Spray Painting Furniture | The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Introduction

Spray painting furniture can transform your pieces into stylish, durable items that enhance your home decor. This tutorial will guide you through the essential steps to achieve a professional-looking finish when spray painting wood furniture, along with tips to avoid common pitfalls.

Step 1: Clean the Furniture

• Use Krud Kutter and an old damp rag to thoroughly clean the surface of the furniture.
• Ensure that all dirt, grease, and old wax are removed to promote better paint adhesion.

Step 2: Fill Wood Grain

• If you're working with oak or other woods with visible grain, fill the grain using spackling paste.
• Apply the spackling with a paintbrush or roller, ensuring you cover the areas evenly.
• Allow the spackling to dry completely before proceeding.

Step 3: Protect Surrounding Areas from Overspray

• Lay down a plastic drop cloth to protect your floors.
• Use pre-taped plastic and painter's tape to cover any areas you don’t want to paint, like drawer edges and hardware.
• Ensure that everything around your workspace is well-protected to minimize cleanup later.

Step 4: Prime with Spray Primer

• Shake the Zinsser 123 primer spray can well before use.
• Apply the primer in light, even coats, keeping the spray can about 12 inches away from the surface.
• Allow each coat to dry as directed on the primer can—typically around 30 minutes between coats.
• Aim for about two to three coats of primer for a smooth base.

Step 5: Sand the Surface

• Once the primer is fully dry, lightly sand the surface using 220 grit sandpaper.
• Use a fine grit foam sanding sponge for corners and detailed areas.
• This step helps to create a smooth finish for the paint.

Step 6: Spray Paint the Furniture

• Shake the chosen spray paint can, in this case, Behr in Toasty Gray, and prepare to spray.
• Apply the paint in light, even coats, starting with a horizontal pattern and then switching to vertical for the second coat.
• Allow the paint to dry fully between coats, usually about 30 minutes.
• Aim for two to three coats to achieve a solid color and finish.

Step 7: Final Touches

• Once the final coat of paint is dry, inspect for any imperfections and sand lightly if necessary.
• Clean the surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust.
• Reattach hardware or drawers, and allow everything to cure as directed on the paint can.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully spray paint furniture, giving it a fresh look that lasts. Remember to take your time with each step, especially the preparation and drying phases. For best results, consider experimenting with different colors and finishes in future projects. Happy painting!