• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Creations by Kara

  • RECIPE INDEX
    • Appetizers and Snacks
    • All Bread Recipes
      • Bread- Muffins and Scones
      • Bread: Quick Breads
      • Bread: Yeast Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Crock Pot
    • All Dessert Recipes
      • Dessert: Brownies and Bars
      • Dessert: Cakes and Cupcakes
      • Dessert: Candy
      • Dessert: Cheesecake
      • Dessert: Cookies
      • Dessert: Frozen
      • Dessert: Misc.
      • Dessert: Pies and Crisps
    • Drinks
    • All Holiday Recipes
      • Christmas Recipes
      • Easter Recipes
      • Halloween Recipes
      • St. Patrick’s Day Recipes
      • Valentine’s Day Recipes
      • 4th of July Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • All Main Dish Recipes
      • Main Dish- Beef
      • Main Dish: Chicken
      • Main Dish: Fish
      • Main Dish: Pork
      • Main Dish: Vegetarian
    • Low Carb Recipes
    • Restaurant Recipes
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
    • Non-Food
  • DIY
    • Craft Tutorials
    • DIY Project Tutorials
    • Holiday Tutorials
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Tips & Tricks
    • FREEBIES
      • Free Patterns
      • Printable Gifts
      • Holiday Printables
      • LDS Printables
      • Printable Home Decor
  • HOLIDAYS
    • 4th of July
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Halloween
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • SHOP
  • MEAL PLANS
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases, (no cost to you).
Home ยป DIY & Tutorials ยป DIY Project Tutorials ยป DIY Furniture Refinishing-Spray Paint Style

DIY Furniture Refinishing-Spray Paint Style

June 28, 2010 by Kara Cook 73 Comments

  • Share

I have refinished furniture with paint, and I have refinished furniture using stain. I decided I wanted to try refinishing a piece of furniture with spray paint to see how it turned out.

It all started with a little table that I got last year for $15 at the thrift store. It kinda scratched up, but I loved the shape, so I bought it anyway. It’s been sitting in my garage for months. I decided it was time to dust it off and give it a makeover. Here are the instructions in case you want to try it yourself. (You do, you want to try it. It’s easy. Promise.)

Refinishing Furniture with Spray Paint

1-Start with an old piece of furniture. When you’re shopping, ignore color. Just look for design or shape that you like. I started with this table.
how to-spray paint furniture2-Fill any holes or scratches in the furniture with putty or spackling. I used this stuff:
how to-spray paint furniture3-After the spackling dries, you want to sand the entire piece. Roughing up the surface helps the paint stick better, so make sure you sand everything. You don’t have to sand it down to the bare wood, a light sanding is just fine. When you are done sanding, make sure you wipe off all the dust. Tack cloth works best, but baby wipes or slightly damp rags will work in a pinch.
how to-spray paint furniture4-Primer. This step is optional, especially if you are painting a piece of furniture a dark color. If you are painting a dark piece of furniture a lighter color, you will definitely want to use primer. It will cut down on your coats of paint A LOT.  I did it on this piece just to be safe.  I haven’t had great luck with spray paint primer, so I used Kilz primer and brushed it on. I just did one coat and it worked fine.
how to-spray paint furniture5-After your primer has dried for at least 24 hours, you are ready to paint. I used Krylon satin black spray paint. Make sure you use light coats so you don’t get drips. Several light coats is way better than a couple thick coats. Follow the instructions on the can so you know how long the paint should dry between coats.
Here’s my table after several light coats of paint:
how to-spray paint furniture6-After your piece of furniture is thoroughly dry, you can distress the edges if you like. I like distressing, because if you have kids, everything ends up “distressed” anyway, so you might as well make it look like you did it on purpose. ๐Ÿ˜‰
For pieces like this that have small details, I think it is easier to sand by hand than to use my palm sander. A large nail file works great for getting into small spaces. (How sad is it that I wear out more nail files on wood than I do on my actual nails?) When you are done distressing, carefully wipe off all the dust.
how to-spray paint furniture 7-At this point you can be done. But with four boys, I wanted an extra layer of protection. I decided to add a coat of polyurethane. I used this stuff:
how to-spray paint furnitureIt’s really easy, you just pour it on a rag and wipe it on. I used two coats. The directions said to sand in between coats, but I thought that was waaay to much work. So I just applied one, let it dry, and applied another one. It seemed to turn out fine. Fabulous actually!

