Acrylic Furniture Painting Techniques

Brushing

• Professionals can generate smooth finishes on acrylic furniture using a paintbrush. If you are an experienced painter or possess a steady hand, you may be able to achieve the same effect. If you are an inexperienced painter, you are likely to end up with an unattractive finish marred with dried brush strokes.

Spray rig

• Professionals generally use gas or electric spray rigs to paint acrylic furniture. This allows them to create a flawless finish, free from brushstrokes. Spray rigs are available at equipment rental stores. Inexperienced painters may have problems using spray rigs, and could end up creating a messy finish, marred with runs and sagging.

Spray cans

• Even inexperienced painters can create smooth, professional-looking finishes on acrylic furniture using cans of spray paint. Unfortunately, if the piece of furniture is large, the project may become expensive. Spray cans are ideal for smaller pieces of acrylic furniture. Painters should hold the can about 8 inches from the surface as they apply.

Diluting

• When inexperienced painters attempt to paint larger pieces of acrylic furniture, they are generally forced to use a paintbrush. This often leads to a flawed finish. You can combat this problem by diluting the paint prior to application. Do-it-yourselfers should add one ounce of tap water to each gallon of latex or acrylic paint, and one ounce of mineral spirits to each gallon of oil-based paint. Once the paint is diluted, it will go on much smoother. Painters should apply several light coats rather than one or two heavy ones.