How to Spray Paint a Chair

Bring your chairs to an open, well-ventilated area covered with drop clothes. Protect surrounding walls, furnishings or storage with more drop cloths or newspapers.

Look for screws underneath the seat to see if the seat cushion is removable. If it is, unscrew it and set it aside. If your chair has upholstered parts that cannot be removed, cover all the fabric securely with painter’s tape and plastic bags.

Dust the chair. Spray it with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe it thoroughly. Scrubbing any detailed areas or crevices with an old toothbrush works out dust and debris.

Sand all the areas you will paint with a fine-grain sanding sponge. A slightly rough surface is better for paint adherence. Wipe down the chair with a damp cloth, and then wipe it dry.

Turn the chair upside-down. Set it on a milk crate or newspaper-covered table if it needs support.

Purchase a can of indoor/outdoor spray paint and primer in one. Turn the can upside-down and shake it vigorously for two minutes. Turn it right side up and remove the cap. Spraying some paint onto scrap newspaper ensures the nozzle isn’t clogged.

Hold the can 14 inches from the chair legs. Aim the nozzle at the chair. Before pressing the nozzle, sweep your arm back and forth. Depress the nozzle, always keeping the can in motion at a steady pace.

Walk around the chair, while spraying the paint on the chair legs in a very light coat, as you swing your arm to and fro. Once the first light coat covers the chair, let it set for the time the paint manufacturer recommends.

Turn the chair right side up and repeat the process coating the chair’s upper half. Let it dry.

Lightly sand the entire chair with a superfine sanding sponge. Wiping it with a cloth removes the dust and grit. Give it a second light coat of paint using the same sweeping movement technique.

Let the chair dry again. Letting the chair sit unused for three to four weeks gives the paint time to fully cure. Remove tape and bags, and replace the seat cushion.