Here is the final product.
how to-spray paint furniture
Much better, doncha think?

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Just enter your email and get it sent right to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from me every week!

Filed Under: DIY & Tutorials, DIY Project Tutorials, Furniture Makeovers, Spray Paint Tagged With: spray paint

Previous Post: « Easy Recipe-Steak and Potato Skillet
Next Post: Raspberry Cherry Crunch {Berry Crisp} »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Matt

    January 22, 2023 at 10:09 pm

    I have this exact end table and was thinking about finding a new home for it. Any chance you’d be interested in it?

    Reply
    • Kara Cook

      January 23, 2023 at 11:07 am

      Actually, I gave mine away a few years ago when we moved. Hopefully you can find a good home for yours. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  2. Shirley

    July 26, 2019 at 8:09 am

    Oh this came out just perfect! I love the finished product! I am redoing my hutch top and buffet in black and I want the wood to show through like this. I really hadnโ€™t thought about spray painting it but now Iโ€™m thinking this might work out well. Mine is probably mahogany wood underneath, which is a dark wood. I was actually going to sand it completely down and use a hemp oil or linseed oil on it first to get the wood coloring I am going for and then painting over it. I donโ€™t really want to use a primer. I think I will do some testing on another piece of mahogany first to see if I can get the results Iโ€™m looking for before I begin. Well I see you have gotten comments throughout the years and decided to add one for 2019! Happy crafting!

    Reply
  3. La Habra Fence Company

    August 26, 2016 at 7:19 am

    Simply amazing! I love the painted furniture. it looks so cool. If we apply paint on fence, it will also improve the exterior look of home.

    Reply
  4. William

    July 20, 2015 at 7:15 am

    Thank you so much for your posts about painting furniture. I’m about to take on several furniture painting projects in my own home, and I wouldn’t even know where to begin without your ‘tutorials’. So THANK YOU! I hope they turn out as pretty as yours!

    Reply
  5. illidansmith.blog.com

    May 29, 2014 at 3:36 pm

    Heya i am for the primary time here. I found this board and I find It really helpful & it helped me out
    much. I’m hoping to provide something again and aid others like you aided me.

    Reply
  6. used furniture

    November 18, 2013 at 2:31 pm

    What’s up, I wish for to subscribe for this web site to take most recent updates,
    thus where can i do it please assist.

    Reply
  7. Lisette

    November 18, 2013 at 12:01 am

    Thank you a lot for sharing this with all of us you really recognise what you’re talking about!

    Bookmarked. Please also discuss with my site =). We can
    have a link trade contract among us

    Reply
  8. Trena

    September 8, 2013 at 3:30 am

    Hi mates, ice piece of writing aand good arguments commented here,
    I amm in fact enjoying by these.

    Reply
  9. Tania

    August 19, 2013 at 7:11 pm

    How did you get spray paint on the inside of the rods? I have a very similar table (just mine has a lift up drawer on the front) and after spraying the whole piece, I now realize that the paint is not evenly distributed on the rods (hard to get in between them for example).

    Reply
  10. casinos began spring

    August 5, 2013 at 11:35 pm

    Nice blog here! Also your website loads up very fast!
    What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate
    link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours
    lol

    Reply
  11. Jules@Happy House and Home

    July 24, 2013 at 9:34 am

    This is just what I was looking for before I spray paint a really old table and chairs. I actually thought I’d just sand and paint, but now I’m definitely going to prime. I will add the poly too – kids galore, dog and cat – say no more! Thank you for your help! Julia

    Reply
  12. hardwood flooring below grade

    April 25, 2013 at 1:29 pm

    Great post.

