. Taking your time and following instructions can make all the difference!

After Using Spray Paint

Once you’re finished using spray paint, it’s important to let the surface dry and cure properly. This can take anywhere from 24-48 hours.

Rushing to use the furniture before it’s fully cured can result in scratches or smudges on the paint.

Don’t be tempted to touch or move your newly painted furniture too soon. Even if the paint feels dry to the touch, it may not be fully cured yet. Give it enough time to harden and set before using it.

It can take a month for the paint to reach its maximum hardness, so be patient if you want the best results. You can use it as normal after that time period!

What Spray Paint to Use

There are a lot of options out there when it comes to spray paint for furniture.

If you have wood furniture you want to paint, our list of the best spray paints for wood furniture will be helpful to you.

photo of different brands of spray paint

You can also get a lot of inspiration from these spray painted furniture ideas using the spray paints from the above list.

We have also compared 4 chalk spray paint brands in this post, specifically Rust-Oleum VS Magnolia VS Krylon VS Behr – if you’ve considered chalk paint, you’ll want to check it out!

And if you have metal furniture that needs a makeover, our posts on the best spray paint for metal furniture and the best spray paint for outdoor metal furniture will give you awesome choices to work with!

photo of spraying spray paint onto metal furniture

So are you ready to give spray paint a try on your next furniture project? With its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and professional results, we hope this guide has convinced you to give it a go.

Remember to prepare your workspace, use proper spray painting techniques, and allow the paint to cure before using your newly painted furniture.

More Painting Furniture Tips

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How to Use Spray Paint