Best Spray Paint for Wood – In-Depth Review of Top Wood Spray Paints

Spray painting seems to be taking the world by storm. Gone are the days where you needed to pay someone to get the job done for you, incurring huge fees along the way. In recent years, people seem to be flocking to the DIY scene, and spray painting seems to be top of the list of things to do! Wood in particular seems to be a popular medium, so let’s have a look at which spray paints work well on wood and what the best way to spray paint wood is.

Which Types of Spray Paint Work on Wood?

Heading down to your local store to buy some spray paint and going to town on your wood workpiece seems like a good idea in theory. The truth is that not all spray paint can be used on wood and even some can have a lasting effect.

Knowing which types of paint will work on wood effectively will save you lots of time, money, and disappointment. This being said, here are some paint types that work well on wooden surfaces, these will ensure a long-lasting coating even under adverse weather conditions.

Oil-Based Paints

Considering that oil paint has been around since the dawn of the 7th century, it’s no surprise that it works well on wooden surfaces. After all, wood was one of the only affordable mediums of artistic expression available to the “common folk” back then, and since it has the added bonus of being highly resistant to forces like heat and moisture.

You can use this type of paint to decorate your home, create murals, and beautiful art pieces.

What makes oil paint so special though? Well, paint is typically regarded as a surface covering, this means that most of them simply coat the surface of a given object without mating to the surface. Oil paint on the other hand has the added benefit of seeping into the pores of the wood and forming a bond with the little wood fibers deep inside the board.

This is great for two reasons, firstly because a coat of oil paint will last considerably longer than most other types of paint, and secondly, because it provides the added benefit of protecting your workpiece from things like termites, water damage, and heat. Oil paints used to be pretty common and virtually the only choice on the market for wood painting, but thanks to research and development in the paint industry, we now have acrylic and latex paints too!

Acrylic-Based Paints

Paint has been around forever, so when we say that acrylic paint is the “new kid on the block” you should think about new in terms of decades and not months. Before the late 1940s oil paint was all the rage, being used on virtually everything due to its versatility and durability in all manner of industry.

If you know a bit about history, you might remember that this point in history was all about mass industry, research, development, and mass production.

Acrylic paint was discovered around this time, and being cheaper to produce, easier to work with, and somewhat longer lasting compared to oil paints, it fell in favor with consumers and soon manufacturers caught wind of this. Like oil paints, acrylic is extremely durable and resistant to exterior forces that would otherwise remove lesser paints.

Acrylic paint is UV resistant too, which means that workpieces coated with this type of paint won’t be subject to premature fading or splitting much like oil paints. Unlike oil paints, acrylic does not bond with wood fibers and therefore will not last as long as or be able to maintain its adhesion to the same degree oil paint does. This does not mean that they are not effective, in fact, they are cheaper and work perfectly under most conditions.

Latex-Based Paint

A very good product has its counterpart that is nearly as good but doesn’t quite hit the mark as well. Coke has Pepsi, Burger King has McDonald’s, and acrylic paint has latex paint. These two paints are great, but acrylic paint is arguably better when being used to paint wood. Why? Acrylic paint has a base that consists of pigment and resin which bonds really well to most wooden surfaces, latex paints, on the other hand, have a water base that does sink into wood fibers but does not form a bond anywhere near the strength of its acrylic counterpart.

Does this mean that latex paint is not good for painting wood? No, it simply means that latex paint is not as durable or resistant to removal as acrylic paint is.

Latex paint can be removed from a surface simply with some soapy water and some elbow grease, whereas acrylic paint is much more stubborn. You might be asking yourself what you would even use paint like this for, and we would understand.

This type of paint can last for a reasonable time in wood, and it will remain vibrant as long as the application does not include exposing the workpiece to harsh conditions like excessive heat, moisture, abrasion, or impact. Latex paints can be used for decorative pieces and applications where the cost needs to be kept relatively low and where good adhesion to wood is required.

Enamel Paints

Now that you know that latex paints are an offshoot of acrylic paints, we should probably have a look at the less popular, but still unique sampling of oil-based paints. Enamel paint is more consistent than an actual type of paint, but it is distinct enough to warrant its own little write-up regardless. Enamel paint is a solvent-based paint that resembles its oil-based paint counterpart. You might have seen this type of paint being used on ornaments, bathroom decorations, furniture, sculptures, and pottery.

This paint has a lot of the same properties as oil paint as we mentioned previously, including, and not limited to being resistant to moisture, heat, abrasion, and impact.

