Spray Paint Furniture
It is more common to spray paint furniture now that you can buy a wide variety of spray paints. Spray paint is not only available in a wide range of colors and textures, but it is now made to cover a variety of materials. You can spray paint over plastic, metal, wood, wicker and even stained furniture. There are some basic steps to follow when spray painting furniture.
Steps
- Choose the spray paint you will use. Make sure it is the right spray paint for the type of furniture you are trying to paint. You can purchase special spray paint for outdoor furniture. Pick a color and texture that you like. Check the can to see how much you will need to buy to cover your furniture completely.
- Wash the furniture well with soap and water if needed. You want the piece of furniture to be completely clean before you begin spray painting.
- Rub a piece of sandpaper or a wire brush over the furniture to remove any loose old paint or rust. If the piece of furniture is unfinished, you may still want to complete this step to remove any splinters. Using sandpaper on any surface will rough it up and help the paint to stick to the surface. Wipe the furniture with a damp cloth after completing this step.
- Check to be sure to see the furniture is dry before you begin painting. After you finish cleaning and sanding, you will want to be sure the piece has time to dry or the paint will not stick.
- Remove any hardware from the piece of furniture. You can use a screwdriver to remove hinges, doorknobs and any other removable parts.
- Cover any part of the furniture you do not wish to paint, such as a mirror, with painter's tape and newspaper.
- Place the furniture in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. You may want to put something underneath the furniture, such as newspaper or plastic, to protect the ground.
- Shake the can before you begin spraying and several times while you are spraying. This ensures that the paint goes on in thin coats.
- Spray with even strokes completely covering the piece of furniture. Keep the can moving to prevent running from too much paint being applied in one spot.
- Give the paint 1 hour to dry and then apply a second coat. Check the paint can to see that this drying time is accurate for the type of paint you are using.
- Hold the can about 1 foot (30 cm) away from the object you are spraying. If you get too close, you will cause the paint to run.
- Allow the furniture to dry for several hours before placing it in its new home.
Tips
- It is best to avoid spray painting on a windy day. The majority of your paint will end up everywhere but on the furniture.
- Spray paint will not stick well to a surface that is slick.
- Avoid painting when it is raining or scheduled to rain within the next 24 hours.
- Try to avoid painting on a hot humid day or in direct sunlight.
- Read and follow the instructions carefully that are printed on tin.
- Use a primer to make your paint job last longer. Primer promotes top coat paint adhesion, means it helps paint to stick the surface properly.
- Keep the cane in motion during spray!
- It is suggested to apply multiple light coats rather than a thick single coat.
- Don't use aerosol spray near open flame.
- If the valve clogs, twist and pull off spray tip and rinse in a solvent such as mineral spirits. Do not insert any object into can valve opening.
- Wipe off tip before storing when finished spraying. Clean up wet paint with xylene or mineral spirits. Properly discard empty container. Do not burn or place in home trash compactor.
- Cover the surrounding areas to avoid spray mist.
Things You'll Need
- Spray paint
- Sandpaper
- Wire brush
- Newspaper
- Screwdriver
- Damp cloth
