How to spray paint wood

Spray painting wood is a quick and effective way to treat the surface of furniture, decorations or other wooden elements. Whether you are refurbishing an old chair, creating DIY accessories or painting a shelf in the workshop, the quality of the result depends on the correct preparation of the material, the choice of the right spray and the application technique. Unlike a conventional brush, spray paint offers more even coverage without strokes, faster application and the ability to get into more rugged areas. The result is a smooth and professional looking finish.

In the COLORIT e-shop you will find a wide range of spray varnishes and paints suitable also for wood. Among the most widely used brands are Cosmos Lac and Rustbreaker, which offer sprays for a variety of applications, from matt pastel colours to glossy, high durability lacquers.

How to prepare wood for varnishing

Every quality paint job starts with a well-prepared surface. This is doubly true with wood, as it is a natural, often porous material that tends to soak up paint unevenly and render the texture of the substrate. If the wood is not well sanded and cleaned before painting, the paint can peel, map or consume unnecessarily.

The key is therefore:

• Precise sanding of the surface - for new wood, a grain of around P180 to P240 is used, for old varnish you need to use a coarser grain and gradually move to a finer grain
• Perfect cleaning - the wood must be free of dust, grease and residues of the original paint. It is recommended to use a technical cleaner or isopropyl alcohol
• Consideration of primer or base coat - for very absorbent or rough woods (e.g. spruce or pine) a primer is useful to unify the absorbency

For exterior applications, it is advisable to treat the wood first against mould and pests before painting.

Choosing the right spray

For spray painting wood, it is not advisable to use every spray you "just have on hand". Wood has different properties to metal or plastic and therefore requires paints with a certain elasticity and adhesion. COLORIT recommends the following types of sprays:

• Cosmos Lac Acrylic Spray - a fast drying acrylic spray suitable for wood and interior decoration, available in many shades and effects (matt, gloss, satin)
• Cosmos Lac Chalk - for a subtle chalky, matt finish ideal for vintage or shabby chic furniture
• Rustbreaker Primer - for absorbent or rough woods that need to unify the surface before paint application
• Rustbreaker TopCoat - a transparent topcoat in both matt and gloss options that protects the paint finish from mechanical damage and UV rays

If you plan to use it outdoors, always choose UV-resistant and high-adhesion paints and varnishes.

Painting technique

Always shake the spray thoroughly before using it - ideally for at least 2 minutes. Then try spraying sideways on a piece of paper or cardboard to check that the nozzle is working correctly. Then apply the spray to the wood from a distance of 25 to 30 cm in a smooth motion.

Apply the paint in several thin coats, always in one direction. Never try to achieve full coverage the first time - this will result in paint bleeding and unevenness. Maintain a technological pause between coats (usually 10-15 minutes). After the last coat of paint has dried, a clear coat can be applied to increase the durability and appearance of the surface, or polishing pastes for a perfectly glossy finish.

What to watch out for

The most common mistake when spray painting wood is not cleaning and sanding the substrate properly. Wood often contains resins, oils or unevenness that can cause the paint not to adhere. It is also worth keeping an eye on the ambient temperature - the ideal range for spray painting is between 18 and 25°C, at lower temperatures there is a risk of the spray drying directly in the air and forming dull spots.

Another common mistake is insufficient ventilation of the area. Always paint in a ventilated room or outdoors, or use a protective mask.

Spray painting wood is the ideal way to go for those who want to quickly and easily achieve a smooth and even result without brush strokes. The important thing is to prepare the wood correctly, choose the right type of spray and don't underestimate the final varnishing. The COLORIT range offers a wide range of options for creatives, DIYers and craftsmen alike, from effect Chalk sprays to professional acrylic lacquers with high durability.