How to Make a Spray Paint Job on My Desk Shine

Rehabbing an old piece of furniture with spray paint is an old do-it-yourself trick. A new coat of paint can give a fresh appearance to any wooden furniture in your home and make it look new. Getting your newly spray painted desk to shine with spray paint is simple. It is accomplished by correctly choosing the materials, preparing your surface and applying the paint properly.

Non-oil based furniture cleaner such as diluted mineral spirits (2-3 tbsp. per gallon of water or 98% rubbing alcohol)
Soft cloth
Sandpaper (optional)
Drop cloths/newspapers
Mask
Spray paint primer
Spray paint

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase the proper type of spray paint for maximum gloss. Spray paint comes in many finishes--from flat to a high-gloss shellac--and getting the most shine out of spray paint is often a case of choosing the right finish in the beginning.
- 2
  Prepare your desk for spray painting. Clean the surface thoroughly with the diluted mineral spirits or alcohol and the soft cloth to remove all oils, stains or other substances. If the finish on your desk is glossy, use the sandpaper to rough out the finish (scratch it up) so it will hold paint. Be sure to re-clean your surface after you rough it up to remove all the dust.
- 3
  Place your desk on the drop cloths or newspapers in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
- 4
  Spray the spray paint primer on your desk, wearing your mask for safety and holding the can about 8-10 inches from the surface. Spray a light coat in straight lines across the desk's surface, being careful not to hold the can over one spot too long and creating a drip.
- 5
  Spray the desk with the spray paint. Hold the can 8-10 inches away from the surface at all times and be sure to keep the can moving constantly to prevent pooling or dripping. Spray two light coats to keep the finish as shiny as possible.

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