How To Spray Paint Wood
Are you looking for the best tips and tricks which will help you learn how to spray paint wood better and faster? Do you want to become a spray paint master without much of a fuss?
Well, that was exactly what I wished to achieve when I decided to spray paint my old wood dining table several years ago. It’s amazing how much spray paints have involved for only a couple of years. However, there’s one thing which is more important than the paint itself, and that’s your technique.
The good news is that spray painting on wood is the simpler alternative as opposed to using a paint brush. Paint brushes tend to leave gross strokes and uneven patches due to brush marks and drips.
When it comes to more intricately designed furniture, spray paint is a game changer, too. So what are we waiting for? Let’s get down the fin part, shall we?
What You Will Need To Follow This Tutorial
- Drop Cloths
- Masking tape
- Spray paint
- Breathing mask, plastic gloves, and glasses (optional)
- 150-grit and 220-grit sandpaper
- Vacuum cleaner
- Linen-free, soft cloth
- Wood primer (optional)
Pro Tips
1 – Work in a well-ventilated area
Even though protective gear does provide reliable protection from the toxic fumes, emitted by some primers and paints, the safer you play, the better for your well-being. With this in mind, don’t forget to open the windows and/or turn on the fan to help the fumes evaporate quickly.
2 – Check if the wood primer is compatible with the spray paint you choose
Some wood primers can ruin all the efforts and precision you put for spray painting wood. It is your responsibility to read the labels of the products you choose very carefully. That’s the only way to check if the primer you are about to use is compatible with the spray paint to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Step by Step Instructions for Spray Painting Wood
Step 1 – Cover and protect all exposed areas before you sand and prime the wood
Image Credit: bundleupsale.com
Use drop cloths and masking tape to make sure no spray paint will get in touch with surfaces you don’t want to damage.
Remove all furniture or cover it with drop cloths or plastic sheets.
Now, it’s time for some sanding! If the surface of the wood is not smooth enough, spray paint will end up quite messy and deprive the wood of the effect you wish to achieve.
Start with 150-grit sandpaper and follow the grain of the wood.
Remove all the dust left behind with a clean, damp, linen-free cloth.
Use the vacuum cleaner for the surrounding area. Mind that if you’re planning to spray paint on wood which already possesses a layer of varnish, finish, or paint, you may have to start with coarse-grit sandpaper instead of medium-grit sandpaper.
Once the surface of the wood is clean, dry, and dust-free, apply a layer of primer.
Step 2 – Start spray painting after testing on a scrap piece of wood
Image Credit: longfabu.com
Spray painting is like a game for children; there’s nothing to worry about!
However, different spray paints have a different consistency, as well as speed, among others. Thus, it’s always best to feel the spray paint by testing it on a scrap piece of wood first.
Doing so will help you adjust your hand to the grip, understand the power you will need to apply, as well as the most suitable distance for working with the spray paint.
You need only a few minutes practicing. Keep in mind, though, that applying spray paint in dusty or windy conditions is NOT recommended.
Do you feel ready to spray paint wood after reading this tutorial? Did we manage to inspire you and charge you with a healthy dose of confidence for your next DIY project? If so, then our mission for creating this article is successful! We appreciate your time and support.
We’d love to hear from you with more tricks, hacks, questions, or anything else you’d like to share in the comment section below. By hitting the Like and Share buttons, you can help us spread the love for all things woodworking related made easy!