Unlike oil-based paint it does not dry to a smooth finish though, the same glossy texture remains but instead of a deep palpable finish, enamel produces a smooth nearly glossy finish that resembles glass, a nice trick if you were ever looking to make a surface look sheer without having to go through the various treatments one typically needs to use to achieve this. Enamel coatings are usually kiln or oven-dried in order to make the gloss finish pop, but if you don’t have these facilities available to you it isn’t a must.

If you do choose to use enamel paints on wood, you should ensure that you are using actual enamel-based paint. Why do we say this? Well, in recent years paint manufacturers refer to enamel as a finish instead of an actual type of paint. This is due to the popularity of this finish growing considerably, therefore you would be wise to check the contents of the paint and ensure the paint is not water-based. If not, as we mentioned previously, you could end up with a coating that is not as resistant to exterior forces.

This is especially important if the workpiece you intend to paint will be featured outdoors.

What Is the Best Spray Paint for Wood?

What is the best spray paint for wood surfaces? This is a big question because it does depend on what you are setting out to achieve. If you are just looking for an aesthetically pleasing coating then you have hundreds of thousands of options available, but if your end goal is more specific your options begin to thin out. For now, we’ll focus on the best spray paint for wood furniture, the best spray paint for outdoor wood furniture, and the best spray paint for indoor use.

Best Spray Paint for Outdoor Wood Furniture: KRYLON GIDDS Colormaster

The Krylon range of products has been around for a long time, and they haven’t wasted that time at all, ensuring that with each new iteration of the product their formula, finish, and customer needs have been seen to and improved over the years.

Their latest creation, the color master, is no different from the aforementioned, providing a quality finish that is likely to last the lifetime of your workpiece, which means you can rest easy knowing that once you have sprayed it, you won’t have that nagging feeling at the back of your mind. Available in 40 colors, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to variety, and since it is graded for outdoor use, this is arguably the best spray paint for outdoor wood furniture on the market, and from a reputable brand to boot!

KRYLON Colormaster Paint & Primer

• Paint is suitable for use on plastic, metal, wood, and more
• Provides premium coverage for indoor and outdoor projects
• The brilliant color paint dries in 10 minutes or less

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The color master range is also as versatile as it is effective, being graded for use on materials such as wood, plastic, metal, and vinyl if the mood takes you. If you still aren’t impressed, keep in mind that this is the kind of spray paint you want on your side in a pinch, after all, its dry time is just under 10 minutes meaning that time-sensitive projects and last-minute touch-ups won’t be an issue for you any longer.

One thing you should watch out for is getting trigger happy, these aren’t sold in the largest volumes and although their Covermax technology does provide great coverage for every push of the spray button, you might want to buy a few if you intend on spraying large workpieces.

Best Spray Paint for Wood Furniture: RUST-OLEUM American Accents Ultra Cover

Like the brand, we mentioned previously Rust-Oleum has been around for roughly 100 years, so it is pretty safe to say that they know how to make a good paint. Their line of products extends from the consumer market to the commercial sector, ensuring that people from every walk of life have the right paint for their needs.

Their latest creation is the American accents ultra-cover range which offers superior coverage with impeccable quality, whether you are painting furniture for indoor or outdoor use. Just like the Krylon range, this product can be used on a variety of surfaces such as metals, plastics, wood, wicker, and even ceramic. This product offers the best of both worlds by ensuring that whether you are painting indoors or outdoor furnishings, you have a coating that will last the lifetime of the workpiece, this being said, it does cost a bit more than other products in its range.

Rust-Oleum American Accents Ultra Cover

• The smooth durable finish provides excellent coverage
• Apply to wood, wicker, metal, plaster, ceramic, and plastic
• Features the new any-angle spray with comfort spray tip

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This is a clear paint which might seem counterproductive as a paint (especially if you’re new to the crafting scene) but it does offer you an easy way to protect your workpiece’s existing finish without compromising on the color. If you decide to go with just the clear coat, it does provide a smooth gloss finish that will ensure your workpieces stand out from the rest, which is a great sell considering that the only thing you have to do is point and shoot to get it.

If this still doesn’t have you sold, consider that the Rust-Oleum team has made their new spray paint easy to use, incorporating an any-angle spray tip that ensures you don’t have to bend over backward to ensure you have excellent coverage regardless of the shape of your workpiece. These factors make it a great spray paint for wood furniture overall.

