Spray Painting Antique Furniture

Spray painting is fairly easy if the prep work is done correctly. You can really use any paint you like! The paint chosen should match the primer, eg water-based with water-based and solvent-based with solvent-based.

First, let's talk about chalk paint. Don't get me wrong here... chalk paint is really fun to use. However, the claims that any chalk paint makes - no sanding, no primer? Never! You exfoliate and smear your face with primer before putting on a full face of make up! Why not the furniture?! Preparation is key to longevity.

You can certainly interchange the spray gun with a foam roller (the steps stay the same), but come on... PROFESSIONAL! Bosch has a range of electric spray guns available at all hardware stores, and even Takealot.com. It is extremely easy to use and works similar to a leaf blower.

So here is a step by step guide on how to spray paint your own furniture:

This was a client's antique piece that she wanted spray painted in a satin black.

1. Remove all the handles, locks, fittings - anything you don't want sprayed. You can mask it with masking tape if it isn't removable but it's far easier to sand your furniture without masked protrusions.

2. Clean the furniture with benzene, turps, spirits, you get the idea. Do not use anything soapy because it is difficult to clean the soapy residue off.

3. Start sanding! I used 180 grit sanding paper for the antique piece. Think of yourself creating a roughened up surface for the furniture to become porous for the primer to adhere.

3. Clean off all the dust with an old rag.

4. Now it's time to spray the primer! I used a solvent-based filler primer for this antique piece but you can easily get away with a cheaper alternatively like Dulux Supergrip - a multi purpose primer - which is water-based and easy to clean. Supergrip can be found at nearly any hardware store such as Builders Warehouse, Brights, Mica, etc. When spraying primer; use a rigid motion, and overlap each sprayed section for optimal coverage. Let the primer dry, and give a generous second coat.

5. Once the primer is completely dry, sand your furniture lightly to smoothen out the surface. Wipe away all the dust.

6. Next, simply spray your paint the same way you spray your primer. I sprayed the antique piece with solvent-base polyurethane. You can use water-based polyurethane and if Dulux Supergrip is used, any water-based paint. Pearlglo (Dulux), Velvaglo (Plascon), Fired Earth, Duram, PVA, you name it! And... in absolutely any colour and sheen you desire. No more standard chalk paint colours.