Expert: Greg Scholl - 9/13/2009

Question
QUESTION: I need help! I have a bedroom suite that is not real wood.  It was recommended to spray paint.  I purchased glossy spray paint and it turned out to shiny so it i went and bought flat to try and make not so shiny.  i know have approximately 4 coats on the furniture and it is splotchy.  what do you recommend i do.

ANSWER: Hi Rachel, if it's blotchy in terms of sheen, then it's likely your spray technique...it's imperative to flow on an even, thin, wet coat across the whole surface to get an even film of paint. It's also important to shake the can for at least a solid minute AFTER you hear the ball rattling inside, and keep shaking every few minutes during application. Applying an even coat with an aerosol can takes some practice to develop the technique. The real problem is that now you've likely got a thick layer of paint on there, and that can start to look bad...you could wet sand it and then clear coat it with the desired sheen, or spray it one last time with the correct paint, but if you're not familiar with doing that, it can be difficult. I would have suggested you start with the smallest piece and take it from start to finish before committing to the whole suite...and I'm not too sure how to advise you here. What is your experience level, and can you post a picture?

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QUESTION: Thank u for your response. I do not have a lot of experience. The furniture has veneer top not real wood. I was thinking if I sanding lightly and the sprayed with a semi gloss. Don't know what to do. I do not have any photos but it is dull and splotchy

ANSWER: when you say "splotchy", is it the sheen level you're referring to or the color being splotchy? As I said, it's really almost all in the spray technique. There's a fine line between applying to thin a coat that's "sandy" to the touch, and too heavy a coat that can run drip or sag, and you need to develop that fine line to be able to apply an even, wet, coat to the surface.Working in a well lit area, where you can see the paint clearly as it goes on will help you to apply an even wet film that's just the right thickness.You could sand lightly with some 320-400 wet/dry paper, but I wouldn't sand too much unless the surface is rough to the touch. Typically a "Satin" paint is about the right sheen for furniture....Hope that helps a little- post back if need be- I'll be here- Greg

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QUESTION: When I say splotchy my boyfriend told me it is from uneven painting some areas thicker than others. Since I do not have a lot of experience in spray painting what do u recommend me painting with and do I need to sand first with a different application

Answer
As I said, it sounds like your painting technique....and you need to develop the proper technique. You can sand down what you've done with 320grit until smooth, vacuum all the dust off, and tack rag it before spraying it again, but it's important to apply the paint properly in order to get it to flow out and leave a uniform, smooth, finish film. Perhaps practicing on the smallest area you have to develop the proper methods....it is a learned skill, and the only way to learn it is to do it until you get it right.....you will get the best finish with spraying....trying to come close with a brush/rollers/etc. will be even more difficult unless you're an exceptional painter.....I'll be here- best of luck