    Reply
  13. Lolli S

    March 31, 2013 at 1:15 am

    I absolutely love this table! I have one at home almost identical to the before one that I have been wanting to refinish black! It looks like I have a project on my hands! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  14. Patricia Dulaney

    February 16, 2013 at 11:35 pm

    Amazing result! Pretty cool! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Kara

      February 20, 2013 at 8:20 pm

      Thanks Patricia! It really is amazing what spray paint can transform!

      Reply
  15. Annette

    January 19, 2013 at 10:23 pm

    I have these same exact end tables and the matching coffee table that was my husbands grandparents. I’ve been thinking about updating them

    Reply
    • Kara

      February 1, 2013 at 8:07 am

      Oh, you really should. I love mine so much more now!

      Reply
  16. Vanessa Mumford

    December 27, 2012 at 6:24 pm

    I perfectly love the result! We have similar furniture at home and I am planning to refurnish it too. Thanks for sharing the idea. ๐Ÿ™‚ Great job!

    Reply
  17. Painting

    November 28, 2012 at 11:16 pm

    I love painting furniture.
    So many options and if you mess up, you can paint over it.

    Reply
  18. Martha Ayotte

    September 13, 2012 at 3:41 pm

    I love your technique. We just bought a house in another state. I have an old secretarial desk of my mother’s. It is missing some verneer and her cat gouged it pretty badly. I am going to paint it black using your technique. Hope it comes out nice as yours!

    Reply
    • Kara

      September 18, 2012 at 10:07 pm

      I bet it will Martha. Spray paint is very forgiving, and can transform just about anything. Good luck!

      Reply
  19. Kerry Ann Pike

    August 10, 2012 at 11:53 pm

    Why type of spray paint did you use? There are so many different finishes and such that I’m lost in that area. Help!!!

    I have a living room set that is still functional but needs to be updated and I’m about to take sandpaper and spray paint to it but don’t know which type.

    Reply
  20. Casey

    July 7, 2012 at 9:08 am

    You just made my day! I wanted to paint with a darker spray paint, but was nervous. I will be doing this later in the week! = )

    Reply
    • Kara

      July 7, 2012 at 9:45 am

      Yay, glad to hear it! Let me know how your project turns out!

      Reply
  21. haley

    April 2, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    I just bought a table like this at an antique store with the idea to refurbish it! Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
  22. Professionial Furniture Restorer

    March 24, 2012 at 12:26 pm

    I think your table turned out beautiful but it is not refinishing, you did refurbish it, refinishing or restoring a finish the art of repairing or reapplying the wood finishing on an object to make it as beautiful is when new. With an antique the goal is to Restore the finish not refinish the piece because it will devalue the item.

    Martha Stewart paint can be brushed on and when dry will leave no brush marks. I used it in vintage pieces all the time. Also Behr paint is another great paint although a little more expensive.

    Reply
    • Kara

      March 26, 2012 at 9:03 am

      I use the Behr paint all the time and I love it!

      Reply
  23. Susane B

    January 2, 2012 at 10:43 pm

    So I did a project with end tables like this, and EVERYTHING I tried to use to give a protective layer never worked. The polyurethane spray paint never cured– it just remained tacky. The shellac “booger’d up” really gross all over… So I just re-sanded and repained multiple times and finally left it with no protective layer… But now things STILL stick to it and flake the paint off. It’s been MONTHS since it’s been painted— PLEASE HELP!

    Reply
  24. Stephanie

    January 1, 2012 at 8:31 pm

    I have always hated those particular tables, but seeing it painted made me realize I just hate the stain. I love what you did with it!

    Reply
    • Kara

      January 2, 2012 at 11:25 am

      Thanks so much Stephanie! It is amazing what a little paint can do! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  25. Nick

    December 30, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    Spray painting gives it a really great finish. Have you ever tried compressed air spraying or airless spray guns?

