Can You Spray Paint Wood? – Detailed Guide

Spray paints happen to work way better than the typical paints which often lands you in the most unpleasing situations. For this exact reason, many people now prefer spray painting objects than the regular paints. It could be because they cause no mess and less trouble and are likely to give you commendable results. You can easily spray paint any non- porous object which includes glass, metal, plastic and ceramics.

Have a thought ever ringed in your mind that perhaps you can spray paint wood? Which is a porous object, well this may be a bit astonishing but you can indeed spray paint wood. For this you will need to be aware of the right method and techniques needed to accomplish this task.

Can You Spray Paint Wood? – Getting Started

In this article I will be elaborating about this matter and will answer all of your queries regarding the subject. So what are you waiting for! Scroll down to get the essential info needed.

What If You Can Spray Paint Wood?

Yes you can surely spray paint wood but what you don’t know is the right way to handle it. You can think of this as a cooking recipe, you need to have all the ingredients and a correct method to proceed with the recipe.

If you followed all the instructions rightly you will have desirable results but if you failed to do so, then you might end up with a dreadful outcome. The same thing applies here, spray painting wood is not a challenging task only if you are aware about the ‘must’ to do things.

Well, spray painting wood is one thing but selecting the right spray paint is another and a determinant of how the results will be. Since wood is a porous object you need to be extra careful while handling it.

Knowing the type of spray paint, whether the wood needs priming or sanding or if the wood is stained is extensive in this regard. However, this is not the only thing you need to be aware of. If you want the events to turn in your favor then you will have to follow the instructions and tips mention below. Also read about spray painting brass.

Essential Things To Know Before Spray Painting Wood

1. The right type of spray paint

It is critical to know the right type of spray paint and its compatibility with the wood. In the first step, you need to assure if your spray paint is the right type or not before proceeding with your work. If you are aiming for a finer look then you should opt for a professional sprayer which is easily available in the market.

2. The state of the wood

You need to inspect whether or not the lumber is bare. And if incase it is then you might have to prime the wood before continuing your work. This step is crucial because coating the wood with primer results in a fine looking wood with the added gain of zero paint absorption.

If you’re planning to spray paint your wood furniture then go through my article about paint sprayers for furniture

Is sanding or priming necessary?

Well this option is totally dependent on one thing that is, if the wood was previously varnished or painted. If that is the case then priming and sanding the wood becomes essential. It is necessary because not doing it will cause many issues including chipping and bubbling which will eventually ruin the wood.

Can you skip sanding while spray painting wood?

Well, it is not a wise decision especially when the wood you are working on has a rough or uneven surface. Spray painting a wood which is not in its best shape will make your efforts go in vain. If you are doubtful about it, then it’s better to sand the wood just to be on the safer side. Doing this will double the chances of you getting a finer looking wood.

However, there could be exceptions where you can skip this step. For instance, if the wood is in its best shape or have no protrusions, lumps or bumps then sanding the wood might not be necessary. If you want to avoid doing this step then you can go for chalk spray paint. But completely relying on it is not wisely and the results will not be equivalent to sanding.

You may also want to know can you paint rubber

Is a primer essential in spray painting wood?

A primer gives the wood a solid base and helps prevent the paint from getting absorb. Wood is a porous object and is likely to absorb the paint. So you need to prime the wood in order to avoid coating the wood many a times which is just the loss of your efforts and time.

Moreover, it makes the paint stick fast to the surface nicely. Also read a detailed guide on how to use oil based paint over water based primer.

What kind of spray paint you should go for?

Your options are not limited in this regard in fact you can use a variety of spray paints on wood.  General-purpose spray paints, chalk spray paints and lacquer spray paints are the most suitable and compatible with wood. Also you can find spray paints in multiple vibrant and classic shades. However, you will have to make sure that the spray paint clearly states it can be used on wood.

If you are new to painting, there are chances to have paint on your hands while painting. To remove spray paint from your hands or other body parts, have a look at detailed guide on how to get spray paint off your hands.

How To Spray Paint Wood? – Step by Step Guide

You can get your work done by following the steps mentioned below:

1. Take necessary precautions

Safety comes first when doing something like spray painting. To avoid getting the paint in your eyes or worst inhaling it, you will need to cover your face with a mask and wear goggles to keep your eyes protected.

2. Sand the wood

As discussed before sanding is crucial to avoid getting chips and cracks later on. Plus it smoothens the small projections and protrusions which results in a flat surface.

3. Remove the dust

Remove the dust left on the wood surface after sanding. Make sure to clean it using a soft sponge before proceeding to the next step.

4. Find a place to paint

You need to be careful while selecting a location to spray paint wood. If it is an open area then the weather might intervene in your work. A garage or a closed space where you will not mind making a mess would be ideal.

5. Prime the wood

The type of spray paint and the condition of the wood surface determines whether or not priming is needed. It is optional but priming the wood will give better results.

6. Spray paint the wood

Last but not the least spray paint the wood once you are done with the above steps. Make sure to read the instructions mention on the spray can and then cover the wood by using long and even strokes.

You may also be interested to read about best paint sprayers for fences

Wrapping Up Guide To Spray Paint Wood

If you are fed up with the typical method of painting then spray paints could be a solution to your struggle. They are easier to handle and performs well on many surfaces like glass, plastics, metals and even wood.

Spray painting wood is not demanding but it does requires a right approach. You can get your wood all covered up with spray paint by following the tips and tricks mention in this article. And perhaps you might be able to get professional results at the end.