Best Indoor Wood Spray Paint: RUST-OLEUM Chalk Spray Paint

We mentioned previously that there are certain spray paints that don’t work well outdoors but are still objectively good spray paints. These were namely water-based paints, but if we were to not include at least one it would feel a bit biased. This chalk paint from the Rust-Oleum team might be water-based but it packs quite a punch in terms of quality and finish.

Its adhesion is of premium quality, and it works perfectly to finish your indoor furnishings. We mentioned previously that water-based paints do a fairly good job of sticking to wood, although they aren’t as robust as oil or acrylic paints, and the Rust-Oleum chalk range is the perfect example of this. This paint has been specifically designed for resurfacing indoor furnishings, ensuring that its (matt) texture highlights the intricate details of the workpiece you’re trying the bring back to life.

RUST-OLEUM Chalked Spray Paint

• This spray paint creates a smooth and chalky matt finish
• You can achieve exceptional coverage in only one coat
• Suitable for interior use and great over old paint and varnish

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It is also extremely versatile and has the ability to adhere to metals, plastics, wood, stone, wicker, and many other surfaces. If you still aren’t sold, this spray paint is also quick drying and dries within an hour. Multiple coats can be added for a more pronounced finish and there are so many colors to choose from you’ll have a hard time deciding which to go with.

If you do happen to change your mind about the color you have chosen, the paint is easy to remove with some elbow grease and soapy water. allowing you to change the color pallet of your living room as the mood takes you. A common mistake with this type of paint is to simply shake lightly and apply as normal but remember that water paints are tinted with colorant so ensure you shake/stir well before attempting your first coat.

What to Consider When Buying Wood Spray Paint for Wood

There are hundreds of brands that make great aerosol spray paint products for wood, but not all are created equal. There are objective and subjective characteristics of aerosol spray paints you should consider before clicking that buy button to ensure you get exactly what you need, so let’s look at a few important ones.

Wood Penetration

Attempting to spray paint wood is a relatively simple task, and if you prepare your workpiece well it will largely depend on your technique and what quality of paint you have chosen to go with. When discussing painting, the subject of quality often refers not only to the finish of the paint but the adhesive strength it has with the wood surface itself.

Generally speaking, the deeper a given paint penetrates into the wood fiber the longer it will last.

Good wood penetration will also grant your wooden workpiece the added benefit of protection for the elements, insects, mold, and even abrasion. Oil-based paints, as well as enamel paints, provide the best penetration and bond with wood fibers, therefore they are the best for outdoor use.

Finish and Texture

For most projects, painting serves as a means to both protect one’s wood workpiece and to add some aesthetic appeal. This being said, an important thing to consider when you spray paint wood furnishings is the finish and texture the paint you have chosen will provide. Finishes can range from flat to matt, to eggshell, to enamel, and even custom ones like raised or rough finishes!

Selecting the correct color and finish combination is tough because it should suit the type of wood you will be painting, while simultaneously making it stand out. Fortunately, companies have a wide range of products available both in-store and online for you to peruse, and many of them often provide samples of finished workpieces showing off the finish they provide.

Dry Time

For those who work commercially and those DIY enthusiasts who don’t have an awful lot of time for their hobby, this is an important characteristic of aerosol wood spray paint. You might find yourself absolutely loving a paint color because it suits that theme and overall aesthetic you have identified for your workpiece.

This won’t, however, do you much good if you only have two hours to prepare and paint your workpiece, and the paint takes three hours to dry.

Fortunately, we live in a time where the maximum amount of time most aerosol spray paints take to dry is around two hours, with some manufacturers producing paints that take only 15 minutes to be completely dry to the touch! Overall, factors such as preparation time, available time for the exercise, the type of wood you’re working with, and the dry time of your paint need to be taken into consideration if your project is of a time-sensitive nature.

Paint Versatility

Most professionals and weekend warriors use spray paint for numerous different applications. As with most things in life, finding a tool that can do more than one thing can save you a lot of time (not to mention money).

This write up may be about the best wood spray paint but having a spray paint that you can use on a number of different surfaces gives you the peace of mind knowing that whatever surface you need to tackle, or if you simply find yourself in a bit of pinch at some odd hour, you have the right tool for the job. Some of the paints we mentioned previously can be applied not only to wood, but vinyl, metal, plastic, and even ceramic, which means you can buy them in bulk and have them on hand in case you need them.

These paints are often sold in packs of twelve, allowing you to either buy a variety pack (multiple colors) or twelve of the same color if you have a bigger project, or if you simply like the color.

