If you are into woodworking, chances are, you have already heard about spray painting. Can you spray paint wood? Yes, you can. Spray painting is described as using paint using sprayable cans. This results in a high gloss or satin finish, making it a very popular option among modern woodworkers. However, is it better than paint? Let us take a close look at these two methods.
Spray Painting – What is It?
If your aim in painting furniture is to achieve even coverage without visible brushstrokes, then spray painting is an amazing choice. The task is also faster, though there is a specific requirement when spray painting. It should be done in ventilated and well-lit areas. With a single coat using spray paint, it is possible to get good coverage unlike painting with a brush. It is also one of the best ways to reach areas that are hard to access.
If you want to give your furniture a fresh look fast, spray painting is a good choice. It may be used on any furniture type, such as chairs, tables, and benches. Note, however, that it may pose some challenges when used on bigger surfaces, because of the tendency of getting a splotchy finish. When spray painting, do so in well-ventilated areas and use a ventilation mask.
Better than Paint?
Brush painting needs more time to complete than spray painting. There are advantages to this method, however. For example, it can guarantee a more intricate output. It can be performed using a brush or a foam roller. With brush painting, you can also choose from a wide range of options on colors. You may even mix colors to create a custom color that will suit your style and preferences.
Painting with a brush is also more affordable as it can cover a bigger surface area compared with spray paint. In terms of safety, paint is generally less toxic. You can apply latex paint in your house because it does not produce a lot of fumes. On the other hand, spray painting has to be done in well-ventilated locations, with a respirator mask on while doing so.
When painting on a piece of furniture, the quality of the brush used also affects the output. The best ones are those that are properly angled. It is also best to ensure that the paint is applied in even and thin coats. When painting on large and flat surfaces, it is often better to use a foam roller with rounded surfaces to get the job done, fast.
How to Achieve the Best Results When Spray Painting?
While it is true that spray painting is a very convenient way to achieve an even, smooth finish on wood surfaces, some factors need to be considered to achieve a flawless result. This includes the following:
- Sand the Surface Ahead
Just like with brush painting, it is best to sand the surface of wood beforehand, thoroughly removing rough edges. You may want to start with using rough sandpaper, repeating using a finer grit to achieve a very smooth texture.
- Use Appropriate Primer and Paint
When getting primer and paint, it is important to make sure that they are compatible with one another. Most recommend using suitable primers and designed to work with a specific paint. It is better to check this out first.
- Remove Hardware
This highly depends on the furniture type that you are working on. There may be a need for you to unscrew and remove components. For example, if you are working on drawers and cabinets, you may need to remove the handles and knobs beforehand. The drawers also need to be detached and painted separately. When all of the parts and components are already dry, that is the time that you can reassemble the furniture.
- Cover Objects and Areas Surrounding the Furniture
Note that spray paint is composed of small particles which may settle on the surfaces that surround the object that you are painting. Therefore, it is very important to protect them ahead. This can be done by covering all objects surrounding it, including the floor. You can use it as cover drop cloths, newspapers, or masking tape.
- Select the Right Furniture
When spray painting on wood furniture, it is vital to avoid upholstery. When painting on outdoor pieces, choose a paint that offers a higher degree of sun protection and moisture resistance. Avoid painting on antique furniture because altering these pieces may lessen their value.
Conclusion
Can you spray paint wood? No doubt. However, as to whether spray paint is better than paint, the choice is up to you. As you have learned from this guide, each method offers its own set of benefits. Depending on the output that you are trying to achieve, one method may be favored over the other. Why not share with us your spray-painting experience? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Feel free to share this article if you like!
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