Upcycling, recycling, thrifting, revamping … whatever you call it, giving old furniture pieces an updated look and revived purpose is trending. DIYers are spray painting furniture – from end tables and dressers to outdoor seating and more – to breathe new life into their most-loved spaces, indoors and out. 

But there’s more to upcycling furniture than simply having a piece in need of some paint. Here, Krylon walks do-it-yourselfers through how to spray paint furniture, including tips for finding the proper spray paint, spray painting hardware, reassembling parts and pieces, exploring different textures, stencils and more.  

This is the perfect time to let your creativity run wild. By upcycling furniture with spray paint, you can truly make your own custom piece. Play around with your favorite trending colors to match your home’s décor, add different textures or even add stencils to your spray-painted furniture for a unique design.

Color, color, color
Krylon's extensive portfolio of trending colors makes creating your own unique color palette fun and simple.  

Textures
Krylon Fusion All-In-One is also available in a variety of finishes like sandstone and textured, allowing you to add a little something extra to wood and other surfaces for a unique finish. 

Stencils 
Using a smart cutting machine (or simply some painter’s tape) you can design, personalize and print your own stenciled imagery to integrate into your furniture upcycle project. Apply it to the furniture surface and spray paint to achieve your desired effect. 

Prep work is dictated by the appearance of dings, scratches, peeling paint and other imperfections on the furniture’s surface. If the surface is undamaged, go ahead, get to work. However, years of wear and tear paired with layers of paint calls for a little extra TLC.

First, remove existing hardware and clean the surface using a damp rag. Hardware, screws, hinges and other items should also be cleaned. Allow all surfaces to dry completely. Next, remove loose paint, rust or other previously applied coatings using a wire brush or sandpaper until smooth.

It’s important to use a spray paint formulated for the specific material being painted, so additional prep may be necessary. Keep the following in mind:

Plastic: Older plastic surfaces can be cleaned using a regionally compliant cleaner.

Wood: If after cleaning and sanding, you notice the surface has uneven coloring, you may opt to apply a primer before painting to help ensure a more uniform topcoat.

Metal: Cover any existing corrosion prior to painting using Krylon® Rust Tough® with Anti-Rust Technology™ to create a smooth surface and prevent rust for years to come.

Glass: Always start by wiping clean with an antistatic cloth.

While you wait for things to dry, set up your workspace. We recommend finding an outside space or other well-ventilated area. Keeping overspray in mind, make sure your space is set apart from surfaces you don’t want to get paint on and that you’re working on an absorbent material, like cardboard or a drop cloth. Regardless of where you end up working, it’s always a good idea to wear a painting mask.

Once the surface is smooth and dry, you’re ready to choose your colors and finishes, and start spray painting.*

Why spray paint?

Spray paint can work magic on any DIY project. It’s perfect for creating one-of-a-kind looks that add pops of color and giving much-loved classic furniture, accessory and hardware pieces a modern vibe that breathes new life into our favorite spaces.

Plus, it’s simple and convenient. In fact, DIYers can upcycle a piece of furniture with spray paint in as little as a single day, meaning it takes only a little time to get the same high-quality, professionally painted look for less. Less time and less money.

Making the choice to spray paint furniture also means the prep work required will be reduced, depending on the condition of the item. 

• Start by holding your Krylon spray paint the recommended distance away from the surface of your project to minimize drips and areas of excess paint. These instructions will be outlined on the can. 

• Next, apply several light coats, waiting 30-60 seconds between each, until you’re satisfied with the appearance. Always start and finish your spray pattern off the object and release the spray tip at the end of each pass. This ensures even coverage across the entire surface. 

• Use a smooth, even sweeping motion and overlap your spray pattern by about one-third with each pass. Repeat these steps until you’ve achieved your desired look, doing the same with areas separated with painters’ tape to complete your design.

• Allow the item to dry completely. Once dry, remove painters’ tape, reattach all hardware and style however it suits your space best. 

**Always be sure to follow the instructions outlined on the can.