How to Spray Paint Wood Furniture

People have been painting wood for a long time. Even before the advent of aerosol spray paints, there has been an undeniable process one follows to ensure the best adhesion and finish for their wooden workpiece. Fortunately, we don’t live in the early 1800s so your job will be a lot easier. Below are a few easy steps you can follow to ensure your spray-painting exercise goes off without a hitch, ensuring your workpiece has a beautiful finish.

Prepare Your Workspace

Working with any type of paint can get messy, and inadvertently inhaling aerosol fumes can cause particularly nasty discomfort. Ensuring your workspace and your tools are properly organized and protected will make your job a ton easier moving forward. How do you do this you might ask? A good place to start is simply covering up your immediate workspace to ensure that you don’t get paint on anything that isn’t your workpiece.

Get a tarp and some painter’s tape, cover up any part of your workpiece or surrounding features you don’t want to get paint on.

Next, ensure that you are covered up. Get your hands in some gloves and wear a face mask, remember that paint is aerosolized and is extremely easy to inhale compared to brush paint. Finally, ensure that you have all of your tools on hand and ready to use, a good way to ensure this is simply to place all the tools you will be using on the side of your dominant hand. Once you’re finished using tools, be sure to place them back on the side of your dominant side. This ensures that you always know where your tools are, and it minimizes clutter!

Prepare Your Workpiece

This is by far the most important step you can take to achieving a good finish. When it comes to painting absolutely anything, all of the hard work lies in the preparation process, but when painting wood, it is especially important. The first step is to sand down the surfaces of the workpiece you will be painting, this can be done with sandpaper or with a power sander, you should be able to choose which one is more appropriate based on the size of your workpiece.

If you are sanding an ornate piece with intricate curves ensure that you follow the direction of the grain, and if you are sanding a large flat board simply follow the length of the board with your sanding paper or power sander. Once you are satisfied with the sanding of your workpiece be sure to clear the selected surface of any wood particles that might have remained before priming. During the priming ensure that you follow the directions given by the manufacturer, some primers require multiple coats and others simply need a once-over.

Allow the primer to dry for the manufacturer’s recommended time period (and sand again if the mood takes you) before continuing to the next step in the process.

Paint Your Workpiece

Once you have your workpiece sanded and primed it’s time for the main event. Aerosol spray paint can be a challenge to work with if not prepared properly, so ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s directions before popping the cap open. Most aerosol spray paints have those little mixing balls inside them which you need to shake up in order to ensure they’re at the right viscosity, this will ensure that you have no spatter once you start spraying.

Once you are sure that your paint is ready, start spraying off the workpiece and slowly move your wrist horizontally in one smooth, uninterrupted, motion over the surface you’re spraying until you reach the opposite end. Repeat this process until the entirety of your surface has been coated with your paint of choice, checking your application between each pass.

Once your entire surface has been coated, allow the paint to dry for the manufacturer’s recommended time period.

If you think that your surface can do with an extra coat, simply allow the initial coat to dry completely, sand it down lightly, and apply another one until you’re satisfied. Remember to dispose of any empty aerosol cans appropriately as they are highly flammable and should be stored in a cool dry place at all times when not in use.

Now that you know how to spray paint wood furniture, which sprays paints work on wood, what the best spray paints for wood are, what to look for in good spray paint for wood, and how to various spray paints adhere to wood, it’s time for you to go out and out your newfound skills to the test. Remember to always wear the appropriate personal protective gear when you are working with aerosol products and always work in a well-ventilated area!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Spray Paint Wood?

Can you spray paint wood? Yes! Spray painting wood is an easy and cost-effective way to achieve a smooth, high-quality finish for your wood workpiece. There are lots of amazing products on the market that will allow you to have a near-professional finish on any workpiece whether it be wood, plastic, ceramic, metal, and even vinyl!

Is It Safe to Spray Paint Furniture?

Considering that there are aerosol spray paints on the market for virtually any surface you can think of, it is perfectly safe to spray paint furniture. Once the paint has been applied to the furnishings of your choice there is nothing to worry about, although it goes without saying that you should wear appropriate protection when working with any aerosolized paint products.

Do You Have to Sand Furniture Before Spray Painting?

Regardless of the surface you are painting, you should always follow the appropriate preparation steps before applying paint. In the case of most surfaces with the exclusion of very few, sanding the surface to increase surface friction is necessary before priming. This will ensure good adhesion of both the primer and paint.