    Reply
  26. jayb

    August 22, 2011 at 10:21 am

    Love it! I’ve always been taught to never use spray paint on wood because it won’t turn out well–but yours looks perfect! Lesson learned ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  27. Ana

    July 23, 2011 at 12:51 am

    OMG!! I just gave mine away ๐Ÿ™
    ’cause I didn’t know what to do with them (4)
    so so sad

    Reply
  28. luxury home

    July 19, 2011 at 6:09 am

    Thanks for sharing the cleaning techniques

    Reply
  29. Erin

    July 11, 2011 at 6:14 am

    Wow, this really turned out great! I have an old wooden, half painted, kitchen table that is in desperate need of refinishing. I am going to give this method a try for a new look, thanks so much for the instructions!

    Reply
  30. stef

    June 27, 2011 at 2:05 pm

    Looks great! Just curious though, has the paint chipped or scratched off at all? I want to spray some chairs, but I’m not sure the paint would adhere properly and end up chipping off.

    Reply
  31. water removal

    May 20, 2011 at 12:53 pm

    great way to save money and still make your home look beautiful.. good job and great idea haha.

    Reply
  32. Anna Boyd

    July 27, 2010 at 11:31 am

    I have a question and wondered if you could help me. I just now got back to working on the coffee table I mentioned in my last comment. I applied the first coat of paint (dark brown) and it shows my terrible job of putting primer on. Must have put the primer on to thick becouse it has some runs. I saw it after it had already dried, so I sanded it as much as I could. But when I put my first coat of dark paint on it, it is showing everything!! I was hoping the second coat would cover some of that up, but it didn’t. I have spent about $30 on everything I needed for this (primer, paint, sandpaper) and can’t stand the thought of giving up on it now.
    The sides and legs aren’t that big of deal to me if they have some bumps and uneven-ness, but the top REALLY shows every flaw.

    My original plan was to distress it like you did yours. Will that cover some of the blemishes on top? Do you have any ideas on how to make this any better?
    Also, I know you used spray paint, but I bought mine in a can. I’ve been using a brush; would it look nicer if I used a roller?

    Sorry, I hope this is not too many questions, I just have never done anything like this before and I need someone creative to help me out. Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • Courtni Nalley

      March 25, 2012 at 4:40 pm

      Thank you so much for posting this! I’m going to tackle my first piece tomorrow. Hopefully it turns out (half) as good as this ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Kara

        March 26, 2012 at 9:01 am

        I bet it will, spray paint is magical. Good luck!

        Reply
  33. Anna Boyd

    July 14, 2010 at 5:30 am

    Kara, after seeing this post I was so impressed. Then the following Saturday, I went to an auction and bought a sofa table for $3. It was UGLY.
    I have sanded it and put on one coat of primer. I am ready to apply the first coat of paint and just have a question about “distressing” it. (I have never done anything like this before.) Do you sand the whole thing after its painted, or just the edges to get that distressed look? Also, what kind of sandpaper should I use? Fine grit, or course? I would really appreciate your help.
    I’m having so much fun with it and can’t wait to see how it turns out.
    Thanks so much!!
    Anna

    Reply
  34. maria

    July 7, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    thanks soooo much, this tutorial is just what I needed for this weekend. A small desk re-do. I’ll link your blog when I post about it and I’ll let you know too. I’m your newest follower.

    Reply
    • Kara

      July 7, 2010 at 5:35 pm

      Glad to hear it Maria! Can’t wait to see how your desk turns out! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  35. Bridgette

    July 5, 2010 at 9:57 am

    Thanks for joining us for another great Anything Related! ~Bridgette

    Reply
  36. Charlotte

    July 2, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    I have some furniture I need to redo and have been at a loss of where to start, so I’m glad for the advice. Now that I have a plan, if only I could find some time!

    Reply
  37. Elaine

    July 1, 2010 at 5:21 pm

    This is a great project – I will need to try the poly urethane after I am done. I expect that it will stand up to spills and other mishaps better. I have 3 boys and, of course, my husband. You need all the protection you can get so that your work is protected. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  38. Barb

    July 1, 2010 at 9:32 am

    I love this so much! The best part is the Spray paint..Anytime I can get away with spray painting I use it…but yours turned out soooooo cute!! Great job girlfriend!!
    Also wanted to let you know I just became your lastest “FAN” & “Liked” your pg. on your FB Sidebar. I hope you will go the http://santasgiftshoppe.blogspot.com & become a Fan of mine as well..It’s on the sidebar..I’m just starting out on FB & could use any support I could get..Thanks..Barb

    Reply
  39. Wendy

    June 30, 2010 at 12:33 pm

    It looks great! I love using spraypaint, I hate brushstrokes!

    Reply
  40. somedaycrafts

    June 29, 2010 at 11:16 pm

    Looks great in black!

    Reply
  41. Emily@Decorchick

    June 29, 2010 at 10:03 pm

    I spray paint all my furniture and LOVE it!! I don’t think I’ve used “real” paint on anything yet. Sad. Your table looks great!

    Reply
  42. Ashlee

    June 29, 2010 at 9:46 pm

    SO pretty! It looks so smooth and nice… What thrift store do you find treasures at around here. The goodwill near me is pretty expensive when it comes to wood!

    Reply
  43. Nancy

    June 29, 2010 at 7:14 pm

    I LOVE it! I want to try that wipe on poly sometime. Great tute! Thanks!

    Nancy

    Reply
  44. Emily

    June 29, 2010 at 4:45 pm

    Your table looks great! I am a huge promoter of spray paint! I โ™ฅ spray paint!!!

    Reply
  45. Anna Dawn

    June 29, 2010 at 4:10 pm

    Wow- thanks for the great tips! You have inspired me to tackle some furniture projects that I have been putting off. The piece looks great, but I am wondering what it is, an end table perhaps? ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Kara

      June 29, 2010 at 5:16 pm

      Yep. Now I just need to refinish the chairs that it will be sitting between. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  46. Danielle @ Life on Dahlia Lane

    June 29, 2010 at 3:28 pm

    The table turned out great! My grandma had some of those when I was little…they looked more like the before picture though ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  47. Amanda Jones

    June 29, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    I love redoing furniture and yours is amazing! It is so fun to turn something frumpy into something beautiful! You did a great job!

    Reply
  48. Michelle@Alittletipsy

    June 29, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    Love the black!

    Reply
  49. Noreen

    June 29, 2010 at 12:15 pm

    It looks great! I like the color and using a nail file. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  50. Brittany

    June 29, 2010 at 12:13 pm

    I looks wonderful! I love the black! How many cans of spray paint did you end up using on that table? The black I mean?

    Reply
    • Kara

      June 29, 2010 at 12:21 pm

      It was kinda hard to tell because I didn’t start with a full can. But I’d say I used 1- 1 1/2 cans. If I’d painted it white I’m sure I would have needed a lot more!

      Reply
  51. Molly @ A Bit O' Shine

    June 29, 2010 at 10:21 am

    It looks beautiful Kara! Now it’s not suffering from dated yucky stain anymore.

    Reply
  52. ~Issy

    June 29, 2010 at 9:50 am

    Oh. My.

    I LOVE IT!

    I really, really need to stop being scared of trying to do stuff like this…..sigh.

    Reply
    • Kara

      June 29, 2010 at 9:59 am

      Yes you do. A few years ago I was terrified to try anything. Then once I started, I was hooked. Start with something small for your first project. That way if you do happen to hate the results, you’re not out much time or $$. Go for it! And feel free to ask me any questions! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hi. Iโ€™m Kara, and I've loved cooking since I was about 10. Great food brings people together and can create some amazing memories. I hope you will use my family friendly recipes to make memories with your loved ones!
MORE ABOUT ME

Categories

Footer

PRIVACY POLICY | ABOUT ME | DISCLOSURE

Copyright © 2025 Creations by Kara on the Foodie Pro Theme

388 shares